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Saddle Sores
It is hard to find a cyclist or triathlete that hasn´t been affected by saddle sores at some point. Saddle sores can ruin your ride or race day, however, you will be pleased to know that remedies for this troublesome problem have come on a long way since riders back in the day would put slabs of meat in their shorts to ease the pain.
But what is a saddle sore? Put simply a saddle sore is a skin ailment on the buttocks due to, or exasperated by cycling. The most common cause are chaffing or excessive seating which causes friction between the skin and chamois. Saddle sores are more common among those new to cycling as their delicate posterior is not used to the harsher road saddle for hours on end, but, pro cyclists have also fallen foul to saddle sores and has ended many a pro cyclists race.
Below we have a few things you can do to minimize the risk of getting saddle sores:
1. Buy a saddle that fits you - It may sound simple but it often takes a lot of trial and error to find the best fitting saddle for you. Don´t be fooled into buying the lightest and latest model on the market because they tend to be like sitting on granite and may or may be the best thing for you. If a slightly heavier and cheaper model fits you better then go for that one as to be honest who is going to really notice a few extra grams on their bike!!!
2. Ensure that your bike correctly - If your seat post is not at the right height and saddle not in the correct position for you then this can cause you no end of problems. Get yourself down to your local bike shop and ask them to fit the bike for you. It may cost you a few quid but is well worth the money.
3. Only wear good quality chamois - There is little point in spending an excessive amount on a saddle and skimping on the cycle shorts. The chamois is the first point of contact with your skin and generally speaking the more expensive shorts use a better quality chamois. When buying shorts look for ones with a one-piece liner or one that is sewn with flat seams.
4. Use a chamois cream - Make sure that you apply a small amount of a chamois cream or petroleum gel to your manhood before putting on your shorts as this will minimize the friction between your skin and and the shorts.
5. Keep them clean and strip quick! - Cycle shorts are a breeding ground for bacteria so make sure that you wash your shorts after each use. Once you have finished your ride make sure that you shower, dry and change as soon as possible to minimize the chance of infection.
What do you do if you get saddle sore? First and foremost treat the affected area with an antibacterial wash and appropriate cream. Then, allow adequate rest to allow the area to heal. In severe cases you may need to stop cycling all-together for a week or so to really let the area heal.
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