Nobody, and I repeat, nobody wants to become victim of a dreaded saddle sore. Saddle sores are responsible for quite possibly the greatest discomfort you can experience on the bike. They take professional cyclists out of races and force cycling addicts to take a few days off. And anyone who has had a saddle sore knows that not riding because of them has nothing to do with being tough.
Saddle Sore Preventer
Myth vs. Reality
Saddle sores don’t happen because you’re riding your bike too much. Your saddle doesn’t cause them. The padding, or lack-there-of, that makes up your chamois is not making them appear. These are all myths that “seem” like they would be the culprit; they aren’t. With that said, after you already have a saddle sore, the amount you’re riding and the chamois in your shorts does play a role in the healing process. Keep riding on it and it will get worse.
So what exactly is a saddle sore? A saddle sore is a boil caused by bacteria. That’s right, bacteria is what causes saddle sores. And the #1 way to prevent them — DO NOT WEAR THE SAME SHORTS TWICE WITHOUT WASHING THEM. That’s right, keep away from recycling your shorts and you’ll keep away from them altogether. In addition to wearing a clean chamois every ride, applying chamois cream to your nether regions is a good way to keep everything moving smoothly and most brands have antibacterial properties.
Roadie
taStahly
NancyBoy
