And yet another saddle- chafing problem

[Kitsune06]

Oddly, I had the same chafing issue, and I found (after lots of pain etc) that if I backed off after all that chafing and let myself heal, then went out and did it again, eventually I wouldn't chafe as badly...

but it's a pretty uncomfortable way of doing things. I, too, chafe in that 'where my thighs meet everything else' area... I have an extremely narrow saddle and go commando under my shorts... *shrug*

What's helped for me is a little neosporin post-ride (this is only LONG rides, like 4+ hrs) and wearing boxers or boy underwear about the house.

[SouthernBelle]

On the boxers/tightie-whities subject, have you tried the Hanes tightie-whities for girls/women?

That's almost all I wear now.

Inappropriately interested in underwear,

[pooks]

Thanks for the explanation, KnottedYet!

[FreshNewbie]

Hmm, Selle SMP men's version was 2 cm narrower than women's one. I really like that addle because if you sit all the way back you don't feel like you are sitting on a saddle at all ( well only when you start chafing to death )
I never wore underwear under my shorts after my first ride on the bike which tought me a looott. I am 23 years old so I don't think hormonal change is there yet, however I think shaving , waxing, etc also contributes to the area being very sensitive.
After a long ride I get home, jump in the shower, put a gallon of healing lotion and hop in some cotton loose shorts ( sometimes put my butt next to air conditioner --- feels good)

[Rai Sue]

Other solution to chaffing?

I never knew about chamois butter til i came on this forum, and i've been biking for years.

I usually don't have a problem with chaffing. But, if i'm going on a long ride, or riding in a skirt or something (see below on why i'd do something like that), then i use talcum powder. Actually, i use scented powder instead of deodorant, so i just put some wherever i might chaffe or rub in a wrong way. it generally works, and also is a great thing if you are chaffing because you sweat, as it tends to absorb sweat and prevent it from getting your clothes wet.

I am mainly a city biker. so, even if i'm going on a long ride i usually just wear what i was going to wear that day. When i commuted 7 miles, ending in a big hill, there was a shower at school that i would sometimes use. But, i rarely wear bike gear even for something like that--usually just stretchy cotton capris or something. Sometimes a skirt, sometimes jeans, high heels, etc. So, i think that doing a little powdering b4 leaving the house may help if i'm having trouble or if it's really hot.

anyone else do this trick? the thought of putting something greasy on before i get all sweaty just doesn't appeal.

[SouthernBelle]

I frequently use Gold Bond powder, it's mentholy! I often don't bother on longer rides, I'll sweat too much for the powder to matter.