No More Saddle Sores!

[@russelllewis5935]

Well I bit the bullet and purchased a B-17. Only got 40 miles on it so far. Kind of slippery. I applied the the profide to it twice to the underside it really soaked it in. Hopefully it is what everyone says.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

good luck with it. I've continued to find it a great ride. I found mine needed about 350 miles to totally settle in.

[@briangee2869]

I've simply been one of the lucky ones that doesn't struggle with this. I have 4 bikes (single speed, CXB, MTB & fat) using 3 different brands of saddles, all of which most folks would likely classify as being minimally padded. I ride most every day distances from 15 to 25 miles with occasional 50-90+ rides and have never experienced a "sore butt day." It may be worth noting that I don't wear padded cycling bottoms until the temperatures drop below 50 degrees, and I only wear them then for insulating "the parts." I might add that my wife also got more into cycling during Covid and purchased 2 bikes that came with saddles that were not comfortable for her. She wheeled herself into our local bike shop and swapped them out (after sitting on one of those sizing pads) for what ended up being less padded saddles that fit her better. After the switch, she routinely rides distances of 10-30 miles and has never experienced issues of discomfort. I wish I knew a magical answer that worked for all, but I think your comments about a firm saddles (like the Brooks) should certainly be considered. BTW - You make some great videos!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Thanks! And thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. It’s a tough topic for many.

[@curtvaughan2836]

A nice leather saddle combined with really good padded bicycle shorts works for me. I used a Brooks saddle some 20 years ago which worked pretty well, but have since switched to Sellle Anatomica on all of my diamond framed bikes. For ultimate comfort, my SWB recumbent fits the bill, and even there, one has to take occasional breaks to avoid "recumbutt" - too much consistent pressure on the buttocks over a long period of time.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Recumbutt!!!! Excellent. Yeah, I’ve learned a lot in the past year about the power of breaks. Thanks for sharing.

[@melvintanchannel]

Good topic... Well covered bro... Followed ur channel 🙂❤️

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Thanks and welcome. I hope to get back to Singapore and/or Malaysian sometime soon. I’ve been enjoying your ride videos.

[@gorrdd]

Thanks Bryan. Yup... Brooks is what I always used over the years and it works the best. What I found with the Brooks is that it doesn't try and apply pressure evenly all around the area. What it does is support the pelvic bone in specific areas where the leather, over break-in time, starts to 'give'... in the area of the pelvic bone contact. Then, with lots of increased riding, those two main spots develop tougher skin under the surface. They become their own pad... butt callus is what I like to call it. Once that sets up, then you are good to go. But you must still keep yourself clean, like you said. Riding pants with a chamois lining really help to isolate the salt. Gord

[@RideAlongAdventures]

agreed, all around. "butt callus" is a great term. I'm not sure if its muscular or epidermal but there's definitely a conditioning going on there.

[@gorrdd]

@@RideAlongAdventures It is most likely epidermal callus but could also be some muscle or tendon/ligament development. Gord

[@Jinedan]

100% agree on saddles. Less is more. I use a solid carbon, unpadded saddle for XC MTB and get no sores. For long tours/endurance rides I use a very minimally padded version without issue. Good advice all around.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Right on!

[@jackkerlin6658]

Before you give up cycling, consider switching to a recumbent. No more pain.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

lol...well, i won't give up cycling but at the same time, I really want to try a recumbent one of these days! :)

[@dpskiff2998]

I've been having trouble with my saddle, original to my bike, so based upon your review and some others I follow, plus a friend, now passed on, who used to race bicycles in a velodrome in the 1920's, swore by the brooks saddle. This couple who travel the world, Wheels to Wander also recommend the Brooks B17. I just ordered one. Here is a link to a mention of the B17: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iX2ndYekZZpgas0 Also, I thought you might be interested in this brief history of the Brooks B17 saddle I found online. "Initially making leather harnesses and tackle for horses, Brooks filed its first bicycle saddle patent in 1882. The B17 is the archetypal leather saddle, appearing in the Brooks catalogue for the first time in 1898. The profile was wider than today's but essential features remain unchanged."

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Wow...I had no idea it was that old. Seems like maybe the technology went far away and is now returning to this basic design. I recently went for a fat bike ride with a totally different saddle and I couldn't believe the difference. Just a really weird feeling after having something molded to my sit bones. Hope it works out for you!

[@dpskiff2998]

I also found this 2 minute video by Brooks on how they are made: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKqWaaNjh7VsitEsi=MFndWOXR3Op4Gq0g

[@melissasinclair9303]

When I had a bike fit a few months ago, they saw where my pressure areas were for my butt with their stock bike seat and so they had me try a different saddle and instantly with that switch the hot spots it was showing disappeared on the screen. That was interesting to watch and experience. Now, the bike I was riding I had put a Brooks Saddle (for women) right before riding 150 miles on the GAP without breaking it in and I had NO sore butt (I did all the other things too - taking breaks, well fitting shorts). Since then, I bought the seat that was recommended to me after the bike fit to put on my second bike (and that one isn't leather, but is similarly priced). But agreed - thick fat seats are NOT comfortable for more than a quick jaunt on the bike. And I say that as a heavy female rider (what do they call us, clydesdales?)

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Interesting. Sounds pretty high tech! That seems like a consistent bit of feedback…the “cloud9” experience is fine for 15 miles on a beach cruiser but after that it gets ugly.

[@dperreno]

Chamois cream - use liberally! THIS! I don't usually use chamois cream for my "shorter" weekly rides, but when I am doing a tour or a multi-day ride, I take my tube or tub of cream and just slather it on. It really helps! Also, I have Brooks C17 saddles on all of my bikes, even my (now) 17 lb Emonda. They just work for me. I used to ride Specialized Toupe saddles which were equally hard but comfortable and much lighter, but they kept breaking after a year or so.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Thanks for sharing. I can’t believe how little I was using before. 😂 brooks seems to have a good design.

[@DavidDegnan]

Saddle matters a lot. A lot of people get plush wide padded saddles, but as we've seen proper saddle fit and bike fit matters so much

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Thanks for mentioning the bike fit. A few others pointed that out and I should have mentioned that as well.

[@pppjourneyonabike5992]

I agree with everything said. Right on. Brooks B67 for me.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Thanks. It’s been too many years of trial and error for me.

[@ames477]

Another insightful video. Thanks. I was hoping you'd mention saddle types and steer away from maximum padding for 'what fits your derriere', which is what the Brooks will do (although there are those who think it isn't the saddle you shape to your butt after 200 miles, its your butt you shape to the saddle!). Length, width, shape; all work to 'match' your rear. One point you didn't mention is bike fit. If you are riding a bike that isn't the right size you won't be sharing the pressure between your arms/hands and your cheeks, and your pelvis will be tilted forward or back and not spreading the load. Saddles also move forward and back, and that can affect the pressure point as well (more in the genital numbness issue there). Always enjoy your ramblings - literal and philosophical.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

well put all around. I'm sort of embarrassed by how long I kept going down the max padding route. I guess the tough part is that padding works for short rides. On vacation, we use beach cruisers with big old padded, wide seats and I'm tempted to think, oh yeah, this is what I need. But after about 15 miles, I'm in agony. Lol...I can ramble with the best of ramblers. I appreciate that word because i hope people realize I don't take myself that seriously and they shouldn't either. :)

[@danielmaclellan2117]

Switching to brooks saddles fixed my problems, I have done the padded shorts, creams. I can now ride hours and hours on my two different brooks saddles. Second point- I stay clean as possible. Great video!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Thank you. Yeah, I think the hygiene factor is incredibly important. And Brooks certainly has a good thing going.

[@raymondgoodman9148]

these are exactly the same 4 points that i have come to rely on. one thing to add, if you decide to get the B.17 saddle, or any leather saddle for that matter, get a saddle cover to protect it from rain. if it gets soaked it’s v easy to destroy by riding it wet. cover ahead of any rain event. i always have my cover stashed under the seat itself.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Good point. I carry a helmet cover that fits perfectly over it.

[@FL-PHILLIP]

Great advice! I'm currently breaking in two B17 saddles...one on my gravel/trail bike, the other on the road bike. BTW, what trail are you riding? Looks like the C&O...I just rode it a couple weeks ago. Unfortunately, after tropical storm ophelia...it was a muddy mess lol

[@RideAlongAdventures]

That was actually the Armstrong Trail. Wow…I bet. That storm just dumped rain.

[@FL-PHILLIP]

@@RideAlongAdventures good to know, thanks. Another river I can cycle and fish for smallies...😉

[@thuggooch1776]

I had some battles with this early on myself. For the record I haven't done more than a two day 90 mile tour but I have learned how important getting the right saddle is. Also breaking in a new saddle always takes a bit of time and mileage. I will also try your other tips in this video. Thank you for sharing!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

yeah, it's a topic that is hard to discuss mainly because the struggle can go on for so long. I have dealt with this for years! Sort of embarrassing but I'm glad to have found something that works. And i've met people who gave up cycling over this which is sad. Thanks for watching!

[@gregkellow4723]

I oftentimes stand and pedal in the highest gear possible to get off the saddle between breaks. It's what works for me.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

good tip, Greg.

[@FollowThomas]

Choosing the right type of saddle helps but won't eliminate problem completely, you still have to put up with some shore ness. I think combination of riding time, riding style and the right type/size of saddle is the answer. I had to change my saddle 3 times till I got the right one. I can ride now as long as I need without needing to stop because of the pain.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Agreed!

[@dongeorge714]

Thanks for your videos always interesting. After many, many years of cycling I finally purchased a Brooks B-17 cutout a couple of years ago. Very comfortable, however, it took probably 500 miles to break in. Well worth it, just a bit of maintenance every six months or so. Agree with your other comments and those below as well, especially padded shorts and standing up for around a minute every so often.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

I'm glad you brought up the extended break-in time. I had the same experience with around 500 miles. Thanks for watching and the feedback.

[@rogervancleave8670]

I agree with all these points. I just finished a 4 day tour using a B17 carved. No pain. Love this saddle.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Anywhere fun? Recommendations?

[@ReimaginedAdventures]

We use the brooks b17 heidi has the short one. I like to take a few breaks. Interestingly, tho after 2 or 3 days of riding, it seems to get easier and easier.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

lol...i don't know how many years it took me to start taking breaks. I've been following as Heidi has trained for her marathon...that's where i got the nasty mindset that breaks were for wimps. ;) I can't openly admit what went through my mind when I passed people walking in a marathon. (LOL) Fortunately, I overcame that disorder. btw, good luck, Heidi--I hope it goes well.

[@richmurphy1787]

I think he got it all in one shot there. Clean and dry bottom, padded, shorts, , right saddle, and lots of miles in the saddle. Oh, did I mention clean bottom I think I did but that’s pretty important.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

and a clean bottom.

[@briandonovan1257]

First, I do enjoy catching your vids. I ride in eastern PA and try to extract all I can from your offerings. Keep them coming! I've gotten the impression that if one's riding position leans forward, a skinny seat is best but if riding upright, a fatter seat is better. My Wallke H6 started with a skinny seat and was quite uncomfortable so a switch to a nice fat YLG seat just took away the pain. But my riding position is more upright on that compared to my skinny seated Cannondale, a forward leaning ride. I try to get three hours in a day and am wondering if your point about time taking a part will soon kick in. Patience in this case, may be a virtue. Thanks friend! Good stuff!!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

That's an interesting thought--need to look into that further. thanks for sharing. Eastern pa is such a great place for offroad, trails, railtrails. I feel so fortunate to be as close as I am. Any favorite places you recommend?

[@briandonovan1257]

I live about mid way on the Delaware and Lehigh Canal Trail and spend most of my time there. I'm always looking for a good ride to partner up on... I am retired so lots of time.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Excellent. Let's try to work something out as the weather permits. My fall calendar is just about full at this point but once winter hits, it's all about those mild 50-degree days that spring up and beg for a ride. I'd love to pick your brain on that trail. I've ridden the trail between Easton and Bristol (before Ida wiped out several parts) and I've ridden between Jim Thorpe and White Haven (back when the bridge was out) but I'm really interested in whether it can be a total point to point trip. PA is just so far ahead of the rest of the country with bike trails. So awesome.

[@briandonovan1257]

I'm good with a winter connection. Right now the D&L trail, south from Easton is closed for repairs and the length of the repair in time is unknown to me. Riding the trail west is my pleasure as it's not all just a paved ride. It's mostly dirt to fine gravel for a major portion of the ride to Allentown. It's all a scenic and pretty nature ride. They've recently smoothed out some bumps on the trail and that 17 mile stretch is good to go. But I've not ventured further than four miles up the D&L from Allentown, "Lehigh Canal Park"because it's disconnected in Allentown for a few miles. The road connections do reconnect to the trail north and I'm hoping to continue that adventure soon. There's other short trails all over the area. I have yet to cross the Delaware into NJ to try their trails but have a couple in mind. My bike is good for long rides so distance isn't an issue. So, tell me what your pleasure is. What would be the shortest ride you'd do and the longest in one day?

[@RideAlongAdventures]

@@briandonovan1257 Good to know someone is aware of the trail status because I'm always sort of confused. I've done a few trips out of Washington Crossing but it's gets rough up around Lumberville. I've crossed over into NJ for the ride back (a loop). In terms of mileage, I'm pretty easy going. I guess if it were just me (and it isn't), I shoot for between 30 and 70. But I'm flexible. I enjoy the social aspect more than the mileage. Let's stay in touch. Just fyi: [e-mail] if also a way to connect.

[@easternbushytail]

I'm on my third saddle, I still wear padded shorts on rides over 20 miles. Great topic to get to the " bottom" of. Thanks Bryan!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Lol…good one. 😂

[@randelscyclevlogperthwa7342]

Totally agree on tht Brooks saddle maybe coz they're smooth you slide easier, less friction.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

I'm usually hesitant to call things "miracle cures" but this made a huge difference for me. I don't really even think about it anymore. I was riding with a friend recently who has been struggling with sores/pain and he jumped on my bike and was immediately like, "omg...where do I get one of these??" ;)