I've simply been one of the lucky ones that doesn't struggle with this. I have 4 bikes (single speed, CXB, MTB & fat) using 3 different brands of saddles, all of which most folks would likely classify as being minimally padded. I ride most every day distances from 15 to 25 miles with occasional 50-90+ rides and have never experienced a "sore butt day." It may be worth noting that I don't wear padded cycling bottoms until the temperatures drop below 50 degrees, and I only wear them then for insulating "the parts." I might add that my wife also got more into cycling during Covid and purchased 2 bikes that came with saddles that were not comfortable for her. She wheeled herself into our local bike shop and swapped them out (after sitting on one of those sizing pads) for what ended up being less padded saddles that fit her better. After the switch, she routinely rides distances of 10-30 miles and has never experienced issues of discomfort. I wish I knew a magical answer that worked for all, but I think your comments about a firm saddles (like the Brooks) should certainly be considered. BTW - You make some great videos!

Good topic... Well covered bro... Followed ur channel 🙂❤️

Switching to brooks saddles fixed my problems, I have done the padded shorts, creams. I can now ride hours and hours on my two different brooks saddles. Second point- I stay clean as possible. Great video!

Saddle matters a lot. A lot of people get plush wide padded saddles, but as we've seen proper saddle fit and bike fit matters so much

Well I bit the bullet and purchased a B-17. Only got 40 miles on it so far. Kind of slippery. I applied the the profide to it twice to the underside it really soaked it in. Hopefully it is what everyone says.

I had some battles with this early on myself. For the record I haven't done more than a two day 90 mile tour but I have learned how important getting the right saddle is. Also breaking in a new saddle always takes a bit of time and mileage. I will also try your other tips in this video. Thank you for sharing!

100% agree on saddles. Less is more. I use a solid carbon, unpadded saddle for XC MTB and get no sores. For long tours/endurance rides I use a very minimally padded version without issue. Good advice all around.

Thanks Bryan. Yup... Brooks is what I always used over the years and it works the best. What I found with the Brooks is that it doesn't try and apply pressure evenly all around the area. What it does is support the pelvic bone in specific areas where the leather, over break-in time, starts to 'give'... in the area of the pelvic bone contact. Then, with lots of increased riding, those two main spots develop tougher skin under the surface. They become their own pad... butt callus is what I like to call it. Once that sets up, then you are good to go. But you must still keep yourself clean, like you said. Riding pants with a chamois lining really help to isolate the salt. Gord

Thanks for your videos always interesting. After many, many years of cycling I finally purchased a Brooks B-17 cutout a couple of years ago. Very comfortable, however, it took probably 500 miles to break in. Well worth it, just a bit of maintenance every six months or so. Agree with your other comments and those below as well, especially padded shorts and standing up for around a minute every so often.

Before you give up cycling, consider switching to a recumbent. No more pain.

I agree with all these points. I just finished a 4 day tour using a B17 carved. No pain. Love this saddle.

I think he got it all in one shot there. Clean and dry bottom, padded, shorts, , right saddle, and lots of miles in the saddle. Oh, did I mention clean bottom I think I did but that’s pretty important.

these are exactly the same 4 points that i have come to rely on. one thing to add, if you decide to get the B.17 saddle, or any leather saddle for that matter, get a saddle cover to protect it from rain. if it gets soaked it’s v easy to destroy by riding it wet. cover ahead of any rain event. i always have my cover stashed under the seat itself.

First, I do enjoy catching your vids. I ride in eastern PA and try to extract all I can from your offerings. Keep them coming! I've gotten the impression that if one's riding position leans forward, a skinny seat is best but if riding upright, a fatter seat is better. My Wallke H6 started with a skinny seat and was quite uncomfortable so a switch to a nice fat YLG seat just took away the pain. But my riding position is more upright on that compared to my skinny seated Cannondale, a forward leaning ride. I try to get three hours in a day and am wondering if your point about time taking a part will soon kick in. Patience in this case, may be a virtue. Thanks friend! Good stuff!!

I agree with everything said. Right on. Brooks B67 for me.

A nice leather saddle combined with really good padded bicycle shorts works for me. I used a Brooks saddle some 20 years ago which worked pretty well, but have since switched to Sellle Anatomica on all of my diamond framed bikes. For ultimate comfort, my SWB recumbent fits the bill, and even there, one has to take occasional breaks to avoid "recumbutt" - too much consistent pressure on the buttocks over a long period of time.

I oftentimes stand and pedal in the highest gear possible to get off the saddle between breaks. It's what works for me.

I'm on my third saddle, I still wear padded shorts on rides over 20 miles. Great topic to get to the " bottom" of. Thanks Bryan!

Chamois cream - use liberally! THIS! I don't usually use chamois cream for my "shorter" weekly rides, but when I am doing a tour or a multi-day ride, I take my tube or tub of cream and just slather it on. It really helps! Also, I have Brooks C17 saddles on all of my bikes, even my (now) 17 lb Emonda. They just work for me. I used to ride Specialized Toupe saddles which were equally hard but comfortable and much lighter, but they kept breaking after a year or so.

I've been having trouble with my saddle, original to my bike, so based upon your review and some others I follow, plus a friend, now passed on, who used to race bicycles in a velodrome in the 1920's, swore by the brooks saddle. This couple who travel the world, Wheels to Wander also recommend the Brooks B17. I just ordered one. Here is a link to a mention of the B17: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ibJ0d7eflZuRZJ8.html Also, I thought you might be interested in this brief history of the Brooks B17 saddle I found online. "Initially making leather harnesses and tackle for horses, Brooks filed its first bicycle saddle patent in 1882. The B17 is the archetypal leather saddle, appearing in the Brooks catalogue for the first time in 1898. The profile was wider than today's but essential features remain unchanged."

Another insightful video. Thanks. I was hoping you'd mention saddle types and steer away from maximum padding for 'what fits your derriere', which is what the Brooks will do (although there are those who think it isn't the saddle you shape to your butt after 200 miles, its your butt you shape to the saddle!). Length, width, shape; all work to 'match' your rear. One point you didn't mention is bike fit. If you are riding a bike that isn't the right size you won't be sharing the pressure between your arms/hands and your cheeks, and your pelvis will be tilted forward or back and not spreading the load. Saddles also move forward and back, and that can affect the pressure point as well (more in the genital numbness issue there). Always enjoy your ramblings - literal and philosophical.

Great advice! I'm currently breaking in two B17 saddles...one on my gravel/trail bike, the other on the road bike. BTW, what trail are you riding? Looks like the C&O...I just rode it a couple weeks ago. Unfortunately, after tropical storm ophelia...it was a muddy mess lol

We use the brooks b17 heidi has the short one. I like to take a few breaks. Interestingly, tho after 2 or 3 days of riding, it seems to get easier and easier.

Totally agree on tht Brooks saddle maybe coz they're smooth you slide easier, less friction.

When I had a bike fit a few months ago, they saw where my pressure areas were for my butt with their stock bike seat and so they had me try a different saddle and instantly with that switch the hot spots it was showing disappeared on the screen. That was interesting to watch and experience. Now, the bike I was riding I had put a Brooks Saddle (for women) right before riding 150 miles on the GAP without breaking it in and I had NO sore butt (I did all the other things too - taking breaks, well fitting shorts). Since then, I bought the seat that was recommended to me after the bike fit to put on my second bike (and that one isn't leather, but is similarly priced). But agreed - thick fat seats are NOT comfortable for more than a quick jaunt on the bike. And I say that as a heavy female rider (what do they call us, clydesdales?)

Choosing the right type of saddle helps but won't eliminate problem completely, you still have to put up with some shore ness. I think combination of riding time, riding style and the right type/size of saddle is the answer. I had to change my saddle 3 times till I got the right one. I can ride now as long as I need without needing to stop because of the pain.