Ladies cycling issue...advice please!

[ScotiaLass]

Feel free to move if this is in the wrong place.

Ladies, rather a delicate matter!
I've been doing quite a few miles recently. I wear lycra tights (no undies) and have a ladies seat (the cut out variety) and it's very comfortable.
I'm now having a few issues...I have developed a sore spot, it's very specific...forward of my sit bones but not right in amongst the 'machinery' (if that makes ANY sense what so ever!).
It feels like the type of soreness you get through rubbing (friction).
It gradually disappears over a few days but then comes back when I ride again.

I don't have the best lycra tights so am guessing because I'm doing more miles, it's causing irritation?
I have new undershorts on order from Tenn as I want to use baggy shorts rather than lycra as I feel more comfortable in them as I'm not a small lady!
I also have some sensory issues and really don't like wearing tight fitting clothing.

Advice please?

 

[Blue]

Chamois cream may sort that sore spot out.

Stand up on the pedals when going downhill etc to relieve pressure every 10-15mins to help with the sensory issues.

Both problems tend to ease as one gets more used to cycling.

 

[Blue]

Oh, do the shorts have a chamois pad? If not a woman specific padded short may help.

 

[ScotiaLass]

Hi Blue
yes they have a pad but it's like dense foam?
I'll get some cream (was thinking about that a few days ago) and see what happens when my Tenn stuff arrives.
If not, lady shorts it is!

 

[ASC1951]

Not just an issue for female cyclists. Rule one for any cycling discomfort 'in the nethers' is to check that your saddle is the right height, right fore and aft, and tilt. Rule two is to check handlebar height, although that usually produces discomfort in the arms and shoulders.
[For men the best saddle tilt is usually dead flat, but I think many women find a slight tilt better. Best height roughly = leg fully extended in normal cycling shoes with the heel on the pedal.]

 

[ScotiaLass]

Not just an issue for female cyclists. Rule one for any cycling discomfort 'in the nethers' is to check that your saddle is the right height, right fore and aft, and tilt. Rule two is to check handlebar height, although that usually produces discomfort in the arms and shoulders.
[For men the best saddle tilt is usually dead flat, but I think many women find a slight tilt better. Best height roughly = leg fully extended in normal cycling shoes with the heel on the pedal.]

Yeah, I've done all that and am comfortable with the set up - I know it's right for me as I have Arthritis in my spine and knees and I know they would scream if it wasn't
It's only since I've been doing a few more miles that this has happened.
I suppose it could be the seat tilt as well...

 

[welsh dragon]

Heh Mrs I have a full saddle and I also have a gel cover on top of that. I have tenn 3/4 length cycling shorts that I haven't tried yet, but hope to tomorrow. I don't get a sore spot
but things do tend to get numb. I am hoping that with the new shorts, it will solve the problem. Ill let you know.

 

[Blue]

Heh Mrs I have a full saddle and I also have a gel cover on top of that. I have tenn 3/4 length cycling shorts that I haven't tried yet, but hope to tomorrow. I don't get a sore spot
but things do tend to get numb. I am hoping that with the new shorts, it will solve the problem. Ill let you know.

Be careful with all that padding. Too soft a perch can cause the rider to move around and creates pinch points which will cause problems as you build the miles. There's a reason why good quality saddles are firm'ish'.

 

[welsh dragon]

Be careful with all that padding. Too soft a perch can cause the rider to move around and creates pinch points which will cause problems as you build the miles. There's a reason why good quality saddles are firm'ish'.

Thanks for that blue. If it causes problems, I can take it off fairly quickly.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Have you looked at the outside of your lycra. I have found (in the past) that I developed a wear point where I had similar issues and changing the saddle was the best option for me there. It may act as a guide to what is going on, so to speak. If the material shows wear or uneven rubbing/chaffing, dealing with it is important because that rub point which may have some bobbling of material will only make matters worse not better.

 

[ScotiaLass]

Have you looked at the outside of your lycra. I have found (in the past) that I developed a wear point where I had similar issues and changing the saddle was the best option for me there. It may act as a guide to what is going on, so to speak. If the material shows wear or uneven rubbing/chaffing, dealing with it is important because that rub point which may have some bobbling of material will only make matters worse not better.

No not looked at that but have had the tights for a while now.
Another thing to check

 

[ScotiaLass]

Heh Mrs I have a full saddle and I also have a gel cover on top of that. I have tenn 3/4 length cycling shorts that I haven't tried yet, but hope to tomorrow. I don't get a sore spot
but things do tend to get numb. I am hoping that with the new shorts, it will solve the problem. Ill let you know.

I had a gel cover ages ago but took it off when I got the new seat...it has the channels cut out for the lady parts and is very firm but very comfy. I've been using it since I re-started cycling.
Before I swopped it I was getting numbness....I don't now. It's just the chaffing thing

 

[coffeejo]

Make sure you're sitting correctly on your sit bones - I sometimes slouch which tips my weight forward, which in turn puts pressure on the tissue around the perineum that's not designed to bear weight.

I also find that if it's not as cold as I think it will be and am wearing too many layers, I sweat despite the lycra and that can also cause rubbing.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

If you have lost weight you might need a narrower saddle: not sure why, but happened to me.
Also with improved fitness you tend to pedal faster, thus friction causing more "issues". Tighter bottom clothing, a well kept ladies garden plus liberally applied Sudocream before the ride will fix it

 

[ScotiaLass]

If you have lost weight you might need a narrower saddle: not sure why, but happened to me.
Also with improved fitness you tend to pedal faster, thus friction causing more "issues". Tighter bottom clothing, a well kept ladies garden plus liberally applied Sudocream before the ride will fix it

Ah, that makes sense.
I've never had a huge butt...so not loads of padding there, it's all round my hips and stomach.
I am getting quicker, pedalling faster and going up hills more.
Lets just say the lady garden has no weeds...and I have sudocreme