[M a g g i e]

hey everyone! I haven't posted in a while and all that. Lots of things going on (mostly not so great either) i haven't gained but i haven't really lost. I'm not having much luck with employment so i can't join a gym. it's really hot and humid here and i'm really self conscious about looking dumb and all those fun insecurities. Anyways, I've decided to get over it and get up early to go run or bike in my neighborhood. I used to walk all the time but my dog died unexpectedly last month so I don't anymore.

a n y w a y s, I got out my mom's bike today and pumped up the tires and washed it off. I used my mom's because I'm tall and I got my bike when I was like 9 so it's not really suitable. BUT i got on the bike and holy cow it was uncomfortable! Seriously, it hurts my bum! and it's odd, i feel like the bike seat needs to be lowered but the pedals extended. because the seat is so high that when i try to stop for a second and put my foot on the ground the seat goes up my booty! Plus, I'm just awkward on the bike. I haven't ridden in about 4-5 years and i'm nervous. I know I should wear a helmet but I don't want to. I'm just going to be in my neighborhood. (I wish I could bike to stores and the like but our streets are too narrow and busy for bikes.

any advice on the arrangement of the seat or any other tips for getting used to riding again?

[marheena]

Good for you for trying something new! I just started riding a bike too. It is relatively easy to adjust the seat on a bike. You need a wrench or pliers to loosen the bolt (its the one directly under the seat). Twist the bolt to the left to loosen it (righty tighty, lefty loosey) Then twist the seat a little to loosen it and push down or pull up on the seat to adjust it. Then re-tighten the bolt.

Its really important to feel comfortable with the seat when riding your bike. You want your leg to form a 90 degree angle when the pedal is at the highest point. If your knees are crunched up half way to your chest then the seat is too low. If you have to extend your ankles to keep your foot on the pedal when the pedal is at the lowest point then the seat is too high.


The proper positioning of the seat will help with the pain/awkwardness. If you still feel awkward, make sure you have good posture. You should be bent over at your waist to hold the handle bars but your upper back should be straight... or as straight as possible. You have to feel it out, but you'll know when you are in the right position... it will feel so much better. Just keep in mind that it can be harder to hold the proper position if you are not used to good posture in general (I know I can't hold it very long). Its okay to change as necessary.

As for places to ride, I would get a bike rack and take it to a place where you can ride it safely. Google bike trails and parks in your area. Personally I fight the traffic in the city. If you do chose to do that PLEASE wear a helmet.

I hope this was helpful and GOOD LUCK!

[kaplods]

One word (or would it be two): Gel Seat.

Seriously, though if you are still uncomfortable after positioning the seat properly, consider buying a gel seat. It makes a huge difference.

Hubby and I bought bikes a few years ago. At my weight I wasn't sure I could ride a bike, but I was fine once I bought the largest gel seat Walmart had. If I get to the point that I can ride for more than an hour, I might consider getting an even larger gel seat (available online and in many bike shops, at least through special order).

[Eves]

Originally Posted by kaplods

One word (or would it be two): Gel Seat.

Quoted for emphasis. I bought a gel seat at Target for $15 and it really does help. But, you're booty will get used to it after about a week. My first week riding to work (3 miles) my booty hurt, but now I can even take the gel thing off and be fine. Not as much for longer rides, but still okay.

[moralitylikeart]

LOL I have the same issue! I can't bike more than a block without my butt throbbing, so I then have to stand and ride harder. Part of me wants a new seat and part of me feels more accomplished for pushing through the discomfort and stuck high setting, so I'll probably keep riding until I think it's really time for a new seat.

[Silverstar33]

Hey there,
I've been biking a lot lately, too. I bought my bike used. At first, I found the seat very embarrassing - very large gel seat with shocks underneath and the words "Ah... so soft!" typed on the back, which always gets laughs whenever anyone reads it (I have to admit it's kind of humorous). Seemed very grandmotherly, especially on my purple bike. I must say, it's awfully comfortable, and lets me ride for hours, but still makes me feel like a granny sometimes.

[NishKitten]

at a bike shop. Ours actually has a huge selection of seats just for women, and you can bet I got the widest, softest bike seat I could find, but I shelled out $70 for it too. I think he said the top layer of padding was that tempurpedic material, which is nice because it molds and supports. LoL. Seriously, I can ride all day. My legs would get tired long before I got sore.

The stock double spring wide seat that came with my Micargi was okay, but I have really long legs, so my seat HAS to be high and it dug into my crotch when I leaned forward to pedal faster. Some women it doesn't seem to bother no matter what kind of seat they have, but I have serious issues with my girl 'down there' going numb, losing my panties to my butt crack, and rolling around town with camel toe. I'll take my grandma bike seat any day. It's not aerodynamic, but then i'm not trying to get anywhere in a hurry anyway.

Try the gel seat and make sure you get a nice wide one. You'll love your bike once you've got something comfy to sit on.