In pain because of your bicycle saddle? Here’s how to get rid of it!

When the sun shows itself again, we prefer to go by bike to optimally enjoy this lovely weather. But that also causes saddle pain: how do you deal with that? Let me give you some tips!

Saddle pain? What’s that?

Saddle pain is one of the most common complaints while cycling and is a collective name for all kinds of pain between and around your legs. From painful pressure on your pubic bone and chapped skin due to friction to numbness in the crotch. Although the name suggests otherwise, saddle pain isn’t only caused by your saddle, but also by your posture, clothing, and how your bike is set up.

1. Pick a saddle that fits you

You may think ‘a saddle is a saddle, right?’, but that’s not true. A good saddle is a must to try and stay free from pain. Is it too soft? Then the bones you sit on ‘sink’ and there’s too much pressure on the perineum – the area between the anus and the vagina – which can eventually cause pain. Therefore, make sure that your saddle is hard enough and that your bones press on the widest part of the saddle. Tip: you can easily measure the distance of your bones yourself: place a piece of corrugated cardboard on a sturdy table, sit on it and press your bones into the cardboard. This way you can immediately see how far apart they are.

2. Adjust your saddle properly

With the correct seat height, your knee isn’t stretched when cycling and your toes can just touch the ground when you’re waiting at a traffic light. Do your feet touch the floor? Then your saddle is too low. Also a handy check: if your pedals are the same height horizontally, your front knee should be directly above the axis of your pedal.

3. A good cycling position

You can assume that there are three positions on a bicycle: upright (grandma bike), slightly bent over (city bike), and deep (racing bike). By bending slightly forward, the chance of saddle pain is smallest, because not all your weight rests on your saddle. But of course, it’s important that it feels comfortable for you.

4. Take a break

Try not to sit on your saddle all the time, but also stand up straight. Why and when? It’s great for hills and valleys that you encounter. And you don’t have to skip that coffee shop you pass by. This way your buttocks can rest for a while.

5. Bicycle pants

Pick the one with a cushion – or chamois – on your butt. Make sure that the chamois fits well on your body so that it doesn’t chafe while cycling. Also important: never wear underpants (not even a thong) under your cycling shorts. It can chafe, seams can irritate, and sweat can’t be drained properly.

6. First aid

During a fanatic bike ride, you often don’t even feel how annoying that friction from your saddle is – until you get off your bike and notice that your skin is irritated. What to do?

• Remove your clothes as soon as possible after cycling and let your buttocks ventilate well.
• Sprinkle some talcum powder on the painful area.
• Lubricate the irritated area with Sudocrem (or antibacterial lotion).
• Leave the bike for a few days or cycle short distances. This way your skin can heal properly.

Love, Skye Lewis/Deem ❤

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Image source: Pexels

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