please advise on buying a bike - Page 10

08-08-2004, 01:00 PM

the black rose wrote:

> Bernie wrote:
>
>> Bob Anderson wrote:
>>
>>> On Fri, 06 Aug 2004 00:36:24 GMT, "Pete" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Your butt will break in eventually,
>>>>
>>>
>>> True, got to ride a few days to get use to a bike.
>>> And swapping saddles/seats is always an option. Springs and gel
>>> might be a good idea here.
>>>
>>>
>>> ---
>>> "BitwiseBob" - Bob Anderson
>>> Eugene Oregon
>>>
>> A sturdy and firm saddle that fits will likely be better in the long
>> run. It's all about fitting. saddle width, saddle height and fore
>> and aft position... handlebar reach and height... Fit is a complex
>> thing, especially as it changes as our bodies change.
>
>
> I've done gel saddles. I've got one on my hybrid. It's comfortable
> for, oh, 10-15 miles, depending. Then it starts putting pressure on
> tender bits, and at 20 miles, I'm in misery.

That's my experience as well - using stock 'comfort' saddles. The
energy sucking squishyness kills the butt muscles. The comfort feature
makes ride painful and exhausting. Same goes for gel gloves - aagh!

>
>
> When I buy a road bike, hopefully some time in the next month, it's
> NOT going to have a gel saddle. I'm seriously considering a leather
> saddle, since I still have fond memories of the leather saddle on my
> first road bike -- it was very comfortable after it broke in.
>
> -km
>