Saddle Discomfort and Lady Bits

[g19]

This female issue's are common around the world sadly but true.

The causes can be many things from a adjustment type of thing to accepting that there is 'down under' things that make cycling not very comfortable.

Fortunately there is just recently a thing called 'Reskin' from Bioracer
http://www.reskin.eu/
It's a patch that can be used several times and also on the female zone.

There are some reviews on the internet.

For the moment i don't suffer the mentioned problems (yet), but i do understand that saddle issue's in itself can ruin one's hobby tremendously.

I hope this can reduce the saddle problems a bit.

Good luck and i hope the best of it for all that suffer from this problem.

[Calvario301]

Has anyone ever tried pointing the nose of the saddle down ever so slightly?

[HoosierGiant]

Has anyone ever tried pointing the nose of the saddle down ever so slightly?

Done.

And it made a world of difference! I'll not say I'm in love with my saddle, but after having gone through an agonizingly painful, year-long search before I found this one, I'm more than happy to stick with it. Things can't be too bad if there weren't any issues after 160 miles in the saddle for RAIN Ride.

[rowboatgirl]

Another quick question on this topic...

I am a relative newbie riding a Giant with the saddle that came on the bike. I expected (and have been riding with) a certain level of discomfort, though after reading through the forum I think I can definitely improve on how I feel on rides by trying out some different saddles.

My major question is when I am climbing hills I feel like the girlie bits are completely on FIRE!! It can be just horrific. Honestly it is the worst part of the hill climb for me...it even trumps the burning lungs and any leg fatigue I might have. When I get to the point when it is completely unbearable I stand up to release some of the pressure and heat but obviously I try not to do this too much as it saps my energy...especially in the middle of a long climb. Is this a normal part of climbing or am I just in serious need of a new saddle??

Thanks so much guys and I have been SO EXCITED to find this forum with such amazing women on it!!

[HoosierGiant]

Another quick question on this topic...

I am a relative newbie riding a Giant with the saddle that came on the bike. I expected (and have been riding with) a certain level of discomfort, though after reading through the forum I think I can definitely improve on how I feel on rides by trying out some different saddles.

My major question is when I am climbing hills I feel like the girlie bits are completely on FIRE!! It can be just horrific. Honestly it is the worst part of the hill climb for me...it even trumps the burning lungs and any leg fatigue I might have. When I get to the point when it is completely unbearable I stand up to release some of the pressure and heat but obviously I try not to do this too much as it saps my energy...especially in the middle of a long climb. Is this a normal part of climbing or am I just in serious need of a new saddle??

OUCH!! I vote for starting the saddle search ASAP!

What Giant are you riding, and what saddle is on it? Been there, done that with my Giant -- wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

[KnottedYet]

It really shouldn't hurt.

It is *not* a normal part of climbing.

Sounds like time to begin the search for the saddle of your dreams.

Start by measuring your sit bones to get an idea of minimum saddle width (there's a thread about that somewhere in "Favorite Saddles") and reading the specs on various saddles.

You can also do the "do I need a cut-out" test. (sit on the front of a hard wooden chair in your underwear. keeping your back straight, hinge forward at your hips until you can rest your elbows on your knees. if your girly bits feel smooshed and uncomfortable in this position, you might want to investigate cut-out saddles)

Saddle shape preference ("T" vs. "pear") is a very individual thing, and I don't know of any short-cuts to discovering the shape you need. Try a saddle, note the chafing pattern (if any) and change accordingly.

Sheldon Brown has a spiffy page of saddle info: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html

[deeaimond]

Has anyone ever tried pointing the nose of the saddle down ever so slightly?

Yes definitely. I'm using my stock saddle, selle italia initiale. It's a men's seat i guess, but i pointed it down a little. takes significant pressure off the important bits.

some might disagree, but then a bike fit is just an estimate really based on someone elses measurements. Individually it's a whole different story. a straight saddle doesnt really make sense to me, coz the moment you lean forward a little all yr parts are pressed in, and since we road bike.. we're always leaning forward.

using jojoba oil generously down there and shaving clean before long rides also help alot. I get that burning sensation if i don't use the oil.