Issues, Issues, Issues...

[jcorbiser]

Today I went out for a ride, and experienced some VERY unpleasant "bits" pain. I just bought some new Santini twist Gel bibs--this was their maiden voyage...I'm thinking Titanic. I had a small amount of chafing in the sit bones area and a nasty burning sensation in the girly parts, which I am still experiencing post ride. I have been wearing Giordana Laser bibs all summer and not experienced any issues. I did recently switch out my stem for a smaller one to try and alleviate some shoulder and neck pain. I have had my bike professionally fit several times in the last couple of months, switched saddles (helped ALOT), etc.

My question is could this are the shorts the culprit? Is my body just readjusting to the new stem? Should I suck it up and move on?

[redrhodie]

Sounds like it's the shorts to me, maiden voyage and all. Maybe you can exchange them?

[SouthernBelle]

Around here, we swear by teatree oil cream to alleviate those symptoms.

If the shorts are the only recent change, sounds logical to blame them. Try a ride first in your comfy shorts to make sure it's not the change in setup.

[annie]

If the shorts were the only totally new change made, it seems logical to think they could be the problem. The gel sounds like it would be comfy, but I know I've never had luck with any kind of gel, be it in the saddle or the short. If you try them again on another ride and the same problem occurs, I hope you will be able to return them.

Annie

[KnottedYet]

I vote for the shorts, too.

(or, vote against the shorts?)

Blame it on the shorts! If other shorts don't do it to ya, blame the shorts!

[Starfish]

Ugh, I had one pair of gel shorts, one time. Yuck! Pressure, pressure, everywhere! Gave them away.

[jcorbiser]

Thanks everyone! I think I will try the teatree cream, which I assume goes on like chamois cream? The bibs may fall into one of those "oh well" categories. Too bad really, suppose to be one of the best bibs for men and women. The gel isn't thick at all..nice chamois. I never do well with anything thick...there must be something about these that just aren't right..

[SouthernBelle]

I use the cream on me, not the chamois. Also very nice after ride.

[PinkBike]

dont throw the bibs out yet, the stem adjustment also makes a real difference. when your "bits" are feeling better try riding in your giordana's.