Commuting - Hair Problem

Pubic hair that is.

I've searched this forum but got no results, so here goes.

I have a 31 mile round trip commute and have been struggling with hair pulling/chafing problem. I have tried a number of options but none has proven consistantly reliable. What I tried:

- Riding shorts underneath pants
- Riding shorts underneath winter tights (loose fitting)
- Chamiose underneath winter tights (loose fitting)
- Micro fiber briefs underneath winter tights (loose fitting)
- Winter tights (loose fitting)
- Trimming my hair (not sure, but this may make it worse)
- Bag Balm lube

The rides can get pretty uncomfortable and the showers afterward even worse.

Could this be caused by the bunching up of my outer layers and the large buckle of my lumbar pack? If it helps you formulate your answer, I ride a SS mountain bike conversion.

Let the advice giving begin :>)

The only thing I can guess is its your lumbar pack. I've never found those things comfortable. Go with a messenger bag, backpack or panniers. Unless of course you're interested in swinging by the waxing clinic and getting the brazilian.

The cycling shorts pretty much solved that issue for me. I also alternate standing up and sitting on various hills for my back. That possibly aleviates that issue a tad.
I would try cycling shorts without undies. Whatever you put on top should not matter much.
You could also try a lube for the chaffing. As for the pulling issue, I really have no idea.

I was going to suggest trying a different saddle, but if the problem is at the front and not where your butt meets the saddle, some kind of wicking layer (i.e. cycling shorts, no underwear) as your first is going to be the way to go. Bib shorts might also be helpful.

All your options were "XYZ under ABC". Is there a chance you're wearing too many layers? You don't want to freeze, but you also don't want to trap all the moisture and keep it close by. I've been comfortable in polypro tights by themselves, nothing over them, down to the 20's or so, maybe high teens. My commute is shorter than yours though.

Are your shorts the right size? I've found that size varies quite a bit by manufacturer and product. I could see too much room (or not enough room leading to them not being on in the right spot) leading to chafing.

There's your answer - check out the "sponsored links" autopost, 3rd one from the top :p

My case for reference...

Shaving did not work.

Shamois is nice and padded ... only for colder weather.

What did work.

11$ Lycra - no cotton mix -shorts from target. Wicking and breathable, very thin, two at a time for decorum sakes.

Bye bye chaffing crotch!

There's your answer - check out the "sponsored links" autopost, 3rd one from the top :p

Thanks Russ :)

My case for reference...

Shaving did not work.

Shamois is nice and padded ... only for colder weather.

What did work.

11$ Lycra - no cotton mix -shorts from target. Wicking and breathable, very thin, two at a time for decorum sakes.

Bye bye chaffing crotch!

huhenio

What do you mean by 'shorts'? Are these briefs?

baby powder!

huhenio

What do you mean by 'shorts'? Are these briefs?

Running thighs -

Cut it off.
Well, I just do it real short then buff with terrycloth to make the cut hair ends softer.

I started doing it before taking up cycling -asked a girlfriend to do a trim, she advised me to do the same.

The creams and good shorts should do fine if you're fur friendly.

BodyGlide is good stuff.

No one else mentioned this, so I will.

Do your bike shorts (w/chamois) fit well? tight enough? If they are too loose, or bagged out due to age, they shift and bunch and can become uncomfortable in sensitive places. If you are wearing several layers on the legs for warmth, that bottom, nest-to-the-skin layer has to be tight enough to not shift, or you will regret it.

Running thighs -

AKA "compression shorts"?

Trim it to a manageable length and apply corn starch - not baby powder or talcum powder. Makes "everything" a lot more comfortable on long rides, regardless of the temperature.

I quit wearing shorts (briefs or boxers) after the first week. Polyester Nike sweat pants work for me--second-hand from Good Will @ $2.50, at that. Oh, and I use a lot of Noxzema. My commute is about the same length as yours, and the Nikes work by themselves or with two layers over them when it's really cold.
And my cycling co-worker says once your scrotum turns to leather it doesn't matter.

The answer is simple & adds up into one word: Nair.
Or for a more complex solution try wrapping up your privateers in duct tape.