Any bicyclists?

Question

I'm not in it for sport, just casual recreation. Anyway I used my hubby's old 10 speed & it was one of those that you end up hunched over & your behind HURTS when you get off.

I'm looking into a simple cruiser......but what type seat is best so you don't want to die when you're done? The cruisers seem to keep your back straight when riding, I guess bc the handlebars are higher?

Answer 1

Hum... It only hurt when you got off the bike? Sounds like you had a delightful ride!

You should know everyone's bottom hurts the first few times you ride. Your bottom will toughen up and it will get better.

In any case, road and mountain bikes have narrow, long seats for pedaling efficiency and to minimize chaffing of the insides of the thighs. These seats are made so that your weight is borne on your pelvic bones. I suspect your husband's bike has a very narrow seat that doesn't fit your pelvic structure. Thus, you felt you were being split open. A number of companies make saddles in different widths. In fact, Specialized has an entire measurment system to determine how wide a saddle you need to fit your pelvic structure.

A proper fitting saddle, tight fitting cycling shorts with a chamois to provide some cushioning and help minimize friction will be much more comfortable. Also, getting off the seat and standing to pedal for a few moments every now and then will help.

Cruisers allow you to sit upright through a combination of the bicycle's geometry and swept back handlebars. Crusers need a wide seat since sitting upright puts most of your weight on your bottom. Many even have springs built into the seat to absorb some of life's little bumps. Due to your sitting position on a cruiser, though, pedaling isn't very efficient and you won't go particularly fast. Also, the upright position of a cruiser puts most of your weight on your bottom which can be uncomfortable on long rides.

Personally, I really like cruisers from Electra. Specialized, Trek and other companies make some nice ones, as well. I recommend you go to your local bike shop and try out several to find the one that is most comfortable. You may also want to try out other bikes with a proper sized seat.

Hope this helps you out.

Answer 2

All of the comments concerning the merrits, or lack of cruisers are very valid. Recommendations regarding hybrids or comfort bikes also get a thumbs up.

No for the saddle. The female pelvis is wider than the males. However, there are three points of contact for your saddle. Hold up two thingers and a thumb, so that they form a triangle. The male point of contact will have the fingers close together and the thumb (Front bit of pelvis) will be quite far forward. Because of this, the male saddle is long and thin.

The female saddle, using the same three points has the fingers quite far appart (Two bones at the back of your but), with the thumb closer to the fingers. A female saddle therefore needs to be wider and not as long.

With that out of the way, go to your nearest bike shop, with a good saddle selection. Many shops have a tripod that you can slot saddles in, in order to try out. Go and try. If you want gel, have it built into the saddle, rather than as a cover. Spend as much as you can on this, as you will be sitting on it for a while. Also, wear padded shorts or undies.

Luck

Answer 3

Stay away from what the manufacturers currently call "cruisers." They are heavy and have limited capabilities. I recommend that you decide between a "hybrid" and a "comfort" bike. Go to your local bike shops. They will gladly show you the difference between those types.

Then, decide how much money you want to spend. The bicycle business is so competitive these days that all bikes in the same price range are comparable in value. Ignore brand names and all the hype in fancy brochures. Don't get hung up on component groups in a bike vs bike comparison. Comparable bikes will have comparable components. Once you have components better than toy store junk, they all work well. What matters most is that the bike fits you properly and comfortably. Go to your local bike shops and take lots of test rides. One bike will feel much better than all the others. You will know it as soon as you sit on that bike. Buy that one. Buy it from a local bike shop where qualified people can set it up to fit you perfectly and then help you maintain the bike as your needs grow.

Get padded cycling shorts. They really help. Start with the stock seat. If that doesn't feel comfortable, try another. Get recommendations from your local bike shop. Terry is a company that offers many seat models specific to a woman's needs.

No matter what seat you are using, NEVER put your butt on the seat without your helmet on your head. Helmets save lives.

HTH

Answer 4

Hi I started out with a Trek 7200. It is lighter than a cruiser and peddles easy and the seat and handlebar height is easily adjusted to help you ride more comfortable. Later on if you become more interested in riding you can readjust the handle bars for a more aggressive ride. Be certain to buy it from a reputable bike shop so they can fit the bike to you. Frame size and seat height mean everything in comfort. Try the stock seat for a while before you purchase a different one.

Answer 5

I think you may want a hybrid, A cruiser is comfortable, but in a short time you may wish to go a bit faster. "Giant" offers models that allow you to sit up straight like a cruiser, and offers multiple gears. They are also lighter then a traditional cruiser. Check out the websites for Giant, or Kona, or Trek, or Bianchi. Those are some of the better bikes out there.

Answer 6

a 10-speed bicycle is used for racing. You hunched up so that you are aerodyamic.

Visit a bicycle shop. try getting a mountain bike.

Answer 7

Saracen or Claude Butler Subway bikes ? Gel seat = ]

Answer 8

try a few out then get 1 that doesnt split ure crack even more!!!! Personally i have one that tends to flare around the wider parts of a.... make sure you get rubber or spongey type crutch pants This helps heaps as well good biking..