New Commuter - Saddle

[Fumbledore]

Greetings,

 

To set the scene: The last time I climbed on a bicycle was 30 years ago on good ol' Raleigh 3 speed, getting me to school and back.  Recently I decided to get a commuting bike (I only live 2 or 3 kms away from work). So I bought a secondhand MTB - Silveback 29er for the above mentioned purpose. It is in excellent condition and I want to ride it so badly, but ....

 

Took it out on the road Saturday morning and within 50 meters I knew it wouldn't work for me. Some guy was taking a wooden plank and trying to hammer it between my butt cheeks. Man oh man, that saddle might have been okay for the previous owner if he had a stainless steel a#$hole.

 

So I've been trawling the 'net and i just cant seem to find a place that sells good old traditional bicycle saddles.  All I see are these skinny, a## breakers (don't know how you guys stand it).  So my question is: any suggestions for a wide, comfortable saddle?

 

TIA!!

 

 

[ChrisF]

WELCOME to the Hub Fumbledore

 

 

Saddles are an incredible wide topic ....  And step ONE should be to get an idea of the "width" of your "sit bones".

 

I, or rather my sit bones, are happy width a 142mm wide saddle.

 

If the saddle is too wide you should sit rather comfortably, but suffer chaffing on longer rides.

 

Sounds like you are sitting on a too narrow saddle .... OR, much more likely, you simply need more time in the saddle for your butt to get used to it ....

 

 

 

Speak to your local bike shop (LBS), if they are any good they will have a device to help measure your sit-bone width.  Which really IS step one to buying a new saddle.  Obviously then first check your own saddle width .....

 

 

YES, it is not made from cast concrete .... these things are hard .... you may be VERY tempted to buy a soft saddle, which could actually work nicely for your commute.  (I actually have a mid range gel saddle on my commuter).  But once your rides become longer that soft saddle is just too soft ....

 

 

 

 

ENJOY the journey, and welcome to the commuter club.

[fanievb]

https://www.cycletouring.co.za/product/b67-select-saddle/

[Veebee]

probably on the standard narrow saddle.

For 3km ride, this should work.

 

https://www.rydercycling.co.za/ryder-products/saddles/swift-2-0-saddle-324-detail

[fanievb]

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/saddles/398479/comfortable-saddle-brand-new

[boxerulez]

On this topic, I bought a used SDG Bel Air from a hubber and it is fantastic.   I want another one for my trail bike.

 

Pfff yeah right, I cannot find one anywhere.

If any of you saddle guru's can point me at one that would be great    Preferrebly one of the mesh variety.

[MORNE]

Op: yes it might be Or seem too narrow for you...especially if it is a commuter with a more upright riding position. Generally, the more upright you sit the wider you can go.

But also keep in mind that if it is true that this is your first time in quite some time getting on a bike....it probably will be uncomfortable for the first few times no matter what.

Edited September 28, 2020 by morneS555