And yet another saddle- chafing problem

[KnottedYet]

yup, being forward/anterior pelvic tilt, having the seat nose up high; and just plain stress to the pelvis in general can make it grumpy because of the pubic symphisis.

The symphisis-thingy is a pad of connective tissue between the left and right sides of the pubic bone (you can feel it as a dip) and along with the sacro-iliac joints is a major place for the ring of the pelvis to "give" under pressure. For me the SI's get grumpy, for one of my old housemates (doing the PT school thing) it was her symphisis.

I think I'd rather have my butt hurt than my cootchie hurt.

[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.

[SnowAngel]

I just picked up a Specialized Jett saddle and it has become the most important part of my bike. Prior I delt with major Yoni rubbing/tears/swelling/pain even on shorter rides, now just my sit bones touch the saddle (what a welcome change!). I was using the Selle De Italia LDY gel and the WTB womens specific, both I purchased thinking they would be the 'cure'. I just finished a 50 mt bike race with nary a sore spot!!! Yippie! I highly recommend this solution for any saddle searchers out there.