This is super useful, I had just assumed a sore bum was just part of cycling... Time to revisit! Question about the suspension seat post; does it work with saddle bags?
I promise it doesn't have to be! When I think back to all the times I "put up" with pain whilst cycling it makes me really sad, especially when I'd been recommended certain saddles by bike shops, I just assumed that *I* was the one in the wrong.
I usually use a Tailfin so there's less disruption to the seatpost, but I've also used a 7L saddlebags without any issues. I can't comment on how it would fare with larger sizes but I can't imagine it would be problematic, as long as there's still room for the seat to travel a few centimeters.
Thanks Jess, interesting article - thanks for sharing your experiences. I rode PBP in 2023 and had to pull out after 1100km due to extreme 'chafing'...more precisely..serious open wound(s). I've since had over 12 months of bike fits & 2 saddle changes...in readiness for LEL 25...but I'm still not convinced my saddle "is the one" as I've only tested it on a series of 200km rides..and it's not been too bad...but I will challenge it further this Spring with 300, 400 & 600k test rides. I have also bought a pair of Kostume shorts recently - not tested 'in anger' yet - label says to use them without chamois cream. I'm a bit apprehensive about that - Are you a Chamois Creamer or not?
Ouch, I can totally empathise with that - there's definitely times where the pain of a DNF is significantly less than the pain of saddle sores! If it's any reassurance, I also wouldn't say that my saddle is "the one", but it's definitely "good enough" as long as I employ all the other strategies I talk about in this article. I'd be interested in trying the Reform saddle should I ever have that kind of $$$ to spare (unlikely any time soon!) because I've heard fabulous things. Believe it or not, I used to be an avid Chamois Cream user (or Bepanthen as a cheaper and more accessible alternative) but I've never used cream with my Kostume bibs - sometimes I question what's in the pad because they honestly work like magic! I'd be super keen to hear what you think of them when you take them out on a test ride!
Thank you so much for all your amazing tips Jess. Like you once, I still get sore after 100-150km. Planning to go long next year so need to get that saddle soreness sorted. Hopefully Niel Copeland can help me to get on the right path. Thinking about redshift too.
Ahhh I really hope the tips help! I honestly struggled for so long and thought that I'd never be able to ride pain-free, but hopefully I'm proof that it IS possible so just keep at it 🫶
This is super useful, I had just assumed a sore bum was just part of cycling... Time to revisit! Question about the suspension seat post; does it work with saddle bags?
I promise it doesn't have to be! When I think back to all the times I "put up" with pain whilst cycling it makes me really sad, especially when I'd been recommended certain saddles by bike shops, I just assumed that *I* was the one in the wrong.
I usually use a Tailfin so there's less disruption to the seatpost, but I've also used a 7L saddlebags without any issues. I can't comment on how it would fare with larger sizes but I can't imagine it would be problematic, as long as there's still room for the seat to travel a few centimeters.
Thanks Jess, interesting article - thanks for sharing your experiences. I rode PBP in 2023 and had to pull out after 1100km due to extreme 'chafing'...more precisely..serious open wound(s). I've since had over 12 months of bike fits & 2 saddle changes...in readiness for LEL 25...but I'm still not convinced my saddle "is the one" as I've only tested it on a series of 200km rides..and it's not been too bad...but I will challenge it further this Spring with 300, 400 & 600k test rides. I have also bought a pair of Kostume shorts recently - not tested 'in anger' yet - label says to use them without chamois cream. I'm a bit apprehensive about that - Are you a Chamois Creamer or not?
Ouch, I can totally empathise with that - there's definitely times where the pain of a DNF is significantly less than the pain of saddle sores! If it's any reassurance, I also wouldn't say that my saddle is "the one", but it's definitely "good enough" as long as I employ all the other strategies I talk about in this article. I'd be interested in trying the Reform saddle should I ever have that kind of $$$ to spare (unlikely any time soon!) because I've heard fabulous things. Believe it or not, I used to be an avid Chamois Cream user (or Bepanthen as a cheaper and more accessible alternative) but I've never used cream with my Kostume bibs - sometimes I question what's in the pad because they honestly work like magic! I'd be super keen to hear what you think of them when you take them out on a test ride!
OK Jess - thanks - I will report back
Thank you so much for all your amazing tips Jess. Like you once, I still get sore after 100-150km. Planning to go long next year so need to get that saddle soreness sorted. Hopefully Niel Copeland can help me to get on the right path. Thinking about redshift too.
Ahhh I really hope the tips help! I honestly struggled for so long and thought that I'd never be able to ride pain-free, but hopefully I'm proof that it IS possible so just keep at it 🫶