Pain in the... coccyx

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I probably need to get a new seat, but short of that, is this enormous pain in my tailbone area a sign that my seat is not properly adjusted? It hurts so badly I can hardly sit!

Ouch,
Sara

could be that your seat is at the wrong angle. With the bike on the ground, you should be able to take a level (like one found at a hardware store) and rest it on top. The seat level should indicate that the seat is level fore to aft. Usually a sore butt indicates a seat that is too high in the front.

You could also try getting some bike shorts, they help alot. If all else fails, go and try out some seats at your local bike shop. Have 'em put them on your bike, and go ride them around the parking lot. Good Luck!

percious

I have exactly the same pain as you do, and I've had the LBS remeasure and adjust the bike but the pain is still there. It's not as bad as you say, but still annoying. maybe some time off the bike would help?

I just got my bike back from the shop and they raised the seat considerably (I guess so the guys there could try it out?). So I hopped on with the new seat height and rode yesterday, and the pain seemed much alleviated, if not entirely gone. Maybe because It makes me shift forward and lean over w/ higher seat. However, my wrists were then achy when I got home. I guess the pressure has to go somewhere. As Gilda Radner used to say "If it's not one thing, it's another..."

Sara

That sounds familiar. Looking at it from a physics perspective, our whole bodies are supported at only 4 points: seat, bars, and peddles. The peddles don't provide any static support since they're constantly moving with rotational force, leaving your entire body weight (plus force from your cranking) supported by your wrists and that small part between your legs. I've also found myself leaning forward to alleviate some of the pressure on the pelvis, but that's an uncomfortable position for the lower back to be in...

Odrider! Eureka!

I have now done over 50 km since the LBS raised my seat and I have literally 99.9% less pain in my tailbone! I think it's "technically" too high for me - I really only touch ground on the tips of my tiptoes - but the pain is gone. Really has changed my pedaling strokes, too, almost like starting over!

I've always been more comfy with a lower center of balance, so it takes a little getting used to. Less practical for weaving through traffic (I'm allowed to break traffic laws, live in PAris:) ), but I don't care. I won't be lowering it again.

Try it and let me know what you think. You really have to raise it pretty highl!

Sara


Originally posted by oldrider
That sounds familiar. Looking at it from a physics perspective, our whole bodies are supported at only 4 points: seat, bars, and peddles. The peddles don't provide any static support since they're constantly moving with rotational force, leaving your entire body weight (plus force from your cranking) supported by your wrists and that small part between your legs. I've also found myself leaning forward to alleviate some of the pressure on the pelvis, but that's an uncomfortable position for the lower back to be in...

i would, as always, consider covering the seat and yourself in duct tape, if it doesn't sort out the problem, at least you'll look good ;)

Have you no shame, Jacobxray?

;)