I got a Specialized Fuse, got a few questions

[wjackson]

Re: the seat vs. your manhood.

I used to do a lot of biking - both road and mtn.  Seat fit is extremely important if you want to make babies in the future, or practice making babies. Or just not have pain when you pee.  But bigger isn't always better.  And often too much padding is worse than too little. 

Mainly what to look for with a seat is one that fits the width of your 'sit bones' (the two boney protrusions from your pelvis/hips that are on either side of your, well, taint).  You want sit bones to bear virtually 100% of your weight.    But you don't want it to be any wider than needed because it will interfere with peddling and you'll end up saddle sore. But if the seat is too narrow, your sit bones won't bear the weight and you'll end up with reproductive problems. Also if there is too much padding it can cause chaffing, and if there is really too much padding it will distribute too much weight to the area between your sit bones.

Years ago I lived on the east coast and there was a local bike shop that had demo seats you could borrow for 24 hours.  I tried out 4 or 5 before finding one that fit.  It is actually pretty firm, but it is just the right width.  I still use that same seat, 15 years later.

[Fl0und3rz]

The above is my experience, as well, but with less mountain biking.  And they make some nice cargo shorts style padded shorts, these days, so I wouldn't avoid the padded shorts, just because of fashion sense.

I am working more towards biking/hunting, and I think packing my hunting clothes and riding in my riding clothes will work best, for me, as I tend to sweat at a brisk walking pace, and I would be soaked in anything resembling decent hunting clothing.


The OP listed bike would seem like a good start for the intended purpose, although consider getting fitted for a seat, if you don't know what to look for.


Biking arm and leg covers made of a thin neoprene are a good consideration if you are thinking about biking the backwoods in shorts and breathable cycling gear.  They are lightweight, somewhat water resistant/proof, easily on/off, and easily packable, for the amount of protection they provide from the elements.


And don't forget about your other head.  I got a nice international orange helmet, but I cannot remember the manufacturer.

[Calvin Rayborn]

No expert as well - are you lookin' to get attention (pretty flashy color) or do they make em in black/brown/camo?

[KFhunter]

Re: the seat vs. your manhood.

I used to do a lot of biking - both road and mtn.  Seat fit is extremely important if you want to make babies in the future, or practice making babies. Or just not have pain when you pee.  But bigger isn't always better.  And often too much padding is worse than too little. 

Mainly what to look for with a seat is one that fits the width of your 'sit bones' (the two boney protrusions from your pelvis/hips that are on either side of your, well, taint).  You want sit bones to bear virtually 100% of your weight.    But you don't want it to be any wider than needed because it will interfere with peddling and you'll end up saddle sore. But if the seat is too narrow, your sit bones won't bear the weight and you'll end up with reproductive problems. Also if there is too much padding it can cause chaffing, and if there is really too much padding it will distribute too much weight to the area between your sit bones.

Years ago I lived on the east coast and there was a local bike shop that had demo seats you could borrow for 24 hours.  I tried out 4 or 5 before finding one that fit. It is actually pretty firm, but it is just the right width.  I still use that same seat, 15 years later.

Thanks for the info, I'm going to ask my bike guy about loaner seats     I think my wife needs something done with her bike, 15 minutes and she was whining about her seat.  She has a new Specialized also.

You didn't get your loaner seat at a burning man festival did you?      

[swift]

I have the same bike for the same porpoises and it works great ! Mine is black with a red strip

[bracer40]

Keep in mind that any saddle, even the perfectly fit one, will take some time to get used to. If you and your wife are just starting out, some toughening of your own rearends will happen over time.
I recently pulled my former racing bike from the garage and after 15 minutes in the saddle I was uncomfortable. Same saddle I spent doing 4-5 hr training rides and countless races on over a 10 year span. I rarely even thought of the saddle back then.

Along with that tire pump, it’s a good idea to carry tire levers, spare tube and a chain breaker tool (and the knowledge to use them).

For any extended time in the saddle, padded shorts are worth every $. They need to be clean and dry for every trip. I’ve had friends not realize that and they learned what crotch rot is.

[KFhunter]

I had to get a special pump that does multiple valves, so I can use it on my wife's bike that has a different type.  Has no idea there was a new type of valve for bikes     Not sure why they needed something special.

[Fl0und3rz]

Is it presta valve or some other new non-Schrader valve type?  If it is a presta valve, I find them preferable for bikes. You can get an adapter that adapts the presta valve for Schrader valve pumps for a few dollars.  It is a good thing to have in your bike bag, as you never know when or where you will be with a presta valve tube and only a Schrader valve pump.

[bracer40]

More than a few pumps have the ability to work with both valve types. They simply need the seat of the pump (where the pump meets the valve)reversed.

[Fl0und3rz]

Good point.

[KFhunter]

Oh man my legs and backside are trashed, and sadly, embarrassingly, it didn't take long to do it 


I can't do treadmills and stationary bikes (bored) but I enjoyed my ride in the mud and snow, glad I got a big tired bike I was still leaving ruts. 


next time I need a seat cover for my truck, I mudded the seat and didn't even think about it until I had already sat down 

I want fenders for the bike too


Oh and a positive note, no numbness in the dangles, just saddle sore in the proper areas.
Oh and the dog loves the bike too, just her speed and she didn't even get in the way, too much 

[bracer40]

There are clip on fenders available to help prevent the dreaded skunk stripe of mud up ones backside. They’re not as effective as full coverage ones, BUT, they’re easily installed and removed in a minute or so. Full fenders can require some engineering and fab skills depending on the make and the bike.

[KFhunter]

I think I've got a plan 


Once I get it done I'll snap a pic or two

[erk444]

Hey KF, where'd you get your bike at and how long is the sale going on?

[KFhunter]

I got it at Clark's All Sports in Colville WA.  "Danny" is their bike guy and he's a good guy.