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Sit bone sufferation...

by missionsystem
Mon, Jan 07, 2019 14:42
9

I took 4 weeks out of the saddle recently for one reason or another.

Since getting back on my bike, the soft tissue under my sit bones is really sore (not that there is a massive amount of flesh there!). I don't believe there are any infected pores or anything like that, it just kind of feels like the area under the sit bones is bruised or something.

I've spent around 15 hours riding since the break and was expecting things to be back to normal by now. It isn't... though it may be improving very slowly.

I've never really suffered from anything like this in the past and nothing else changed in terms of set up so I have been surprised by how quicky things changed, the level of discomfort and the length of time it is sticking around.

I am looking for some kind of confirmation that a 4 week break is enough to soften my arse up enough to cause this kind of issue. In this case, I'll carry on as is, riding through the discomfort with renewed expectation that it'll go away.

I have a Specialised Romin saddle which i have always found very comfortable despite the lack of padding - maybe it is in need of replacement?

The only other things is that the problem coincides with the use of some new tights - Endura FS260 Thermo. Good quality tights, I think, and I've always got on with Endura stuff before. It couldn't be them could it?

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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9 comments

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thesubaruguru | 6 years ago
1 like

I gave up on Romin EVOs with S-Works CG-R post and now find much more comfort with Fabric (Radius on Diverge, either Shallow or Flat on Roubaix), really liking the better shock absorption on the Ergon/Canyon CF3 "split-limb" post. I'm about to try a simpler Niner RDO "unstiff" post, but perhaps only the Roubaix (28c tires) for road, and stick with the CF3 and softer Fabric Radius on the all-road Diverge, as Boston's infrastructure is notoriously pot-holed.

There's something about how the Fabric seats compress in unison so as to not bottom-out painfully as the Romins did. Hope this helps.

Ern/Boston

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PRSboy | 6 years ago
1 like

Oddly, I find I get more saddle-ache from gentle rides, presumably because less pressure on the pedals means they are taking less weight.

After a break I usually feel more bruised down below at first... typically I do a good ride over the weekend, feel a bit tender for the next few days.

Maybe have another mini-break, and see if it's improved?

 

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missionsystem | 6 years ago
0 likes

Thanks Dougie!

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duggy shaw | 6 years ago
1 like

Hey man

I own a bike fit studio called Edinburgh Bike Fitting extreme sitbone pressure is generally caused by a combination of factors and without seeing you myself its difficult to tell you the correct answer but you may well get on with trying the following

  1. Stretch your hamstrings  and glutes- focus in on the top section of the hamstring and the top outside part of your glute
  2. try levelling off and lowering your saddle slightly (common sense applies with how much - try a few mm at a time!)
  3. seeking out a local professional using the IBFI website who certify professional bike fitters

hope this helpes you out

 

Dougie Shaw

 

Edinburgh Bike Fitting//Glasgow Bike Fitting

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missionsystem | 6 years ago
0 likes

Thanks guys - my suspicion is that @peted76 is on to something regarding the change in position.

I am a stiff old bugger and also neglected my streching regime during the break - i seem to remember spending a lot of time on the tops during the first ride back. I also think that was the last ride with my old tights - the pad of which was pretty dead hence the replacement. The most comfortable position over the last couple of rides has definately been when I have focussed on gettting in a nice low position.

It really is pretty unpleasant so I hope it goes away soon so i can concentrate on pedalling!

Avatar
ktache | 6 years ago
1 like

I think I bruised my coccyx sometime late last year, I guessing on the bike, it has taken months to get less painful, getting there.  Sitting down much more carefully now, mostly at work, seem to be hard chairs.

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Nick T | 6 years ago
2 likes

A month off will generally give me a tender arse for the first couple of days back in the saddle

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missionsystem | 6 years ago
0 likes

I'm inclined to agree.

I'll have have a think about your points - thanks.

 

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peted76 | 6 years ago
2 likes

I don't believe four weeks off a bike would be enough for you to 'suffer' sore sit bone issues.. In fact I don't think any cyclist you should get any issues full stop with a decent fitting pad/bibs/tights. 

Two things come to mind:

1) New tights, it doesn't matter what the make is if they don't suit your body - blaming the tights is my first thought. Go back to your old kit and try them.

2) It's possible your position after four weeks may have changed, e.g. your ligaments/muscles may have tightened up (?), therefore your position upon a bike may have changed without you noticing it. Try stretching out your hip flexors /hamstrings /quads /back.. you should be able to tell if this is the case by your 'comfortable' position on the bike, has it changed?

 

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