Saddle sore from cycling

Anyone else get sores from riding their bike? I've actually noticed I have an open sore in the "saddle" region so I've stopped riding my bike. My bike is kinda old (from the 80's) and the seat is not very forgiving. I've tilted the seat back and forth, bought a gel-cover to put over the seat. Nothing really protects me after 20min of cycling and then things start to hurt. Didn't think it was that bad until I found the open sore.

Any tips from you cyclists would be great. Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Mark on June 10, 2012 at 1:34pm

Try coconut oil. You are chafing and need to ease the frictino.

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Permalink Reply by Brian on June 10, 2012 at 2:55pm

My legs aren't rubbing together if that's what you're trying to say.

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Permalink Reply by Greggyyyy on June 14, 2012 at 2:37am

The friction between your shorts/pants and your 'saddle region' is enough.. I think that's what Mark is referring to. A lot of cyclists use cream in between the bare skin and their shorts/pants (oil would just soak into the shorts).

Also, definitely make sure you're using biking shorts, or compression shorts at the very least. Wearing plain old undies will create all sorts of friction and leave you feeling not-so-good.

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Permalink Reply by Universal Mind on June 14, 2012 at 3:40am

Some tips that may help:

If you're any bit serious about cycling, get properly fit for a custom frame and correctly sized components (about $200+ for a fit using standard, non-computerized, equipment).

The comfort is night and day going from a standard bicycle to one that is fit to your body size. When getting fit, you will be on a special fitting bicycle, cycling for several hours. During this process, if you notice even the slightest amount of discomfort in your saddle region, arms, legs or back, they are able to make millimeter adjustments and these discomforts magically vanish. They will also tell you what types/brands of components (fork, bars, stem, seat post, seat, crank, etc) will work best for your fit. Another thing to note, if you do decide to be fit, it is highly advised that you wear the shoes and pedals that you plan on using on your completed bike. Going from clipless to standard pedal can make a difference in the overall fit.

The only downfall to being custom fit for a frame and components, is that you'll have to have a company make you a custom frame and purchase components separately, then have them properly installed at a shop. Look to spend a minimum of $2000 for the full set up, and that's with the lower end line of basic components, not including the fit and cost to have a shop put it together.

If you cannot quite afford to shell out a few thousand for a new custom fit bicycle, you can at least be fitted for the seat and seat post size. Having a shop fit you for the right seat and seat post is usually fairly cheap (about $50 at some places I've seen). Adjusting the seat's positioning on the seat post, even by a millimeter, either forward or back, will also be beneficial to finding comfort. Once you find the right spot for the seat and have the right height fitted for the seat post, tape the seat post where it meets the frame so that you can easily return to this setting.

Another item to think of for added comfort in the saddle is a bib with chamois pad. Although, this will only add a slight amount of comfort for very long rides (5+ hours). No matter if you have a chamois pad or more comfortable seat, nothing will add comfort like being properly fit.

Also, stand up more often when cycling.

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Permalink Reply by Nathan on June 14, 2012 at 4:11am

http://www.nexride.com/

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Permalink Reply by Rune Solli on June 14, 2012 at 5:25am

Hey Brian! Make sure you have cycling specific clothes (meaning a pad in the saddle region). Its also very important to stand and pedal frequently..it really helps the blood flow through that area! And in addition to increasing blood flow, pedaling while standing uses different musclegroups. Another tip is (it may sond weird, but it actually might help you!): have a high cadence (90-100rpm, might be a little lower while climbing, 70-90rpm). If you have a low cadence, you will have to press more watt down into each pedalstroke, and that will squeeze your veins so your blood flow is even more compromised. A high cadence helps you push blood back up to the heart for further circulation ;) Saddle should be horizontal ;)

And of course, you will have to be patient. Your but will get used to more and more cycling. I was really sore as well when i started. A couple of days ago i rode 140km, almost 5 hours, no problems with my but ;) Good luck!