[tpenn40]

After several months of looking for a good deal on a road bike, I finally bought one and I think it was a pretty good deal. It was a 10+ year old Diamond Back road bike with Aero bars and a solar powered odometer thingamajig which I discovered doesn’t work…but I had back up so it was ok. With new tires, tubes, helmet, & pump, my total investment including the bike was $200.<br><br>
I didn’t really know how far I would ride, but decided to take the route through town, onto the interstate, then onto a road with woods on both sides and a pretty good shoulder. I started out just for a test up the street and back, and my seat felt too high so I adjusted it. (Maybe not enough)<br><br>
With everything all set, I was off. But before I had made it even half a mile, I realized that, yes, it’s nice to have new tires and tubes. It’s nice to have a new pump to keep those new tires and tubes pumped up. It’s nice to have a shiny new helmet that makes you look really cool. However, the SEAT on this bike was apparently made back when they chiseled them out of stone!<br><br>
I’m not sure what a decent pace is, but I managed to go 15.5 miles in 1 hour and 52 seconds. I had to take a few, well several, “coasting” breaks where I stood on the pedals to give my “seat” a rest.<br><br>
I’m really hoping the answer to my question is “yes”, but here goes…Does a bicycle seat make a lot of difference in comfort? If not, I’m just not so sure I’m cut out for biking.

 

[witchypoo]

you need padded shorts, if you're not currently using any.<br><br>
and, yes, you could find a new saddle, but it's hard to find one that's truly comfy.

 

[refinnej10]

Yes the bike seat can make a noticable difference.<br><br>
However, regardless of how wonderful the seat is, there will be a period of time in which your bum will be sore while you get used to riding.

 

[Tithers]

Bum? My vajayjay is what gets special hurtins.<br><br>
You can get a gel saddle for about $50...you don't want a HUGE one...then your legs will rub.<br><br>
Padded shorts and chamois cream is a MUST!

 

[tpenn40]

LOL! Well...didn't have that prob for obvious reasons. Chamois cream? Is that like Bodyglide?<br><br>

 

[Roadie Gal]

The proper seat makes a HUGE difference. There are about a zillion varieties of bike seats: leather, padded, with cutout, without cutout, wider, narrower, longer, shorter... A lot also depends on your riding position. A seat that is great if you're upright may be a torture device if you're riding on in the aero position.<br><br>
First though, pay a few bucks and get the bike fitted properly. Just a few small tweaks can make up a lot in comfort. This can be done at most bike shops. The price will vary since you didn't buy the bike from them.<br><br>
Then, find a place that will exchange/return seats. If you can't find a local bike shop, then Performance or some of the other online retailers will. Be prepared to go through a few seats until you get the one that your butt, your soft parts and your back all like. It will make you a much happier biker.

 

[hally]

Chamois cream is for chafing so yes, you can use Body Glide. I do. Get bike shorts with a cushy chamois. I like the Performance Elite. But ymmv.<br>
Seat definitely makes a difference. When I first got my bike the seat killed my sits bones AND my vajayjay as tithers named it. And my upper back/neck was screaming.I said the same thing, this is not fun how come y'all love it so much (to my bike club buddies)<br><br>
LBS made the handlebars higher and gave me a different seat.<br>
Now only my vajayjay gets a little sore. And I did a century ride. Not sure if it's possible for it to not bother at all, after all you are kind of pressing on it for hours. This weekend I tilted the seat down a bit more to see if that relieves it. Didn't ride that way yet.

 

[mykemp1971]

Seat makes a huge difference in comfort.<br><br>
I saw the pic's of your bike in another thread - it has an Avenir seat (which is what came 'stock' on Diamond Backs in the day). Not that their is anything wrong with that... but the problem is butt's aren't stock... and everyone is different, and requires a different seat.<br><br>
Talk to your LBS - they should get you straight.

 

[fox-runr]

I think seat position makes a bigger difference than the actual seat. After I was tweaked (moved seatpost forward), I was able to actually ride with very light padding for ALOT longer.<br><br>
unfornuately, now that my bike is indoor on a trainer, something's changed again, 'cuz "owwwwwww"