Why Does My Bum Hurt After Riding A Bike
There was a plot twist when I first began riding my bike to commute home-work-home. While my muscles ached a lot since I was out of practice, it was my butt that suffered the most.
I could barely sit anywhere else for the next couple of days. Admittedly, I rode the bike for many miles during the weekends.
Nevertheless, it wasn’t supposed to hurt this badly. I couldn’t even share it with my colleagues, afraid of being the center of a joke.
Sure, I would’ve laughed at myself, but first, I needed to know. Why does my bum hurt after riding a bike? And how do I recover and prevent it from happening again?
Reasons Why Bum Hurts After Riding a Bike
Okay, fellows, let’s wash away all the embarrassment and face the facts. I have discovered several reasons behind the sore bum after riding a bicycle. See if any matches with your conduct and continue reading to improve the condition.
- How Long Have You Been Riding the Bike?
Suppose your workplace is far or say you have been riding the bike for a considerable time. Did you think your buttocks would take it all and not complain?
You might not feel it immediately as your adrenaline temporarily numbs other sensations. However, the back muscles will be sore and painful for days as they’re easily affected.
The pain can reach up to your neck and shoulders too.
How do you relieve the muscles from this predicament? Take a break in between by stopping. Cool down for a few minutes before riding again. It applies to both moving and stationary bikes.
Also, try light stretching to adjust to the lengthy commuting and leisure riding.
Related guide: best saddle for perineum pain
- Were You Attempting New Riding Style?
There shouldn’t be any secret among us as we have tried a few tricks now and then. Some are old, while others are new and complex.
Riders who attempt such riding style for the first time can experience physical pain. This is because of the new muscle movement that hadn’t been tried before.
Be very careful when pulling off these styles, as some are dangerous to breaking bones.
My suggestion entails establishing a balance before trying out risky riding styles. Let the reflexes come naturally to you, which transpires after countless practices.
Without question, practice will make the buttocks muscles and bones hurt. It will diminish with time.
- Is the Bicycle Fitting Appropriate? Saddle Adjustment
The seating area is where the saddle is. Once you read this point, I want you to inspect that saddle and its position.
If the saddle adjustment is wrong, even to an angle, the pelvis movement will lead to aches where the saddle meets the muscle most. Therefore, check the saddle and its height.
Ensure it’s appropriately angled, so the buttocks remain seated and relaxed when you reach for the handlebars. People make mistakes by aligning the saddle with the head/body.
However, the real solution is to make it parallel to the spine.
- Do You Have Saddle Pad?
Investing in a quality saddle pad can relieve the backside from constant pain and soreness. If you ride a bike for a long time with a poor-grade saddle pad, you may feel tired quickly.
Now there are two types of saddle pads – performance and cushioning saddles.
The first option is for those who lean more into performance and power. These saddles offer less padding with a narrow design.
In contrast, the cushioning saddles are fully padded to absorb the bumps on roads. They have a short nose shape and are often seen on fun bikes.
- Are the Clothes Comfortable?
Trust me when I say this, consider what to wear for the day according to how long you will be riding the bike.
The garments can be the cause of painful bum, too, especially if they’re too loose and slippery.
Therefore, try wearing snug underwear that is efficient and comfortable when sweating. It can reduce skin irritation and chafe.
Some even wear cycling shorts, which contain padded sections.
Final Words
The next time you ask – why does my bum hurt after riding a bike? I hope this guide sheds some light.
Remember, the buttocks muscles are tight and short, generating soreness and ache when you ride on a bike for an extended period or after a long time.
Just see that the hips are either leveled or a little above the seat to release pressure from the back, especially when sitting upright.
All the best!