Comments on: Bicycle Seats, Gel Or Not to Gel Saddles

By: Colleen Lochner

Colleen Lochner — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:55:34 +0000

I’m 51…love bike riding but hadn’t done it a long time. I got a bike…fits great but the seat which I’ve gotten many different kinds hurts my behind and back. It seems no matter how I adjust seat, handlebars, by butt aches and back hurts. Any suggestions so I can bike to stay in shape, etc.? Don’t remember this when I was a kid andyoung adult?

By: james PATE

james PATE — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:37:25 +0000

obviously you are a misshapened Troll if you find these saddles comfottable. UGH! all your rationalizations are Caca. the Aliante is God’s gift to man. the only answer to the unspoken question is to find what feels right to you and buy a dozen of them… at least.

By: Paul King

Paul King — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:46:21 +0000

I’ve been going through the same exercise with my saddle. Much of my low back pain is related to my poor core strength. Find a good physio that understands that region of the body and you may be amazed at the improvements. I also tried a Specialized Toupe saddle for a couple of weeks. The cutaway and shape were good, helping to reduce my back pain, but my sit bones groaned after about two hours on the bike.

By: Frank

Frank — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:17:55 +0000

This is a very good article about saddles. I had the exact same experience. I rode a Turbo that was on a hand me down old Bianchi. When I finally decided that cycling was for me, I got a newer bike that came with the Flite Trans Am. I never really noticed much difference. I got a second bike and I had to replace the saddle. I couldn’t find the Flite at any bike shop and decided to try some of the more popular saddles such as the Fizik and Terry Men’s saddles(supposedly designed by Selle). They hurt like no tomorrow. I had to grab the Flite from the other bike and put it on the second bike when I wanted to ride it. I was in Italy and low & behold an old style Flite Genuine Gel in front of my eyes at a reasonable price. I grabbed it and ran to the register to buy it. I don’t understand why Selle Italia changed the design of the Flite. I’m keeping my eye’s open for an old Flite saddle to keep just in case I wear out the one I’m ridding now.

By: Stuart

Stuart — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:36:34 +0000

I am 51 also. Been riding again a few years and I get a sore lower back – always left side – and I figure it is hip related. I also get a lot of skin rubbed of on the right butt cheek, but this only happens after a lay-off. I figure seats vary, and rides vary, but butts will adapt – if you have the time and patience (and pain barrier)the seat should eventually suit – but(t) there may be easy options.