Many people ask: Why does my butt hurt after cycling for a long time? What’s the most suitable saddle? How can I avoid a sore butt while cycling? What saddles do others use? And so on. There are many such questions, and those who ask them are mostly beginners.
Some cyclists have even asked a rather surprising question: How can I forge an iron butt? This immediately reminds me of the martial arts skills of Iron Shirt and Golden Bell Cover. Indeed, many cyclists—especially newcomers and those who go on long-distance rides—desperately need an “iron butt.” As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is an iron butt. Let’s take a look at how to forge one.
Saddle Selection
The right saddle is like a good partner
This is the part that comes into direct contact with your butt during cycling. Since everyone’s butt shape is different, the choice of saddle varies, and it also depends on your cycling style. Common cycling types include commuting, leisure riding, short outings, long-distance travel, off-road cycling, and racing. The saddle you choose should match your riding type. This is a complex and lengthy selection process—just like finding the right life partner—the right fit is the best. There’s plenty of information online about how to choose and adjust the right saddle, and we’ll also be updating articles on saddle selection and adjustment later. Stay tuned.
Saddle Adjustment
Adjust to a Suitable Angle
Many beginners tend to overlook this, but saddle adjustment has a direct impact on the quality of your ride. The front end of the saddle should be slightly lower—it not only improves ride comfort but also helps prevent compression of the prostate, offering strong support for physiological health.
High-Quality Cycling Shorts
The chamois is the soul of cycling shorts
After choosing a saddle that fits your butt shape, you also need a good pair of cycling shorts. Cycling shorts come in various types—longs, mid-lengths, shorts, and bibs—and are available for spring/autumn, summer, and winter. No matter how they’re categorized, the key is the chamois inside. Standard padded cycling shorts are suitable for both road and mountain biking. They could be called the best gear. Most of these shorts are made with Lycra fabric, which is highly elastic and allows free movement. High-end cycling shorts use COOLMAX material for the chamois, offering excellent breathability—even in summer, you won’t feel uncomfortable or worry about heat rash. They also help reduce pressure on the groin area.
Appropriate Cycling
Beginners, please pay attention to this: don’t blindly follow experienced cyclists on grueling training rides. It’s bad for your butt and your knees. Take it step by step—set yourself a simple training plan, and gradually increase your riding time and intensity. As the saying goes, “Haste makes waste!”
Source: Bicycle Network