Born again noob - Shorts question.

[grarea]

Nice one.
I agree with toughening up as well.
I am just after a helping hand where I can.
If I can get a bit longer without pain I can go a bit longer and a bit more often and get a bit fitter.
I am really looking forward to being able to do the miles.
I am very aware i need to put my time in.
Disappointing though isn't it?
I can't believe how much pain I am in over such a short distance when I used to do so many miles.
Anyway, you can eat an elephant if you go a forkful at a time.
I really appreciate all the input, thanks all.

 

[DynaCol]

Re:

One thing I've found is the shape of the saddle really affects the comfort level for me. The flatter topped saddles seem to suit me better than those with a more rounded profile, might be worth a try (Flite, WTB Rocket & Koobi PRS are my particular favourites). On longer rides I tend to wear a pair of padded undershorts with my padded bib shorts for a bit of extra comfort which would probably help get you over that initial discomfort.

 

[T'boo Ted]

I found on the days I comuted to work, ride in, do a 8-10 hour shift, then get back on the bike...omg it was painful... the agony of the first 2 or so km, but after that, there was still some pain, but it dissppeared into a dull pain and I could ride fine.

 

[Silvergoat]

Re:

God, there are some mornings when the thought of getting back on the bike I just cannot face but I have to get on to commute. On days like these, the first 10/15 minutes are the worst – it's too painful to even rest on the saddle and I feel like turning back. If I can get through the initial pain barrier of the sit bones, as I start warming up from flexing and moving, I start to feel better and settle into rhythm. I think, really, that warming up the muscles before getting on the bike is beneficial to avoiding the pain but most mornings, time is a luxury and I just have to dash out to get to work (bummer!). I do agree though that the right choice of kit and clothing can make a real difference and although a lot of kit seems expensive, it's probably a sound investment going for the well designed and tested brands...

 

[itscervo]

Re: Re:

God, there are some mornings when the thought of getting back on the bike I just cannot face but I have to get on to commute. On days like these, the first 10/15 minutes are the worst – it's too painful to even rest on the saddle and I feel like turning back. If I can get through the initial pain barrier of the sit bones, as I start warming up from flexing and moving, I start to feel better and settle into rhythm. I think, really, that warming up the muscles before getting on the bike is beneficial to avoiding the pain but most mornings, time is a luxury and I just have to dash out to get to work (bummer!). I do agree though that the right choice of kit and clothing can make a real difference and although a lot of kit seems expensive, it's probably a sound investment going for the well designed and tested brands...

Sounds like you've got the wrong saddle too :? ?
Can highly recommended the Bill Amberg version of the Charge Pan. It was highly rated by the touring fraternity when it came out, the saddle is sheer bliss from start to finish on any journey, get one & make your bum happy :mrgreen: .

 

[Stick Legs]

As far as I can see if there is no undlying medical reason for it, pain will come from 3 things.
1) the flesh between your sit bones and the saddle just has to toughen up. I felt like I was sitting on 2 red hot 2p coins when I started riding seriously again, and that was off the bike. It went away after a couple of weeks once my body got used to it.
2) wear proper shorts / bibs. Price is not the sole identifier. You can feel your sit bones, try some pairs on, if your bones are where the most padding is great!
3) get a saddle that you like, f'iz'ik dealers have test saddles you can borrow. Try them, find what fits you. It may not be fashionable. All my bikes, retro, modern, road and mountain, use a Madison Flux mtb saddle as it suits me.

Persevere & good luck.

 

[k-rod]

Re:

ya ... what he ^^ said !! :!:

 

[Silvergoat]

Re: Re:

God, there are some mornings when the thought of getting back on the bike I just cannot face but I have to get on to commute. On days like these, the first 10/15 minutes are the worst – it's too painful to even rest on the saddle and I feel like turning back. If I can get through the initial pain barrier of the sit bones, as I start warming up from flexing and moving, I start to feel better and settle into rhythm. I think, really, that warming up the muscles before getting on the bike is beneficial to avoiding the pain but most mornings, time is a luxury and I just have to dash out to get to work (bummer!). I do agree though that the right choice of kit and clothing can make a real difference and although a lot of kit seems expensive, it's probably a sound investment going for the well designed and tested brands...

Sounds like you've got the wrong saddle too :? ?
Can highly recommended the Bill Amberg version of the Charge Pan. It was highly rated by the touring fraternity when it came out, the saddle is sheer bliss from start to finish on any journey, get one & make your bum happy :mrgreen: .

I've almost worn out my 2nd Charge Spoon in 5 years. My Endura shorts are so robust that thev're 'eaten' through the covering and padding with the action of cycling. Before these, I had an old Vetta TriShock from the early 90s which was narrower, had a rounded profile/cross section/no channel but was well padded and oh so comfy. The only problem with it was one of the rails snapped :cry: Still got it though. I'm now looking around for other saddles. The Charge saddles are nice but the coverings are thin and wear out quickly. I was curious about the Brooks Cambiums but they're expensive and look savage on the derriere...

 

[grarea]

Re: Re:

On longer rides I tend to wear a pair of padded undershorts with my padded bib shorts for a bit of extra comfort which would probably help get you over that initial discomfort.

Now that sounds like a good plan.
I hadn't thought of that.
I shall move on to saddle soon.

If my budget allows, I might invest in some proper high quality riding shorts one day.

I reckon you deserve it.
Especially as you are commuting.
The amount of money you save by cycling definitely warrants as much comfort as possible.

 

[Silvergoat]

Re: Re:

On longer rides I tend to wear a pair of padded undershorts with my padded bib shorts for a bit of extra comfort which would probably help get you over that initial discomfort.

Now that sounds like a good plan.
I hadn't thought of that.
I shall move on to saddle soon.

If my budget allows, I might invest in some proper high quality riding shorts one day.

I reckon you deserve it.
Especially as you are commuting.
The amount of money you save by cycling definitely warrants as much comfort as possible.

I agree!