Why Does My Butt Hurt When I Ride My Bicycle?

Riding a bike is a great way to lose weight and get fit. Cycling is gaining popularity for people who want to make the most out of their workout and have fun while doing so. The one downside to this type of workout is comfort. A common complaint of many new riders is the discomfort they feel on their rear ends after a long ride. Is this normal?

While it is normal for people to feel some pain while they exercise, the amount of discomfort a person feels while they ride their bike may be magnified because of the type of equipment they use. The pain they feel may be caused by the shoes they wear, the posture they have while riding, but ultimately, the bike saddle they have.

Why Does My Butt Hurt When I Ride My Bicycle?

This particular blog post is meant to help lessen (or even get rid of) the pain and discomfort that people experience when they ride. 

Bike Saddles and Comfort

Any type of bike saddle is designed to add comfort and cushioning. However, there are two types of bike saddle cushioning that will play a role on if you are comfortable riding your bike or not. Both of these options for saddle cushioning react differently when weight is placed on them. 

Here is a guide to knowing which saddle-type to choose:

1 - Gel Cushioning

This type of saddle cushioning material is able to mold itself to the needs of your body. Your bones and muscles will be given great support when you choose this type of saddle. However, there is one downside to gel cushioning. Over time it may tend to become more compact if compared to the other type of saddle cushioning, which is foam.

2 - Foam Cushioning

Foam cushioning is a widely chosen material among seasoned riders because of its ability to spring back even if weight is placed on it. It does not become compact like gel cushioning even if the seat is used for long-distance rides.

Which One Should You Choose?

While both types of cushioning options have their advantages and disadvantages, the best way to decide which saddle will work best for you is to look into your personal and specific needs as a rider. If you only do casual riding and prefer short distances, a gel-cushioned saddle may be right for you. However, if you like going on longer rides, a gel cushion may cause you discomfort in the latter parts of your ride. This is when choosing a foam saddle may be the right way to go.

Conclusion

Once you will be able to pinpoint the root cause of what is causing the pain, you will be able to significantly reduce the amount of discomfort you experience as you ride. As a result, you will be able to turn your bike rides into an enjoyable experience and exercise routine that you can maintain in the long run.

If you are looking for high-quality bike saddles, you will always be able to find them at Cushbike! We make it a point to have well-cushioned bike saddles in store for you. Visit our website today and get a comfortable saddle to enhance your riding experience!