Saddle sore - sensitive bits!
Hi - I'm fairly new to MTB; I'm finding that if I'm in the saddle for more than an hour so so, and especially if there is alot of up-hill, my most sensitive bits get very saddle sore/chaffed!!
I've tried tilting my saddle down slightly but this doesn't seem to help.
I wear padded liners. Saddle is just the one that came with the bike.
Any suggestions much appreciated!
I've tried tilting my saddle down slightly but this doesn't seem to help.
I wear padded liners. Saddle is just the one that came with the bike.
Any suggestions much appreciated!
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VOODOO CANZO
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My missus moved to one and finds it much better.
I have a women's specific bike (Boardman Comp) - assume it came with a women's specific saddle but maybe it's just the colour!
Women's saddles generally come in three sizes:
Small (approx 130mm)
Medium (approx 143mm)
Large (approx 155mm)
Small and medium tend to be better for road cycling, where you are bent forward.
Medium and large are preferred for MTB, with a more upright position.
So the first step is getting the right width. How do you decide? Well, the lads in your local bike shop will be delighted to assist
http://www.specialized.com/specs/spec.jsp?speccode=bodygeometrysaddles
Then you can choose a suitable saddle for your specific purpose. For example, MTB saddles need to be fairly slim, so you can stand up and push yourself behind the saddle (for steep descents). Touring saddles need to be more comfortable, and hence more padded (but still the correct width).
Nothing beats actually trying out a few different saddles, though!
I use a Specialized Ariel saddle on all my bikes and it definitely works for me! I find anything else really unconfortable. Perhaps give one a try (or buy one second hand to see if you like it?)? From what you have said I would definitely steer towards the ladies specific ones with a hole in the middle - they don't squash your bits so much!!! :oops:
Riding a gorgeous ano orange Turner Burner!
Sponsor the CC2CC at http://www.justgiving.com/cc2cc
Apart from uncomfortable saddles & shorts, another contributing factor that can lead to a sore bum is staying seated in the saddle on descents or through rough ground. I'm a mtb skills coach, and I see a lot of people (not just beginners!) who stay seated in places where they should really be standing up on their pedals. I've had feedback from a couple of clients just recently who've mentioned that they rarely get saddle sore now, because they spend much less time bumping around in the saddle - obviously it's also better for your back and means that riding over rough surfaces is generally much safer.
HTH:)
I use a Selle Italia Lady saddle, it's been brilliant. Very different to the cheap saddles bikes tend to come with.
Road bike - 80's steel saracen audax frame
Also another vote for chamois cream, especially for long rides. I use chamois butt'r but there is a women's specific product called Hootie Cream out there.
Giant Trance
Radon ZR 27.5 Race
Btwin Alur700
Merida CX500
also make sure you padded shorts fit correct and the padding is not too big as this could also make it uncomfortable as it could bunch up and use some chamois cream
Specialized Allez Sport
she's been into cycling for 18 years now and tried every saddle out there, she has one of these on each of her bikes.
she time trials and races triathlon a lot so she's in a position that puts a lot of pressure on her lady parts, she tells me this saddle gets rid of that.
Also, invest in a good chamois cream. Chamois Butt'r and DZ Nuts both make women's specific creams. You don't need a lot when you ride.
I've recently discovered that 2 pairs of my liner shorts were actually making the situation worse (so they've promptly gone in the bin), weirdly they were women's specific ones.
After months (actually more like over a year) of trying different saddles on my CX and road bikes, I finally tried out the Selle Italia Diva I have on my MTB on the other 2 and suddenly there's no numbness, and my seat bones aren't causing me any pain! I've had to spend £100 on 2 new saddles, but if it means I can ride further and longer then it's worth every penny.
Agree with everyone here -
- get measured,
- experiment with saddles - some shops/brands do a 'try before you buy' but Spesh and Trek do have a returns policy for if you're not getting on with a saddle
- Make sure your chamois shorts aren't exacerbating the issue - try different shorts for the same ride.
- use chamois cream, especially on the bits that get the sorest
- check that your saddle is at the right height, a quick way to do this is put your armpit over the saddle and reach down to the crank set - you should be able to just put the tip of your middle finger in the middle. That is a good way to start, then you can experiment from there.
- make sure any underwear you wear off the bike isn't also exacerbating the problem
- just putting this out there in case - don't wear underwear with your chamois shorts. It's amazing the number of women that don't know this, so thought I'd better mention it. (I was one of these women when I first started)
- take your chamois shorts off as soon as you can after the ride has finished.
- If you are having issues, make sure you wash immediately after the ride (hurrah for baby wipes!)
I found an article last night about how to clear up any lumps (usually most likely to be infected hair follicles) http://totalwomenscycling.com/lifestyle/how-to-treat-saddle-sores-7821/
Sorry for the mega long post!!
I will come back and post my findings!
The kind man in the shop put it on a bike for me and I had a ride around the car park for 5 minutes and its so much more comfortable than the stock saddle I got with my bike. The price was £79.99 however so I am going to order it online as on Wiggle its only £53.75, unless anyone knows of it cheaper elsewhere?
I am also trying to find a discount code to use to get it a bit more cheaper (i love getting a deal!), they have one here - https://www.360vouchercodes.co.uk/wiggle.co.uk but it says its now expired, and the newsletter signup on Wiggle.co.uk where you save 10%, doesnt seem to work!
I guess ill just have to buy it at £53, still a hell of a lot cheaper than the other bike shop!
Ill post another update after Ive been on a long ride to give it a full review!
Was all set to buy a road bike online, but Epic spent the time helping me select the best bike for my needs, fitting it for me, sending me out on test rides and selecting all the components. I may have spent a few extra £££s but I ended up with the perfect bike and I've changed almost nothing in 9 years.
*censored service or being taken for a fool / patronised, and I'm out the door like a scalded whippet.
Same. I was recently measured for a saddle by my LBS and, knowing I could get it cheaper, I still bought from them (plus a new cassette and chain whilst I was there). First off, I had it in my hand (or up my backside) immediately. Second, they fitted them there and then for nowt. And finally they took the time to understand what I needed and I would like to be able to go back to them whenever I want more help; if people try them for size then buy elsewhere they won't be there long.
Oh, they also gave me a coffee and let me and my wife have a go on a Peugeot electric-assist shopping bike for a laugh (knowing they weren't getting a sale).
Cannondale Synapse alloy with 'guards for the winter roads
Fuji Altamira 2.7 for the summer roads
Trek 830 Mountain Track frame turned into a gravel bike - for anywhere & everywhere
He did understand and he said he couldnt sell it for any less, not sure if thats true or not, and I understand how online retailers can sell for less due to no overheads but that is a BIG difference!