Possible blistering in 'seat' area from bicycle riding? Suggestions?

Question

I've gotten some blistering above my thighs in between the area between my bottom and my sexual organs. I know it comes form riding on the bicycle seat, and as a result I have reduced my riding. I was wondering what I could do? I can't see down there to see the damage, but I do feel something like a blister and when I touch it it feels like burning. It is the area almost directly touching my bottom. I started with a bit of lotion today, but I'm not sure if that is the right route to go.

Answer 1

Not a very unusual situation.

It could be due to many things:

Is the seat well place on the bike: level? horizontal?

Foam seat could feel comfortable at first but at times the could offer little support.  Maybe a different seat is in order.

Now, about riding pants: what are you using? Not all cycling short, (even padded ones) will offer the support needed, many times a simple pant or short will damage less the sensitive areas than a dirty or bad fitting cycling shorts.

What I would do is:

Take care of the sore first.

Then go to a good bike shop and have them take a look at the way the seat is position on the bike.

Have them check  if it is the right size for you. Get some advice from the people at the shop (that is why it is important you go to a good bike shop).

If needed, get a new seat, Specialized has developed some very good ones and in a large variety, that is a possibility, but not the only one.

Getting a proper saddle is one of the most personal things one has to do when riding a bike. It could take time, but with the  right one, you should have no problems. So, shop around, try them. Get advice and have it set properly.

You will solve your problem sooner or latter,  no doubt about it.

Answer 2

The problem is probably your saddle (seat).

Although heavily padded saddles feel good when you initially sit on them, as you ride you "sink" into them causing a lot of contact between you and the saddle which causes sores and chafing.

You should have a more supportive saddle- one which supports your "sit bones" rather than your entire tush. This will be the best option.

If you want to try an adjustment, tilt the front of the saddle down a few degrees. This will force your posture more forward, placing more weight on your hands.

Answer 3

Your taint?  Mook?  Chode?  Grundel? Technically your perineum? It's OK to mention it by name instead of narrowing it by its surrounding areas, you know.  Cyclists understand what you're taking about.

Your nice "foamed seat" is squishing into your tender bits, and a seat needs to be SUPPORTIVE, not squishy.

This is also the reason why people ride with padded bike shorts (and no, underwear is NOT worn with them).

Get a seat that matches your sit bones and buy some good bike shorts.  If not, then you forfeit your right to complain about saddle sores.