K.Katso

Dude you live in SoCal, did it ever really get "bad"?

RIRview

I rode on New Year's Day, and it was 42F at 8:00 am. Doing 18 MPH with that air temp, it was cold for a SoCal boy!

Rowan

Usually, the cyst-like bumps are the sweat glands in the area having their pores to the skin becoming blocked and the glands themselves being infected so they increase in size.

Reading through the thread, and the first post in particular, replacing the shorts with bibs might not have been a good idea. As has been mentioned in other threads, unless the chamois pad is identical in shape and original thickness of the shorts, there may be issues with comfort with the bibs.

And I am interested to know what changes in bike fit were made with the Retul fitting.

And there is no mention of fastidiousness with laundry after riding. And there seem to be a lot of changes listed and I am wondering over what period they have been in (ie, have the sores actually had time to heal in between each bike/bib change or treatment regimen?).

Slackerprince

I swear by this stuff:

Betamethasone Valerate (Topical Application Route) Description and Brand Names - Drugs and Supplements - Mayo Clinic

It's available by prescription and I use the ointment when I get irritated down there. Usually, it's my sit-bone area that gets irritated.
Usually works in 12-24 hours. It is a steroid ointment. Obviously, you'll need to consult a physician.

I use this saddle:

Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow Bicycle Saddle | ProBikeKit.com

It's a flat saddle with a HUGE cut-out.

I always shower my butt before I ride. If you're out of the house, use a Huggies wipe(s) to keep clean down there.

Finally, I use Assos bibs. I just got the affordable Uno models.

Good luck.



S

Rowan

By the way, I don't think shaving will be helpful. The best solution is waxing to remove the hair roots and all. But shaving will only cause irritation of the hair follicle and even more widespread discomfort. I tried it once, and never again.

I do agree, however, that ingrown hairs might be at issue.

Jakedatc

I wish it would start the day at 42..... :/

+1 for saddle tilt. I find when i get uncomfortable down there i have been scooting around on the saddle more than i should. If you find yourself sliding forward onto your hands and have to push back a lot you could try tilting up a bit. also +1 on saddle height. if you are rocking back and forth that will cause a lot of rubbing.

Machka 

Top of the line doesn't necessarily mean best for you. My best shorts are the least expensive ones MEC has to offer. They are best for me because the padding covers my sitbones without being too much.

You might try returning to shorts and try a variety of shorts. Try them on before you buy and make sure the padding covers the area where you are getting these sores, without being too thick and annoying there.

Also, have you been cycling with anything over your shorts/bibs ... like tights over your shorts/bibs to keep warm in winter? A double layer like that can cause excess sweat build-up which can cause sores.


As for saddles, I rode one particular saddle for a few years without issues, and then all of a sudden there were issues with that saddle. If you can start trying saddles for a week or two from your local shop, do that. Try different widths and shapes. We do change as we age.

A good shop will let you try a saddle for a week or so, a better shop will let you try one for a month or so, a really good shop will let you try one for 6 months.

And that said, you might consider going Brooks. Wallingford Bikes will let you try one for 6 months.


You also mentioned chamois cream. Have you tried riding without it? I find that chamois creams just make things worse.

Then after the ride, shower well, dry well, and apply zinc oxide cream. Note: zinc oxide cream is messy.


Has anything changed with your weight or posture? Have you let your core go over winter? Gained a bit of weight? Slipped on the ice and had a bit of an injury? These things can make a difference.

hueyhoolihan

i assume you wash your shorts from time to time. if so , and you've changed the detergent you are using you could be having a reaction, or if machine washing it could be that they are not being rinsed properly. also, it's imperative to let things heal completely before riding again and monitor yourself before and after every ride.

i hope you've thrown away those old worn-out shorts that you were wearing when this all started.

it sounds as though the irritation is not sub-cutaneous, which i would consider a good thing, if it were me.

BlazingPedals

Beat me to it! Although this will get you banned from your club. I recommend visiting Bent Up Cycles in N. Hollywood. You can test ride a few without making any commitments. In fact, the last I knew Dana hosted rides every Saturday morning. If you called ahead you might be able to arrange a 35-mile test ride with the group.

bikepro

If I had to guess, the saddle is likely too narrow for him. This causes you to sit on soft tissue rather than the sit bones. On the other hand, a fitting should also include finding the correct saddle with, but perhaps it didn't.

Dave Cutter

That is what they should look llike.... because that is pretty much what they are. Caused but damaged and/or clogged cells. I hope you post your doctors advice.

Jiggle

Welcome to the club. Your problem is a lot simpler than mine, so be happy.

rpenmanparker 

It is the Hobson Easy Seat. And there are other shortened designs like ISM Adamo. I have no experience with these, but have read that many riders feel perched on them, not connected to the bike. And some folks complain about losing some of the steering control of the bike that you get with a normal saddle by using your thighs.

RIRview

What's going on with you?

FLvector

So OP, after all this different advice, what's your plan?

RIRview

Depression seems to be working pretty well.

KantoBoy

I ended up with a boil that started as a sore. Kept me off the bike for 2-3 weeks and it sucked.

The chamois cream helped but I concentrate on using anti-bacterial soap "down there". Also, don't soak in your bibs after riding and try changing ASAP.

As for cream I use the Filzer brand. Cheap but does the job.

Team Sarcasm

A pair of spandex/compression shorts seems to let things glide a bit better for me because it puts something between your bum and the pad. I have never been a fan of creams.

Some lower quality ones are the way to go....biking shorts + my nice Nike spandex means create a "manhood in belly" feeling. Wal mart ones work well and are cheap (around 7$ each).

I would see if you can let things heal up and give it a try

RIRview

At this point I've tried all the obvious solutions (bike fit, new clothing, new saddles) so I'm leaning towards a medical issue. I have the appointment with my dermatologist on April 1, so I'll see what he advises.

Team Sarcasm

Hopefully that goes well

RR3

Might periodically try soap with Salicylic Acid..Neutrogenia brand is what I use.....commonly used to kill organisms responsible for teenage zits. Make sure your shorts are decontaminated, too.

berner

It should be noted that the old cavalry saddles had a large cutout just like a good bike saddle. I used to ride on one when I was a boy. You're going to see a dermatologist on April 1? Surely you're joking. Hang in there RIRview; this too shall pass.

RIRview

That might be the one area I've missed. After I ride, I wash my shorts/bibs in the shower with me, using hot water and soap, because I live in an apartment building with only one washer. I then put them in a centrifugal laundry spinner to wring out the excess water, and then hang them to air dry. Maybe I need to go to the laundromat and use the washing machine (using the gentle cycle) using hot water and laundry soap.

RIRview

LOL...I made the appointment a while ago for an unrelated issue--to take care of precancerous sun damage. Another occupational hazard of this sport that we love.

RR3

I doubt that the soap you use in the shower would remove the oils and fats imbedded in the chamois. Need more of a detergent. Try hand washing your with some real laundry detergent.