so for context i have a 152mm shimano saddle for my regular bike

my s/o got a schwinn indoor bike and the saddle is actually rubbing my b-hole raw (changing positioning only shifts the problem to my labia). it is definitely too cushioned for me, but idk how to find an alternative since everything is always focused on more cushioning. help me pls ._.

  • s0ciety [he/him]
    ·
    4 years ago

    Do you have proper cycling shorts or bibs? The chamois in the shorts will help with the irritation a lot.

    I'd recommend a combination of that and a bike saddle with less cushioning.

    • eiknat [she/her,ey/em]
      ·
      4 years ago

      i do not. i've never needed any before and my shimano has zero cushion ._.

      im not sure where to find a non-cushioned saddle for an exercise bike. all my searches so far turn up even more cushioning. the current cushioning is so plush that my ass sinks all the way in until i'm resting right on my sensitive bits.

      e: gonna grab some shorts _

      • s0ciety [he/him]
        ·
        4 years ago

        One thing I've definitely learned from r/bicycling is that the padded saddles are actually counter-intuitive for exactly the reasons that you're experiencing.

        Definitely check if the exercise bike has the standard saddle rails and go get a saddle from a bike shop more in line with your Shimano. The padding in the shorts will soak up the sweat, is comfortable against that sensitive area, and provides just enough extra padding to your seat bones in your ass.

        • eiknat [she/her,ey/em]
          ·
          4 years ago

          it does. no bike shop near me unfortunately and i don't think they make my shimano anymore since i can't find the 152mm version online. big RIP. gonna see if bike shorts can help me out (cheaper, and tbh i need a pair anyway)

          • Ram_The_Manparts [he/him]
            ·
            4 years ago

            This might be an option? Has the 152mm width you're looking for at least, and Selle is good shit.

            https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/selle-italia-diva-gelflow-racing-saddle/rp-prod167138

  • LangdonAlger [any]
    ·
    4 years ago

    I have a Charge Spoon saddle on my real bike and love it. Quite firm. My old Cannondale had [looking up saddle, might be good] on it which was super firm. I'm masc though, so the saddles might hit different. Does your exercise bike have normal mounting hardware for a saddle?

    • eiknat [she/her,ey/em]
      ·
      4 years ago

      it does. im gonna give some shorts a shot to see if that helps first. switching between the two saddles would be pretty unfun. it works fine for my s/o. i am cursed with very wide sit bones though lol

      • Ram_The_Manparts [he/him]
        ·
        4 years ago

        switching between the two saddles would be pretty unfun.

        Just had a thought. Is the saddle on the exercise bike mounted on a standard seatpost like on a "normal" bike? If so, you might be able to install a quick release seatpost clamp like this on the frame: https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/brand-x-qr-seat-clamps/rp-prod118837

        Then you could mount a saddle that suits you on it's own seatpost, and switching between different saddles would take like a few seconds.

  • TheOneTrueChapo [comrade/them]
    ·
    4 years ago

    I swapped my seat on my exercise bike with an sgodde gel seat, but I was swapping to that because I wanted more cushion than what it came with. If your indoor bike is using a standard bike seat connection you could get the same shimano saddle you have on your other bike

    • eiknat [she/her,ey/em]
      ·
      4 years ago

      yeah i have this one . it does have a standard connection. gonna give shorts a try first so i dont have to switch the saddle when i wanna use it.