How do I prevent sorness due to cycling?

Question

I often ride many hundreds of miles on both raod an d mountain bike tours during the summer. My a*ss always gets really sore. Often its the bone it self, but mostly its more like a rash from sitting on a hot bike seat all day. Neosporing helps sometimes, but not super well. I've got apretty well ventalated bike seat, so what should I do?

Answer 1

It comes down to a handful of things. A good pair of cycling shorts, chamois cream, a saddle that FITS your butt, good fit on the bike, and so on.



Since it sounds like you do a fair amount of cycling, I'm assuming that you already have several good pairs of cycling shorts (with a chamois). Sometimes you have to experiment with different manufacturers. Don't be cheap when it comes to your comfort on the bike. Spend the money on a good pair of shorts that have a nice, thick chamois. Preferably get a synthetic chamois versus natural - this is for hygenic reasons.



You should also be using a good chamois cream. That will save your butt on long rides and prevent chafing.



Saddles are like shorts. Sometimes you have to keep trying saddles until you find one that works for you. Some shops (though rare) will even have demo saddles that you can try out. At the very least, try hopping on some bikes in the store to tryout the saddles on the new floor bikes.



Position will also help. You want your weight to be evenly distributed on the bike, so that no one part is carrying the bulk of your weight. Go to a reputable bike shop to see about getting a proper fit done. This should be done on your bike, on a stationary trainer with you in your riding gear.



I'm sure there are more factors to consider, but these are the major ones off the top of my head.

Answer 2

Its all down to the seat and the position of the seat.



I had to try 3 or 4 before I found a good one.

Maybe the seat is to high? You had better check this and also check that it is horizontal and not pointing up or down.

Oh and if you pedal a bit harder you will not be putting as much pressure on you behind and it will make you fitter!

Answer 3

Ironically enough, most bike seats are not meant to be sat upon for any length of time. If you are gonna set down and stay seated for any length of time, go to a bike shop and pick out a seat that is softer (gel is good) and somewhat larger. It will look a little dorky, but your butt will thank you.

Answer 4

I would suggest some kind of fitted gelpad cover much like the material on a mouse pad wrist protector. Due to high performance I wouldn't recommend a towel on your seat to make cushion. Reffering back to answer one, if you are on a budget or just want to give it a shot, try buying some gel soles for shoes and fitting them to your bike seat, you might have to buy a few. Wow, I think I just came up with my original patent idea...darn..now it's on yahoo answers..

Answer 5

Mine usually only hurts for the first week or so of riding, then it doesn't anymore. Do you have good biking shorts?

Answer 6

get a really good bike short. also toughen up! so what if ur a.ss hurts. it is fun going those miles. if u get a good pair of bike shorts it will be better!

Answer 7

get a squishy bike seat

Answer 8

I know this will sound like a joke, but I heard that professinal cyclists sqish a banana & put it down their shorts. I am serious.

Answer 9

they make extra cushion for a bike sear u might wanna get some to make it softer

Answer 10

buy a good comfy seat cover

Answer 11

they have non-chaffing lotions and gels that might help. just ask the friendly sporting goods saleman in your nieghborhood!