Shoes and saddles

[Kevin Williams]

Hello everyone!

My name is Kevin, and I just started randonneuring a few months ago. I rode the Two Rock-Valley Ford 200 with SFR a couple weeks ago and I had a blast! I am looking forward to many more rides with you all in the future.

I realize this is a broad topic that could easily be separate threads, but I was hoping to get an idea of what others are using for their shoes and saddles? I have been experimenting with SPD mountain bike shoes, hoping it could provide some comfort and walk-ability, but after riding a 200k a couple days ago, I don't think that solution is going to work for me. I have a pair of SPD-SL shoes and pedals I am thinking of swapping out, but they aren't as walk-able as the SPD shoes. I would sacrifice performance and comfort over walk-ability, however. I really only have experience with Shimano shoes and pedals, but am willing to explore other options.

I have also been experimenting with different saddle options and have been trying out a couple of different, yet similar, Brooks saddles. I started out with a B17, but I kept getting saddle sores even after trying out various heights, angles, etc. Thinking it was due to the saddle being too wide, I am now trying out the Brooks Team Pro, which as far as I can tell, is just like the B17, but about 10 or so mm narrower. This, too, is unfortunately causing some discomfort. Granted, it is still in its break in period, but I am looking to keep my options open. I have heard some peoples' anatomies just don't "get along" with Brooks; I am wondering if that is my case here.

I am anticipating a wide range of responses since these choices are very personal. I know I have a lot to learn and a long way to go, but I am confident your support and advice can help me on my way to many successful rides with you in the future!

Thank you,

Kevin Williams

[Charlie Martin]

Hi Kevin,

Certainly there are people on this list way more knowledgeable than me about this. I spent a good deal of time researching saddles after a chipseal-filled 600k in Texas on a stock saddle from a rental bike, and I remember thinking "never again". Most of my takeaways were from here: https://rivetcycleworks.com/which-saddle-is-right-for-me/

Regarding saddle width, have you ever gotten a sit bone measurement? Some bike shops can do that for you, or there are some methods you can use on your own to get a good approximation. This is an important number to have when you start shopping around. I eventually decided to try something from the Brooks B17 line since it was a popular option and cheaper than various alternatives. Armed with my sit bone measurements and deciding to try a saddle with cutouts, I went specifically for a B17 Narrow Imperial which has served me well. My dad has larger sit bones and uses a standard B17.

Comfort is obviously a huge factor, and beyond that there's some discretion about maintenance, weight, aesthetics, etc. E.g. some Rivet saddles are pre-treated to be resilient to water, so you don't need to maintain them as much compared to a Brooks saddle where you're supposed to oil them every so often and protect them in wet conditions.

- Charlie

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[Wade Baker]

Kevin,

Saddles are a very personal thing. What works for one person may not work for you. For instance I have narrow sit bones and I ride a Selle Italia SLR which has a 33 mm width. My sit bones fit the saddle perfectly and over time two dimples form in the the saddle. Some shops will loan you saddles to try out or they will sell you a saddle and if if doesn't work for you will let you exchange it for another saddle. You can sit on a curb with your feet in the gutter and what you feel are your sit bones. When it comes to saddle sores, two things to consider are shorts, type of chamois, fit and the 2nd thing is chamois cream. I believe in a high quality short that fits well. When it comes to chamois cream I've tried lots of creams. I finally settled on Assos cream. For me it lasts for long rides and keeps my skin from becoming raw. Sores come from the friction between the skin and the chamois and unfortunately sometimes sores are inevitable. That is when after ride care is essential.

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[Wade Baker]

oops, previous post was from wade baker, don't want to get in trouble for not signing my post.

[Eric Norris]

Saddles are indeed personal, as are your own sit-parts. My butt fits just fine on a B-17, but that’s me.

One thing I have found that works well (for me) to avoid saddle sores is to wear a pair of lycra non-padded shorts liners under my cycling shorts. Friction then happens between the shorts and liner, rather than between the shorts and my skin. 

Finding shorts that work well for your anatomy also helps. I’ve found that some shorts have a very sharp edge on their padded chamois, which is generally where the chafing begins. So I look now for shorts with a less defined edge to the chamois.

On very long rides, I’ll use Brave Soldier’s “Friction Zone” anti-chafing cream. 

--Eric N

On Feb 24, 2020, at 2:13 PM, Wade Baker <pedal...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Eric Walstad]

Try platform pedals[0] and Five Ten shoes. You'll be comfortable on and off the bike, you'll never forget to bring your bike shoes to a ride, and I'll bet you a six pack of your favorite canned beverage that you never have knee problems.

As for saddles, you'll need to try a few until you find one that fits your butt and is designed for extended periods of time on the bike. Charlie's advice about getting some measurements is good. Deb Banks has helpful how-to info on the Rivet website[1]. She will work with you to get you on a saddle that works for you and she runs a local, woman-owned business. Oh, and she's otherwise an awesome person that supports the cycling community in many ways.

Eric Walstad

[0] https://global.bluelug.com/mks-gamma-black.html

[1] https://rivetcycleworks.com/which-saddle-is-right-for-me/

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[Jon Spangler]

Kevin,

Without riding with you, none of us can help much with your riding position and bike fit, but my first recommendation would be to

start by making sure your bike is sized to you and it fits you properly for the kind of riding you are now doing. This is sometimes very complex and

your “ideal” position will change over time and as your riding style changes. 

Are your hips only rocking a tiny bit side-to-side or are you sliding from side to side because your saddle is too high up or angled too steeply?

(Someone riding directly behind you or standing behind you while you ride a trainer or rollers can check this.) 

Are your sit bones (ischial tuberosities) squarely situated in the “sweet spot” of your saddle in your normal riding position? If you seat is 

too far back and you are sliding forward onto the nose all of the time, or if you are “on the rivets” all the time because it is too far forward, 

your fit bones are not in the ideal position to be both a pivot for your legs and the point at which your weight rests easily.

Get help from a great bike fitter — probably at a local bike shop that specializes in bikes and gear for racing, touring, randonneuring, and 

other long-distance riding such as AIDS/Lifecycle rides (SF-LA in a week) — or from local rando riders you can ride/train with. 

If your bike does not fit you well at all, it may sometimes be impossible to place your saddle in the “right” place relative to your 

knees, bottom bracket, pedals, and your hands-arms-shoulders’ position. (No one can diagnose these things remotely, of course: I am

trying to cover every possibility so you can check things out: it is unlikely that you could easily complete a 200K ride on a bike that was

really far off in its overall fit…)

I want to second what has been said here, particularly what Wade Baker said about finding high-quality cycling shorts 

that fit you well in the riding position. Don’t skimp on quality or price. Ditto for using chamois cream.

Other Possibilities

It is crucial, especially for some of us, to maintain almost-fanatical personal hygiene habits (such as showering ASAP after 

every ride and making sure one’s crotch area stays well-vented as much as possible when off the bike), and using a 

copacetic chamois cream or lube. Pubic hair can be quite problematic if one shaves it or if there is too much in 

the “wrong” places (for cycling, that is). Staying in your sweaty, damp cycling shorts too long after a ride is asking for

trouble: change out of them into something else as soon as you can. (A kilt or wrap makes doing so relatively 

discreet and legal almost anywhere.)

Decades ago, when using a single pair of wool chamois shorts with a leather chamois on a multi-day bike tour, 

I  ended up with a nasty, ride-ending boil that required medical intervention. That was an extreme case that I 

never want to experience again so I have learned to prevent saddle sores, rashes, or anything like that. 

I hope you find the solution(s) to your saddle sores/chafing issues soon.

Jon Spangler

Alameda, CA USA

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Jon Spangler
Writer/editor
Vice-chair, BART Bicycle Advisory Task Force (BBATF)
League Cycling Instructor #3175
Linda Hudson Writing
TEL  510-864-2144
CEL 510-846-5356
goldco...@gmail.com
www.LindaHudsonWriting.net 
www.linkedin.com/in/jonmspangler

"Bicycling has done more to emancipate women than any one thing in the world. It gives her a feeling of self-reliance and independence the moment she takes her seat; and away she goes, the picture of untrammeled womanhood."

— Susan B. Anthony

[Kevin Williams]

Hi Charlie,

Thank you for your insight. I was initially looking into Rivet saddles as well. Maybe it's time to have another look. I also had a professional bike fit last year, I wonder if they took my sit bone measurements? Something else to look into. Thanks again!

On Monday, February 24, 2020 at 1:46:27 PM UTC-8, Charlie Martin wrote:

Hi Kevin,

Certainly there are people on this list way more knowledgeable than me about this. I spent a good deal of time researching saddles after a chipseal-filled 600k in Texas on a stock saddle from a rental bike, and I remember thinking "never again". Most of my takeaways were from here: https://rivetcycleworks.com/which-saddle-is-right-for-me/

Regarding saddle width, have you ever gotten a sit bone measurement? Some bike shops can do that for you, or there are some methods you can use on your own to get a good approximation. This is an important number to have when you start shopping around. I eventually decided to try something from the Brooks B17 line since it was a popular option and cheaper than various alternatives. Armed with my sit bone measurements and deciding to try a saddle with cutouts, I went specifically for a B17 Narrow Imperial which has served me well. My dad has larger sit bones and uses a standard B17.

Comfort is obviously a huge factor, and beyond that there's some discretion about maintenance, weight, aesthetics, etc. E.g. some Rivet saddles are pre-treated to be resilient to water, so you don't need to maintain them as much compared to a Brooks saddle where you're supposed to oil them every so often and protect them in wet conditions.

- Charlie

On Mon, Feb 24, 2020 at 1:22 PM Kevin Williams <kws...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello everyone!

My name is Kevin, and I just started randonneuring a few months ago. I rode the Two Rock-Valley Ford 200 with SFR a couple weeks ago and I had a blast! I am looking forward to many more rides with you all in the future.

I realize this is a broad topic that could easily be separate threads, but I was hoping to get an idea of what others are using for their shoes and saddles? I have been experimenting with SPD mountain bike shoes, hoping it could provide some comfort and walk-ability, but after riding a 200k a couple days ago, I don't think that solution is going to work for me. I have a pair of SPD-SL shoes and pedals I am thinking of swapping out, but they aren't as walk-able as the SPD shoes. I would sacrifice performance and comfort over walk-ability, however. I really only have experience with Shimano shoes and pedals, but am willing to explore other options.

I have also been experimenting with different saddle options and have been trying out a couple of different, yet similar, Brooks saddles. I started out with a B17, but I kept getting saddle sores even after trying out various heights, angles, etc. Thinking it was due to the saddle being too wide, I am now trying out the Brooks Team Pro, which as far as I can tell, is just like the B17, but about 10 or so mm narrower. This, too, is unfortunately causing some discomfort. Granted, it is still in its break in period, but I am looking to keep my options open. I have heard some peoples' anatomies just don't "get along" with Brooks; I am wondering if that is my case here.

I am anticipating a wide range of responses since these choices are very personal. I know I have a lot to learn and a long way to go, but I am confident your support and advice can help me on my way to many successful rides with you in the future!

Thank you,

Kevin Williams

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[Kevin Williams]

Big thanks to everyone who reached out so far! You guys are great, I am very thankful for the advice / insights / recommendations.

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