Discussion
No sniggering at back, but I have a slightly delicate issue that I thought some more experienced riders might be able to advise on. Last week was my first full week of commuting in all weathers and on Friday evening I felt a bit sore and discovered a lump. Not wishing to be too graphic, it's basically where my left buttock joins the inside of my leg. It's gone down somewhat by now, but I still elected to drive in and I'm wondering what to do now. Anyone experienced anything similar?
I don't ride a huge distance (about 7 miles each way), but I am quite unfit and it's rather hilly, however I've been riding two or three days in a row since July without any issues. Two things spring to mind - firstly my shorts were a tiny bit damp on Thursday and Friday as I had to grab them off the drier. Secondly, and probably more significantly, my girlfriend was just heading out for a run as I came home on Thursday night, so I thought I'd join her. I didn't bother to change and spent about 20 minutes jogging in my cycling gear. I was wearing cycling shorts underneath and one thought is that maybe the padding doesn't sit properly when you're moving around (after all it's designed for a saddle)?
I don't ride a huge distance (about 7 miles each way), but I am quite unfit and it's rather hilly, however I've been riding two or three days in a row since July without any issues. Two things spring to mind - firstly my shorts were a tiny bit damp on Thursday and Friday as I had to grab them off the drier. Secondly, and probably more significantly, my girlfriend was just heading out for a run as I came home on Thursday night, so I thought I'd join her. I didn't bother to change and spent about 20 minutes jogging in my cycling gear. I was wearing cycling shorts underneath and one thought is that maybe the padding doesn't sit properly when you're moving around (after all it's designed for a saddle)?
Chris71 said:
No sniggering at back, but I have a slightly delicate issue that I thought some more experienced riders might be able to advise on. Last week was my first full week of commuting in all weathers and on Friday evening I felt a bit sore and discovered a lump. Not wishing to be too graphic, it's basically where my left buttock joins the inside of my leg. It's gone down somewhat by now, but I still elected to drive in and I'm wondering what to do now. Anyone experienced anything similar?
I don't ride a huge distance (about 7 miles each way), but I am quite unfit and it's rather hilly, however I've been riding two or three days in a row since July without any issues. Two things spring to mind - firstly my shorts were a tiny bit damp on Thursday and Friday as I had to grab them off the drier. Secondly, and probably more significantly, my girlfriend was just heading out for a run as I came home on Thursday night, so I thought I'd join her. I didn't bother to change and spent about 20 minutes jogging in my cycling gear. I was wearing cycling shorts underneath and one thought is that maybe the padding doesn't sit properly when you're moving around (after all it's designed for a saddle)?
MTFU and cycle through the pain grrrrrrrrrr...I don't ride a huge distance (about 7 miles each way), but I am quite unfit and it's rather hilly, however I've been riding two or three days in a row since July without any issues. Two things spring to mind - firstly my shorts were a tiny bit damp on Thursday and Friday as I had to grab them off the drier. Secondly, and probably more significantly, my girlfriend was just heading out for a run as I came home on Thursday night, so I thought I'd join her. I didn't bother to change and spent about 20 minutes jogging in my cycling gear. I was wearing cycling shorts underneath and one thought is that maybe the padding doesn't sit properly when you're moving around (after all it's designed for a saddle)?
Or do what i do and get yourself some talc.
Ask your girlfiend how to use it as i didn't have a clue... it's a girl-type-device... bit like body lotion.
But's Talc is definitly your friend...embrace it.
Edited by hondafanatic on Monday 21st September 10:31
Just done a bit of research and found, if nothing else, that I could have used the slightly more dignified description of 'the join between my glutes and my hamstrings'. 
Talc came up. As did petroleum jelly, but I don't intend to lube up for the ride to work! They recommended getting out of your shorts as soon as possible - because it's a bit cooler these days and I don't have any shower facilities at work I've been sitting in mine for the whole working day, which probably doesn't help. They recommend getting out of the seat for a few minutes during the ride to restore blood flow - which may also explain why I've never had any problems mountain biking (where I spend a lot of time out of the seat). It's also recommended that you rest until the sore goes down and apply 'over-the-counter acne gel containing 10% benzoyl peroxide' or a perscription cream.
Talc came up. As did petroleum jelly, but I don't intend to lube up for the ride to work! They recommended getting out of your shorts as soon as possible - because it's a bit cooler these days and I don't have any shower facilities at work I've been sitting in mine for the whole working day, which probably doesn't help. They recommend getting out of the seat for a few minutes during the ride to restore blood flow - which may also explain why I've never had any problems mountain biking (where I spend a lot of time out of the seat). It's also recommended that you rest until the sore goes down and apply 'over-the-counter acne gel containing 10% benzoyl peroxide' or a perscription cream.
Yeah - I sometimes get something similar.
The best solution is to get out of your cycling kit asap. Preferably have a shower. And don't wear the same shorts day in day out without washing them; invest in several pairs so you can rotate them through the wash without needing to wear them damp.
Oh, and running in padded cycling shorts is probably not helping either.
The best solution is to get out of your cycling kit asap. Preferably have a shower. And don't wear the same shorts day in day out without washing them; invest in several pairs so you can rotate them through the wash without needing to wear them damp.
Oh, and running in padded cycling shorts is probably not helping either.
I do use fresh shorts every day, but it does sound like a change out of them in between the ride in and the ride home might be in order. I hasten to add, with a decent chamois and a change of T-shirt during the day it's not as if I sit reaking in my own sweat. Not much anyway. 
Off for lunch in a second I think I'll try explaining the problem to the local chemist and see if they have a cream or something.
Off for lunch in a second I think I'll try explaining the problem to the local chemist and see if they have a cream or something.
Savlon or any normal antiseptic cream will help with resolving the current saddle sore.
Get out of your shorts at the first opportunity, and get washed and cleaned up (cleaning/baby wipes if necessary) and leave the shorts to dry during the day. Make sure they're washed after a days use though.
Someone has already pointed out Udderly Smooth which is great and alot cheaper than Assos. You can also used Sudocreme which is cheaper still if a little more gloopy to apply. One tip I've heard is to apply a little to the chamois pad once they come out of the washing machine, then as it dries it is embedded in the pad.
Get out of your shorts at the first opportunity, and get washed and cleaned up (cleaning/baby wipes if necessary) and leave the shorts to dry during the day. Make sure they're washed after a days use though.
Someone has already pointed out Udderly Smooth which is great and alot cheaper than Assos. You can also used Sudocreme which is cheaper still if a little more gloopy to apply. One tip I've heard is to apply a little to the chamois pad once they come out of the washing machine, then as it dries it is embedded in the pad.
We don't have showers at work but when I cycle in, I spend about 15 minutes outside cooling down, and then another hour or so at my desk before getting changed.
By this time I've stopped sweating!!! Getting out of the cycling gear into normal clothes certainly helps and I've not had any saddle sore issues.
My theory is that if you change into normal clothes and you're still sweating, you'll stink, but if you've stopped sweating then it shouldn't be an issue.
Steve
By this time I've stopped sweating!!! Getting out of the cycling gear into normal clothes certainly helps and I've not had any saddle sore issues.
My theory is that if you change into normal clothes and you're still sweating, you'll stink, but if you've stopped sweating then it shouldn't be an issue.
Steve
Udderly Smooth.
Really, buy some.
There are a number of factors - I reckon damp shorts wont be doing any good, nor will keeping them on too long.
As above - use the Chamois cream. Its good, not greasy or sticky just stops any 'issues' down there.
Once you get to work - cool down for a few minutes, then get changed out of your riding gear.
Really, buy some.
There are a number of factors - I reckon damp shorts wont be doing any good, nor will keeping them on too long.
As above - use the Chamois cream. Its good, not greasy or sticky just stops any 'issues' down there.
Once you get to work - cool down for a few minutes, then get changed out of your riding gear.
Sudocream. Clean shorts every day. Keep the saddle area clean. It's a dark, warm and moist place, a breeding ground for nasty bacteria.
Is your saddle right for you? It's a bit of a contradiction, but the smaller the area of contact, the better it is. The big "comfy" saddles allow for a lot of chafing. The razor like racing style saddles support the body in exactly the right place, on the two pelvic bones. Once that area has hardened up, all will be well.
Is your saddle right for you? It's a bit of a contradiction, but the smaller the area of contact, the better it is. The big "comfy" saddles allow for a lot of chafing. The razor like racing style saddles support the body in exactly the right place, on the two pelvic bones. Once that area has hardened up, all will be well.
My local chemist recommended Bepathen (or however it's spelt) the, er, nappy rash cream. So I've creamed up and I'll be taking a few precautions in the future. I keep the bike in the company's lock up about a quarter of a mile away, so by the time I've walked up the road I should be about ready to nip into the gents and get changed. Will get a few more pairs of shorts (I only ever use them for one day before washing, but it would avoid any problems with drying time in the future).
May also have to look at the saddle and its position - in complete contrast to offroad riding I position my saddle quite high on the road, it's also the broad-ish standard-fit unit (a WTB Rocket V Comp according to Google).
How quickly should the current sore go down? I drove in again today and I'm conscious it's been around since Friday.
May also have to look at the saddle and its position - in complete contrast to offroad riding I position my saddle quite high on the road, it's also the broad-ish standard-fit unit (a WTB Rocket V Comp according to Google).
How quickly should the current sore go down? I drove in again today and I'm conscious it's been around since Friday.
Chris71 said:
May also have to look at the saddle and its position - in complete contrast to off road riding I position my saddle quite high on the road, it's also the broad-ish standard-fit unit (a WTB Rocket V Comp according to Google).
Having a high saddle position can create a sideways "sawing " motion - a saddle sore will result from that.Chris71 said:
I know this is a bit basic, but can someone remind me the best way to set a saddle height?
Easiest starting point is to sit on the bike with your heel on a pedal and your leg extended straight. Set the saddle height so that your leg is pretty much fully extended in this position.
Then when you have your feet on the pedals "properly", your leg should be still be slightly bent at its furthest point.
If you can feel your hips rocking side to side as you pedal, you're still too high.
When I got back into the saddle for the frst time in a long time (10 year absence, started again when I was 34, now 37) I got plenty of lumps down there.... in most cases they either were or at least became cysts... one or two involved surgery to drain, clean up and shut down...(!) I still get the odd bump these days but they never(fingers crossed) become more than that...
I've tried and was less than impressed with vaseline, Sudocreme was ok.... I'll be looking out for this udderly stuff though.... but also found wearing cycling shorts with no undercrackers was best (that may be obvious to most, but it wasn't to me at the time??)
Ater that, its changing the saddle to find the one that suits....
I do mostly 12 mile rides during week and maybe the d 20miler on a weekend.
I've tried and was less than impressed with vaseline, Sudocreme was ok.... I'll be looking out for this udderly stuff though.... but also found wearing cycling shorts with no undercrackers was best (that may be obvious to most, but it wasn't to me at the time??)
Ater that, its changing the saddle to find the one that suits....
I do mostly 12 mile rides during week and maybe the d 20miler on a weekend.
Agoogy makes a very good point -
it is very obvious to people who know... but was a common mistake of new customers when I was working in a shop.
If you buy Padded, Lycra cycling shorts - you do not wear undercrackers/boxxers underneath them!
The point of the chamois pad is that this cushions the 'area discussed'. Cycling specific shorts are sewn together in a different way to non-cyclign clothes to ensure the seams are not in the way aswell.
Udderly Smooth or Assos Chamois creme is a must buy for a regular cyclist too!
Regarding saddle height - it may well be that Chris has had his a touch too high - this causes the pelvis to rock from side to side, not good.
The saddle you use should support you in two places - the pointy pelvic bones, not by swuashing your buttocks.
It may be worth getting measure up on an 'ass-o-meter' too, Stores that sell specialized Body Geometry gear should have one, as do WTB specialists i think.
it is very obvious to people who know... but was a common mistake of new customers when I was working in a shop.
If you buy Padded, Lycra cycling shorts - you do not wear undercrackers/boxxers underneath them!
The point of the chamois pad is that this cushions the 'area discussed'. Cycling specific shorts are sewn together in a different way to non-cyclign clothes to ensure the seams are not in the way aswell.
Udderly Smooth or Assos Chamois creme is a must buy for a regular cyclist too!
Regarding saddle height - it may well be that Chris has had his a touch too high - this causes the pelvis to rock from side to side, not good.
The saddle you use should support you in two places - the pointy pelvic bones, not by swuashing your buttocks.
It may be worth getting measure up on an 'ass-o-meter' too, Stores that sell specialized Body Geometry gear should have one, as do WTB specialists i think.
Well, the lump remains but it seemed to have gone down somewhat and it didn't really hurt any more, so I cycled in this morning. Within 100yds it felt like a mistake, but I kept going and I didn't really notice it later on. I can, however, feel it now, and that's despite baby wiping down, changing out of my cycling shorts and applying some Bepathen. We shall see.
I am a massive hypochrondriac so probably shouldn't ask this, but at what point should you think about going to a doctor about these? I'm fine discussing it, but I can't say I relish the idea of an examination, let alone any, er 'draining'.
I did lower my saddle height to be on the safe side. Never worn any additional layers underneath my cycling shorts and, yes, they're the proper padded deal (DHBs).
I am a massive hypochrondriac so probably shouldn't ask this, but at what point should you think about going to a doctor about these? I'm fine discussing it, but I can't say I relish the idea of an examination, let alone any, er 'draining'.
I did lower my saddle height to be on the safe side. Never worn any additional layers underneath my cycling shorts and, yes, they're the proper padded deal (DHBs).
Well regardless of what type of lump it is/was... I went to the doc almost straight away... personally I hated th idea of unightly or painful lumps in that area....isn't very romantic hen a lady has to ask wht 'that' is.....whilst she's down there... 
Soonest seen....soonest treated...soonest gone.
Soonest seen....soonest treated...soonest gone.
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