Radiation and Cycle shorts

[FLN333]

I will be undergoing radiation in the pelvic area and was told I may be sore in the area that meets the saddle and that I should get a good pair of cycle shorts. Any suggestions?

[emily_in_nc]

Everyone here has their favorites, but I would personally try Pearl Izumi or Sugoi. Team Estrogen, the sponsor of this forum, carries a zillion styles and brands. Take a look at what they have to offer, and if you have questions, give them a call. Their customer service is top-notch!

[OakLeaf]

It's so personal. The only constant is FIT. It doesn't matter how "good" a chamois is, if it doesn't conform to your body, it's going to give you trouble. So try on lots of shorts. TE has a great return policy, if you don't have a local bike shop that stocks much women's apparel.

My personal favorite are the Louis Garneau Neo Power (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodLG_1050369.html), with Castelli Provocante (http://www.amazon.com/Castelli-Provocante-Short-Womens/dp/B003AQQF3M) a close second. Both of them have a chamois with a smooth surface, not too thick, and they conform really well.

I do NOT like the one pair of Pearl Izumi shorts that I have, sorry I don't know the model name - the chamois is thick, stiff and diaper-like with a woven cover.

Besides a pair of shorts that fits you really well, I'd expect you almost certainly want to use a lubricant. You'll want to read the ingredients lists and be really careful of ingredients that (1) can irritate skin and/or (2) could trigger a recurrence of what you're being treated for. I use pure shea butter. Besides being really safe, for me, it's also the most effective lubricant I've ever used in decades of riding.