Skin Under Sitbones vs. Pressure On Saddle
#1
Firm but gentle
Thread Starter
Skin Under Sitbones vs. Pressure On Saddle
I am aging (54, 10 pounds heavier and softer) and I feel that this is one of the reasons I am experiencing a problem much more frequently than in the past. I am increasing my time on the bike - unfortunately somewhat sporadically due to my work schedule. The problem is the ease of a single pimple-like irratation, not a full blown saddle sore but painful none the less, that develops right under the sitbones. I am using racing saddles (Turbo, Titanium Rolls, and old Avocet Racing 1) that I have been fairly happy with over the years. Other than getting old the only change is I am not getting in my aero tuck anywhere near as much as previously, I am a fomer USCF racer. I guess I am posting this in hopes of someone who has solved a similar problem giving me a quick fix. I don't see a Brooks in my future, but I could be swayed, maybe...
Thanks to all in advance.
Thanks to all in advance.
#3
Firm but gentle
Thread Starter
Sir, my hygiene is impeccable.
#4
aspiring dirtbag commuter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: philly
Posts: 2,123
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
would maybe just riding bigger gears and standing more help?
of course there are cushier saddles that aren't quite lazy-boys as well. early on in my cycling career i settled on the wtb speed-v and have stuck with it ever since. while it is definitely not a racing saddle it isn't quite a full-on comfort saddle either. they work for me and anytime i try a saddle with less padding it hurts immensely. i am not trying to sell you on a speed-v but you might want to try a slightly softer saddle. they ain't just for old ladies on hybrids in my experience... as a bonus the more padding a saddle has the less it seems to cost, so you wont spend a ton trying some out.
of course there are cushier saddles that aren't quite lazy-boys as well. early on in my cycling career i settled on the wtb speed-v and have stuck with it ever since. while it is definitely not a racing saddle it isn't quite a full-on comfort saddle either. they work for me and anytime i try a saddle with less padding it hurts immensely. i am not trying to sell you on a speed-v but you might want to try a slightly softer saddle. they ain't just for old ladies on hybrids in my experience... as a bonus the more padding a saddle has the less it seems to cost, so you wont spend a ton trying some out.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Burnaby, BC
Posts: 4,144
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Some chamois cream seems to help for me. I don't know if it's the lubrication or the anti-bacterial properties, but worth a shot perhaps. I use Chamois Butt'r.
#7
Firm but gentle
Thread Starter
Oddly enough I have been eyeing the WTB Speed V. I will try alcohol as well. I am starting to feel better already! Skin neeeds air, butter on my backside feels wrong and is messy, but I may resort to that, thanks!
#8
just another gosling
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Everett, WA
Posts: 19,521
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
Mentioned: 115 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3880 Post(s)
Liked 1,933 Times
in
1,379 Posts
I solved all my saddle sore problems with one simple change: of course I have always showered after riding, but some years ago I started using a dandruff shampoo on my crotch and butt. I start with that and leave it on while I shower the rest of me. I use it every time I shower. Never had another sore. I use green cap Selsun Blue, but I'm not sure the brand makes a difference. Alcohol may have the same effect.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,865
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1854 Post(s)
Liked 660 Times
in
503 Posts
Venturi, I notice you said you sit a little more upright. This rotates your pelvis back a little relative to the saddle, which moves your contact points out a little on the saddle, and actually exposes different areas of your skin to the pressure of your weight. It may also have increased the weight on the saddle, resulting in reduced hand pressure.
Bottom line is, your weight is supported differently than it was in the past. Maybe you are stressing skin that was not stressed in your earlier cycling career.
Perhaps your saddle should slide forward a few mm to add to the support for your new sit bone contact area.
I think my comments are similar to Rowan's last two paragraphs.
Bottom line is, your weight is supported differently than it was in the past. Maybe you are stressing skin that was not stressed in your earlier cycling career.
Perhaps your saddle should slide forward a few mm to add to the support for your new sit bone contact area.
I think my comments are similar to Rowan's last two paragraphs.
#10
Firm but gentle
Thread Starter
Good ideas, but it is strictly a skin issue. I can roll the inflamed bit of skin in my fingertips. I am in the same position as always, but it just seems like I never ride in the drops for very long.
#11
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,385
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,686 Times
in
2,509 Posts
I could have written the OP a few years ago, but I have been working on my problems and I mostly have things under control now.
I used to have trouble with the pimple type saddle sores back in the day when I rode similar saddles to the one you mention. My butt has changed since then, and those saddles don't work for me at all any more. I changed to a fizik Alliante and padded shorts. Chamois cream seems to solve most of the problems I haven't solved with the other changes. I always had saddle sores at the beginning of the year, but eventually things would harden up and I would be ok. That takes longer into the year for me now. Right now, I am not having much trouble with saddle sores, hopefully I've broken the code.
I used to have trouble with the pimple type saddle sores back in the day when I rode similar saddles to the one you mention. My butt has changed since then, and those saddles don't work for me at all any more. I changed to a fizik Alliante and padded shorts. Chamois cream seems to solve most of the problems I haven't solved with the other changes. I always had saddle sores at the beginning of the year, but eventually things would harden up and I would be ok. That takes longer into the year for me now. Right now, I am not having much trouble with saddle sores, hopefully I've broken the code.
#12
Fred-ish
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 1,800
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
When I have those pimple over sitbone issues, I use a bit of Clearasil after showering. I don't think ultra cleanliness is really the answer since I've never had ill effects in those times that I could not clean as well (touring) as I normally do.
Clearasil is made for pimples after all.
Clearasil is made for pimples after all.
#13
touring roadie
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
Posts: 146
Bikes: road & mtn
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My most effective change was to switch from Sugoi/Specialized bibs/shorts to Craft L3's. Thinner more effective pad. Lasts 400 km easily.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Thomaston, Georgia
Posts: 217
Bikes: 2013 Raleigh Clubman, 2010 Schwinn LeTour, 2012 Raleigh Sojourn, 2011 Schwinn Voyaguer 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sea Breeze, Witch Hazel, and AD Diaper Rash Cream after the fact since I haven't found a way to prevent as of yet.