Posted by Jon D. on July 10, 2003 at 20:41:12:
Hey folks-
I'm throwing this out there for anyone who can help...
I've recently been taking a 1.5 hour commute for graduate school. After an hour+, my ass/back area is getting uncomfortable. It's not getting numb or splitting pain, just that discomfort many of you may have felt.
Now, I've already put drag bars on (replacing pullbacks) and "jacked up" the front of the seat 1". This has helped out a lot on normal trips. Fact is, I never feel uncomfortable on my bike since these changes, but I've never ridden 1.5 hours *straight* before this week. Both mods can be seen at my website below.
I don't want to spend the $ on those specialty seats and gel pads.
********My questions:
1. Do you have any riding positions to share that can aleviate this discomfort? I slid my body over on a thigh today for a few miles near the end of my trip and when I returned to my ass, the discomfort subsided. But I was sitting sideways on the damn bike! Any others you know of, or a source for such info?
2. What can I put on the seat to "Simulate" what these pricey air-hawk/gel pads do? Is there a foam, material, gel bag or other product found cheap in a fabric or hardware store?
My ass thanks you...
:-( -----> :-)
-Jon D.
'95