Honestly, riding a recumbent bike solved all comfort issues for me. We don’t spend loads of time finding things like, “The perfect recliner”, or the “Perfect car seat” Because the basic versions of these items provide enough support to prevent major discomfort. Bike saddles are fundamentally limited on the level of support they can provide. Recumbents have much more forgiving constraints.
Having not a correct bike fitting is probably the main cause for sore bum. And what helps a lot to me is to get a out of the saddle once in a while which improves blood circulation
My dermatologist recommended cleansing "the area" as soon as possible after a ride using an anti-microbial skin cleanser. He specifically recommended Hibi-Clens, but I've since found that a mild anti-bacterial soap like Dial seems to work as well. I've also found on very long rides that alternating between the hoods and bolt-on TT bars are great for shifting the pressure points and giving both the sit-bones and arms/wrists some recovery without having to stop.
I am opposite what they said about padded, I prefer a solid carbon saddle, no gel saddle they are uncomfortable and yes that is without padded in my clothes too
I'm wondering if GCN could continue on this theme and do a series with a medical practitioner or expert on curing /preventing common cycling issues like gravel rash, tendonitis, hot feet, broken bones etc?
I changed my crank length from 172,5mm to 165mm. That made a huge difference! Hips are much more stable and saddle soreness is gone as well. I think, finding the right crank length has been totally overlooked by most cyclists.
@@Frostbiker I actually raised my saddle after installing the shorter cranks. I think it's rather due to the smaller range of motion(?) that leads to more stability, less friction and less pressure. However, I am just assuming. Everyone is different, but it seems to have improved my overall position.
@@Frostbiker If your cranks are too long, you'll be limited either way. If you raise the saddle it could lead to hip rocking as you struggle to reach the bottom of the pedal stroke. If you lower the saddle, you may struggle to stay stable over the top of the pedal stroke, especially if you have limited flexibility or try to do a high cadence.
I got rid of a lot of discomfort just by being more meticulous about how the chamois is sitting on my undercarriage. Noticed that when I put my bibs on the chamois tended to sit quite a bit forward but when I adjusted it both me and my bottom was very happy after riding!
I ended up with a new saddle after, basically, finding my sit bones were wider than average despite being quite slim. Got a wider one with pressure relief channel, and can feel the weight is loaded correctly on the sit bones themselves and not elsewhere. Big difference/relief. The issue that made me look in to it was getting a dull ache in one of my (sorry) plumbs. Painful enough to keep waking me up at night - going on for weeks. There were no physical signs of anything but made an appointment with the doctor in case. Just before the appointment I realised it coincided, time-wise, with getting that bike with narrower saddle than I was used to but as there was no sense of discomfort from it I hadn't put the two together till that point. Doc said no signs of concern so do check the saddle/set-up out - BUT he also emphasised going to get it checked out is absolutely the right thing to do. Don't ignore anything like that.
As a certified wound nurse practitioner I like to consider myself an expert in this area. I agree with the physio. If the skin is broken it needs time off to heal quickly with the least amount of scarring. Another important point which may be controversial: shorts should be either dried in a dryer(I know it lessens the life of the foam) or dried in direct sunlight. This lowers the bacterial load, especially staph aureus which is the common culprit for recurrent folliculitis. People are often shy to talk about issues in the perineum but once someone asks me in front of other riders people start opening up about all their perineal skin issues.
One thing I would often tell people while working at the bike shop- especially for road or gravel cycling- the saddle isn't a recliner, or even really a seat. It's a perch. You're meant to put your body weight into your legs more than anything. That said, the only points that really need to touch the saddle are your "sit bone" points of your pelvis. Big cushy saddles will tend to cause numbness
@@gcn We do, and yes, it's much more common now than when I started. We have a whole room and a compliment of special equipment dedicated to bike fits.
@@ShakeNBakeUK Could be a poor saddle-shape fit to your body, or possibly too wide or too narrow. Or you just have to get used to it... I know if I don't ride much for a while, my sit bones will hurt after about 30mi, and then I'll be OK after a few rides. Saddles really are the hardest thing to get right. Some shops will have samples you can try out for a week or two, and a bike fit can help determine a shape and/or width that *should* work for you.
As a fitter and physiologist I have to disagree - unless you’re standing, you should not be carrying your weight on the pedals: that will lead to premature leg fatigue or even cramping. The key is to find a position and saddle combination that support your weight in a stable and comfortable manner without having to stand up every 5 minutes.
Measuring sit bone width Place the piece of corrugated cardboard on a flat chair and take a seat. Sit with your feet tilted up long enough to leave a good impression. Stand and find the two deepest indentions your sit bones left behind and mark them both with a point. Measure from one point to the other with your measuring tape in millimeters. Add 20-25mm to determine your saddle size. The average sit bone width for men is 60-160mm and 90-170mm for women.
I'm 65 and overweight and have turned to road cycling to get fit. My biggest challenge is being able to endure the pain/discomfort in my sit bones caused by the pressure of my extra weight on the cycle seat. Chafing is not an issue at this point. My bike shop recommended a more comfortable saddle for me (with a cutout) and it is an improvement over the saddle my bike came with. But I still have trouble riding long distances before I get too sore and have to stop and give my bum a rest for a few minutes. I am hoping that the more I cycle the problem will alleviate itself as I drop weight and my bum/sit bones grow more accustomed to my bike saddle.
Someone mentioned padded cycling shorts and they are correct. Make sure you have the proper width saddle, too, which you can have checked at your local bike shop - just ask them how. Your added weight will put more pressure on your sit bones, as I know from my own experience. But the padded shorts will really help. One thing that helped me on my mountain bike turned commuter was installing a WTB saddle that was the right width for my sit bones, and also has a generous cutout for those underparts that don't like a lot of pressure on them. The deep cutout is possible because the saddle has a bit thicker padding than a regular roadie saddle while still not restricting pedaling leg movement. Combined with the padded cycling shorts, I had no problems being overweight while riding for a good hour or more. Right now I'm 60, 20 lbs overweight, and am riding a fixed gear bike with a roadie saddle and cutoff jean shorts. I've been a road rider before, so I knew that the first week or so was going to be sore sit-bone time. However, with more riding, you will find as I have that you become something of a hard-a$s after a while - literally. So, keep riding because it all does get easier. The point is to get out and ride consistently and, for a while in the beginning, do it for the enjoyment! If you start thinging about how much weight you're *not* losing while riding, you'll get discouraged. Rather, think of all the good you're doing for your cardio system, lower back, hips, legs, ankles, and feet. Cycling helps strengthen all of these and that means in 10 years, you will *not* be a shuffling old guy. Rather, you'll be that older gentleman with a spring in his step. You should combine cycling with some kind cycling specific weights workouts (you'll have to look those up on the ol' RUclips) along with exercises to strengthen your core. Working on your core and upper body will help to build more lean muscle tissue, which itself will use more calories than fat even when you're not riding. Something to think about. Still, I'll mention this one thing again - first and foremost, make sure you're out riding to enjoy being able to do so! You do that with consistency, and the weight loss will take care of itself.
When you start cycling after a long lay-off I always get the sore bones for a few weeks. I do three things: 1. Brookes leather saddle. Not racey but more comfort. 2. Wear cycling shorts or bibs with a good pad and in the early days put another pair of MTB padded shorts underneath to double-pad. 3. Occasionally slide backwards off the point of the saddle onto the wider seat part to relieve the pressure. Do not wear underwear as extra padding as it has raised stitched seams in the crotch are which rub. Stand up on the pedals on the hills to get the blood flowing. You can get saddle gel pads that go over the seat which help a lot, rather than double-padding.
What usually cause saddle discomfort are two things, pressure in the wrong spots like the perineum or excessive movement against the saddle when pedaling which can be caused by poor fit, wrong saddle height, or simply the wrong choice of saddle. Shift the pressure away from the bad areas, minimize movement against the saddle and you won't even be needing padded shorts nor cream down there!
@@gcn I do, I tried a gel saddle but found it uncomfortable so I have stuck to even cycle in normal clothes on a RIDEA S143 full carbon saddle without padding
@@gcn from painful experience! I have padded cycling shorts but only used them a few times. I found I didn't really need them once I sorted out my bike fit. I do non-stop centuries on regular unpadded shorts with >40 lbs loaded tour bike. I may apply coconut oil on my sit bones and crotch before going out on a ride with obscenely long climbs but still wear unpadded shorts. Coconut oil is cheap is why I like it but with the same anti-bacterial qualities and anti inflammation agents as chamois cream.
Good advice I was given is to alleviate the pressure on the ‘bum bum’ (thanks Manon) by moving around the saddle a bit and for sure standing up on the pedals from time to time to stretch the back etc. And use shamois crème, every time without fail! 😊
After years of trying everything under the sun to alleviate chafing on long trainer rides, including a custom molded saddle, expensive bibs and every chamois cream on the market, it finally occurred to me that maybe the chamois cream was softening my skin and actually making the chafing worse. I had never heard or read the advice to ditch the chamois cream but I tried it and it definitely made things better. As with everything, YMMV.
Every saddle I tried over 10 years gave me sores on long rides. Until now - 3D printed saddles are a game changer. Now, I can sit on the bike the next day after an all day ride. Expensive, yes, but worth their weight in gold to me.
My top tip is try lots of saddles - I eventually found one I love - pain free all day! Interestingly the one I love is very similar to one I struggled with - very hard to see the difference, but very easy to feel the difference! And try them in padded shorts you actually use to cycle…
@@gcn I don’t think there is a magic answer, but I tried lots of my friends bikes, ordered a couple of popular saddles from a shop with a good returns policy, but finally found the one I liked when I paid for a bike fit (got to try lots of saddles as part of that).
So far I haven't had to manage saddle sores, but I haven't stayed in the saddle for more than a couple of hours. As I prepare for a 100-miler this spring, I'll be spending a lot more time riding, and I'll have longer sessions, so the possibility of sores will certainly increase. This information is a good place to start learning how to battle back.
I found that following a proper bike fit I needed to get a different saddle (slightly narrower). I had obviously been compensating in some way for the poor fit that allowed the wider saddle to work. Now in an optimum position and with a narrower saddle no pain on a ride. Also I found regularly getting out of the saddle and standing on the pedals helps relieve pressure on a long ride.
Also one suggestion is changing your position more frequently, ride on/off the saddle to keep the blood flowing in the different parts. Having done some 3h segments with TT bars, I can tell you that it really starts to chafe if you dont change your positions somewhat.
Before I do any ride I use Aquaphor healing ointment and Anti Monkey Butt anti friction powder. Together they keep my behind from getting sore during and after my bicycle rides. Great video!
First good bike fit is paramount. I use leather saddles Brookes, Berthoud and Rivet and good quality bib shorts. I have had very few incidences of saddle sores since starting with them. If I get any irritation Zincofax works a treat. I ride around 16,000 k per year all combined Road , track and turbo.
I never really had these issues except at the beginning of the season or on rides significantly longer than my training rides. I founded the padded bike shorts helped and making frequent adjustments whether standing or sliding forward or back on the seat. Retiring to Florida alleviated the seasonal piece! Most of my rides are 10 to 20 miles but 40 miles a couple days ago without issue. I always ride in jean shorts, no padded shorts or lycra anymore.
As a commuter, I'm always looking for the best combination of speed and comfort. If I may ask, how much do recombinant bikes typically cost, and how practical are they?
After five decades of trying to find the best saddle and bike shorts (chamois) with plenty of saddle sores along the way I now simply put on nice merino wool underpants and a pair of comfortable shorts and ride.
Every 20 minutes or so, stand up and get off the saddle for 15-20 seconds. No matter how comfy the saddle or shorts, you need to relieve pressure on the tissues. Don’t wait until things start to get uncomfortable. Sudocrem - if you know, you know.
Diaper rash cream works great, from my experience (instead of the typically more expensive chamois creams). Sudocrem, Zincofax, Penaten... Basically zinc oxide creams.
When it comes to saddles, it's more than just where the sit bones are. After a lot of trial and error, I had a retuul fitting done that included saddle pressure mapping while I was in my riding position and ended up with the most comfortable saddle I've ever had. And it's not one I would've ever considered.
Always struggled for the right saddle... until I went to the specialised store in Bham. They measured my sit bones and advised the right saddle, which was quite wide for a bloke. Very comfy now though!
@Lenser 155. Sit bones are at 135. They set me up with a Power Comp 155 which was in stock, and I've just bought the 155 Romin, because I may need another saddle soon 😏 I feel another bike coming.
After a indoor or outdoor ride, to prevent the nasty smells, I wash my cycling shorts and jersey in the shower with me (not wearing them of course) using the shower gels or soaps. Works wonders and I just hang them to dry. They are ready to go the next day if you want to use the same kit. No stinky chamois here!!
I had saddlesore once. In 1974 when I rode with schoolfriends to a motor race event. Then the lady at the bike shop told me how to pedal properly. Never had saddlesore again. Even on a Unica-Nitor. I now have sixteen bikes with a different saddle on each. My most comfy is a Brooks B17S on a Dawes tourer.
If riding day after day alternate the type of chamois worn. Different chamois’s can create different pressure points so you get some relief by changing shorts.
7:07 (bleeding ears!) I spent my first 3 years of medical school trying hard to avoid saying "p*** discharge". The correct term is "purulent discharge" good sir. Great video and great info as always.
Adjust tiny moves at a time. Then mark them as they feel better. Oh if you get that new saddle. Try where the old one was , but don't be afraid to move the new saddle. Tiny bits at a time. Love all the measurements on rails now da
If you find a great pair of bibs. Buy a lot of them. Keep some in resurve (new in the bag) and have a few to rotate through the week or month. I ware Santini Redux bib shorts and have one for every day of the week (I ride almost every day). This way I don’t ware the same pair more then once a week. Also I split my bibs into indoor ones and outdoor ones. The indoor bibs see a lot more abuse then my outdoor bibs.
I found taking weight of the saddle when I see bumps coming up help as I feel my biggest issue now is getting bruised sit bones when I get tired on rough roads
great show guys. how about doing a segment on best and worse cycling chamois? I would really like to hear what you consider the best brands versus the worse.
1 - I think the best and the worst cycling chamois will vary greatly by individual. I'm sure there isn't a consensus on the GCN team. 2. GCN is sponsored by Castelli so you know how that is going to go before it gets started. I actually like the Castelli chamois in the Free Aero shorts they use, but you may not.
@@bradrogers2427 I understand... I actually like Castelli as well. but think they run small. maybe it's just my build but I always have to go a size up
I just changed to recumbent, and the soreness and numbeness disappear. The more laidback, the more comfort as the body weight is spread on a wider area.
@@gcn maybe have your sister channels do recumbents? Handcycling MTB, or low racers fpr triathlon. Lets also see how they fare for their first try on 2 wheel recumbents.
Call me crazy, but I’ve found that Noxzema makes a great chamois cream. It’s medicated, cool, and has eucalyptus which battles odor. I use it consistently for rides exceeding 25-30 miles. Just be careful where you apply it as it can be a bit “tingley.” 😜 It’s also considerably cheaper.
Another real concern with cycling based on how you sit: ED due to undue pressure on the perineum. I love cycling but hate that it has stolen a bit of something from me.
... and with this we want to thank Mannon-wont give Ollie a bidon and Hank from the button of our hearts for putting out a video about the pain in the buttom.
Wish you would have addressed numbness. In 2019, I developed a burning pain from compression on the pudendal nerve. Took me 6 months to get the proper diagnosis Neuralgia and took a little over 2 years for the nerve to fully heal. Guys tend to ignore / joke about numb nuts but it’s a sign of nerve compression. Mine was caused by daily long training rides on a stationary bike during the winter season. Finally able to cycle again but am very cautious about duration and position on stationary bike.
Sorry to hear you've had issues in the past Scott! Great to hear that you went to get things checked out. Like you mentioned, it often carries a certain stigma attached to these sort of issues and there really doesn't need to be. Have you got back on the bike? 🚴
This is definitely something that should have been addressed. It's likely nowhere near as common but it is awful if you get it. I'm currently suffering, started ~6 weeks ago on a club ride and I hadn't really done any long rides. Numbness and a mixture of other sensations make it very uncomfortable in everyday life. I have stopped riding completely in the hopes that it would get better but 2 years to heal is not what I wanted to read. There is very little information about this condition online so it would be great to raise awareness.
Thanks James and Manon..I am American...what did she say we call it ? I agree also, expensive shorts are worth it , chamois quality is hugely different , and I have learned the hard way !!
Just once I want to see you guys ride a tadpole trike. ICE VTX, one of the fastest in the world, is made right there in the UK. Sure would solve saddle sore issues!!
Best thing I did was to go to a well known bikefit physio. He got rid of my hand, back and bum pain with just a few simple adjustments. Well worth the investment and ledd than a nee saddle.
Soreness can sometimes just be bruising - which is fine. Just part of the game. Get out of the saddle when possible to help. Infection is nasty, and needs a really dramatic solution. Stopping is easy on day rides, but takes a bit of guts on a multi day trip.
Not often mentioned, but as you get stronger, there is less weight on the saddle as you push harder on the pedals. Ask Si Richardson- he hates recovery rides for that very reason 😁
On my first 100k this year I forgot to put padded shorts on under my thermal overtights. I got a bit of chafing but less than I expected thanks to my choice of saddle. Moving dynamically also helped, I tend to change my seating position depending on my hand position on the bars, or whether I am going up or downhill.
I must have tried upwards of a dozen saddles (at considerable cost) and the only one I really get on with is a Brooks. Other people I know seem to get on with anything.
Ive found that washing my riding gear with hydrogen peroxide along with the usual detergent helps keep the fabric smelling clean, it brightens the colors too. For years I noticed the fabric got stinky, since most cycling clothing is not meant to be dried in a dryer. It's supposed to be hang dried. I suppose the hydrogen peroxide also gets rid of germs.
Let's say you have a saddle that fits and sit somewhat correctly on your bike. A) Get used to it bit by bit. This takes some time but your rear is not meant to sit 5 hours in a saddle from witting 8 hours in an office chair. B) Pedal harder. More weight on the legs means less weight on the rear. Plus you'll be at your destination faster.
To be honest other than mild discomfort from being in the saddle for hours on end, this is an issue I've never really had. SHOES on the other hand don't get me started.
I'm going to give 2 pieces of advice, one unusual and one very controversial. This is coming from a guy who literally was not able to get back home from a ride back in the days, the back side was that bad. Today 4+ hours rides and zero problems, ever. 1. Get one of those ladder saddles, zero cushioning, that adjust to your sit bones with time. Nothing better... 2. And the controversial one? Wear "dri-fit" type of underwear. I know, GCN said at least 218 times to never wear underwear, but I say give it a try. No chaffing ever, because it's physically impossible, your skin is always completely dry, even after a 5 hour ride when everything else is soaking wet, perfect comfort all the time. See what works for you and don't follow the "rules". Just make sure it's the correct type of underwear, skin tight, dri-fit, otherwise you will have big trouble.
This comes under the heading 'Too much information.' but here goes... I have always used petroleum jelly directly on any areas of my nethers where there is skin against skin and also where the skin contacts the side of the saddle. Just a thin layer will do the trick. My experience is that this stops moisture and abrasion related soreness almost completely.
Do shorter and commute riding in shorts without padding, f.x. triathlon shorts that will harden your button and then you still have the padding optipn if you get problem. These pants are also ideal for touring as they dry fast and have no sweaty foam to cause rash when off the bike for a market or sightseeing
It took me a while for me to figure out a system that works well for me. I do wear underwear when I ride, but I put chamois creme directly onto my butt before I dress. I feel the underwear helps keep my chamise cream in my problem areas better while I ride, especially in the winter when I have on my winter leggings and thermal underwear.
Any idea if hair removal is a good idea? Hair acts as a lubricant, so should be beneficial, but I wonder if hairs get pulled out, leaving damaged follicles as a source of infection.
After years of having the perfect saddle i found one day something changed and started to experience Numbness, after checking positions it just got worse so i ended up having to find perfect saddle again, our bodies change i guess with age so something to consider
Did not find any for me, because I have 1 sit bone larger than the other and problematic perineum, so I sit for about 4 minutes then stand up for 2-3 and over again. Not ideal but best for now.
Most rear end pain is caused by abrasions to the skin, that is caused by friction to softer tissues, early in the season. This can be alleviated by using chamois cream to cut down on that friction. A REAL saddle sore is an infection under the skin that produces a lump like a giant pimple. If it is bad enough, it might have to be lanced to be drained.
@@gcn No, thank god. Just the normal abrasions from putting in the miles. After the first 1,000 miles at the beginning of a season, I find that I need less and less chamois cream.
in time the skin and bones adapt helping with the discomfort. but having the right saddle and chamois is key. i never understood why saddles and chamois dont conform to the shape of the but more like shoes, gloves, and clothes do. there is much room for improvement there, imagine a custom chamois shape or even saddle. most would look nothing like what they have today which means theyre missing the mark
For me it's the bone and tissue it hurts for about 2-4 weeks and goes away ! Goes where ? Doing 30-40 Kms in 2-3 hrs 3,000-4,000 a summer in 🇨🇦. Anyway for me, it comes, and goes.
Which saddle do you use and what angle do you run it at? I’ve found that the Selle Italia SLR lady boost saddle to be just about the only one I could ride in excess of 6 hours. Also I’ve found that tipping the saddle nose up ever so slightly and the saddle a bit more forward gave me huge relief in the sit bone and pelvic area. I know this is contrary to “expert bike fit” strategy, however, it’s been a Godsend for me.
If you only get problems on one side is it a sign you’re sitting to one side on the saddle or something? I only ever get issues on the left but can’t quite work out what I’m doing wrong.
Most people with "backside" pain are a result of sit bone pressure not saddle sores. The only real way to alleviate that is to get out of the saddle for 5 to 10 seconds every 5 to 10 minutes. Then you can ride all day!
Every saddle needs a cutout for the perineum area! Take a saddle with a minimal amount of padding ( or no padding if you can get away with it ) Padding masks poor saddle fit and you have padding in your shorts! If the saddle is right for you, you will hardly need any padding on the saddle. Padding actually causes more friction points. Sitbone width correlates poorly with saddle fit except for very upright fits ( city bike, mtb ). Its just a big myth. If the hip rotates forward, you do not actually sit on those bony protrusions they measure at the shop. And that is where SMP saddles come in play.
I recently started wearing cycling boxers from AGU for commuting. I don't wash my clothes more than once a week and 200 euros for only boxers to get 5 for each day is a bit much for me. What would you suggest?
For years, I was told women have larger hips so we like a wide saddle. I kept getting red chafing, blisters. It wasn't until I dropped down to 140mm that it all resolved. There aren't a lot of saddles in that size and I think if there were we'd have a lot more women out on the streets
Cool, I love being told in every video to get a bike fitting. Which shoe is right for you, make sure you say all feet and shoes are different but a good bike fitt . . . .
I always say, "there is no substitute for saddle time". If you get sore, you aren't riding enough. Ride until it hurts, then stop, then repeat that until it stops hurting. A little OTC pain killer can't hurt either.😁
This may seem obvious.... wear shorts that fit! If you lose weight your shorts become lose or wear old shorts that have lost their compression it will lead to friction on your saddle. Ouch!
Don't use chamois cream, because it causes skin maceration and breakdown. Use baby powder before the ride, and wash with soap and/or anti-acne lotion ASAP after the ride. This solved the really nasty boils I was getting before.
comfort is the thing that made me give up of cycling; cycling should be an escape for the mind and body, something to get joy from, not pain in the a$$ and wrists. tried plenty of changes but not going to spend my money any more on this
What are your top tips to help avoid a sore bum bum? 🤕
On long rides, I put a small packet of chamois creme in my jersey pocket. I then reapply the creme
at a stop.
Ride a recumbent
Honestly, riding a recumbent bike solved all comfort issues for me. We don’t spend loads of time finding things like, “The perfect recliner”, or the “Perfect car seat” Because the basic versions of these items provide enough support to prevent major discomfort. Bike saddles are fundamentally limited on the level of support they can provide.
Recumbents have much more forgiving constraints.
Having not a correct bike fitting is probably the main cause for sore bum. And what helps a lot to me is to get a out of the saddle once in a while which improves blood circulation
My dermatologist recommended cleansing "the area" as soon as possible after a ride using an anti-microbial skin cleanser. He specifically recommended Hibi-Clens, but I've since found that a mild anti-bacterial soap like Dial seems to work as well. I've also found on very long rides that alternating between the hoods and bolt-on TT bars are great for shifting the pressure points and giving both the sit-bones and arms/wrists some recovery without having to stop.
I found putting a saddle onto the seat post helped.
Look at you Mr Big Wallet. A saddle is just extra luxury. I just used the post like a real cyclist.
@@EstebanDVO seat post? You lucky, lucky rich-guy... in my days we just sat on the frame
Ooh.... that's what those rails were for! 🤔
@@weeringjohnny that ain't nothing my custom frame wont even take a seat post.
I am opposite what they said about padded, I prefer a solid carbon saddle, no gel saddle they are uncomfortable and yes that is without padded in my clothes too
I'm wondering if GCN could continue on this theme and do a series with a medical practitioner or expert on curing /preventing common cycling issues like gravel rash, tendonitis, hot feet, broken bones etc?
This was the expert
Great idea Simon! Maybe in the same long form style that we did these interviews? 👉ruclips.net/video/NQrlEWW8WvE/видео.html
Long form is always welcome!
I changed my crank length from 172,5mm to 165mm.
That made a huge difference!
Hips are much more stable and saddle soreness is gone as well.
I think, finding the right crank length has been totally overlooked by most cyclists.
Interesting. How tall are you?
@@stephanhansen5931 177cm but proportions matter more. Check out this vid: ruclips.net/video/svlDq-NStcc/видео.html
Is it possible that your saddle was too high and by switching to shorter cranks you effectively lowered your saddle to a more comfortable height?
@@Frostbiker I actually raised my saddle after installing the shorter cranks. I think it's rather due to the smaller range of motion(?) that leads to more stability, less friction and less pressure. However, I am just assuming. Everyone is different, but it seems to have improved my overall position.
@@Frostbiker If your cranks are too long, you'll be limited either way. If you raise the saddle it could lead to hip rocking as you struggle to reach the bottom of the pedal stroke. If you lower the saddle, you may struggle to stay stable over the top of the pedal stroke, especially if you have limited flexibility or try to do a high cadence.
0:32
Manon: Your backside, your bottom, your bum bum……
Hank: Ok Manon, let’s get into it
I got rid of a lot of discomfort just by being more meticulous about how the chamois is sitting on my undercarriage. Noticed that when I put my bibs on the chamois tended to sit quite a bit forward but when I adjusted it both me and my bottom was very happy after riding!
I ended up with a new saddle after, basically, finding my sit bones were wider than average despite being quite slim. Got a wider one with pressure relief channel, and can feel the weight is loaded correctly on the sit bones themselves and not elsewhere. Big difference/relief.
The issue that made me look in to it was getting a dull ache in one of my (sorry) plumbs. Painful enough to keep waking me up at night - going on for weeks. There were no physical signs of anything but made an appointment with the doctor in case. Just before the appointment I realised it coincided, time-wise, with getting that bike with narrower saddle than I was used to but as there was no sense of discomfort from it I hadn't put the two together till that point.
Doc said no signs of concern so do check the saddle/set-up out - BUT he also emphasised going to get it checked out is absolutely the right thing to do. Don't ignore anything like that.
As a certified wound nurse practitioner I like to consider myself an expert in this area. I agree with the physio. If the skin is broken it needs time off to heal quickly with the least amount of scarring. Another important point which may be controversial: shorts should be either dried in a dryer(I know it lessens the life of the foam) or dried in direct sunlight. This lowers the bacterial load, especially staph aureus which is the common culprit for recurrent folliculitis. People are often shy to talk about issues in the perineum but once someone asks me in front of other riders people start opening up about all their perineal skin issues.
One thing I would often tell people while working at the bike shop- especially for road or gravel cycling- the saddle isn't a recliner, or even really a seat. It's a perch. You're meant to put your body weight into your legs more than anything.
That said, the only points that really need to touch the saddle are your "sit bone" points of your pelvis. Big cushy saddles will tend to cause numbness
wat if the sit bones are the part that is getting painful :3
Great tips! Do you also offer bike fitting at the shop? Have you noticed an uptake in people looking to get better fits? 👀
@@gcn We do, and yes, it's much more common now than when I started. We have a whole room and a compliment of special equipment dedicated to bike fits.
@@ShakeNBakeUK Could be a poor saddle-shape fit to your body, or possibly too wide or too narrow. Or you just have to get used to it... I know if I don't ride much for a while, my sit bones will hurt after about 30mi, and then I'll be OK after a few rides.
Saddles really are the hardest thing to get right. Some shops will have samples you can try out for a week or two, and a bike fit can help determine a shape and/or width that *should* work for you.
As a fitter and physiologist I have to disagree - unless you’re standing, you should not be carrying your weight on the pedals: that will lead to premature leg fatigue or even cramping. The key is to find a position and saddle combination that support your weight in a stable and comfortable manner without having to stand up every 5 minutes.
Measuring sit bone width
Place the piece of corrugated cardboard on a flat chair and take a seat.
Sit with your feet tilted up long enough to leave a good impression.
Stand and find the two deepest indentions your sit bones left behind and mark them both with a point.
Measure from one point to the other with your measuring tape in millimeters.
Add 20-25mm to determine your saddle size.
The average sit bone width for men is 60-160mm and 90-170mm for women.
I'm 65 and overweight and have turned to road cycling to get fit. My biggest challenge is being able to endure the pain/discomfort in my sit bones caused by the pressure of my extra weight on the cycle seat. Chafing is not an issue at this point. My bike shop recommended a more comfortable saddle for me (with a cutout) and it is an improvement over the saddle my bike came with. But I still have trouble riding long distances before I get too sore and have to stop and give my bum a rest for a few minutes. I am hoping that the more I cycle the problem will alleviate itself as I drop weight and my bum/sit bones grow more accustomed to my bike saddle.
Get padded cycling shorts they help a lot
Time to starve yourself
Look into Assos for a premium bib
I bought myself a gto bib
I weigh 230lbs and I'm 5'9
These bibs are pricey but worth every penny
Someone mentioned padded cycling shorts and they are correct.
Make sure you have the proper width saddle, too, which you can have checked at your local bike shop - just ask them how. Your added weight will put more pressure on your sit bones, as I know from my own experience. But the padded shorts will really help.
One thing that helped me on my mountain bike turned commuter was installing a WTB saddle that was the right width for my sit bones, and also has a generous cutout for those underparts that don't like a lot of pressure on them. The deep cutout is possible because the saddle has a bit thicker padding than a regular roadie saddle while still not restricting pedaling leg movement. Combined with the padded cycling shorts, I had no problems being overweight while riding for a good hour or more.
Right now I'm 60, 20 lbs overweight, and am riding a fixed gear bike with a roadie saddle and cutoff jean shorts. I've been a road rider before, so I knew that the first week or so was going to be sore sit-bone time. However, with more riding, you will find as I have that you become something of a hard-a$s after a while - literally.
So, keep riding because it all does get easier. The point is to get out and ride consistently and, for a while in the beginning, do it for the enjoyment! If you start thinging about how much weight you're *not* losing while riding, you'll get discouraged. Rather, think of all the good you're doing for your cardio system, lower back, hips, legs, ankles, and feet. Cycling helps strengthen all of these and that means in 10 years, you will *not* be a shuffling old guy. Rather, you'll be that older gentleman with a spring in his step.
You should combine cycling with some kind cycling specific weights workouts (you'll have to look those up on the ol' RUclips) along with exercises to strengthen your core. Working on your core and upper body will help to build more lean muscle tissue, which itself will use more calories than fat even when you're not riding. Something to think about.
Still, I'll mention this one thing again - first and foremost, make sure you're out riding to enjoy being able to do so! You do that with consistency, and the weight loss will take care of itself.
When you start cycling after a long lay-off I always get the sore bones for a few weeks. I do three things: 1. Brookes leather saddle. Not racey but more comfort. 2. Wear cycling shorts or bibs with a good pad and in the early days put another pair of MTB padded shorts underneath to double-pad. 3. Occasionally slide backwards off the point of the saddle onto the wider seat part to relieve the pressure. Do not wear underwear as extra padding as it has raised stitched seams in the crotch are which rub. Stand up on the pedals on the hills to get the blood flowing. You can get saddle gel pads that go over the seat which help a lot, rather than double-padding.
Full suspension and a Gel saddle keep on producing great fan thanks a lot welcome to the gcn show
What usually cause saddle discomfort are two things, pressure in the wrong spots like the perineum or excessive movement against the saddle when pedaling which can be caused by poor fit, wrong saddle height, or simply the wrong choice of saddle. Shift the pressure away from the bad areas, minimize movement against the saddle and you won't even be needing padded shorts nor cream down there!
Sounds like you'e done your research! Do you ride with any padding? 👀
I do wish to find cycling clothes without padding
@@gcn I do, I tried a gel saddle but found it uncomfortable so I have stuck to even cycle in normal clothes on a RIDEA S143 full carbon saddle without padding
@@gcn from painful experience! I have padded cycling shorts but only used them a few times. I found I didn't really need them once I sorted out my bike fit. I do non-stop centuries on regular unpadded shorts with >40 lbs loaded tour bike. I may apply coconut oil on my sit bones and crotch before going out on a ride with obscenely long climbs but still wear unpadded shorts. Coconut oil is cheap is why I like it but with the same anti-bacterial qualities and anti inflammation agents as chamois cream.
Good advice I was given is to alleviate the pressure on the ‘bum bum’ (thanks Manon) by moving around the saddle a bit and for sure standing up on the pedals from time to time to stretch the back etc. And use shamois crème, every time without fail! 😊
Stretching on the bike is a great idea! 🙌 Great to have people giving you top tips!
My saddle was so old it had a lot of tearing. I got the same model of saddle but new and that helped a lot.
After years of trying everything under the sun to alleviate chafing on long trainer rides, including a custom molded saddle, expensive bibs and every chamois cream on the market, it finally occurred to me that maybe the chamois cream was softening my skin and actually making the chafing worse. I had never heard or read the advice to ditch the chamois cream but I tried it and it definitely made things better. As with everything, YMMV.
Every saddle I tried over 10 years gave me sores on long rides. Until now - 3D printed saddles are a game changer. Now, I can sit on the bike the next day after an all day ride. Expensive, yes, but worth their weight in gold to me.
How much?
I switched saddles fairly early on. Got a womens model (I'm a male rider) and it's so much better now!
My top tip is try lots of saddles - I eventually found one I love - pain free all day!
Interestingly the one I love is very similar to one I struggled with - very hard to see the difference, but very easy to feel the difference!
And try them in padded shorts you actually use to cycle…
Good tip! How did you try lots of saddles without spending too much money? 👀
@@gcn I don’t think there is a magic answer, but I tried lots of my friends bikes, ordered a couple of popular saddles from a shop with a good returns policy, but finally found the one I liked when I paid for a bike fit (got to try lots of saddles as part of that).
Make sure you kept what brand, model, size so you can get another one in the future.
So far I haven't had to manage saddle sores, but I haven't stayed in the saddle for more than a couple of hours. As I prepare for a 100-miler this spring, I'll be spending a lot more time riding, and I'll have longer sessions, so the possibility of sores will certainly increase. This information is a good place to start learning how to battle back.
I found that following a proper bike fit I needed to get a different saddle (slightly narrower). I had obviously been compensating in some way for the poor fit that allowed the wider saddle to work. Now in an optimum position and with a narrower saddle no pain on a ride. Also I found regularly getting out of the saddle and standing on the pedals helps relieve pressure on a long ride.
Great to hear that a bike fit has helped you! How much wider was your old er saddle?
Also one suggestion is changing your position more frequently, ride on/off the saddle to keep the blood flowing in the different parts. Having done some 3h segments with TT bars, I can tell you that it really starts to chafe if you dont change your positions somewhat.
Before I do any ride I use Aquaphor healing ointment and Anti Monkey Butt anti friction powder. Together they keep my behind from getting sore during and after my bicycle rides. Great video!
Did anybody hear what he says at 7:05 minute mark into this video, OMG that was hilarious this dude rules.
I had to replay to make sure I heard it right....then I realized he is speaking British English....
Lol I think it might be Australian English
Pus - thick, yellowish liquid that forms in and comes from an infected cut or injury in the body. British English, Australian English 😃😃😃😃
just British 😁.....we don't say it like that in Australia
First good bike fit is paramount. I use leather saddles Brookes, Berthoud and Rivet and good quality bib shorts. I have had very few incidences of saddle sores since starting with them. If I get any irritation Zincofax works a treat. I ride around 16,000 k per year all combined Road , track and turbo.
I never really had these issues except at the beginning of the season or on rides significantly longer than my training rides. I founded the padded bike shorts helped and making frequent adjustments whether standing or sliding forward or back on the seat. Retiring to Florida alleviated the seasonal piece! Most of my rides are 10 to 20 miles but 40 miles a couple days ago without issue. I always ride in jean shorts, no padded shorts or lycra anymore.
I switched to recumbent bikes and those solved discomfort immediately. They are also quite a bit faster on the flats.
As a commuter, I'm always looking for the best combination of speed and comfort.
If I may ask, how much do recombinant bikes typically cost, and how practical are they?
After five decades of trying to find the best saddle and bike shorts (chamois) with plenty of saddle sores along the way I now simply put on nice merino wool underpants and a pair of comfortable shorts and ride.
Every 20 minutes or so, stand up and get off the saddle for 15-20 seconds. No matter how comfy the saddle or shorts, you need to relieve pressure on the tissues. Don’t wait until things start to get uncomfortable. Sudocrem - if you know, you know.
Diaper rash cream works great, from my experience (instead of the typically more expensive chamois creams). Sudocrem, Zincofax, Penaten... Basically zinc oxide creams.
When I did a lot of running, I did use paw paw ointment ( actually a cream ) to help with chaffing / sweet rash
When it comes to saddles, it's more than just where the sit bones are. After a lot of trial and error, I had a retuul fitting done that included saddle pressure mapping while I was in my riding position and ended up with the most comfortable saddle I've ever had. And it's not one I would've ever considered.
Always struggled for the right saddle... until I went to the specialised store in Bham. They measured my sit bones and advised the right saddle, which was quite wide for a bloke. Very comfy now though!
@Lenser 155. Sit bones are at 135. They set me up with a Power Comp 155 which was in stock, and I've just bought the 155 Romin, because I may need another saddle soon 😏 I feel another bike coming.
As long as you are comfortable that's all that matter! Has it lead to you riding more? 👀
@gcn Yep. All good. Been on the trainer all winter, so looking forward to some "warm" miles soon! 🙂
After a indoor or outdoor ride, to prevent the nasty smells, I wash my cycling shorts and jersey in the shower with me (not wearing them of course) using the shower gels or soaps. Works wonders and I just hang them to dry. They are ready to go the next day if you want to use the same kit. No stinky chamois here!!
I had saddlesore once. In 1974 when I rode with schoolfriends to a motor race event.
Then the lady at the bike shop told me how to pedal properly. Never had saddlesore again. Even on a Unica-Nitor.
I now have sixteen bikes with a different saddle on each. My most comfy is a Brooks B17S on a Dawes tourer.
What advise specifically did this ladie give, may I ask?
Hank and Manon are the power duo!
High high energy!!! ⚡
If riding day after day alternate the type of chamois worn. Different chamois’s can create different pressure points so you get some relief by changing shorts.
7:07 (bleeding ears!) I spent my first 3 years of medical school trying hard to avoid saying "p*** discharge". The correct term is "purulent discharge" good sir. Great video and great info as always.
Biked on many kinds of saddles. As a newbie it will hurt. Take the pain and power through it. Immunity will be achieved. Padding becomes redundant.
Adjust tiny moves at a time. Then mark them as they feel better. Oh if you get that new saddle. Try where the old one was , but don't be afraid to move the new saddle. Tiny bits at a time. Love all the measurements on rails now da
If you find a great pair of bibs. Buy a lot of them. Keep some in resurve (new in the bag) and have a few to rotate through the week or month. I ware Santini Redux bib shorts and have one for every day of the week (I ride almost every day). This way I don’t ware the same pair more then once a week. Also I split my bibs into indoor ones and outdoor ones. The indoor bibs see a lot more abuse then my outdoor bibs.
I found taking weight of the saddle when I see bumps coming up help as I feel my biggest issue now is getting bruised sit bones when I get tired on rough roads
Will you some day participate in Styrkeproven Trontheim - Oslo? I think that would make for a great adventure.
Nice Video as always! Keep it up!
great show guys. how about doing a segment on best and worse cycling chamois? I would really like to hear what you consider the best brands versus the worse.
1 - I think the best and the worst cycling chamois will vary greatly by individual. I'm sure there isn't a consensus on the GCN team. 2. GCN is sponsored by Castelli so you know how that is going to go before it gets started. I actually like the Castelli chamois in the Free Aero shorts they use, but you may not.
@@bradrogers2427 I understand... I actually like Castelli as well. but think they run small. maybe it's just my build but I always have to go a size up
@@pricekidd77 - Me too. One size up from most other brands.
I just changed to recumbent, and the soreness and numbeness disappear. The more laidback, the more comfort as the body weight is spread on a wider area.
Sounds great! Would you like to see more recumbent content on GCN? 👀
@@gcn ofc, I think having steve Slade from BHPC and some virtual race with bents could be good.
@@gcn maybe have your sister channels do recumbents? Handcycling MTB, or low racers fpr triathlon. Lets also see how they fare for their first try on 2 wheel recumbents.
Call me crazy, but I’ve found that Noxzema makes a great chamois cream. It’s medicated, cool, and has eucalyptus which battles odor. I use it consistently for rides exceeding 25-30 miles. Just be careful where you apply it as it can be a bit “tingley.” 😜 It’s also considerably cheaper.
Another real concern with cycling based on how you sit: ED due to undue pressure on the perineum. I love cycling but hate that it has stolen a bit of something from me.
Did he really just say that at 7.08??
... and with this we want to thank Mannon-wont give Ollie a bidon and Hank from the button of our hearts for putting out a video about the pain in the buttom.
Wish you would have addressed numbness. In 2019, I developed a burning pain from compression on the pudendal nerve. Took me 6 months to get the proper diagnosis Neuralgia and took a little over 2 years for the nerve to fully heal. Guys tend to ignore / joke about numb nuts but it’s a sign of nerve compression. Mine was caused by daily long training rides on a stationary bike during the winter season. Finally able to cycle again but am very cautious about duration and position on stationary bike.
Get a recumbent bike/velomobile
Sorry to hear you've had issues in the past Scott! Great to hear that you went to get things checked out. Like you mentioned, it often carries a certain stigma attached to these sort of issues and there really doesn't need to be. Have you got back on the bike? 🚴
This is definitely something that should have been addressed. It's likely nowhere near as common but it is awful if you get it. I'm currently suffering, started ~6 weeks ago on a club ride and I hadn't really done any long rides. Numbness and a mixture of other sensations make it very uncomfortable in everyday life. I have stopped riding completely in the hopes that it would get better but 2 years to heal is not what I wanted to read. There is very little information about this condition online so it would be great to raise awareness.
Thanks James and Manon..I am American...what did she say we call it ? I agree also, expensive shorts are worth it , chamois quality is hugely different , and I have learned the hard way !!
Fanny!
Just once I want to see you guys ride a tadpole trike. ICE VTX, one of the fastest in the world, is made right there in the UK. Sure would solve saddle sore issues!!
Specialized mirror techand assos GTO. Can’t even remember what it means to have saddle discomfort since I’ve gotten those two on my bikes.
Great to hear you've found the saddle that works for you! 🙌 It can be like the Holy Grail
Best thing I did was to go to a well known bikefit physio. He got rid of my hand, back and bum pain with just a few simple adjustments. Well worth the investment and ledd than a nee saddle.
Soreness can sometimes just be bruising - which is fine. Just part of the game. Get out of the saddle when possible to help. Infection is nasty, and needs a really dramatic solution. Stopping is easy on day rides, but takes a bit of guts on a multi day trip.
Not often mentioned, but as you get stronger, there is less weight on the saddle as you push harder on the pedals. Ask Si Richardson- he hates recovery rides for that very reason 😁
On my first 100k this year I forgot to put padded shorts on under my thermal overtights. I got a bit of chafing but less than I expected thanks to my choice of saddle. Moving dynamically also helped, I tend to change my seating position depending on my hand position on the bars, or whether I am going up or downhill.
I must have tried upwards of a dozen saddles (at considerable cost) and the only one I really get on with is a Brooks. Other people I know seem to get on with anything.
Ive found that washing my riding gear with hydrogen peroxide along with the usual detergent helps keep the fabric smelling clean, it brightens the colors too. For years I noticed the fabric got stinky, since most cycling clothing is not meant to be dried in a dryer. It's supposed to be hang dried. I suppose the hydrogen peroxide also gets rid of germs.
Let's say you have a saddle that fits and sit somewhat correctly on your bike.
A) Get used to it bit by bit. This takes some time but your rear is not meant to sit 5 hours in a saddle from witting 8 hours in an office chair.
B) Pedal harder. More weight on the legs means less weight on the rear. Plus you'll be at your destination faster.
To be honest other than mild discomfort from being in the saddle for hours on end, this is an issue I've never really had. SHOES on the other hand don't get me started.
Drop the shoes. Embrace the freedom of wind between your toes.
@@dylanhunt5368 It was -2 this morning when I went for a ride, I wouldn't have any toes left to feel the wind between 🤣
Would you like to see us do a video on better fitting shoes? 👀
@@gcn Better fitting feet would probably be more useful for me🤣, but yeah any advice on that front would be welcomed.
I'm going to give 2 pieces of advice, one unusual and one very controversial. This is coming from a guy who literally was not able to get back home from a ride back in the days, the back side was that bad. Today 4+ hours rides and zero problems, ever.
1. Get one of those ladder saddles, zero cushioning, that adjust to your sit bones with time. Nothing better...
2. And the controversial one? Wear "dri-fit" type of underwear. I know, GCN said at least 218 times to never wear underwear, but I say give it a try. No chaffing ever, because it's physically impossible, your skin is always completely dry, even after a 5 hour ride when everything else is soaking wet, perfect comfort all the time. See what works for you and don't follow the "rules". Just make sure it's the correct type of underwear, skin tight, dri-fit, otherwise you will have big trouble.
This comes under the heading 'Too much information.' but here goes... I have always used petroleum jelly directly on any areas of my nethers where there is skin against skin and also where the skin contacts the side of the saddle. Just a thin layer will do the trick. My experience is that this stops moisture and abrasion related soreness almost completely.
Magnesium sulfate paste and plaster/bandaid on an infected hair follicle will help reduce the infection and pain.
Do shorter and commute riding in shorts without padding, f.x. triathlon shorts that will harden your button and then you still have the padding optipn if you get problem.
These pants are also ideal for touring as they dry fast and have no sweaty foam to cause rash when off the bike for a market or sightseeing
How long can you now ride without padding? 👀
@@gcn until now I've done some 100 kms didn't ride longer with or without.. lots of 40-60s
Are you supposed to put the cream on the chamois? I've always put it on the skin.
It took me a while for me to figure out a system that works well for me. I do wear underwear when I ride, but I put chamois creme directly onto my butt before I dress. I feel the underwear helps keep my chamise cream in my problem areas better while I ride, especially in the winter when I have on my winter leggings and thermal underwear.
Chamois cream is quite expensive. I use KY jelly as a cheaper option. It seems to work for me but I wonder if it's damaging the pad 🤔
Any idea if hair removal is a good idea? Hair acts as a lubricant, so should be beneficial, but I wonder if hairs get pulled out, leaving damaged follicles as a source of infection.
After years of having the perfect saddle i found one day something changed and started to experience Numbness, after checking positions it just got worse so i ended up having to find perfect saddle again, our bodies change i guess with age so something to consider
I generally carry a pair of cycling shorts on my long rides. Change it once when I feel uncomfortable.
Good thinking, how long is long? 🔎
@@gcn 200km - 250 km. Sweaty conditions In India
Top tip: don’t get a $300 bike fit. Spend $1,000 on different saddles plus time and effort. Then get a $400 bike fit.
Lol then get a 12k bike
Did not find any for me, because I have 1 sit bone larger than the other and problematic perineum, so I sit for about 4 minutes then stand up for 2-3 and over again. Not ideal but best for now.
Most rear end pain is caused by abrasions to the skin, that is caused by friction to softer tissues, early in the season. This can be alleviated by using chamois cream to cut down on that friction.
A REAL saddle sore is an infection under the skin that produces a lump like a giant pimple. If it is bad enough, it might have to be lanced to be drained.
Have you ever had one that bad? 👀
@@gcn No, thank god.
Just the normal abrasions from putting in the miles. After the first 1,000 miles at the beginning of a season, I find that I need less and less chamois cream.
Shaving the area helps a lot for hairy individuals because it reduces friction.
Dreading my 204 miler (in a day) in April, saddle sores being my biggest concern 😟
in time the skin and bones adapt helping with the discomfort. but having the right saddle and chamois is key. i never understood why saddles and chamois dont conform to the shape of the but more like shoes, gloves, and clothes do. there is much room for improvement there, imagine a custom chamois shape or even saddle. most would look nothing like what they have today which means theyre missing the mark
For me it's the bone and tissue it hurts for about 2-4 weeks and goes away ! Goes where ?
Doing 30-40 Kms in 2-3 hrs 3,000-4,000 a summer in 🇨🇦.
Anyway for me, it comes, and goes.
Which saddle do you use and what angle do you run it at?
I’ve found that the Selle Italia SLR lady boost saddle to be just about the only one I could ride in excess of 6 hours. Also I’ve found that tipping the saddle nose up ever so slightly and the saddle a bit more forward gave me huge relief in the sit bone and pelvic area.
I know this is contrary to “expert bike fit” strategy, however, it’s been a Godsend for me.
Has Hank got Peter crouch’s bike? That saddle height 😂
Take the hairs off with a depilatory cream (not a razor). Game changer 😃
If you only get problems on one side is it a sign you’re sitting to one side on the saddle or something? I only ever get issues on the left but can’t quite work out what I’m doing wrong.
Most people with "backside" pain are a result of sit bone pressure not saddle sores. The only real way to alleviate that is to get out of the saddle for 5 to 10 seconds every 5 to 10 minutes. Then you can ride all day!
wat if my sit bone is hurting as soon as i sit on a saddle :3
Interesting! Have you tested this out? 🧪
Every saddle needs a cutout for the perineum area! Take a saddle with a minimal amount of padding ( or no padding if you can get away with it ) Padding masks poor saddle fit and you have padding in your shorts! If the saddle is right for you, you will hardly need any padding on the saddle. Padding actually causes more friction points. Sitbone width correlates poorly with saddle fit except for very upright fits ( city bike, mtb ). Its just a big myth. If the hip rotates forward, you do not actually sit on those bony protrusions they measure at the shop. And that is where SMP saddles come in play.
I use muttons tallow as a chamois alternative lol
Did he say what I think he said?
Hasn't this topic been covered enough by GCN?
I recently started wearing cycling boxers from AGU for commuting. I don't wash my clothes more than once a week and 200 euros for only boxers to get 5 for each day is a bit much for me. What would you suggest?
For years, I was told women have larger hips so we like a wide saddle. I kept getting red chafing, blisters. It wasn't until I dropped down to 140mm that it all resolved. There aren't a lot of saddles in that size and I think if there were we'd have a lot more women out on the streets
Was it just me or when manon stood up was that her knees clicking or the cleats tapping lol
Cool, I love being told in every video to get a bike fitting. Which shoe is right for you, make sure you say all feet and shoes are different but a good bike fitt . . . .
I always say, "there is no substitute for saddle time". If you get sore, you aren't riding enough. Ride until it hurts, then stop, then repeat that until it stops hurting. A little OTC pain killer can't hurt either.😁
what about skin tags? they don't hurt but don't like them
Did I hear something at 7:06 or what 🤣
Finally we have gotten to the bottom of it.
This may seem obvious.... wear shorts that fit! If you lose weight your shorts become lose or wear old shorts that have lost their compression it will lead to friction on your saddle. Ouch!
Don't use chamois cream, because it causes skin maceration and breakdown. Use baby powder before the ride, and wash with soap and/or anti-acne lotion ASAP after the ride. This solved the really nasty boils I was getting before.
Even in a car I don’t drive that close to the white line!!
Is there any cheaper alternative than chamois cream? Is talcum powder viable option?
Do not use talcum as sweat will cause discomfort when wet. Use a chamois cream directly on the sore area and talcum after the ride and shower,
Coconut oil, its organic cheap and antiseptic
comfort is the thing that made me give up of cycling; cycling should be an escape for the mind and body, something to get joy from, not pain in the a$$ and wrists. tried plenty of changes but not going to spend my money any more on this