a um, personal issue

[Nanci]

Hi Mmelindas,

You should set your seat height based on how much bend is in your knee- you want just a slight bend at the knee when your leg is fully extended.

If you are shifting side to side while pedaling, that's a sign that the seat is too high and you have to reach down with your leg.

Now with your kind of bike, I don't know how adjustable, front to back, the saddle is, but normally, when your pedals are horizontal, the forward leg should have the tibia straight up and down. You move the saddle forward or back to achieve this.

Nanci

[tatormc]

Check out this link about bike fit. http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/ Item D will explain the knee position based on saddle height.

[Brandi]

Hi all you sore tushy-no-more gals!

What is causing the raw tissue upper b_tt crack problem I've experienced in the past? I don't have any pain really, but when I get back and am feeling a little "achy" in my very lower back, it is a totally raw stripe of tissue right at the base of my spine where the bottom cheeks must be rubbing. High up, not on the female parts, but like the upper b_tt cheeks are rubbing raw against each other. But then I've never ridden more than 8 miles, so it maybe could be worse if I ever did.

I have an "elephant" large cushy seat on my bike and I have never heard (until here) that you're supposed to ride "nudi genu" (latin) under your shorts. Is that the problem? I am so dumb about these things!!!

Guess I'll learn a lot here reading all these posts. Guess I am going to have to purchase a real honest-to-goodness pair of biking shorts and go "nudi genu" under them!!!

Melinda

First off having a really big cushy seat could be a problem too. If you are moving all over the place on a big cushy seat that could cause a whole bunch of problems. You might switch your seat. Ask your lbs about that. I had a problem with my hands going numb on me. (turned out my bike was to long for me my wrist were to bent) but I thought going for a cushier seat might help. At least that is what one very not knowing person told me. But the lbs guy said no that it could cause other problems. Lower back problems. Cause you end up moving around a lot.
Is this problem friction? Cause that is what it sounds like. I would use corn starch befor you ride and look into the seat things. Sounds to me like it could be unnaturally pushing your butt cheeks up.

Also as for everyone else, about the chamois cream. I used to get bladder infections a lot. My dr told to watch putting anything in that area that is not made for a women, I saw a advertisment a couple weeks ago on tv. It was for not sure the manufacturer I think it was monastat (sp?) they have a powder or something like it for area's that get chapped or rubbed raw. They showed the women putting it on the back of her knee. But I am sure it is ment for you know where. and it sounded very sports related. Anyone know about this? Does this not seem a better way to go. I don't like putting creams down there that could harbour bacteria. And vasalin was one my Dr said was a no no. Nanci you know a lot, any thoughts?

[madisongrrl]

I second what everyone here has said. Also, saddles are generally tolerable at best - especially if you don't have many miles under your belt. So once you get shorts and saddle selection issues squared away, slowing building time/milage in the saddle will take you the rest of the way.

Best,

[Nanci]

I don't know about _that_. I thought I was past the point of undercarriage troubles, until my 400k, where I had welts and major swelling of _everything_. Actually, though, I am sure that was caused for the most part by squirming all over the saddle trying to get my knee to not hurt.

BTW, someone recommended "vagicaine" as a way to salvage a ride after the damage is done, and I was unable to find anything in the store with vagi and caine in the same word. (Wanted to get some to carry along on super-long rides just in case...)

Nanci

[mmelindas]

You gals are the best!! I looked at the website for FIT and I think that will help me tons. Also, getting a smaller seat and using the biking short with chamois and barrier creme on the BCs....

So much to be done before I can even ride my new bike!!! But I sure appreciate ALL the feedback and advice...it will help I am sure!!!

Now, if I can get hubby to UNLOAD my bike from the car and get it going for me to ride!!!! He's been taking it to work in the back of the suv these past two days!!! With his crazy hours, he hasn't had time to do anything with it but work, eat and sleep. Later in the week will probably be the time for it.

Thanks again all of you terrific ladies!!!