[Methos1979]

The 1000-mile seat poll has me wondering a few things... I'm not a long distance rider and I always marvel at those whole claim to be able to ride all day long. While everyone is different, surely there must be some magic combination of body-type, physical conditioning, bike-type, and seat that makes some able to ride all day long. What is 'fit/unfit' in my poll? Only you can decide. Fit can be any combination of age and physical conditioning. You can be young and fit, you can be old and fit. You can be young and unfit, you can be old and unfit. It's all relative to whatever YOU think you are!

At 53, 5'8" and a weight varying between 220 and 250, I'm obviously not a great candidate for long distance riding. I'm unfit. Actually, I'm UN-fit! Despite the extra weight I am active and play competitive tennis so I'm not a slug on the couch either. But I'm only good for an hour and a half in the saddle regardless of what seat I have before I need a break. I've tried all big names, Corbin, Mustang, Le Pera (current), various stock seats (Hammock) along with gel pads, sheep-skin pads, Air Hawk pads, beads - you name it, but still I need a break to stretch.

My wife is 52, 5.4" and only weighs about 115 but she's even worse than me and needs a break at about an hour. In her defense she has bad hips from a lifetime of teaching ballet so it's less about her butt and more about the hips. But her butt does get sore as well.

Anyway, I thought I'd run a poll aimed at the longer(ish) distance guys to see not only what you are running for equipment, but what your body type, age, and general physical conditioning is. I assumed that a younger rider with an ideal body weight and great physical conditioning will be able to ride longer than an old fat guy that thinks beer is an actual food group!

So take the poll, please, but then post your general physical characteristics (if you don't mind), along with your equipment preferences that help you achieve your longest rides in the most comfort, including seats, bikes, clothes and any prep work before, during and after the ride like stretching, eating, drinking, etc. The terms in the poll are going to be relative (young/old, fit/unfit, long/short) and each person will have to decide what category they fall most into. Polls can be tricky to word.

So something like this (although I'm no long distance rider):

I'm 53, 5'8", 250, RGC CVO, Le Pera Maverick, good for an hour and a half non-stop riding then need a nice break then back in the saddle with each subsequent time being a factor of diminishing returns (less time each subsequent run).

 

[Methos1979]

Great responses so far. I've noticed some trends here and on some other seat-threads:

Highway pegs - the ability to move your legs around is key to allowing the blood to flow in areas that might not be getting it enough. There are highway pegs on my bike (were there when I bought) but they are too far away. I'm going to need to buy some extensions. The only problem I have with highway pegs is that I've had them before and I typically almost never use them because I don't generally ride long enough to need to use them.

Stock Ultra seats - seems like a lot of people that have the Ultra seats have kept and like them. This is something I've noticed quite a bit on other threads.

Great feedback on diet and hydration. Dialing in your bike ergonomically seems obvious to me and mine is definitely already there. Clothing is a good topic. I've seen a few other people mention ride-specific underwear for wicking away moisture. I'd like to hear what people have used in this regard. Two bikes ago I used to wear the lycra/spandex bicycle pants under my riding pants on long trips. This combo with some type of pad (Air Hawk, sheepskin, beads) on top of my Corbin gave me the best and longest comfort in the saddle.

Surprised no one has mentioned any sort of stretching routine yet as a pre-ride function. I don't do it, but I should!

Keep 'em coming. Great info.

 

[Methos1979]

.the poll asks if you are fit, what it should ask, is your bike fit to you

Proper fit of bars, controls, and seat to the individual is paramount. I have been riding for 46 years and have ridden all types of bikes, although most of my miles are on Harley's.

I use heli-bars. adjustable so that I get a perfect fit for me.
My seat is a Corbin! Best seat for me! My controls on my 13 rug are in position for me. Now that I have said me several times, my point is you need to make what ever adjustments (translate to installed components) as necessary to bring the bike to your dimensions, vs trying to adjust you to the bike.

Basic, but I have been surprised by the number of riders that I have met who install components for looks, then are wondering why they are not able to ride distances or they are beat up at the end of a 350 mile (short ride)

YMMV but as I have gotten older, style to me is comfort during a long or short ride

Form, fit, and function. Three little words that have a large impact on satisfaction

I agree that form, fit and function are of course paramount and although I did not state it in the poll/lead post, I assumed that everyone would have a bike that fits them. My bike fits me to to a tee. I sit at a perfect position as evidenced by my lack of fatigue anywhere when I ride other than my backside. Since that is the one place that causes me to need to stop and rest, it's either the seat or my poor physical conditioning/excess weight that are to blame.

Like you, I've been riding for over 40 years and I always marvel at the guys that say they can ride such long distances with seemingly no problems. It's quite obvious to me that if I was 100 pounds lighter I could ride much farther. I was just looking for a general consensus from the majority and I think the poll is showing that I suspected in that fit riders with great bike/seats do the best followed by not fit riders with great bikes/seats.

In fact, I would say that the loose term 'great bike' in the poll means a bike set up well that fits you well!

Thanks again to all that took the time to share their opinions!!