chaffed lady bits! which shorts?

[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.

[pll]

My favorite shorts thus far I bought from TE: Sugoi RSE. As many people will tell you, comfort with the chamois in different shorts is very personal. I have some Assos knickers in which the chamois is the equivalent of torture for me (huge disappointment).

[loopybunny]

I have two pairs of Pearl Izumi shorts that are supposedly the same ones, but they're different years. I prefer the pad in the old ones.

I've recently discovered the joys of DZNuts bliss. So far it seems to help, but I've only used it a couple of times. It's the first time I've ever used anything so I don't know if other products work as well. I chose it because I've had several people suggest it then I ended up getting some free samples and bought some at an event for $9 off.

[nscrbug]

As others have already mentioned...it could be a saddle issue, too. Does your saddle have a "cut-out" down the center? Some women (myself included) find that a cut-out is imperative to their comfort...and then there are some women who don't need a cut-out. I know for sure, that I definitely require a cut-out in my saddles. In my case, it helps take pressure off those tender lady bits. And also...be wary of "gel" saddles. Often, gel saddles end up causing the very thing we are trying to avoid...unevenly distributed pressure on our sit bones and girly parts.

[WindingRoad]

Step 1: Make sure your saddle is level; if you are noticing more pain towards the front, it's likely the saddle is tipped up slightly; use a hardware level to get it precise. Put a hardback book on the saddle then place level on top of that, have someone hold your bike while you adjust the saddle. If you've never done that yet, there's a bolt under the seat that has an allen wrench head on it. Loosen that and you will see how the saddle moves.
Step 2: If that doesn't help, ditch the gel saddle and buy a Terry Butterfly, get a ti rail version though, they are much more flexible and comfy than their cheaper Butterflies with cromoly rails. I found the cromoly ones to be hard as a rock. (IMO) BTW, your shop can measure you for a good fitting saddle this should be a free service too!
Step 3: If adjustment of old saddle or new saddle doesn't work, it's probably bad shorts then.... I like Pearl Izumi Pro's and Symphony both.

[marni]

I very much like my terry butterfly with cromoly rails.Yes it is hard but so is my *** after years of riding and cross country tours.

For shorts I love the shebeest brand along with some but not all of the performace shorts.