8 Quick and Simple Ways to Avoid Bicycle Saddle Sore
Bicycle saddle sore can give you a headache and ruin your ride. Even pro cyclists can fall victims from this riding discomfort. So, for you to have a comfortable, fun, and enjoyable ride, take note of these tips on how to avoid bicycle saddle sore.
1. See to it that your bicycle fits you perfectly.
If your bike seat is too high, your hips will rock each time your pedal and this will disturb the soft tissue across your saddle's nose. This can irritate or even infect your skin. Go to a bike shop and have your bicycle checked by an experienced person to make the necessary seat adjustments.
2. Stand on your bicycle once in a while.
When you are riding long miles, it is best to stand every now and then. This is to take pressure off your crotch and restore circulation at the same time. Stand on your bicycle for about 10 to 20 seconds every 30 minutes. Take the time to stand as you climb up short hills, ride on rough terrains, or pick up speed from stop signs. Stretching a little also helps.
3. Move on your saddle.
Sit mostly on the rear section of your bike seat. This part of your saddle is where pressure is taken off your crotch and your sit bones get maximum support. But it's also helpful to move farther back as you climb hilly paths while seated and then move to the middle section of your seat when bending low. Whenever you change your seating position, your pressure joints are relived from pressure.
4. Wear smooth type of chamois.
Wear a pair of cycling shorts that's sewn with flat seams or a single-piece liner. It may be necessary to try on several types of chamois before you find the best model and brand that works best for you. Generally, for women, cycling shorts with a liner without a center seam are recommended.
5. Use a supportive and comfortable saddle.
Choosing a bike seat is a crucial process. A saddle that is too wide will rub against your inner thighs and irritate or even infect your skin. However, this does not mean that a narrow saddle is the right choice as it would not be able to provide you with enough support to your sit bones. Remember that your entire weight is carried by your soft tissues that can become sore easily. A seat that has too thick padding will press upward in between your sit bones. This can cause a numbing pressure which can be uncomfortable. Choosing a saddle, just like choosing cycling shorts is a trial-and-error process.
6. Lube up to reduce friction.
To keep your shorts from causing abrasion, lubricate before riding. You can try balm products, or lotion to protect crotch. A mild coating of petroleum jelly can also help. Dab a little on your crotch before you wear your cycling shorts.
7. Observe personal hygiene.
It goes without saying that wearing clean shorts will help avoid bicycle saddle sore. If you know that you are susceptible to bicycle saddle sore, wash your crotch with an antibacterial soap and warm water prior to lubing up. Dry your skin completely before lubing up.
8. Change quickly.
See to it that you quickly change your shorts immediately after each ride. Your cycling shorts will be sweaty and germy, a condition where bacteria will abound. If your skin is scraped, bacteria will have an easy time penetrating your skin. This will increase irritation an may lead to infection. It's best to take a quick shower after each ride and put on loose-fitting shorts or pants.
1. See to it that your bicycle fits you perfectly.
If your bike seat is too high, your hips will rock each time your pedal and this will disturb the soft tissue across your saddle's nose. This can irritate or even infect your skin. Go to a bike shop and have your bicycle checked by an experienced person to make the necessary seat adjustments.
2. Stand on your bicycle once in a while.
When you are riding long miles, it is best to stand every now and then. This is to take pressure off your crotch and restore circulation at the same time. Stand on your bicycle for about 10 to 20 seconds every 30 minutes. Take the time to stand as you climb up short hills, ride on rough terrains, or pick up speed from stop signs. Stretching a little also helps.
3. Move on your saddle.
Sit mostly on the rear section of your bike seat. This part of your saddle is where pressure is taken off your crotch and your sit bones get maximum support. But it's also helpful to move farther back as you climb hilly paths while seated and then move to the middle section of your seat when bending low. Whenever you change your seating position, your pressure joints are relived from pressure.
4. Wear smooth type of chamois.
Wear a pair of cycling shorts that's sewn with flat seams or a single-piece liner. It may be necessary to try on several types of chamois before you find the best model and brand that works best for you. Generally, for women, cycling shorts with a liner without a center seam are recommended.
5. Use a supportive and comfortable saddle.
Choosing a bike seat is a crucial process. A saddle that is too wide will rub against your inner thighs and irritate or even infect your skin. However, this does not mean that a narrow saddle is the right choice as it would not be able to provide you with enough support to your sit bones. Remember that your entire weight is carried by your soft tissues that can become sore easily. A seat that has too thick padding will press upward in between your sit bones. This can cause a numbing pressure which can be uncomfortable. Choosing a saddle, just like choosing cycling shorts is a trial-and-error process.
6. Lube up to reduce friction.
To keep your shorts from causing abrasion, lubricate before riding. You can try balm products, or lotion to protect crotch. A mild coating of petroleum jelly can also help. Dab a little on your crotch before you wear your cycling shorts.
7. Observe personal hygiene.
It goes without saying that wearing clean shorts will help avoid bicycle saddle sore. If you know that you are susceptible to bicycle saddle sore, wash your crotch with an antibacterial soap and warm water prior to lubing up. Dry your skin completely before lubing up.
8. Change quickly.
See to it that you quickly change your shorts immediately after each ride. Your cycling shorts will be sweaty and germy, a condition where bacteria will abound. If your skin is scraped, bacteria will have an easy time penetrating your skin. This will increase irritation an may lead to infection. It's best to take a quick shower after each ride and put on loose-fitting shorts or pants.
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