Commuting cyclists?

[b0redom]

Hi All,
So I've finally got fed up with sitting in traffic and decided to start biking to work. I'm going about 11 miles each way, and the rickety old carbon-steel mountain bike (with all-terrain tyres) I had from 15 years ago just wasn't cutting it, so I sprang for a Trek hybrid bike.

So my question is.... 11 miles on pretty rough roads is mashing my nuts to a pulp. What shorts do people recommend?

Cheers....

[Lowe]

Firstly - what saddle are you using? Saddles are a very personal thing and so you may need to go sit on a few to get an idea of what's best for you. I've got a Charge Spoon, and all the lads I go riding with reckon it's a razor blade, but for me it's more comfortable than the WTB's that they swear by.

Secondly - how long have you been riding? No matter what you wear/sit on the first month is gonna be a sore one. Your body has to get used to it I'm afraid.

Finally - the shorts. Get some proper padded gel cycling shorts. They don't have to be the skinny lycra, but so long as they're proper cycling shorts you're onto a winner. Remember that you don't wear underwear with them because the seams are in difference places to stop you getting cut in half.

To be honest I buy all my biking wear from Aldi when they have the specials on. Ok it's not branded, but it's just as good as the posh stuff, you don't care if it gets ruined and it's really cheap. I got waterproofs, glasses, gloves, shorts, normal tops and underwear for 50 quid. That wouldn't buy you a jacket!

[b0redom]

Currently using the saddle which came with the bike. It's a Trek 7.2 FX.

Only been cycling in for a couple of weeks, I realise it'll be easier and hurt less over time.

Aldi, hmm interesting, not sure where the closest one to me is, but I'll take a look. Is all the gear pretty much of a muchness (regarding shorts?) I'd be prepared to pay a bit more for something which is much more comfortable, as I'm going to be in the saddle for a couple of hours a day....

Cheers...

[Lowe]

I dunno if Aldi have a special on at the moment - take a look on the website since that usually lists what they've got coming up. It's not something they keep in stock all the time. In my eyes the shorts are pretty much of a muchness, but then I'm too cheap to spend mega money on a pair of shorts which I'll probably ruin within a few months. I'm known for my crashing and ability to break anything bike wise.

Looks like you've got a Bontrager Sport saddle. Looks fairly well padded, but like I say if it doesn't fit your 'sit bones' on your backside then it'll be uncomfortable. Problem is a lot of bike shops don't have all that many in for you to try, it can be a bit hit or miss.

[Konan555]

Saddle will also depend on the way you're sitting on your bike. A thin saddle with a longer nose can work well with a flat back. Sitting more upright like many commuters do is often more suited to shorter, wider saddles.

I tend to bomb about using just a pair of cycling undershorts. Just pop them under normal clothes for a bit of extra give without turning into a TdF wannabe

[IBM]

Just out of interest, how long does the ride take you?

Thinking about getting a bike for my next job, similar sort of distance...

[Salazaar]

Sorry, completely OT but I though the thread title read Communist Cyclists... I need more sleep.

[Lowe]

I would imagine about 45 mins on town roads.

[b0redom]

Between 30 and 45 mins.... Depending on traffic and whether I'm going to or from work.