Best advice from a former professional cyclist on how to avoid saddle sores in the “butt” area when cycling.
The following written content by Philip Ellis
A lot of people have taken up cycling this year as a way of staying fit and active during the pandemic. And among them, plenty will undoubtedly have ended up experiencing one of the less enjoyable aspects of a long bike ride that can be a literal pain in the butt: saddle sores.
In a recent video on the Global Cycling Network’s YouTube channel, former professional cyclist James Lowsley-Williams shared his expert tips on how to keep your ass comfortable and safe on your next ride.
Saddle seat
The saddle is the point of contact with your body where the bike is taking the most weight, and so it’s paramount that you find a saddle that fits. “Cyclists sit on their sit bones (ischial tuberosities). Now we need to know our measurement between those two sit bones,” says James says, adding that this is a service offered at bike shops. “If you go too big, it might be uncomfortable when you start pedaling, and if you go too thin, you might be sitting on soft tissue, and trust me, that’s painful.”
Saddle height
“If your saddle is too high, your pelvis will rotate on top and you’ll find it really uncomfortable, and it’ll give you a sore undercarriage,” he says. “You’re looking for the perfect saddle height, meaning your pelvis is nice and level, and your weight is distributed through the pedals, the saddle, and also the handlebars.”
Go commando
It might seem counter-intuitive, but the real protection when you’re out on your bike comes from the chamois, the cushioning in your cycling shorts. And again, finding the right fit is important. Read more from Men’s Health.
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