I recently sold my Giant Simple Seven cruiser, mainly because I needed the money and wasn't really using the bike as much as I'd anticipated. But another factor was my first incidence of a pilonidal cyst flareup. I've since learned that my dad had 4 or 5 such flareups during his adult years, though they always died down again without lancing or surgery; they eventually stopped completely as he got older. I don't know whether I'll be lucky enough to avoid the knife like he did, but the fact that I had my first-ever flareup (at age 47) only after I started cycling has given me pause. I have a feeling that riding in the upright position on a comfort seat promotes rocking back onto the tailbone area, especially when fatigued, and the resulting pressure + sweat makes this kind of cycling a no-go for me in the future.

The question now is, would it make sense to stop cycling for an extended period (or even permanently)? Or should I try again with a different style of bike that allows a somewhat more forward riding position, and maybe a split-top seat as well? I'm not an avid cyclist, but I appreciate the cardio workout and time saved over, say, walking....

If an upright position on a comfort seat is causing the problem, I would look at a more forward-leaning position (longer stem, lower handlebars) and a less-padded seat. Consult a bicycle-fitting professional, too- they may have dealt with issues similar to yours and have specific solutions.

I'd also consult a dermatologist- there may be a way to reduce or eliminate the cyst without surgery.

A Pilonidal cyst ?? I've been wondering what that little lump back there is.

I wanted to chime in here for anyone who may research this. I'm temporarily sidelined as a result of this and pending a second surgery. If you find the right surgeon (I'm flying to Oregon for mine), I've been assured that cycling will remain an option with the right procedure and care. I initially had an open wound which required packing for 2 months. A constant paranoia remained about that scar until it finally became a reality. That being said, I have ruled out mountain biking for good and also invested in a good Specialized saddle.

My turn, I've never heard of this and apparently my doctors either. For YEARS I've had a similar issue near the "nether" region of my butt. My Gastro and Dermatologist never can find anything (visual exam) but I know it's there. I haven't been on my bike for a couple weeks and no issues, yet. Ill be riding today and its always on my mind.

You could try Kick Biking, that's my backup

OP, do you wear padded cycling shorts?

Interesting. I've never heard of that and had to look it up. I can't say it would be my first option, but the Race models are intriguing. Hopefully, it wont come to that. Spending thousands to fly up to a great surgeon who has assured me cycling will be possible.

Also, I'm not the OP, but I can comment on the padded bike shorts. I did not initially wear (although do now), but I've been told that the cause of the condition is not known. Cycling isn't believed to cause the pilonidal issue, as it is possibly genetic and remains dormant. However, trauma to the area, or possibly cycling, will bring it out of hibernation and it will be recurrent until surgically corrected.

Now there is one thing that riding a bent wouldnt cure.

Actually, it might. Recumbent bikes distribute the weight across a larger area, and the position of the buttocks would cushion the cyst from contact.

The OP might very well want to take a look at a recumbent. Depending on his cycling style, there are a wide range of 'bents, from go-fast (Cruzbike, Bachetta, Baron), to randonneuring (RANS Xstream), to touring (HP Velotechnik, RANS).

None, of course, are UCI sanctioned, but fun is fun, whatever form it comes in.

Hmmm. On my conventional bike, the end of my coccyx is at least 2-3" from the saddle due to sitting on the ischial tuberosities and leaning forward. Sitting on any other kind of seat or chair, it comes much closer and contacts in some cases. How does a recumbent seat compare to these situations?

i have a mild pilonidal cyst problem, and my recumbents don't typically aggravate it much (if at all), but it is worth noting that I ride machines with very laid back seats and high cranks, so my top-o-butt crack is almost not even making contact with the seat. I would think a less reclined bent would make the problem worse though. Riding on a regular bike seems to not have any affect on it at all. What gives me problems is regularly sleeping on my back or slouching on a hard chair.

I could imagine that some recumbent bikes/seats would not play well with a pilonidal cyst.

Reawakening this old thread to note that I've been trying a Kickbike G4 City this week, and i'm not sure it'll get the job done for me. I don't mind going slow, but this thing practically grinds to a stop whenever I'm not on tabletop-flat ground. (It does fly on the downhills, but going back up is pretty much impossible.) And at slow speeds the front end feels very twitchy and wobbly. So I may have to risk recurrent flareups after all -- at least until I can afford an operation.

That said, would your basic "sport hybrid" such as the Giant Escape allow me to adopt a reasonably forward-leaning position? If so, maybe I could also get a special saddle with the notch cut out of the back....