Ouch!! Saddle problems?

Hello gals. I'm new to this forum, so not sure where/who to post this question:

I've ridden quite a bit this summer, and last. I keep developing "follicular cysts" on my oh-so-sensitive areas. Not sores on the outside, but really hard bumps that grow and really hurt, and make riding not so fun. I had to have them removed and stitched up a couple weeks ago, then went on a tour and now they're back on one side. It's kind of like an ingrown hair that just keeps getting bigger and they get very painful when I ride, or even wear underwear.

I've been told it's my saddle, and I tend to agree. I have a Dolce gel seat. I was told it's much better to ride on a hard saddle, and that the only thing that should be sore are my sitz bones.

I'm looking for some help. Any ladies out there exeriencing anything like this? Any recommendations for saddles? Or am I sitting too long, spinning too long? How about shorts/chamois? What can I do to stop these debilitating lumps? (not to mention, disfiguring) Would a butt lube help?

I do lots of touring-about five weeks' worth each summer, each day averaging 80 miles, so I'm in the saddle a lot. I have a 400 mile tour beginning next Saturday, and I'd love to have this problem solved before I begin. I plan to stay off my bike this week.

check out the two saddle areas of TE

most hated saddles;

favorite saddles


I have heard from others that gel saddles are problematic. and by the way; welcome to TE.
go over to the new rider forum and introduce yourself!

Hi Rosebud,

I was getting sores similar to that and discovered that my saddle was too narrow (though adequately hard), so I as putting pressure on the inner parts of my pelvis instead of fully on my sit bones. Not sure if that could be a contributing factor for you, but it's possible. There are bike shops that can measure your sit bones on a butt-o-meter, but I did mine at home on a yoga mat. Your saddle should be a couple of cm wider than your sitbone measurement to properly support you. And yes, a little harder is usually better. I have heard the Dolce is pretty squishy. Changing saddles right before a significant tour might be kinda rough too. The harder saddles will take some time for your sitbones to toughen up.

Good luck! There's nothing more miserable than saddle sores. :(

Emily