I went on a bike ride yesterday and my butt is REALLY sore -- am I doing something wrong?

Question

It was only about a 7 mile ride (mostly bike trails, a little dirt, grass, gravel). I do have a decent seat and a gel seat cover and a mtn. bike (with new tires).

I don't mind being sore from a ride, but I want it to be from using my muscles, not from banging my tailbone against my bike seat.

Am I doing something wrong when I am riding that caused this? Do I need a different type of seat, or is this just something I will get used to?

I can't imagine people who ride often walking around with this kind of pain all the time...

Thanks!

Sorry! Someone else posted this question right before I did -- but I didn't see it because I was writing my question. :) Funny, tho. There must be a lot of sore behinds around today.

Answer 1

Usually this happens when we start riding. You'll get used to it.

Sometimes, larger saddles won't help you, it just depend on the size of your butt (more specifically your sit bones).

The gel seat cover might actually make it worse rather than better.

There are some things you could do before buying anything.

When you're riding downhill or are not peddaling, stand up on the bike, it will help you and make the bike easier to handle.

Remove the gel cover.

And if that doesn't help, try another saddle.

Answer 2

Sometimes your body just isn't used to sitting on something that small and the weight of your body on the seat can cause you pain this happened to me when I hadn't rode a bike for awhile. It should subside in a day or two and next time you ride it shouldn't be so bad, consider it like exercising, if your not used to it your body will be sore for a day or two and then the next time you work out it will be better! Feel better soon!

Answer 3

LOL! I was just getting ready to post the same question. My butt is sore too but it's more between my legs where my pelvic bones are. I even have a "woman's" seat. I'm thinking about getting a gel seat. I'm going to try some biking shorts.

Answer 4

Really, you just need to ride more.

It's not the hard seat that's making you sore, it's that your butt isn't used to it.

Pros wear padded shorts and have really hard seats.

Try some cycling shorts, and get out and ride. Your butt will be fine after 3 rides or so.

Answer 5

you are sore from using different muscles. there are gel pads that fit over the bike seat. you will still feel the seat but as you become more used to it , it will hurt less and less! there are also wider seats that you can put on your bike, that way your legs are not so tight against the seat while you are riding!

Answer 6

Like I said to the other person with this question I would try a gel seat u can get them at most bike shops and they are very comfortable for long rides.

Answer 7

Get a gel seat that will absorb shock. I went on a long bike ride once and my bum got sore cos i was using a plastic and rubber seat.

Answer 8

I have a great seat, great padded shorts, but it is ineveitable after your first ride. When you ride the next day, it'll hurt for about 15 min, but the pain goes away. After a few rides, you don't have that soreness.

Answer 9

My butt use to hurt too. I got a bigger and more padded seat. Also, your pedals maybe too close. Raise your seat a bit so you get a good stretch when pedaling down. A bike shop can help you adjust the seat to the right height for YOU.

Answer 10

lol no you're doing everything right, its just sometimes when the body isn't used to things, the muscles have to get used to it so they tend to get sore. But if you give it about a week or two you shouldn't be in much pain at all.