San Diego Newbie! Chafing Question??

[drewkari]

Hi All!

I'm a newbie in San Diego! Just picked up my Jamis Xenith Comp Femme (hubby got a Comp too)

I'm sure this question has been asked a million times!! We've been on a couple rides...not super long distances, about 10 miles. I do have the correct bike shorts and am not wearing underwear, but I am getting chafing/raw/bleeding in my soft tissue . I had the bike professionally fit to me and am being aware of my body position while riding.

Is there extra padding I should get? Should I consider getting a different saddle? Any other ideas?

Thanks so much!!

[Ninabike]

You should not be having those problems. Do you have a good chamois in your shorts? Use lubricant like Chamois Butt'r or several others on the market. Also, you can use some over-the-counter antibiotic ointment like Bacitracin together with Chamois Butt'r. The most important thing is you probably need a saddle with a cutout.

[drewkari]

The most important thing is you probably need a saddle with a cutout.

Do you have one that you recommend?

[Kalidurga]

This has been mentioned before in similar threads, but either shaving or a close trim can also help. I notice a huge reduction in chafing when I *ahem* mow the lawn. If your condition is as severe as it sounds, that could also assist with treating and healing, in that it could help to reduce sweat and bacteria in that area.

As for a cutout saddle, it probably depends on what sort of riding you intend to do. Saddles vary from big cushy comfort models to thin, practically non-existent racing models. Are you planning to ride your Xenith for fun and recreation, or do you intend to work up to long distances &/or racing? That'll have a lot of influence on your saddle choice.

[drewkari]

As for a cutout saddle, it probably depends on what sort of riding you intend to do. Saddles vary from big cushy comfort models to thin, practically non-existent racing models. Are you planning to ride your Xenith for fun and recreation, or do you intend to work up to long distances &/or racing? That'll have a lot of influence on your saddle choice.

I am riding for fun/exercise, but it will eventually be long distances.

[Ninabike]

If you check out the "Saddles" treads, you will see many posts regarding preferences for saddles. A softer, saddle is not necessarily better in the long run. The softer the saddle, the more the saddle material squishes up into your soft tissue. What you want is a saddle that your "sit bones" (ishial tuberosities) fit properly onto without impacting your soft tissue. Some people prefer a cutout which relieves pressure in the frontal area. Other people do not. Personally, I like the Specialized Jett (size 143 for me). The sit bone area of that saddle is hard, but there is no pressure on the soft tissue. By the same token, there are others on this board who can't stand the Jett. Each person has to find what works for them. Don't be surprised if you go through multiple saddles. A good fitting is also a must, as the angle of your body on the saddle, affected by reach, etc. has a lot to do with saddle comfort.

[Biciclista]

also, if the bike is not fitting you properly, the BEST saddle would cause chafing. Make sure that the saddle is positioned in the best place for you and that the bike is not too big.

[obesa50]

Hi!
Had the same problem and found extra padding is not what I needed. I tried the Terry Butterfly and had major numbness in my soft tissues. A friend told me about the Specialized Jett saddle and it's been heaven! Less padding and large cutout was the way to go for me.

[drewkari]

Hi!
Had the same problem and found extra padding is not what I needed. I tried the Terry Butterfly and had major numbness in my soft tissues. A friend told me about the Specialized Jett saddle and it's been heaven! Less padding and large cutout was the way to go for me.

Thanks for the info...I'm going to try the butterfly but I can return it if i don't like it. I'll keep this one in mind

[drewkari]

Hi!
Had the same problem and found extra padding is not what I needed. I tried the Terry Butterfly and had major numbness in my soft tissues. A friend told me about the Specialized Jett saddle and it's been heaven! Less padding and large cutout was the way to go for me.

Where did you get your specialized saddle?

[ladyicon]

you can buy a Specialized saddle at B&L bikes, down by the sports arena area, or at Black Mountain Bicycles http://blackmountainbicycles.com/
which is up near Mira Mesa. They are the only 2 stores in the area that sell Specialized.
I live where the 94 and 805 meet. I work in San Carlos.

[drewkari]

Got my butterfly installed and did a short ride yesterday to try it out...SO much better! No chaffing which was a welcome relief!!