Problems with saddle sores

There are several threads about saddle sores, the most recent of which is here. Search the forum to find the rest - all contain great information.

I too have been dealing with a couple of sores for about two months. I’m no medical expert but there are definitely several different causes, each of which would need potentially different remedies.

  • Chafing
  • Infection
  • Ingrown hair follicle

Mine seems to be the latter. I had three different brands of bibs, each with a different pad type and thickness. I ended up getting a second set of bibs with the pad with the most cushioning (Sponeed). For me, any amount of direct pressure further aggravated the ingrown hair and prevented healing.

There are definitely some universal remedies to try, though.

  • Wear only clean bibs - never reuse without washing first
  • Wash as soon as possible to minimize growth of bacteria
  • Ensure proper fit for both your bibs and bike (one of my bibs was too tight and I think that contributed over time)
  • Pre-ride anti-chafing cream (even Glide works)
  • Post-ride cream, maybe even anti-bacterial such as Neosporin, Clotrimazole, Cortisone, etc
  • Rocker plate and / or standing frequently to get some movement and give your underside a break from the saddle
  • Adequate cooling down under

If you shave, and your sore is from an ingrown hair, trim your undercarriage instead of shaving.

These are just the things I can remember off of the top of my head. Read the other threads for lots of good info.

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