Built for comfort, not speed
I am built for comfort, not speed, and so is my ebike. If you want to be comfortable on an ebike, then read on. I always believe that ebiking should be a fun, comfortable and happy experience. To do this, you need to be pain or ache-free. Here are a few things that I have learned since embarking on my ebike journey.
Saddle for comfort
When I got my first ebike, it came with a saddle that felt like sitting on a razor blade. My bottom has plenty of padding, but not in the right place for a bike saddle as it’s about your sit bones, not about the rest of the surrounding area. A narrow saddle is uncomfortable for anyone over the recommended BMI.
A top tip if you want to sit down after an ebike trip is to buy a gel or foam-filled saddle. This will provide comfort and support to your bum. And avoid that horrible pain of a saddle that is too narrow. There are loads to choose from in your local bike shop or online. Make sure it’s right for you.
There is a measuring system to get the right saddle size. Don’t go to all that trouble and expense only to find it’s not the right fit for your bum size. Being embarrassed about getting your bum measured is not as embarrassing as needing a rubber ring to sit comfortably at the dinner table.
You should consider sitting on an ebike on day two and beyond. If you have pain or discomfort, then you will sit awkwardly and end up with back or neck pain. This is really unpleasant and could end your tour. Top Tip – get comfortable, and you will love ebiking even more.
These are my previous saddle and current saddle. Both are the same make SQ Lab, and I swear by them. This is the link to my current saddle: https://www.sq-lab.com/en/area-of-use/e-bike/sqlab-saddle-621-m-d-active-2-1.html Great quality product that is worth every penny.
Chafing
Chafing is not the nicest subject to discuss, but it happens to everyone who rides a bike. If it isn’t dealt with quickly, it can be really uncomfortable and painful. It could ruin your day out or possibly stop a longer tour. I recommend “Sudocrem”, not just for chafing but for bites, sunburn, scrapes, cuts and bruises. It is an incredibly versatile nappy cream and something I would recommend always having with you. Any form of nappy cream will do; it should make your list to pack!
To avoid chafing in the first place, remember to dry yourself properly and ensure your clothes are clean and dry. I take three pairs of cycling shorts with me on a tour. That way, I ensure I have a clean pair each day and no chance of wearing damp shorts.
Numb hands
The other issue I have sometimes is that my hands go numb, or I get pins and needles. To counteract this, I have handlebars with extra support on them and a side grip. The side grip comes in a variety of sizes, depending on your preference.
I also have cycling gloves that have gel pads in them, and between those and my handlebars, it helps. It won’t solve it completely but go to your local bike shop if you constantly have issues. They can check your position in case that is the issue.
Correct position on your ebike
Getting the right seat height is essential to your comfort and efficiency on an ebike. The rule of thumb: sitting on your bike with your pedal at ‘6 o’clock’, your leg should be more or less straight. The bike’s stem can be raised or lowered depending on whether you want a more upright or dynamic position. Have a look at my video on this; there are two videos if you go to my YouTube channel.
Your position is a personal preference, and your local bike shop can help with choosing the best position for you. I would urge everyone to get their ebike position checked by a professional.
Pedals
The pain of hitting your shin bone with a metal pedal will remain in your mind forever. It is agonising, think – hitting your funny bone but 10 times worse. I will admit to being a bit clumsy, and my original pedals were metal with teeth sticking up. These help keep my foot from slipping off the pedal. However, after several bruises, cuts and a lot of swearing, I had plastic pedals fitted. They still have the sticky-up bits, so my foot doesn’t slip off. I also have Salomon trainers as they have good soles on them. (They have sticky-out bits too) The result is a lot less swearing or slipping off the pedals.
Bit of lycra! Be a speed Queen (or King)
Cycling shorts are a must for ebiking. There are two types: the skin-tight look or the ones you wear under looser shorts. Be careful when choosing your top and shorts, or you could end up looking like an overstuffed sausage. It could also make you feel uncomfortable. We’ve all seen “mamils” out there (middle-aged men in Lycra). Let’s leave them to it and go for something less skintight that you feel comfortable in and happy on and off the bike.
There are loads of choices on the market for regular-sized people; however, the choice can be more limited for the cuddlier amongst us. I have recently found this website; they carry larger sizes, and their service is brilliant: https://www.bikemeile24.de/radbekleidung/. If you are a woman, don’t be tempted to buy men’s gear in bigger sizes, as the cut is all wrong and makes you look like an overstuffed sausage.
Top tip – for a cycling top, you don’t need a “trikot” (proper cycling top). You can use a quick-drying sports top; there are loads of choices out there, and they tend to be much cheaper, too.
Stretching
Finally, at the end of the day and each morning, I try to remember to stretch. I do a bit of Yoga every day as I am over 50, and everything seizes up much quicker now.
There are free online Yoga sessions, but my favourite is “Yoga with Adriene”. She does short sessions for specific areas of your body. A great one for cyclists stretches out the bits you need.
After a long day on the bike, your neck, shoulders, hips and legs can all be a bit tight. So find something that works for you stick a reminder in your phone, and “get stretching”
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