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Tips to combat Saddle Soreness ~
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 | Saddle soreness is usually caused by bad fit - In our experience, the overwhelming cause of saddle soreness is BAD FIT. "Good" saddle soreness is the kind you get on your two sit bones when you ride distances longer than you are accustomed. If you are experiencing any other kind of notable saddle soreness then something is wrong. You may be able to hide a bad fit with one of these "newer" saddle designs. But, our strong recommendation is to fix the root of the problem first. Start with a great fit and work backward from there. |
| "New" saddles with holes in the
middle - These saddles aren't new! We've  used
saddles like these for nearly twenty years. On occasion they can help a rider
to attain a more comfortable position. This is particularly true if the
rider has a known problem such as a cyst or known prostate swelling. But
just as often, soft tissue falls through the hole and a ring of pressure
builds around the hole. Once again, there is no quick fix for a bad
fit. |
| The most successful solution -
We've found that the most successful solution utilizes a firmer saddle that
stabilizes the majority of pressure on the two sit bones. The area around
these two sit bones will toughen up in very short
order. And if the fit is done right, soft tissue up front will not be
pressured. Yes, this is the age-old solution. But long term bike riders are
not masochists. They've settled on this solution because, with a well done
fit, it works. |
| How soft is too soft? - When you first start riding after a long layoff then extra soft is very nice. But as soon as you start putting in some regular miles you will squish down into a soft saddle. Then, pressure will start squeezing up into soft tissue. That's bad. So, gauge the firmness of your saddle by the amount of regular riding you do. The more mileage you do on a regular basis then the more firmness you need. |
| Gauge your mileage by your rear end! - When your bum starts getting sore, stop riding! If your fit is done right then you should experience only moderate tenderness and you should recover fully in a day or two. Build up your mileage little by little as your comfort allows. |
| Check your shorts - For longer rides make sure you wear a high quality cycling short with a well designed chamois pad. If you are getting sore be sure to check your shorts for any bunching or twisting of the chamois. |
| Use a good chamois cream - In the
team car before the start of a race we have what we call "glop"
time. That's the time when all the racers reach into
their jars of Assos chamois cream and start to "glop" the stuff on
- to both chamois and skin. Don't go too thick. But, make sure
that problem areas are thoroughly covered. Assos is particularly good
because it is not only a lubricant. It's an anti-bacterial agent as
well. |
| "W" stands for wide, not women "W" should stand for wide, not women - Pick the width of your saddle relative to your own size. If you are a man that's wide in the back then go for a wider saddle even if it says that it's made for a women. And if you are bigger you will also need firmer - sorry! Petite woman, don't go for something wide just because the label says its for women. |
| Don't get chafed - If your saddle is too wide then you will rub the backs of your legs raw. You want a saddle that you can straddle while still supporting those all important sit bones. Best long term results come from a saddle that gives you just enough width but no extra. |
| If you do get a saddle sore - wash yourself thoroughly. Phisoderm is an effective cleanser that is easy to find. Then, try one of these aids: A+D ointment, Desitin, Aloe cream, Bag Balm, or Comfrey root. If you develop an infection or a abscess, it's time to see a doctor. |
In addition to the finest saddles from Selle Italia, San Marco, Avocet, and others, we stock Assos chamois cream, Body Glide Skin Ointment, and Quintana Roo saddle pads.
If you have a good saddle tip then please email it to us. We'll add the especially good ones to this page. And, we'll be sure to give you credit. Thanks in advance from everyone! support@bikyle.com
This page was last edited on 06/03/2004.
