Photos: Pico Triano
When I
bought my touring bike, my intention was to get the perfect bike in
my view. I didn't do all that badly either. It was lighter yet
stronger than any bike I'd ever owned. The frame was built for a
rider of my size. Every other bike I'd ever ridden was made for a
smaller person and adjusted so I could ride it comfortably. I could
ride faster and further than ever before. I still really like those
anodized aluminium Blackburn racks. The seat – well, that was a
different story.
That
seat was a traditional ten speed bike seat. Absolutely no padding
whatsoever, covered with hard vinyl. It was built to last. Problem
was that it was tougher than I was. I initially commuted to work on
it and then trained for a long tour. During that entire time it never
bothered me. To that point all my really long rides had been done on
older bikes with different, cheaper, albeit padded seats.
I
certainly learned by painful experience but it could have been worse.
My first day touring on that bike was a miserable one for my
posterior. The second day wasn't any better. The next four days of
riding were better but still not very comfortable. But it could have
been worse as I said. I did not suffer from penile numbness which can
happen and under prolonged circumstances cause permanent damage. That
would have turned the whole trip into the ultimate male horror story.
I didn't want that to be my last tour but at the same time I never
wanted to suffer that kind of pain again. Incidentally, bad seats
aren't any fun for the ladies either.
This
was the mid 1980's and I don't recall at the time seeing anything
resembling the ergonomic bike saddles that you find on the market
now. Even my cheap Walmart bike has a shallow channel down the middle
to help relieve unwanted pressure. At the time though I discovered
Spenco and for me that was heaven. Spenco made thick gel seat pads,
handlebar pads and cycling gloves. I bought them all. They made an
immediate and dramatic difference. I jiggled a little on the gel with
every bump in the road but I had no more pain.
Good
quality seats that address this issue are available and easy to get.
Talk to your bike store. They'll be more than happy to get you set up
right. Your posterior with thank you.
More Articles (Click photos or titles for access)
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More Articles (Click photos or titles for access)
Cyclo-Computers
These little cycling accessories are terrific and in most cases very easy to use. Just make sure you keep you're eyes on the road.
Camping Out In My Micro-Swift One-Man Tent!
Jack Hawkins tests out some touring equipment and finds out how hard the ground can be.
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