Why Your Butt Hurts When Riding Your Bicycle 

Arguably, one of the most common complaints cyclists make about riding their bike is a sore backside. Casual riders, weekend warriors and veteran cyclists have all at some point experienced some form of pain on their rear end from riding their bike. Whether it’s a bike path to work or an epic day in the saddle riding scenic tarmac... saddle pain can be a deterrent for keeping riders on their bike. 

There are a few different types of discomfort riders feel, and identifying the specific kind can help narrow down the fix: 

Sit Bone Soreness 

That deep, bruised feeling under your butt cheeks after a ride? That usually comes from pressure on your sit bones—the bony parts that connect your pelvis to the saddle. It can feel like you've been sitting on a rock all day and can be rather painful if you plan on riding multiples days in a row. 

Chafing or Skin Irritation 

If the pain feels more like a rash, burning, or rawness, it might be from too much rubbing and friction—especially in warmer weather or longer rides. 

Lower Back or Tailbone Discomfort 

Sometimes your seat isn’t the direct problem. If you feel discomfort that radiates from your lower back or tailbone while riding, the real culprit may be from the rough roads or surfaces causing vibrations to travel up from the surface through your bike into body.

Do I Need a Different Saddle to Fix the Pain? 

It’s a fair question. When your seat hurts, it makes sense to think the solution is a new seat. And sometimes, it is. There are great saddles designed to fit different riding styles, body types, and flexibility levels. (Honestly, finding the right saddle could be an entire article in itself) 

But here's something most riders don’t realize: The pain you're feeling might not be from the saddle at all. 

Many riders upgrade to a more cushioned or ergonomic seat only to find they still feel sore after riding. That’s because the issue isn’t always pressure—it’s impact. Every bump in the road, crack in the sidewalk, or pothole sends a jolt straight through your frame and into your spine. A saddle can’t absorb those forces—but a suspension seatpost can.

Photo: Cane Creek Thudbuster suspension seatpost.

How to Isolate the Issue 

Before you spend money replacing your seat or buying a nice chamois (those padded shorts you see cyclists wearing) it’s worth taking a few steps to figure out what’s really going on. 

• Check your tire pressure – Overinflated tires can make your ride feel extra harsh, transmitting more road shock into your body. 
• Adjust your saddle position – If your saddle is tilted too far forward or backward, or is set too high, it can cause unwanted pressure. 
• Do a short ride with a chamois (padded shorts) – If that solves the issue, friction is likely your main enemy. 
• Pay attention to when pain kicks in – If it’s almost immediate on a bumpy trail or gravel road, that points to vibration and impact forces. 

Prevention: A More Comfortable Ride Starts with Better Support 

If you’re riding a recreational bike, hybrid, or comfort cruiser—and especially if you're an older rider or someone returning to cycling after a break—comfort should be your top priority. 

Good posture, a relaxed upper body, and a smooth ride make a huge difference in how long (and how far) you can go without feeling beat up. That’s why the best time to address discomfort is before it becomes painful. 

Solutions 

1. Thudbuster Suspension Seatpost 

This is the solution most riders don’t know they’re missing. 

The Thudbuster is a suspension seatpost—think of it like shock absorbers for your backside (see it in action in the video above). It installs in place of your current seatpost and flexes just enough to absorb the bumps and vibrations that make your ride rough. 

Whether you're riding paved roads, gravel, or light trails, the Thudbuster helps eliminate the jarring impacts that normal seats (and even padded ones) can’t prevent. It’s ideal for: 

• Older riders looking for back and joint relief 
• Recreational cyclists tired of soreness after every ride 
• Bike commuters who want a smoother ride 
• Anyone upgrading comfort without overhauling their whole bike 

Unlike cheap suspension posts that bounce like pogo sticks, the Thudbuster is engineered for controlled, consistent comfort—no bounce, just smooth travel. 

2. A Better-Fitting or More Cushioned Saddle 

Yes, saddle shape and size matter. Saddles that match your sit bone width and riding style reduce pressure and numbness. Look for saddles with a center relief channel or ergonomic design. 

3. Clothing, Position Tweaks, and Bike Fit 

Sometimes small adjustments make a big difference: 

• Swap in a chamois (padded shorts) for longer rides 
• Loosen your grip and arms—tense upper bodies can transfer more shock 
• Consider a professional bike fit if you ride regularly. Body position on the bike could go a long way in improving the way your body feels on and after your ride.  

Ready to Ride Longer—And More Comfortably? 

If you’re tired of saddle soreness, back pain, or just not enjoying the ride like you used to, don’t give up. Comfort on a bike isn’t a luxury—it’s what makes riding sustainable. 

The Thudbuster Suspension Seatpost can transform the way your bike feels—giving you confidence to ride farther, longer, and with less pain. 

Want to ride longer and more comfortably? Shop the Thudbuster Suspension Seatpost today.