To Pad or Not to Pad... That is the Question...

I have always worn a pad since I can remember, but when I was a kid growing up in LA, I’d ride my bike to the beach in boardshorts and never had a problem. I may have give it a try and see how it goes.

 

Why, yes he did. We still need to get the iMTBtrails hotties poster in the hands of the masses.

 

I remember that one. There are many many threads on MTBR that are facepalm worthy. That one really rose above. I wasn't shocked that people don't wear a chamois but was definitely shocked at how much vitriol they can spew against those who do. Anti-maskers alive and well long before covid.

Maybe this pic from the shorts @Mikie recommended would have helped MTBR sort out that discussion. @Faust29 can we have a translation?

 

That's hilarious...
To be honest, the top guy is how I feel wearing baggies in general with a separate chamois. Personally, I preferred Pearl Izumi Attack Lycra roadies wear. Light, tight, way cooler in hot weather, no hang up on the nose of your saddle, did not droop down to show your plumber's crack on climbs. Baggies only serve one purpose. To look good before and after the ride, to drive to and from the trailhead, and to hold your wallet and keys when getting Tacos and a Brew afterwards. But you can change into those before and after the ride. Baggies are a fashion statement, not a performance product.
I prefer Lycra, but Hooligan peer pressure demands Baggies...

But the above Baggies do rock!

 

I wonder if these things would offer adequate padding comfort? It sure would be nice to not have to stop to pee.

 

The problem is you’re wearing it wrong

 

I’m down, @Mikie.

A pad can be useful if forced to wear a monster pack. Otherwise, it Depends.

Meaning the sponge will saturate, wash away skin oil and damage unprotected skin. Maybe you don’t sweat.... Even without, say, a leather saddle, you can use any seat that’s decent and get away with it if you start doing it.

I haven’t diapered up in who knows how long. Wool/synth boxer briefs and shorts. I believe you can train your contact point to perform better just like other aspects of your body. I know you can beat nerves into submission. Like ballet dancer and climber shoes and feet.

Riders reluctant to explore their pain threshold get to be diaper slaves. Start gradually and be liberated.


FWIW, I’ve had best success with:

WTB Volt 142mm wide
WTB Pure V 148
Selle Anatomica Titanico X leather
Smartwool wool/synth boxer brief, Ex Officio synth boxer brief

Used for bikepacking, endurance trail riding, commonly over 10 hours a day. Freedom!!!

 

Just got an Ergon SM. (Not meaning Small). Wish me luck!

And yes - I am not quite cool enough to explore the pain threshold, so I will be a diaper slave.

 

The weez is doing it, too. So it isn't about being a man, Adonis.

 

Congrats!!!

I changed it for you.

 

I have the SM Pro saddle and love it, probably the best one I’ve owned.

 

That's funny... Up top is: Attached Pad, Not separable, Dressed like a diaper, I'm so ashamed. Bottom is: Comfort and Complete Freedom!

 

Well.... it Depends....

 

All of that was very well said!
Since everyone has a unique shaped azz, saddle recommendations are always subjective. But I am willing to wager that with the right saddle that meets personal pref’s, it would only take a little time to go sans Stay FREE!

 

Stay Free is a bad choice of words considering the discussion and the area involved.

 

...and precisely why I chose it!

 

I was pleasantly surprised riding with the very minimal shamwow in triathlon bibs. It definitely beats cheap shorts that have very squishy padding that just becomes a chafe zone.

(I know the old time legends would do Ironman in a Speedo. But not me....)

 

I'll be the last to bet against you. Most of us have experimented through the years to figure out what works. I never had sit bones measured, but I believe Special Ed shops have a device for it. That could expidite the search.

Obviously leather saddles have the reputation for ultimate comfort, if you get a shape that agrees with yours and maybe break it in some. I lucked out with mine out of the box. But the shapes of most of these saddles, mine included, are not good for tech riding where you are all over the saddle, and possibly terrible for standing over the bike with a pack that has any straps/cordage on the back. That's where I go to a WTB saddle. But honestly, as I inferred before, I think you (I) can train that contact point to take more, and at that point the exact saddle is not as critical.

Not to be overlooked is leg power. Mashing vs spinning takes an unbelievable amount of weight off your ass, likewise obviously with standing breaks and SS riding. On tour I'll get beat up the first day or two then it subsides as I get stronger. I have a lot of spinner DNA, so it took some discipline to pedal harder. The singlespeed has been a great tool there – it's literally helped keep me off the diaper.

Human-powered disciplines are more fun with an edge, but getting/keeping it takes a commitment. Ditching the pad is part of that for me. To me the MTB pad is a leftover convention from road biking. The last straw might have been that video of those guys gunking their pad with a half tube of Butt'r and sliding it on while whincing. Fukking gross, man!