BIKE COMFORT?¿?

[chrisx]

What makes a bike comfortable to ride for 10 hours on trails?  we all know about bike fits and getting one the right size.  What frame geometry makes a bike more comfortable after 10 hours on a trail.  Does a longer top tube, or a higher bb make a bike more comfortable?  Would a 26 inch handle bar be more comfortable  than a 24?  Would 140 mm suspension fork with a slacker  68 degree angle be more comfortable than a 100 mm fork with a more straight up and down 71 degree angle?

[annoying crack]

What makes a bike comfortable to ride for 10 hours on trails?

I think that accepting that there will always be some degree of discomfort after 10 hours in the saddle is the first step to being more comfortable on the bike.

[nick]

I think that accepting that there will always be some degree of discomfort after 10 hours in the saddle is the first step to being more comfortable on the bike.

I second that. Nothing is comfortable after 10hrs, even sitting on a plush couch...

[paxton coyote]

my Salsa Fargo comes very close!!!

[chrisx]

I second that. Nothing is comfortable after 10hrs, even sitting on a plush couch...

yes,  

I had 2 bikes of nearly the same measurements. 28 inches from top center of seat post to center of handle bars.  Same seat tube and head tube angle.  One had a longer top tube and a shorter stem. One had 170 mm crank arm, the other 175. Both steel frames.   At first glance I would expect  a very similar ride.  No.

The more comfortable older bike I rode 40 - 80 miles a day 5 days a week, because I enjoyed riding my bike.  When the frame cracked I started riding the newer much more expensive bike.   Now I don't ride 5 days a week, and the mileage is less.  Long rides became a little more chore like.

I plan to buy a frame in a few months.  I want to switch from single speed to 1 by 9, and back again.  And from front suspension to ridged.  Rear suspension looks good, but I fear a break down.  This time: I want to think before I buy and get a comfortable bike.

[nick]

well I had a steel frame and switched to a TI (custom built). TI hardtails in my eyes, are as close as you can get to suspension comfort. My bike just feels so good, it extremely comfy; but after +10hrs, my body hurts anyway!

[mattyp]

there were a couple things i found that i didn't expect when i did long days this summer on tour.  the first was pain in my feet over my pedals; shimano xtr 980; i think the small platform, mixed with older shoes that might have been very stiff anymore cause some pressure that i didn't feel even after 5 hour rides.  so either stiffer shoes or a larger platform.  the other was hand pain, even with ergon's and bar ends; just having weight on your hands for that long was tough.  i don't know what to do about that, but luckily no numbness which would have been worse.  aero bars are great if you have paved or gravel section;  not so good if it is all singletrack.  maybe drop bars like a fargo would be better too; at least a few more hand positions.

i think a saddle, no matter how good it is after 10+ hours is going to suck. 

frame fit is key, i had no back pain while riding 10-14 hours each day for 5 days.  also had no neck pain; i think both those can really make a ride bad.  the other stuff was fine and not so bad that it distracted from the ride just things i might do different.

[Rockin]

For me, a more upright riding position increases comfort.  I also like handlebars that facilitate multiple hand positions. 

[sub-xero]

I think this cannot be answered in general. I think the appropriate geometry and the right saddle play the most important part. Whether you like to sit more upright or more "sportive" is a matter of personal taste. It also depends on which tracks you plan to drive. Mostly the route determines what kind of bike/position you have to choose.

I think there's no better answer than: Make sure the conditions are right (geometry, saddle) and then try it.

[Thumby]

For me, one biggie is having a primary handlebar position that is at least as high as the saddle.  Next, having multiple comfortable positions on the bar.  Bonus, aerobar for a high tuck that gives your hands/wrists a complete rest.  Saddle, part 1: Love it.  Part 2: Tweak its position over weeks/months til you feel like it melts right into you.  There is no room for butt discomfort on 2 hr rides, it will kill you beyond 6.