Ask Reba August Giveaway Winner
Sorry it is a bit late, but better late than never right? There were some hilarious questions this month, and quite frankly they keep getting better and better each month. This month’s winning question both made me laugh, and also answered a question a lot of beginning cyclists ask. Enjoy your Recovery package courtesy of Hammer Nutrition and Skins USA.
DEAR QUEEN OF PAIN, HOW IMPORTANT ARE PADDED CYCLING SHORTS FOR A NEW RIDER? MY FIRST DAY RIDING I WAS ON A BORROWED MTB WITH NO SUSPENSION AND A LIGHTWEIGHT RACING SEAT. AFTER A LONG DAY OF RIDING AND BOUNCING I HAD DEVELOPED A SWOLLEN BUTTOCKS. THIS SWOLLEN BUTTOCKS LASTED A WEEK LONG RESULTING IN THE USE OF AN ENEMA FOR THE FIRST TIME. COULD I HAVE AVOIDED THIS BY USING PADDED SHORTS?
THANK YOU,
ROB RYAN
WOW. There are so many good jokes rolled into your question. I’ll try to be tactful though and help you out.
Yes, get some padded shorts. Everyone wears them. Even the people in baggie shorts have padded ones underneath. They are not all created equally. Spend a bit of cash and get a good pair. Don’t borrow them from a friend or buy discounted ones online. Go to a local shop and check them out for yourself.
Get your own bike, but try before you buy. Specialized (and most bike manufacturers) have demo vans that drive around the country stopping in various places to let people test bikes. Many shops also have demo bikes to try.
Saddles are quite personal. You can also demo saddles at many retailers. Don’t overlook the “lightweight race saddle” you mentioned. Looks are deceiving. I ride the Specialized Ruby and used to ride the Specialized Toupe. These are both wafer thin and ultra light and look hideously painful. However, the whole saddle flexes under the rider, which provides a very comfy ride. Extra padding does not necessarily mean comfort. Saddles also come in different widths. Shop around and when you find one you love, stick with it.
I really can’t understand why you needed to resort to the type of therapy you described in your email. I’ve never heard of this and it seems quite extreme. Hopefully this experience has not scarred you for life. I have to assume that if you are asking this question, you want to give mountain biking another go. All I can decipher from your question is that perhaps you were staying seated on the saddle too much. Proper riding technique often involves standing off the saddle on descents or rocky sections. Perhaps in addition to a pair of shorts, you need a few riding tips from your buddies as well.
Happy Trails
