Padded seat vs padded shorts

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2013-04-07 1:28 PM

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Subject: Padded seat vs padded shorts
I've had a gel seat cover on my road bike since I got it. My longest rides are 30ish and I don't experience any button pain or chaffing. I'm trying to figure out if there is any reason to get proper bike shorts with padding in the shorts. Seems everyone uses them and no serious cyclist uses a padded seat. What am I missing? I wear compression shorts under my running shorts and don't seem to have much chaffing. This allows me to not run with padding in my shorts as well. Thoughts?


2013-04-07 2:23 PM
in reply to: #4690184

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Subject: RE: Padded seat vs padded shorts

I can ride 30 miles w/o bike shorts.

60? I need them.

And I don't have a "padded" seat cover... I think butt pain has less to do with seat padding, more to do with tail bone seat fit. 

2013-04-07 2:27 PM
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Subject: RE: Padded seat vs padded shorts
also a gel seat cover can get very hot if standing out in the sun.
2013-04-07 4:19 PM
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Subject: RE: Padded seat vs padded shorts
I'm not a big fan of gel padding anywhere... it has a tendency to move and cause pressure where you don't want it.

I'd much rather have the right seat to start with and then use tri shorts with very minimal padding.

Most saddle issues are fit issue though, so make sure you have taken care of before spending money on saddles, shorts, seat covers, etc. etc. etc.

Edited by audiojan 2013-04-07 4:20 PM
2013-04-07 4:36 PM
in reply to: #4690184

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Subject: RE: Padded seat vs padded shorts
I guess what I'm asking is why not leave ALL the padding on the bike? Why even have minimal padding in some trishorts?  If for no reason other than you don't have to feel like you are wearing a adult diaper when you get off the bike.
2013-04-07 4:53 PM
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Subject: RE: Padded seat vs padded shorts
aliddle9876 - 2013-04-07 5:36 PM

I guess what I'm asking is why not leave ALL the padding on the bike? Why even have minimal padding in some trishorts?  If for no reason other than you don't have to feel like you are wearing a adult diaper when you get off the bike.


The padding in tri shorts are minimal and you don't even notice it's there, so definitely "no adult diaper". The padding in the shorts are designed to move with your body, reducing both pressure and the risk of chafing.

2013-04-07 5:13 PM
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Subject: RE: Padded seat vs padded shorts

If you are happy with your current setup, then stick with it.  

These decisions are HIGHLY personal.

Personally, I prefer a saddle with no padding and a chamois in my bike shorts.  

If you are going to eventually do longer rides, be prepared to reconsider your strategy.

2013-04-08 9:27 AM
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Subject: RE: Padded seat vs padded shorts

I have a gel seat cover that I like and find it unneccesary to use bike shorts for most rides (I own them....just don't wear them often).

I guess there is just something "dorky" or "poser-ish" about seat covers...I don't know why but I definitely detect the scorn from the "real" cyclists I encounter....oh well....

2013-04-08 12:21 PM
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Subject: RE: Padded seat vs padded shorts

I've found more padding = wider saddle.  I'd like to see a bit more padding on narrow saddles.  Usually I experience chaffing before pressure discomfort.  A wider saddle always less range of motion and I'll get a sore spot on the back of my left hamstring.

I'd bet, if you start to increase distance you'll wish for a good pair of padded shorts.

 

 

 

2013-04-08 12:35 PM
in reply to: #4690324

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Subject: RE: Padded seat vs padded shorts
aliddle9876 - 2013-04-07 5:36 PM

I guess what I'm asking is why not leave ALL the padding on the bike? Why even have minimal padding in some trishorts?  If for no reason other than you don't have to feel like you are wearing a adult diaper when you get off the bike.


Chaffing.

If it's on your butt, you don't move in relation to the padding.
If it's on the seat, you move and squish the padding every time you move.

The longer you ride, I've found, the less padding you want on the bike saddle.

There's a reason the TdeF bike saddles look like carved marble.

2013-04-08 12:36 PM
in reply to: #4691155

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Subject: RE: Padded seat vs padded shorts
themissj1981 - 2013-04-08 10:27 AM

I have a gel seat cover that I like and find it unneccesary to use bike shorts for most rides (I own them....just don't wear them often).

I guess there is just something "dorky" or "poser-ish" about seat covers...I don't know why but I definitely detect the scorn from the "real" cyclists I encounter....oh well....



What do you consider a "long" ride?



2013-04-08 1:03 PM
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Subject: RE: Padded seat vs padded shorts
DanielG - 2013-04-08 10:36 AM
themissj1981 - 2013-04-08 10:27 AM

I have a gel seat cover that I like and find it unneccesary to use bike shorts for most rides (I own them....just don't wear them often).

I guess there is just something "dorky" or "poser-ish" about seat covers...I don't know why but I definitely detect the scorn from the "real" cyclists I encounter....oh well....

What do you consider a "long" ride?

ha ha...I plead the 5th.  let's say I'm training for an olympic and looking ahead at some of the training rides I find it hard to believe I'll ever be able to do that...

2013-04-08 1:13 PM
in reply to: #4691683

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Subject: RE: Padded seat vs padded shorts
themissj1981 - 2013-04-08 2:03 PM

DanielG - 2013-04-08 10:36 AM
themissj1981 - 2013-04-08 10:27 AM

I have a gel seat cover that I like and find it unneccesary to use bike shorts for most rides (I own them....just don't wear them often).

I guess there is just something "dorky" or "poser-ish" about seat covers...I don't know why but I definitely detect the scorn from the "real" cyclists I encounter....oh well....

What do you consider a "long" ride?

ha ha...I plead the 5th.  let's say I'm training for an olympic and looking ahead at some of the training rides I find it hard to believe I'll ever be able to do that...



'Sokay. You see where I'm going with that, though

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