How can bum / testicle / inner thigh pain from a saddle be prevented?

Question

I occasionally commute a 50miles round trip and by the end of it, things are usually not feeling very good down below.

I've tried a couple of different saddles, but they both gave me problems. One chaffed my inner thigh, and the other one seemed to not do my privates any good!

I'm wondering what tips have you got for getting comfy?

Answer 1

First, do you have cycling shorts w/ a chamois? If not, I would highly recommend them. As a note, they are your underwear (ex: do not wear undergarments and then put on the shorts).

Second, how did you choose your saddle? Was it fitted through some type of measurement system ala bontragers inform system or specializeds BG system? How much did you spend on the saddle and was it appropriate for the style of riding you are partaking in?

Third, does your bicycle fit you properly? Have you had it fitted?

So, there are a few points that you could answer to give me some help. I cannot recommend a saddle because everyone is different but I can recommend a brand that provides some type of measurement system for choosing your saddle. As well, if you are wearing cycling shorts a nice chamois butter might help with the chafing.

Answer 2

get a good pair of padded bike shorts. I resisted for years, but after I got my first pair, it made a huge difference in comfort. You want the padding on your butt, not the saddle.

Answer 3

The thing that causes saddle sores is friction. Moisture contributes as well.

Cycling shorts are probably a good idea, but if you don't want to wear cycling shorts (I don't for commuting, but my longest commute is half the distance of yours), there's three key things:

1. A properly fitting saddle.
   In particular, there's a lot of problems with people wanting too wide and too soft a saddle, which tends to squeeze up into the more delicate areas you want to protect and to rub against the skin there more, making things worse. In other words, go with a smaller, harder saddle than you intuitively think you might need. Don't go for a totally hard saddle unless you'll always be wearing padded shorts, but you only need a very little padding, as your body already provides some padding if you're properly seated on your sit bones. Basically, the back part of the saddle should support you via your sit bones, and the front part should make it easy to keep the sit bones there. Problems with your privates are likely due to pressure on the perineum; proper saddle angle will help immensely with that, and you may find that a saddle with a cutout in that area will help. Many people swear by leather saddles, such as Brooks.
2. Smooth underwear, preferably that doesn't hold onto moisture. This is half of what good bike shorts do, but if you pick underwear that doesn't have seams in the areas affected by friction and is fairly slippery, that can help a lot. You could even wear bike shorts (with or without a pad/chamois) as your underwear. A material like some of the new breathable polyesters will probably be better than, say cotton.
3. Lubricate. There's products ("chamois butter") made specifically for it, but some simple skin moisturizer or petroleum jelly is something you might already have in the house that will help.

Answer 4

You can always use some chamois cream. This goes a long way towards preventing saddle sores. I won't start a debate on what is best but you can speak to your LBS to find something.

I would also agree with the other comments on good cycling shorts.

Answer 5

If you don't feel up to wearing just lycra, or if your commute doesn't have change facilities at the other end, then you can wear your bike shorts under your trousers as underwear.

Some manufacturers even make bike shorts that are designed to be worn as underwear. These shorts are typically made from a more breathable "mesh" fabric so that you don't get to hot.

Answer 6

I have to add this - though will probably get mauled for it...

Ride a recumbent (-:

Ok, I accept that this is probably not a practical answer to the problem - its also the case that recumbents have their own issues with being in the seat for extended periods of time (e.g. numb bums) but in terms of comfort overall I know which I'd rather cover 50 miles on.

Answer 7

It may be that you need to change your riding position. The more your weight is on your hands and feet rather than your saddle, the less wear and tear you'll get on your saddle regions. Obviously there's a balance to be struck since putting too much weight up front is going to tire your arms out.

I don't know what kind of bike you're riding, but some change in the handlebar setup that puts your centre of gravity further forward might work.

Answer 8

First thing, if you have sore or rawness from your commute - try this - http://www.buttpaste.com/BLButtPaste.php - best stuff I've ever used to help relieve pain and heal!

Second, padded cycling shorts are a must. I am a very large man, so for me this is the only place I can find gear in my size - http://www.aerotechdesigns.com Also, DON'T wear underwear with bike shorts. They will bind up and hinder moisture removal. Bike shorts will keep you dryer and more comfortable.

Answer 9

I'll go one further than everyone else and say get a pair of good bib shorts. My cheap-ish ($80) bib shorts are much more comfortable than my more expensive ($110) normal shorts. I doubt I'll ever buy non-bibs again.

Answer 10

Gold Bond

Never leave home without it. Great when riding all day. However, I would not recommend applying it to an already chaffed area.

Answer 11

One point you need to consider is that it takes time for you to get used to sitting in the saddle. If you only ride occasionally then you might have problems. I personally have found that as the season starts it takes about a dozen 1 to 2 hour ride to condition myself to riding. The mileage isn't the the issue it is the time spend riding. After those initial rides I'm good to go for centuries and other events throughout the season.

Having said that, getting the right saddle is important as well. You might need to try a couple until you find one that fits your particulars. But don't forget even then it will take a bit to see if things are right.

Answer 12

First of all, you must make sure that your bicycle is fitted properly. You need to make sure the frame size and saddle height and "tilt" is adjusted correctly. Your local bike shop can assist you with fitting the bike and saddle. It would seem that a wide and soft saddle would be best ( I did! ), but that isn't necessarily true. I found that a narrower gel padded saddle, ( Avocet ), was much more comfortable on longer rides ( this type of saddle will still break down and seem harder after a couple of years of use ), and recently purchased a Brooks leather B-17 saddle. These leather saddles need lots of breaking in and proper care before they're "comfortable", but you'll need to wear either padded cycling shorts or padded underwear beneath your clothing on all but the shortest distances with a leather saddle. Lots of "saddle time" also makes a difference.