Saddle Sores

[bikerHen]

Help! I think I got em! In that delicate crouch/leg junction on the right side only.

My question is, and I know this sounds odd, are they caused by the bicycle seat or my seat? I have on trial a Terry Butterfly saddle and it has been great. It has elimated the 20 mile numbness and over all feels good. So could the saddle sores simple be the effects of riding more miles on a new bike and in a different position? Or the style of the seat? Or is it adjustment? I know I'm still slipping foward abit and an still working out the adjustment issues. Any suggestion? bikerHen

[Pedal Wench]

I had bad problems with them a while ago. Shortly after, I was also having saddle issues too, and I never connected the two. So, I did all of the usual - got out of my shorts as soon as possible (although it was usually about 40 minutes after my ride, after I drove home) washed shorts before wearing again - in the machine because I wondered if handwashing was doing the trick, showering as soon as possible and staying as dry after - used baby powder (with cornstarch, NOT talc) and went commando, if possible. I also religiously use A&D zinc-oxide cream in the problem area before I ride. I don't know if I need to do this, but since I've started, I haven't had an issue.
I used acne cream to clear up the ones I had when I was having this problem.

[KkAllez]

Do you use Chamois Butt'r? That will help your skin slip instead of stick to the shorts. I never wear anything under my biking shorts. (If I am having a period I use The Keeper).

It must be a really funny site when I garb up. I squeeze a liberal amount of Chamois Butt'r on my shorts and spread that around. Then put a little directly on the crouch/leg junction. Then slide the shorts up and say, "Oh GAG!" and make all sorts of funny faces until it warms up because that cold, slimy feeling just drives me nuts. However, I've not had any sores since. It is just that initial putting on of the shorts that makes me feel icky.

If you are sliding on the seat at least your shorts and skin won't tug on each other.

[Tess851]

hi.

I've found a couple of things can led to potential saddle sores, other than keeping shorts etc hygenic. Body position on the bike - if my hips are out and I'm sitting a little lopsided then that will irritate a particular point, and it becomes more noticable if I do strength endurance work (l-o-n-g slow climbs staying in the seat).

Different chamois designs also seem to affect slightly different areas or sides of my sit bone areas.

My solutions are: wash cycle clothing with an antibacterial rinse; get regular adjustments eg chiropractic, osteopath, remedial massage etc; if an area is getting irritated, apply an antibacterial solution regularly, and try not to wear clothing (underwear included) that irritates the area. If all else fails, a few days off the bike can help.

It's interesting to note that I've never found any difference with seats. I would recommend getting yourself set up properly on the bike, regardless of saddle sores or not, and irrespective of how much or what sort of riding you do. It's really important to have the right fit and make sure your body is working well on the bike.

What I dislike more than saddle sores, are seams in cycle shorts. I've tried a number of brands, but have yet to find one that doesn't have a seam in a very non-friendly place! Any suggestions?

[poison tumac]

I just recently got Craft's high end short, and it has no seams and felt great for me after 5 hours in the saddle. The inseam is longer so the shorts don't ride up on you. The only downside is a lower tanline, which I wil gladly trade for comfort. Assos makes a womans short that is pretty comfy, but don't bother with the Castelli YPros, they're way too expensive for the quality. The chamois is too thin for long rides and they have nasty seams. I ordered the Descente bib shorts today so I'll see how those work out. I tend to like the bibshorts more for longer rides, even though they make bathroom stops take a bit longer. So far my favorite has been the Craft.

[neuroticcyclist]

The tips on cleaning and chamois varieties and chamois butter (or simply vaseline!!) work. Add me to the list of the seat not making the difference. For me, same seat is good or truly evil depending on position. If I am not on my fitted bike (yes, I am spoiled) and take my seat and pedals for a rental on a trip, it can be the greatest bike in the world but if the seat position is off, PRESTO the sores reappear. Get a proper fitting and it may we start clearning up!