Question: I’m 63, average about 100 miles per week and enjoy multiday tours. Recently, I developed pain in the tissue over my right sit bone. On long rides, this varies from discomfort to an actual small sore. My position is good and I’ve tried a number of saddles with no improvement. What do you think? — John G.
Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Sounds to me like you’re sitting crooked on the saddle and that’s putting a lot of pressure on one particular part of your weight-bearing anatomy.
My guess is that you have a leg-length inequality. It sounds like you’re shifting your hips to compensate for the short leg, and that’s adding weight to the right side of your sit bones.
But there are other possibilities. For example, the pain might have begun with a worn or ill-fitting saddle. Changing to different saddles may not help when the damage is already done.
I recommend a fit session from a knowledgeable coach, a good bike shop or a physical therapist specializing in working with cyclists. If you do indeed have a leg-length inequality, you need to correct it with a shim between the cleat and shoe sole on the short-leg side.
Be sure to check out our array of eBooks on bike fit and saddle choice, as well as the Health Videos on saddle comfort and saddle pain in this section of the site.
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