Saddle Problems

Donie75

Hi, apologies for the unsavoury post. I'm having a few problems with saddle sores. I recently got back into regular 40 to 60km spins 3 times per week. I'm a big lads and have a very well padded ass. I am getting boils or blisters deep in the tissue where my leg meets my undercarriage. I have one or two on each side.
I did up my mileage considerably over two weeks so I'm wondering if this caused it.
Btw, I have decent Santini shorts, originally had a Fizik Aliante saddle but I have moved back to my Spesh Romin 155.
I'm wondering if I should drop to front of my saddle?
Would a bike fit address something like this?

pinarellokid

Get a bike fit I just had my saddle dropped on mine by 40 mm and it stopped my saddle sore instantly. Well worth the money.

Where are you based ? I went to Colin Gardener in Preston and he was ace

Grill

Are you wearing anything under your bibs?

Donie75

Not wearing anything under my shorts, just Assos chamois cream. I was using a cheaper one but upgraded when I startd having trouble.
I'll look into a bikefit. I'm in Ireland.
Thanks!

mm1

To treat boils try tea tree oil and drawing ointment (magnesium sulphate paste). After 40 years of no problems, I have been suffering for the last few months, having done one course of antibiotics (flucloxacillin) am now off the bike feeling increasingly depressed. Good luck!

surfgod

I use exactly the same set up as you- specialized romin 155 and assos F1 Uno bib shorts, and find it a very comfortable setup for rides up to four hours. The original romin is a very firm saddle that is probably more suited to people who have a few years cycling experience under their backsides. I assume you have had the saddle fitting done at a specialized retailer using their ass o meter to determine the correct width saddle? Otherwise your current saddle maybe too wide or too narrow..

Personally I prefer the nose of my romin tilting down a few degrees from level...You also need to get the widest part of the saddle directly underneath your sit bones, so you may need to slide the saddle forward or back on its rails until you achieve this, otherwise you won't be properly supported. Incorrect saddle height may also be causing you trouble..

If the above fails, then the shape of the romin probably isn't suited to your personal anatomy...You may indeed prefer a flat saddle like the specialized toupe Or a more curved saddle like the romin evo..

simonhead

I had the same problems when i started, adjusting the saddle a little helped, i swapped saddle and found it even better but the two things that worked best were shedding weight around that area and ensuring that i kept incredibly clean and allowed the affected area to breathe.

triban

I've had the same issue and used savlon when off the bike to clear up the sore.

one thing i did that has really helped me is i lowered my handle bars. my saddle is at a good height, but dropping my handlebars 10mm moved my weight forward meaning less pressure on my ass.

Zerotails99

Unless youre spending crazy amount of time on the saddle (40 plus hours per week), saddle sore is caused my improper bike fit and incorrect saddle for your arse shape.

drummer_boy

pinarellokid wrote:

Get a bike fit I just had my saddle dropped on mine by 40 mm and it stopped my saddle sore instantly. Well worth the money.

Where are you based ? I went to Colin Gardener in Preston and he was ace

+1 for Colin (aka the Bike Magician). Me and the missus both had bike fits with him last weekend, and my good lady went from sore bum, to comfy bum immediately!

lawrences

mm1 wrote:

To treat boils try tea tree oil and drawing ointment (magnesium sulphate paste). After 40 years of no problems, I have been suffering for the last few months, having done one course of antibiotics (flucloxacillin) am now off the bike feeling increasingly depressed. Good luck!

I'm cringing just thinking about applying tea tree oil down there.