How to Prevent Saddle Sores While Cycling - Our Guide

Cycling is a fantastic, highly enjoyable outdoor sport that keeps your body healthy for many years to come. There are many guides and tips out there that can help you get the perfect bike, the best gear, and the proper exercises to build leg strength and endurance over time. However, even if you do everything right, you are still vulnerable to a common problem for all cyclists: saddle sores.

What Are Saddle Sores?

It’s one thing for your legs to get sore because of the effort of pushing yourself up an incline; it’s a different issue if you develop uncomfortable welts on your body.

Saddle sores are painful red bumps that develop on cyclists’ thighs and groin. They can occur to riders of any age, gender, or level of experience. When you get saddle sores, it becomes nearly impossible to ride.

Saddle sores are usually caused by abrasions due to excess friction. If your body is constantly rubbing on your bike saddle, the top layer of your skin will eventually chafe away. Abrasion saddle sores are the result of unnecessary movement, which shouldn’t happen because you are not supposed to be moving on the saddle much at all. 

If you’re new to cycling, you could mistake saddle sores as a natural part of riding a bike regularly. In reality, it’s definitely avoidable and there are many ways to prevent them. 

How to Prevent Saddle Sores

1. Wear the Right Cycling Shorts

When choosing what to wear while cycling, it can be tempting to settle for something light and cheap. The truth is that you need high-quality shorts if you want to ride your bike regularly. Thin cycling shorts will guarantee the development of saddle sores given enough time and stress.

There is no one perfect brand or type of cycling shorts for every body type, so it’s up to you to look for something that works for you. Padded bike shorts provide an extra layer of protection. Bib shorts stay in position as you move around. No matter which you choose, make sure to wear clean bike shorts every time you go out for a ride.

2. Adjust Your Bike

Saddle sores can be caused by uneven weight distribution on your bike. You should troubleshoot how your body sits on the bike when going on a long ride. Make sure the saddle and handlebars are at the right height and position to carry you comfortably.

Ideally, 1/3 of your weight should be on your hands, 1/3 on the saddle, and 1/3 on your feet. A bike fitter or physiotherapist can help you adjust and find the optimal position on your bike.

3. Change Your Position

If you’re going on a long ride, don’t spend the whole time with your butt on the saddle. To relieve pressure, you should alternate between sitting and standing. If you’re prone to saddle sores, you can stand up every two to three minutes to prevent chafing.

4. Choose the Best Saddle

Every person’s backside is different, but fear not—there will be a perfect saddle for you. Your saddle should fit you well from front to back. If you prefer high-speed cycling, get a saddle that provides relief at the front. If you are an endurance rider, get a bike seat padded at the rear. It may take some time to find the perfect fit, but it’s well worth the time and effort.

Conclusion

Saddle sores spare no rider, and if you experience them, it’s a sign to make change up your cycling habits. A good way to prevent saddle sores is to invest in a comfortable saddle seat that fits your body well. This is a crucial element on your bike that should be as high quality as possible.

If you’re looking for the most comfortable bike seat you can buy, Cushbike is here for you. Our Extra Wide Comfort Saddle Bicycle Seat is designed for your comfort and can fit onto any bike. We also have other cycling accessories that will make every ride safe and fun. Check out our store today!