Uncomfortable saddle position on road bike.

Asked by: Elizabeth Kreps

How can I make my road bike saddle more comfortable?

As with anything, give it a go, experiment, and find what works for you.

1. Get the right saddle. The number one most important thing to get right is the saddle itself. …
2. Get the saddle position right. …
3. Get a pair of padded bike shorts. …
4. Slather on some chamois cream. …
5. Keep everything clean.

Why are road bike saddles so uncomfortable?

Saddle problems are of two different types: Discomfort as a result of pressure on the sitz bones. Of these cyclists with butt pain about 70% of the discomfort was due to pressure on the tissue on the sits bones. The over time the pressure could result in a sore similar to a bed sore.

How do you tell if bike saddle is too far forward?

Signs That Your Fore Aft Saddle Position is Set Too Far Forward. If your saddle is set too far forward then you may be using your upper body too much causing tension in the shoulders and arms as well as having sore hands. You will be able to have a quicker cadence but you will tend to sit back on the saddle up climbs.

How do I stop my bike seat hurting my butt?

Quote from video: Another way you can prevent yourself from getting a saw under carriage is getting the right satellite. If it sounds too high your pelvis will rotate on top and you'll find it really uncomfortable.

Why does my bike seat hurt so much?

Saddles can hurt mainly due to two reasons: you may not be used to it or the saddle design itself is just not suited to your anatomy, nor your personal needs. That being said, if you have found the correct saddle you should not be experiencing too much pain.

Does saddle soreness go away?

Managing saddle sores over the long haul



When you do get them, however, it’s best to take a break from your bike to give them time to heal. If you catch them early, they typically go away after a few days off the bike, but deeper sores may take few weeks, he says.

Why do cyclists use hard seats?

The Real Benefits of Having a Hard Bike Seat



A firm saddle will help the sit bones in supporting the rider’s weight when he is seated upright during the right. Meaning, you will not be affected by the constant bump on the road while also protecting your back.

How do you sit on a road bike saddle?

Quote from video: The less flexible we are the more we have to sit our pelvis up and the surface gets wider. And we get more weight through the sitting surface. The more flexible we are and stable.

How do I know my bike seat is comfortable?

5 tips for finding the perfect saddle

1. Find the saddle with the right shape. No two people are the same. …
2. Take account of your flexibility and your position on the bike. Test your flexibility. …
3. Measure the width of your sit bones. Saddles come in different widths. …
4. Set the saddle to the right height. …
5. Saddle position.

What happens if saddle is too far back?

A saddle that is excessively too far back alters your hip angle which subsequently places more stress on your hamstrings and butt muscles during the pedal stroke.

What happens when saddle is too far back?

If your saddle is too far back on its rails, or tilting down even slightly, the chances are your centre of gravity is too far forward and your hands are bearing too much load. With your saddle level and correctly positioned, it will take the strain off your hands.

How far back should saddle be on road bike?

Saddle Position: Rules for pros



‘The UCI has its “five behind” rule [the seat nose must be a minimum of 5cm further back than the centre of the bottom bracket], and if you want to be more powerful you want to run right up to that line where possible. And not just forward, but higher too, to open up the hip angle.

How long does it take for your bum to get used to cycling?

How long will it take for your butt to get used to riding? If everything else is as it should be with your saddle, then you should get over the initial pain and discomfort within 2 or 3 weeks.

How long does it take to get used to bike seat?

Start by using the seat no more than one hour each day. It may take a few weeks to get used to the unaccustomed seat pressures. Unless you are a seasoned horseback, motorcycle, or bicycle rider, you should build up to saddle sitting gradually.

Is cycling good for weight loss?

How to lose weight cycling. If you’re looking to get fitter, trimmer and lighter – not to mention healthier – then cycling is a great way to lose weight. It’s efficient, enjoyable, easy to slot into a busy day and, best of all, has emotional and mental benefits as well as physical ones.

How do I make my road bike comfortable?

Quote from video: I would say that yes on paper a lower front end is more aerodynamic. But what's actually the key is your body position. So seeing as you can bend your arms.

How do I make my bicycle ride smoother?

From riding position to minor mechanical adjustments, here are nine easy ways to add free speed to your bike.

1. Get more ‘aero’ by adjusting your position. …
2. Clean your bike. …
3. Clean and lube your chain. …
4. Adjust your tyre pressure. …
5. Check brake adjustment. …
6. Remove excess weight.

How do you break in a bike seat?

The most common is to soak the saddle in hot water for 5 or 10 minutes, then take it out and rub lots of Mink Oil into the leather, on the top and bottom. After you’ve massaged the leather for 10 minutes, ride the saddle for a short ride, in an old pair of shorts. Let the saddle sit overnight.

How can I make my long bike ride more comfortable?

How to make your bike more comfortable

1. Get your position dialled. A good bike position should allow you to ride for hours on end without discomfort. …
2. Sort your control positioning and lever reach. …
3. Swap your bar tape or grips. …
4. Fit wider tyres. …
5. Reduce tyre pressure. …
6. Try a different saddle. …
7. Add suspension. …
8. Consider your kit.

Are wider handlebars more comfortable?

If your handlebars are too narrow, your shoulders feel strained when riding in this position. Bars that are wider than your shoulders feel more natural if you ride with your elbows locked.

How far should handlebars be from saddle?

For a performance road position, the top of the handlebar should be about 5-6 cm below the mid-point of the saddle. 4. For a recreational road bike position, the top of the handlebar should be level with the mid-point of the saddle, or maybe a couple of centimetres below.