Wicked Early Season Chafing Need Help

[ChainsOflove]

On the new road bike I have a terry butterfly, which has done wonders to relieve the pressure, but now I have some wicked chafing happening.

can't tell if its the seat or the shorts. Just painful red spots between my legs and in the crease after I ride.

Advice please???!!!!

[jobob]

As my rides started to hit the 50+ mark and the days started getting warmer out here, I began to notice some chafing - nothing bad, but I figured it could get bad very quickly if I didn't do something soon.

So I tried Chamois Butt'r - I applied it directly to my shorts, smoothing it around the thigh crease and upper inside leg area. I didn't put any directly on me, just in my shorts.

I've only been using it for a few weeks, but so far, it's worked like a charm - I've experienced no chafing, and it's not as messy as I had feared, it sort of absorbs into the chamois lining and cleans up easily.

- Jo.

[AnnieB]

After a 300 mile - 4 day AIDS ride 2 years ago I developed the dreaded saddle sore - after that healed it was (is) a constant battle to keep things under control. I found that my problem initially was the shorts - and not the seams on the chamois BUT the seam on the leg where the chamois was stitched on the short.

I found that the only shorts that work are the Performance bike (gel) one with the soft edges. I just bought a pair of their new ultra shorts and look forward to trying them out - (see link)

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/....cfm?SKU=18521

That being said, I have tried it all - Chamois Butt'r, Bag Balm, etc etc...the best thing that works for me - and lasts - it Body Glide. It is not as thick or gooey as the others but seems to stay put. You can also buy the travel size for your seat pack and reapply if needed on the ride (need to be a bit brave for this esp with a group of guys).

And the saddle - I have a Terry Butterfly that I rode used last year and have a men's WTB Rocket on order. The Terry Butterfly just does not cut it (maybe another Terry some other time) - I am petite, no hips, narrow pelvis so I guess it is time to try a mens saddle. I spoke with the local bike shop guy and he says it is really hit and miss with saddles (which was not very encouraging )- and to keep trying. He also recommended that I look for a saddle with thigh glides like the fizik or the wtb that I ordered. A good site to compare saddle -

http://www.xoomgear.com

this is the only time I wish I was a man - they have problems as well but it does not seem to be as bad!

good luck!

[grannydea]

I have used Chamois Butt'r for 3 year when the daily milage goes over 30 miles with 150-200 weekly totals and have had great luck with it, but this spring I gave bag balm for the first time after reading different threads on this site and I think it works better than the chamois butt'r (and is way cheeper) that said I think any ride that goes over an hour there is a must use something need to be addressed. So give it all a try and use what works best for you. But do give bag balm a try. I know it works wonders for diaper rash. Hears to a comfy back side.
Dea

[ChainsOflove]

I guess I'll try one of those creams.

How do they work? They make the fabric sticky so it won't move against the skin?

I've determined its definitely the shorts. I noticed the big red spots follow the outline of the chamois stitching.

[snapdragen]

I think the creams work by letting the fabric slide without irritating your skin.

What kind of shorts are you using? I had a pair of Shebeest knickers that actually cut me with the edge of the chamois. It turns out there were a batch of bad pads or something - Shebeest replaced them free of charge. ( I belive the TE powers had a hand in getting this done....)

Originally posted by ChainsOflove
I guess I'll try one of those creams.

How do they work? They make the fabric sticky so it won't move against the skin?

I've determined its definitely the shorts. I noticed the big red spots follow the outline of the chamois stitching.

[Veronica]

I had the same thing happen with a pair of Shebeest. (TE did take care of it for me.) The experience was so painful, it kind of soured me on the whole line of clothing and I have not purchased anything else from Shebeest.

Veronica

[snapdragen]

Originally posted by Veronica
I had the same thing happen with a pair of Shebeest. (TE did take care of it for me.) The experience was so painful, it kind of soured me on the whole line of clothing and I have not purchased anything else from Shebeest.

Veronica

I know what you mean, I had a big 'ol 2x4 bandaid on my rearend where the cut was, right where your underwear ends! I asked Shebeest to send a jersey instead, but I still got new knickers. I actually like them now that they're not lethal!

[kelrunran]

Maybe I should try a product like this. I got a new Specialized Allez - which I love and I actually like the saddle. My sit-bones seem to line up great. Had a Terri-Butterfly on my old bike but I actually do like this saddle. However, in all of my bike shorts I feel like the saddle hits me just where there may be some stitching or something - I just can't totally figure it out. I figure it can't be all my shorts!

I think I am completely alligned on my saddle - bought new shorts last Friday and still I fee like I need to move or adjust my shorts.

I would appreciate any other ideas.

Kelly

[annie]

Kelly,

Maybe, even tho' your sit bones line up well with the new saddle, the saddle may be too wide and your legs may rub slightly on it as you pedal. I think that could cause the feeling that you are getting from your shorts. Womens' saddles are normally made wider than men's. Do you have a womens' specific saddle? I'm really just guessing here but it's the only thing I could come up with. If you figure it out, let us know, okay?

[ChainsOflove]

That's terrible re: the shebeest clothes. I don't like them but for a diff reason-- they don't make them big enough, the sizing is wicked small!

[kelrunran]

Annie,

After riding last night - I think you are totally right! The saddle is just a little too wide, although it's comfy!

I have a Terri Butterfly saddle that I had on my last road bike and I liked it as well. It's time to change saddles I'm afraid.

Thanks....Kelly

[annie]

AnnieB,

Have you found a saddle that works yet? For years, I used a mens' Selle Flite because I could not find a womens saddle that wasn't too wide. I really liked the Flite except for that hugely long nose it has......... Finally, I was able to find a couple womens' racing saddles that I like. Narrower than most womens' saddles AND withour the long nose. The first one I tried was a Serfas womens' racing saddle ( in blue - matched my bike at the time). Loved it, but it only lasted a season. I got another the next year, tho', 'cause it was so comfortable I decided it was worth the cost.

When I got my new bike, I thought I would at least try out the saddle that came on it, a Bontrager women's racing saddle. Surprised me greatly, but I loved it! And it is holding up better than the Serfas did so I am sticking with it.
It might be a tad wider than the Serfas was.......... so if you can, you might want to check out the Serfas first.

Just a couple of suggestions........ hope something works for you. It's annoying to have to try and ride in pain!!!