{"id":1180,"date":"2024-01-14T20:52:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-14T20:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/2design.co\/ebike\/built-for-comfort-not-speed\/"},"modified":"2026-05-10T22:26:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-10T21:26:16","slug":"built-for-comfort-not-speed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/2design.co\/ebike\/de\/built-for-comfort-not-speed\/","title":{"rendered":"Built for comfort, not speed"},"content":{"rendered":"

Built for comfort, not speed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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I am built for comfort, not speed, and so is my ebike. If you want to be comfortable on an ebike, then read on. I always believe that ebiking should be a fun, comfortable and happy experience. To do this, you need to be pain or ache-free. Here are a few things that I have learned since embarking on my ebike journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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My Scott ebike<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Built for comfort and speed!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Saddle for comfort<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When I got my first ebike, it came with a saddle that felt like sitting on a razor blade. My bottom has plenty of padding, but not in the right place for a bike saddle as it’s about your sit bones, not about the rest of the surrounding area. A narrow saddle is uncomfortable for anyone over the recommended BMI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A top tip if you want to sit down after an ebike trip is to buy a gel or foam-filled saddle. This will provide comfort and support to your bum. And avoid that horrible pain of a saddle that is too narrow. There are loads to choose from in your local bike shop or online. Make sure it’s right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There is a measuring system to get the right saddle size. Don’t go to all that trouble and expense only to find it’s not the right fit for your bum size. Being embarrassed about getting your bum measured is not as embarrassing as needing a rubber ring to sit comfortably at the dinner table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You should consider sitting on an ebike on day two and beyond. If you have pain or discomfort, then you will sit awkwardly and end up with back or neck pain. This is really unpleasant and could end your tour. Top Tip – get comfortable, and you will love ebiking even more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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These are my previous saddle and current saddle. Both are the same make SQ Lab, and I swear by them. This is the link to my current saddle: https:\/\/www.sq-lab.com\/en\/area-of-use\/e-bike\/sqlab-saddle-621-m-d-active-2-1.html<\/a> Great quality product that is worth every penny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Saddle\"<\/a>
SQ lab 621<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Current SQ lab saddle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\"Saddle<\/a>
SQ lab 621<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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SQ Lab – German engineering<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Chafing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Chafing is not the nicest subject to discuss, but it happens to everyone who rides a bike. If it isn’t dealt with quickly, it can be really uncomfortable and painful. It could ruin your day out or possibly stop a longer tour. I recommend “Sudocrem”, not just for chafing but for bites, sunburn, scrapes, cuts and bruises. It is an incredibly versatile nappy cream and something I would recommend always having with you. Any form of nappy cream will do; it should make your list to pack!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To avoid chafing in the first place, remember to dry yourself properly and ensure your clothes are clean and dry. I take three pairs of cycling shorts with me on a tour. That way, I ensure I have a clean pair each day and no chance of wearing damp shorts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Numb hands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The other issue I have sometimes is that my hands go numb, or I get pins and needles. To counteract this, I have handlebars with extra support on them and a side grip. The side grip comes in a variety of sizes, depending on your preference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I also have cycling gloves that have gel pads in them, and between those and my handlebars, it helps. It won’t solve it completely but go to your local bike shop if you constantly have issues. They can check your position in case that is the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Handlebars\"
Handlebars<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Correct position on your ebike<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Getting the right seat height is essential to your comfort and efficiency on an ebike. The rule of thumb: sitting on your bike with your pedal at ‘6 o’clock’, your leg should be more or less straight. The bike’s stem can be raised or lowered depending on whether you want a more upright or dynamic position. Have a look at my video on this; there are two videos if you go to my YouTube channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Your position is a personal preference, and your local bike shop can help with choosing the best position for you. I would urge everyone to get their ebike position checked by a professional. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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