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Question for the ladies- soreness in saddle

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  • 11-06-2017 9:20pm
    #1
    panda100
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,551 ✭✭✭


    Looking for some tips from my fellow lady cyclists.

    Ever since I've started cycling i've been suffering from sore 'lady bits'. I have a fitted road bike with what I presume is a ladies saddle but everytime I'm on the bike I have to stop every 30mins or so to adjust myself down there! Thats fine if I'm out for a Sunday spin by myself but if I'm in a race or out with the club I can't do this and the pain is often excruciating. I use body glide and vaseline on the area but it still can be quite sore. Just wondering if there is maybe a special saddle I can get or does anyone have any reccomendations? I have a race on Saturday and I am quite sore after 3 hour spin today so not even looking forward to getting back on the bike again :(


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    #2
    fits
    Registered Users Posts: 13,271 ✭✭✭✭fits


    Yep look for a saddle with cut out area. I had one a few years ago. Forget the brand. It wasn't expensive.


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    #3
    Annie get your Run
    Registered Users Posts: 2,831 ✭✭✭Annie get your Run


    What shorts are you wearing? You should be going commando too. I find I heed to change position on the bike to ensure I'm sitting more on my sit bones to the rear if that makes sense.

    I've googled women's saddles in the past too but they all seem to get mixed reviews so I just searched for the almost perfect shorts instead.


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    #4
    panda100
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,551 ✭✭✭panda100


    fits wrote:
    Yep look for a saddle with cut out area. I had one a few years ago. Forget the brand. It wasn't expensive.

    Is the saddles with the cut out area's made for women? Must try that out.
    Annie get your Run wrote:
    What shorts are you wearing? You should be going commando too. I find I heed to change position on the bike to ensure I'm sitting more on my sit bones to the rear if that makes sense.

    In a race I would be wearing my tri suit so its not very padded. I have a few pairs of well padded shorts I got in lidl and decathlon. Maybe I should invest in better quality. I always wear knickers underneath (except with tri suit) Surely going commando would mean less protection against saddle and more soreness???


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    #5
    robyntmorton
    Registered Users Posts: 4,263 ✭✭✭robyntmorton


    Okay, first things first. Ditch the knickers. It sounds counter intuitive, but the extra fabric on fabric layer creates rub. Rub in the wrong area.

    Chamois cream is good. Use it on the pad, which helps again to ease the rubbing.

    Shorts quality helps. I had a Lidl pair that cut me to ribbons quite quickly. My quality Rivelo and Castelli pairs can be worn happily all day.

    That may fix the issues, but if not then look at the saddle. What works for me might not work for you, but I use a Selle Italia saddle with a small cut out that I got on Sale in Halfords for a Euro.


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    #6
    cython
    Registered Users Posts: 4,758 ✭✭✭cython


    panda100 wrote: »
    Is the saddles with the cut out area's made for women? Must try that out.
    There are saddles with cut-outs for both ladies and men, so be careful not to assume it's a ladies' saddle just because it has a cut-out. Ultimately saddles are a very personal choice, and one person's "armchair" is another's instrument of torture.

    panda100 wrote: »
    In a race I would be wearing my tri suit so its not very padded. I have a few pairs of well padded shorts I got in lidl and decathlon. Maybe I should invest in better quality. I always wear knickers underneath (except with tri suit) Surely going commando would mean less protection against saddle and more soreness???
    Without being crude/graphic about it, underwear introduces friction and can cause chafing and associated soreness. Cycling shorts and their pads are designed to be worn against the skin, so worth trying. Chamois cream may also be worth a look if it's chafing (as opposed to pressure) that's getting to you.


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    #7
    Annie get your Run
    Registered Users Posts: 2,831 ✭✭✭Annie get your Run


    robyntmorton wrote: »
    Okay, first things first. Ditch the knickers. It sounds counter intuitive, but the extra fabric on fabric layer creates rub. Rub in the wrong area.

    Chamois cream is good. Use it on the pad, which helps again to ease the rubbing.

    Shorts quality helps. I had a Lidl pair that cut me to ribbons quite quickly. My quality Rivelo and Castelli pairs can be worn happily all day.

    That may fix the issues, but if not then look at the saddle. What works for me m

    Plus one to all that. Lidl gear is *fine* but better quality stuff is better. I got a pair of muddyfox shorts in sports direct which are quite good but my favourite are Altura which I got on wiggle I think. And yes, ditch the knickers!


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    #8
    sullivlo
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 9,994 Mod ✭✭✭✭sullivlo


    panda100 wrote: »
    Looking for some tips from my fellow lady cyclists.

    Ever since I've started cycling i've been suffering from sore 'lady bits'. I have a fitted road bike with what I presume is a ladies saddle but everytime I'm on the bike I have to stop every 30mins or so to adjust myself down there! Thats fine if I'm out for a Sunday spin by myself but if I'm in a race or out with the club I can't do this and the pain is often excruciating. I use body glide and vaseline on the area but it still can be quite sore. Just wondering if there is maybe a special saddle I can get or does anyone have any reccomendations? I have a race on Saturday and I am quite sore after 3 hour spin today so not even looking forward to getting back on the bike again :(

    Chafing pain or pressure pain?


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    #9
    panda100
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,551 ✭✭✭panda100


    Wow never realised I was meant to be going commando in cycling shorts. Will check out chamois cream and invest in a decent pair of shorts. Hopefully that will help!


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    #10
    panda100
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,551 ✭✭✭panda100


    sullivlo wrote:
    Chafing pain or pressure pain?

    I think its more pressure pain. Without being too crude (as another poster said) its like things get trapped down there when I'm sitting in the same position and I can feel my bits getting inflamed/swollen. Its usually tender for a good few hours after then as well. Does this happen to anyone else?


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    #11
    Annie get your Run
    Registered Users Posts: 2,831 ✭✭✭Annie get your Run


    panda100 wrote: »
    I think its more pressure pain. Without being too crude (as another poster said) its like things get trapped down there when I'm sitting in the same position and I can feel my bits getting inflamed/swollen. Its usually tender for a good few hours after then as well. Does this happen to anyone else?

    Yes it definitely does, I'm assuming it's why the cut out saddles were invented but try the shorts first and try to sit back on the saddle rather than forward if you know what I mean. Hope you get sorted before the race.


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    #12
    saccades
    Registered Users Posts: 1,257 ✭✭✭saccades


    I'm not a lady but I spent a lot of time fixing this issue for my wife.

    A slightly lower saddle position angled a tad nose down and this saddle has transformed her spins.

    http://www.wiggle.com/bioflex-ladies-ozone-saddle/

    It was a cheap "trial" that has worked a treat (so much so I had to buy another for when her current one dies), not aimed at racers but a suggestion of a style that might help.


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    #13
    dragratchet
    Registered Users Posts: 690 ✭✭✭dragratchet


    1. i got my ex a Specialised Riva saddle and it helped a lot. it came recommended from 2 female friends who had the same issue.

    2. as everyone already said, no undies, just the shorts.

    3. check your saddle isnt too high for you. even a few mms to high can put unwanted pressure on the saddle area.

    4. in addition to dropping the tip of the saddle perhaps lift your bars up a bit. it will allow you to cary more of your weight through your arms in a more upright position which will hopefully help also.

    5. probably buy a new bike :pac:


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    #14
    sullivlo
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 9,994 Mod ✭✭✭✭sullivlo


    panda100 wrote: »
    I think its more pressure pain. Without being too crude (as another poster said) its like things get trapped down there when I'm sitting in the same position and I can feel my bits getting inflamed/swollen. Its usually tender for a good few hours after then as well. Does this happen to anyone else?

    Try the commando option and a decent chamois cream (I use assos). A few mm drop in the saddle could help either.


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    #15
    deandean
    Registered Users Posts: 2,229 ✭✭✭deandean


    Also, lift yourself out of the saddle on the pedals every few minutes for a seconds, even if you're on the flat. It helps keep the blood flowing to all areas.


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    #16
    Unknown Soldier
    Registered Users Posts: 2,124 ✭✭✭Unknown Soldier


    You defo need to remove the underwear. There was actually a thread here recently on similar undercarriage issues, bar it was a bloke, and he had great results from just removing his underwear.

    Found it... http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=103690681&postcount=20


    That aside, I see a lot of women with the following, weird shaped saddle.
    Not sure if the link below is the exact model/variant, but it looks similar. Strange nose on it!

    http://www.sellesmp.com/en


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    #17
    Animella
    Registered Users Posts: 170 ✭✭Animella


    All the above, good gel shorts. The bike fit is really important . It would be worth bringing your bike and shoes to your bike shop to get it properly adjusted. A tweak here and there can make a huge difference.
    I had a ladies saddle for comfort on my old bike . I got a new one a few months ago and presumed I'd have to change from the hard narrow saddle it came with.
    However the guy in the shop fitted me for the bike and I've had no issues. My old bike was slightly too big.


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    #18
    HardyEustace
    Registered Users Posts: 1,462 ✭✭✭HardyEustace


    Selle Italia Women's Diva Gel Flow Saddle

    Best 83euro I have ever spent!  (though I think you can get them cheaper now)


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    #19
    valerie
    Registered Users Posts: 214 ✭✭valerie


    HardyEustace wrote: »
    Selle Italia Women's Diva Gel Flow Saddle

    Best 83euro I have ever spent!  (though I think you can get them cheaper now)

    I second the Diva saddle (awful name) but combined with Chamois cream and a good pair of cycling shorts (Rivelo ones are good and are on sale on Sports pursuit at the moment), I finished the Wicklow 200 comfortably. At least, that part of me did - the rest of me is in bits!


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    #20
    MB Lacey
    Registered Users Posts: 1,277 ✭✭✭MB Lacey


    Out of interest - have any of you who recommend the SI Diva Gel flow saddle (possibly the most recommended saddle of all time by women cyclists??) ever used the Specialized Lithia?
    I've cycled with the Lithia for years and it's good, but towards the end of the 100km spins I get a little sore on my sit bones - just wondering would the Selle Italia make a difference.

    I have both Lithia 155 and 147 on different bikes - same issue on both even after bike fits.
    Could just be my lack of core strength too.

    To OP - pressure from the saddle on your lady parts can be removed with a properly fitted saddle with a cut out. Make sure the saddle is level and the front of the saddle isn't even slightly slanted upwards. Good luck.


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    #21
    Tenzor07
    Registered Users Posts: 8,579 ✭✭✭Tenzor07


    Good article on the subject: http://road.cc/content/buyers-guide/217686-19-best-saddles-%E2%80%94-seats-improve-cycling-comfort-men-and-women


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    #22
    panda100
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,551 ✭✭✭panda100


    Great advice all. Thanks for that. Not sure that the no underwear thing will totally solve the problem as I still get soreness when I wear my tri suit with no underwear.

    I think that Diva saddle is probably the way to go as well as getting my saddle adjusted. I can't wait to go into my all-male staff bike shop and tell them about my sore bits! :P


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    #23
    sullivlo
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 9,994 Mod ✭✭✭✭sullivlo


    panda100 wrote: »
    Great advice all. Thanks for that. Not sure that the no underwear thing will totally solve the problem as I still get soreness when I wear my tri suit with no underwear.

    I think that Diva saddle is probably the way to go as well as getting my saddle adjusted. I can't wait to go into my all-male staff bike shop and tell them about my sore bits! :P

    I find that the padding/chamois in my tri suit is not as good quality as in my bib shorts.

    And don't worry about discussing your bits with the bike staff. They will have heard it all before.


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    #24
    Unknown Soldier
    Registered Users Posts: 2,124 ✭✭✭Unknown Soldier


    https://www.redwhite.cc/the-bib-women/

    I'm sure many other manufactures do something similar.


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    #25
    eeeee
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 6,831 Mod ✭✭✭✭eeeee


    Knickers off.
    Chamois cream on the outside of your cnut, more effective than putting out on the chamois.

    Read this:
    https://totalwomenscycling.com/fitness/cobb-saddles-ask-innie-outie#byVUfbJd3R8o4rQZ.97

    I found the selle Italia diva thing an instrument of torture. It was better than a men's saddle but still an ice pack situation when I'd get home.

    I use ISM Adamos, they're the business.

    I never understood, given that women have been cycling pretty much as long as bikes have been around that saddles still come with a lump where the most sensitive part of your body goes :rolleyes:


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    #26
    eeeee
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 6,831 Mod ✭✭✭✭eeeee


    Just on chamois cream, I use 'Her' Chamois Buttr, it's non tingly. I borrowed/ used rather! some off a guy before a race sure enough it was Chamois Buttr so I lashed it on as usual, but very quickly noticed it was different - it was 'Eurostyle'. Would *NOT* recommend!


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    #27
    Unknown Soldier
    Registered Users Posts: 2,124 ✭✭✭Unknown Soldier


    ^^ Language, please.

    Would your parents be happy with you using that word?


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    #28
    eeeee
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 6,831 Mod ✭✭✭✭eeeee


    Unknown Soldier wrote: »
    ^^ Language, please.

    Would your parents be happy with you using that word?

    Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
    *sorry gonna need a minute


    I didn't know cnut was a swear word till I got to secondary school. We used it every day in my house.

    I am always bemused by the aversion to the word cnut. I'm not gonna go into why, add that would drag the thread off topic. It's such a beautiful thing :confused:


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    #29
    rollingscone
    Registered Users Posts: 3,477 ✭✭✭rollingscone


    dragratchet wrote: »
    4. in addition to dropping the tip of the saddle perhaps lift your bars up a bit. it will allow you to cary more of your weight through your arms in a more upright position which will hopefully help also.

    Unless you're Rossela Ratto


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    #30
    Annie get your Run
    Registered Users Posts: 2,831 ✭✭✭Annie get your Run


    nee wrote: »
    I use ISM Adamos, they're the business.

    I never understood, given that women have been cycling pretty much as long as bikes have been around that saddles still come with a lump where the most sensitive part of your body goes :rolleyes:

    How did you decide which ISM to go for?

    Probably because no one is going to go into a bike shop full of men and have that conversation.


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    #31
    Gerry T
    Registered Users Posts: 1,423 ✭✭✭Gerry T


    Male here, have you got the saddle correctly setup. That does cause problems for men. Contact with the saddle should be just at two points. Clothing is important but don't rule out saddle aetup.


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