Help! Maybe friction issues

[Katina]

Ok, I bought my hybrid Trek almost 3 summers ago. I have lost a significant amount of weight. I started teaching spinning last summer and started to ride again this spring and having terrible issues with soft tissue and friction on the outside (pantyline area). I am in much discomfort after only riding 20-30 miles. My rides even slow because I am constantly shifting in the seat. I am supposed to be leaving in 3 weeks for a 5 day bike tour that does avg.65 a day and I don't know what to do?

Any suggestion as to whether it's my shorts or my saddle. For so long in spinning I don't wear the shorts to class.

Thank you for any help you can.
K

[Selkie]

What type of saddle are you using on your bike? Could be your saddle, so you might want to try out a few different ones to see which is most comfortable for you. You're wearing biking shorts w/chamois? Make sure they fit you right because if the chamois is moving around, it'll chafe you. Have you tried using chamois cream? I like Bag Balm---helped prevent some bad chafing in the coldest of the winter months.

[Katina]

I do use Chamois shorts, but no cream. My I can see when I look at them they they are wearing in that area quick. I am going to get new ones, but not ones with Chamois. I am plus sized (18) and I have tried 2 Woman Specific saddles and they seem to short.

[KnottedYet]

You said "pantyline area", so I'm gonna ask a dumb question. (please don't be offended)

Are you wearing panties with your chamois shorts?

[Katina]

No....I learned that lesson when I first started. I don't know if it's the saddle or what, but I just don't feel comfy on my Comfort hybrid anymore. I can see on the chamois where it is worn more than the other parts of my chamois. These are those plus size terry shorts. Not so good. Now I don't think I will buy the terry saddle.

[Duck on Wheels]

My $0.02 worth (which are worth less than those of more experienced riders) ...

I went saddle-shopping with my daughter last week. You'd be amazed at the difference between saddles! My "comfort" saddle doesn't feel so comfortable either any more, now that I've found a narrow one that fits my sit bones and isn't in the way of my inner thighs when pedalling. So I suggest you find a good bike shop where you can try some different saddles. It may be that the comfort seat is simply too wide. (I'm just looking for a bike now that deserves that saddle I found )

Also ... chamois is very different from garment to garment, so try some different shorts while you're at it and find one with a chamois that stays put, doesn't bunch up, and doesn't interfere with your spin motion. There ARE different +-sized shorts out there. I know, 'cuz I wear 'em too.

And finally, yes, chamois butter does help. I've got that on my shopping list now. I've been ok for short rides without, but I have a longer ride coming up and, thanks again to more experienced riders (that'd be you, Trek420), I know I'll need chamois butter for that one.