Hi guy new to this road bike stuff. I owned a BMX around 20 years ago but never sat on the seat and when I went a cycle yesterday damn my ass got pretty raw and tender any tips on how to prevent this.
by Brain-Dead-Robot
Hi guy new to this road bike stuff. I owned a BMX around 20 years ago but never sat on the seat and when I went a cycle yesterday damn my ass got pretty raw and tender any tips on how to prevent this.
by Brain-Dead-Robot
4 Comments
Use proper cycling pants they make a big difference. Maybe your saddle is a bit high, too. You might end up sliding around from side to side to compensate. Saddle might make a difference but with a proper bibtight it’s more likely a bikefit issue.
1. buy proper cycling shorts. no need to go too fancy (100+$), but avoid the cheap trash (sub 20$).
2. ride your bike. as your legs get fitter and stronger, so do the muscles in your butt
3. get some general knowledge about bike fitting. lots of ressources out there. see what works for you. as your rides gets longer, numbness in hand, butt and feet can become an issue (and a new more expensive saddle is only rarely the solution)
This is a hot take but I’m going to say you really don’t need anything special. Like anything you just need to work your way up to it. I frequently will go on 20 to 30 mile rides in jeans and boxers. My ass is now made of wood and leather. I do have a couple of padded shorts but those are for 40+ mile rides. I kind of stand against the bike industrial complex and try not to buy specialized bike stuff (says the guy with a Trek bicycle).
Your saddle might be an issue too.
Do what feels right for you.
Unless you are very light, this is somewhat unavoideable before you grow stronger as a cyclist and put more pressure on the pedals, hence unloading your butt.
Bicycle saddles have pretty high point pressure areas on your “sit bones”, and while your body can, in general, adapt to this, a typical narrow saddle can and does lead to pressure sores before you do.
If you are young, strong and light you’ll have no problem with many hours in the saddle, but the more “items” you subtract from this list – the shorter the ride time before your ass will get very sore.
I did brevets up to 600km 10 years ago, up to 300 km ones were relatively trouble free, but after that… Well, not really.
Now I have to use a recumbent for multi-hour rides, but that is a considerable investment unless you really know what you want.