Threadbare

[DavidCH]

Hi, I noticed over a long period of time that after riding my V20 for many months that my shorts are wearing out at the small of my back; lumbar region. First of all does this show that I have a correct resting posture on the seat? I am not using the Thor seat, just the standard carbon seat that comes with the bike.

Where should the optimum pressure points be when having the right posture? And it's a mix... if you are blasting up little hills , you probably don't have your shoulder blades on the back of the seat.

I noticed some of us sometimes wear lumbar supports so I am wondering what the optimum is?

 

[Henri]

Optimum probably is subjective.

 

[Frito Bandito]

I am not sure if there is an optimum that relates to most V20 riders but I wouldn't be surprised if there is. I just have my pads under my Ventisit seat set up so that my weight feels evenly distributed over the whole surface area. I don't feel any discomfort anywhere. Essentially I have 1cm of foam padding under by butt, and upper back, and 2cm of padding for my lumbar area. It has been the same for going on 4 years now, and over 30,000km and I still don't feel the need to change anything just yet. When it does come time I might replace it all with slightly thinner padding just to save a little weight. But as for the wearing out your shorts, it might help to put some padding in other areas that lift you a little off that area where it is wearing out quickly.

 

[chicorider]

It could also be that your shorts are simply wearing out over time and repeated washings. If you are feeling particular pressure at the spot you mentioned, then it might be worth tinkering with it for better comfort. But if not, it could just be time for new shorts.

 

[IyhelM]

I don’t see much wear on my shorts but first tell us how many miles is « many months » worth for you
Optimum will vary a lot, when I look at most other CB riders I just don’t understand how you all can be comfortable with the headrest so high but it looks like I’m really seating much more forward (and thus reclined) than most riders. So for me the main point of contact is on the coccyx, lower than you; but I don’t have recumbutt so I reckon my weight is quite evenly spread (riding a V1.0 and a S2.x with original flat seats).

 

[DavidCH]

It could also be that your shorts are simply wearing out over time and repeated washings. If you are feeling particular pressure at the spot you mentioned, then it might be worth tinkering with it for better comfort. But if not, it could just be time for new shorts.

I had a tinker tonight. The surface of the foam rubber that I have on the carbon seat has friction abraising so I removed maybe 8mm of hard foam from the lumbar area. I am hoping for a ride tomorrow. I don't know why I never thought of it before. Maybe I have a better understanding of what's good for me. Anyways... I will keep you posted

 

[chicorider]

I had a tinker tonight. The surface of the foam rubber that I have on the carbon seat has friction abraising so I removed maybe 8mm of hard foam from the lumbar area. I am hoping for a ride tomorrow. I don't know why I never thought of it before. Maybe I have a better understanding of what's good for me. Anyways... I will keep you posted

That sounds like a smart move. Fingers crossed that it works for you.

 

[DavidCH]

Well it doesn't seem any worse and I am further away from the bars or is it because the workaholic fat is falling off? Probably a bit of both.

I can't work when the temperature goes over 30 so because the summer is 4 months long, I get a chance to get very fit.

Let's see if I can put another hole in a new pair of shorts. I went for a blast yesterday but I need to build some strength into my legs.