Saddle soreness solutions.

[Globalti]

So deep bruising pain in the saddle area? What about a picture of the bike and saddle?

If the pain is in your ischeal bones or sit bones you need a different shape of saddle. If it is in the perineal area, the soft tissue between the legs, you probably need to change the saddle angle so that more weight is taken on the sit bones. If it is a sore anal area, something is rubbing, which usually means the saddle is too high and you're rocking your pelvis or you are getting sweaty, which is irritating the sensitive mucosa.

If it's just general bruised feeling and sensitivity, take heart because every new cyclist suffers in this way until the body becomes accustomed.

You are wearing the cycling shorts next to the skin, aren't you? Don't make the mistake of fitting a gel saddle or buying shorts with a gel pad, this will definitely not help at all because you will sink in and transfer weight to bits that aren't designed to support your weight. You need a firm, well-shaped saddle and quite firm pad in your shorts that has enough stiffness to prevent it from rucking up.

 

[fossyant]

What sort of pain ? If it's sit bone than can be your saddle isn't right for your ar$e.

Chaffing can be common caused by crap shorts. Also common are yeast infections of the skin (jock itch) which can be cured quickly with athlete's foot cream !

I don't buy the Assos marketing crap. Buy decent shorts - aka anything £30-£50 range. Not £200 ones ? Yuo are better off with a few pairs of good shorts than one rip off one.

You need to identify the cause, and splashing cash on a pair of shorts won't fix many issues. Did the issues start when you changed the saddle ?

 

[Skipper]

I ride a hybrid,and pretty vigourously too. As a consequence I spend only half the time in the saddle, and the other half standing on the pedals giving it some welly. I find it easier to push up the hills, or into the wind. It might be the wrong tactic, but it's how I've always cycled. Result is no saddle soreness .....tired legs, but my arse is fine!

 

[Marshmallow_Fluff]

Pretty much what the others already said.. In terms of saddles, there is more than just the right size for you. It's also about choosing the right type (that more or less has to do with your pelvic rotation when cycling). Also, apart from choosing a very good brand for your bibs/shorts/tights, you should be checking the different types of padding (different for short, short/medium, medium, medium/long and long rides).

 

[Spoked Wheels]

I'd probably keep away from soft gel saddles. Before I got a brooks saddle I got myself a gel saddle, that was painful!!!

 

[PK99]

Hi,

I've tried everything for my saddle soreness: chamois cream, new saddle, bike fitting, 'proper gear'.
Nothing has worked so I have to bite the bullet and spend some serious money. I have been advised to get assos tights.
The offer on the websites is bewildering. Can anyone name a specific product that is assos winter bib tight?
Also, I have been told to get a reskin patch? Can anyobe recommend website where I could purchase same?

Thanks in advance,
M.S.

Without wishing to seem indelicate or inappropriate, do you wear underwear? Commando is the only way.

Sudocreme works for me. Smear it on the bits not on the pad.

 

[User6179]

quote="PK99, post: 2780082, member: 5701"]Without wishing to seem indelicate or inappropriate, do you wear underwear? Commando is the only way.

Sudocreme works for me. Smear it on the bits not on the pad.[/quote]

Commando is not the only way , I wear a liner under my padded shorts or bib tights , I have never needed to use any type of cream , millage for this year is nearly 9000 miles and no chaffing whatsoever and I use a seat with more padding than normal that would chaff my thighs if I never wore the liner .

A lot of walkers use a liner sock which prevents any friction from the outer sock reaching the skin , a cycle liner does the same

 

[Buzzinonbikes]

Push harder and sit down less

 

[Marshmallow_Fluff]

quote="PK99, post: 2780082, member: 5701"]Without wishing to seem indelicate or inappropriate, do you wear underwear? Commando is the only way.

Sudocreme works for me. Smear it on the bits not on the pad.

Commando is not the only way , I wear a liner under my padded shorts or bib tights , I have never needed to use any type of cream , millage for this year is nearly 9000 miles and no chaffing whatsoever and I use a seat with more padding than normal that would chaff my thighs if I never wore the liner .

A lot of walkers use a liner sock which prevents any friction from the outer sock reaching the skin , a cycle liner does the same

If it's working for you then I suppose... it's working!! However, padded bibs/shorts/tights are designed for a reason and that reason does not involve any liners. They are designed for 'commando' and your liner might not create friction, but it prevents from appreciating the benefit of a very good quality chamois.

 

[vickster]

If you want to buy Assos shorts, buy Assos shorts, they are possibly worth £200 a pair, generally people who have them are positive (well I guess they would have to be at that price)...however, they are designed for skinnier folk as far as I can tell (and very creepy models)

 

[wait4me]

Without wishing to seem indelicate or inappropriate, do you wear underwear? Commando is the only way.

Sudocreme works for me. Smear it on the bits not on the pad.

Yep me as well

 

[User6179]

If it's working for you then I suppose... it's working!! However, padded bibs/shorts/tights are designed for a reason and that reason does not involve any liners. They are designed for 'commando' and your liner might not create friction, but it prevents from appreciating the benefit of a very good quality chamois.

Did a lot of miles with just padded shorts and my thighs would chaff so I tryed a liner and no more chaffing , I get about 5000 miles out of the liner before 2 big holes appear on the inner thigh , I dont need cream and dont need to stay off the bike because of any soreness , did 450 miles in a week in the summer and was fine

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

If you want to buy Assos shorts, buy Assos shorts, they are possibly worth £200 a pair, generally people who have them are positive (well I guess they would have to be at that price)...however, they are designed for skinnier folk as far as I can tell (and very creepy models)

there's nothing wrong with the female model... not too sure about the male model though.... and yes, they are worth it and thankfully the kits lasts for years and years if looked after.

 

[Marshmallow_Fluff]

Did a lot of miles with just padded shorts and my thighs would chaff so I tryed a liner and no more chaffing , I get about 5000 miles out of the liner before 2 big holes appear on the inner thigh , I dont need cream and dont need to stay off the bike because of any soreness , did 450 miles in a week in the summer and was fine

As I said, cycling -like most things- is about finding what works for you!! There is no right or wrong...

 

[ufkacbln]