chaffed lady bits! which shorts?

[beckybiker]

Hi all

Am sure this has been done a million times but can't find any threads!

I'm new to road biking and am really enjoying it. However, am really suffering with chaffed labia! (decided to just come right out and say it!)

I've bought some shorts off ebay but they were just cheap ones and man in bike shop has suggested that I invest in some decent ones.

So my question is:
A) is this a common problem? I'm guessing it is!
b) any recommendations for good shorts, brands?
c) shopman suggested cycling butter/vaseline on my bits before I ride - anyone tried this? does it work?

Any advice, experience would be very welcome.

(if it makes any difference, I'm riding 10/12 miles x 4 times a week on a road bike on a ladies gel saddle but still having problems!)

[Biciclista]

Gel saddles can have the effect of your soft tissues having a worse time because your bones dent the gel and your soft tissues bear the consequences.
Have you tried a lubricating material? yes, it can help A LOT.

also, is your saddle too high?

[sarahspins]

I'd definitely try some sort of lube before you puzzle out any other factors... it's probably the simplest thing to try, and if that works, then you're good). Chamois Butt'r or similar is relatively cheap, compared to buying good shorts or another saddle.

Since you're doing fairly short rides... my second thought would be that it's your saddle, not the shorts. I could do 12 miles without bike shorts on without a problem... but before I had the "right" saddle for me, I was in agony within just a few miles.

If you can figure out if you're truly dealing with chafing (from rubbing and lack of lube) or it's actually your lady parts getting smashed, that could be helpful.

[lph]

At any rate I would recommend that you spring for at least one pair of good quality bike shorts. Have a look at what TE carries - you don't need the absolutely top-notch Assos ones, but good bike shorts are quite pricey - and worth every penny. Make sure you get a pair that fits well, they should be so snug that the chamois cannot smoosh around or bunch up. If this means that the leg or waist openings bind, you need another brand with another type of fit.

Do a search here on "favourite shorts", but bear in mind that we have all kinds of body types here and will have different favourites. By all accounts TE gives excellent customer service, so try giving them a call.

[PamNY]

You should read all the threads about saddle fitting. It's a bit tedious to sort through, but you need to know the information, and it can make a big difference.

Once you truly understand (and feel) what it means for the saddle to properly support your sit bones, you can find one that suits you. If your bones are properly supported, your soft tissue will be much happier.

You may then have to adjust the saddle repeatedly to get everything perfect, but it's worth the effort.

[Irulan]

although not everyone does it, the recommendation is to go commando under bike shorts. For many of us it makes a huge difference.