New saddle break-in/adjustment period?

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2009-08-17 11:38 AM

Minneapolis, MN
Subject: New saddle break-in/adjustment period?
I have been biking for a few months now and riding on an old, more recreational style (softer) saddle.  I just picked up a different bike and needed to a new saddle so over the weekend I bought a Bontrager Inform R.  I had the bike shop fit me to make sure I got the right size and took it out for a ride yesterday.  I had planned a 40 mile ride but after 15 miles my sit bones were starting to get a little sore.  After about 25 miles I had to get off the bike and call for a ride because I could not sit on the bike any longer.  I was not really having issues with numbness but had a lot of pain in my sit bones.  Is there normally a break-in/adjustment period for a new saddle or is this likely just not the right saddle for me?  Maybe my body just needs to adjust to a more performance style seat?

2009-08-17 1:38 PM
in reply to: #2353253

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Halifax, Nova Scotia
Subject: RE: New saddle break-in/adjustment period?
It could be either. The break in period is really for the butt as opposed to for the seat. I always find I need to do 3 or 4 rides before I'm comfortable in a new seat. (or at the beginning of the season).
2009-08-18 5:42 PM
in reply to: #2353253

Minneapolis, MN
Subject: RE: New saddle break-in/adjustment period?
I figured that might be the case but I thought I'd throw it out there and see what others have experienced.  I guess I will give it a few more rides and see what happens.  Thanks for the response.
2009-08-18 7:29 PM
in reply to: #2353253

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Subject: RE: New saddle break-in/adjustment period?
Hopefully the shop will exchange it if it doesn't work out. Many folks go through a few saddles before they get one that works. But having been riding a more recreational saddle your sitz bones will need adapting so I think with most any saddle you would need some time in the saddle to adapt. I'd stay in touch with the shop to learn their return/exchange policy so you can follow the rules if it doesn't work out.
2009-08-18 7:35 PM
in reply to: #2356941

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Marlboro, NJ
Subject: RE: New saddle break-in/adjustment period?
A few weeks ago I had my local shop do a full aero fitting and they put a Bontrager inform RL seat on my bike. It has taken me about a half dozen rides or so before the pain in my sitting area has gotten comfortable (read broken in). I believe Bontrager has a 60 day exchange policy if that helps.

Edited by bk broiler 2009-08-18 7:35 PM
2009-08-18 7:59 PM
in reply to: #2353253

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Wallingford, PA
Subject: RE: New saddle break-in/adjustment period?
I'm going through the break in period now with an expensive but supposedly comfortable seat. It has eliminated some of the pain I was feeling on the seat the bike shop put on my new tri bike, but I'm still sore. Cobb, the manufacturer of the new seat, suggests a 300 mile break in and offers up a 180 day no questions asked return. So we'll see. I'm about 100 miles into it and figure I need another couple of weeks to decide.


2009-08-18 9:04 PM
in reply to: #2353253

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Subject: RE: New saddle break-in/adjustment period?
My new saddle took 6 rides before my butt started to adjust to it. And my previous one wasn't a real cushy one either. After 10 ride, the new saddle was PERFECT (or my butt was...) and now I never even think about it. but I knew it was just sit bone adjustment, not a fit problem, so I was willing to wait out the pain. But those first few rides were awful.
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