Re: Touchy subject

suzyj

Originally posted by Just Us:

> I am sure this has been asked many times but seriously - What gets you
> over the sore bums, sore fanny bits, chaff, etc etc and so forth. I
> wear good bike pants, have regularly done 100km/day rides, I ride most
> days up to 30kms and still have my sore bum! LOL (am a female).

These are just general points about seats and position. What works for
one person won't necessarily work for others.

1. Make sure your saddle is at the correct height. If it's too low,
you'll be putting your full body weight on your bum. Ideal position
is approximately where you can just touch your pedal at it's lowest
position with your heel.

2. Similarly, if your handlebars are too high, all your weight will be
carried by your bum. Try dropping your handlebars a little (unless
of course you're getting sore hands).

3. Saddle width matters, and not always in the way that you think. Many
women prefer a _slightly_ wider saddle than a typical mens saddle.
However, don't go overboard. The saddle should fit your "sit bones"
neatly, without going up between them (painful) and without rubbing
on your thighs (not painful at first but agony after a hundred km or
so). Saddle covers are a gimic that just increases the chance of
chafing, as are gell bits (IMHO).

4. Good quality knicks are a must, and never wear them twice without
washing them. I occasionally chuck some Canesten in the wash water
with mine to kill any bugs.

5. Ride lots. Your bum will harden up in time.

Hope that's been of help.

Regards,

Suzy



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