Biking and Chafing/Bleeding
12-17-19, 02:00 PM
#27
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12-17-19, 02:05 PM
#28
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12-17-19, 02:48 PM
#30
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Also, eat more fiber.
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12-17-19, 03:15 PM
#31
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I dont see why everybody is getting in such an uproar
The op clearly states he doesn't want medical advise
in his original post
He is asking for advise on saddles and or shorts
My opinion is you need to try different saddles and different saddle positioning
I dont know that there is a specific set time for trying different saddles or positions of your saddle
I would also try mountain bike shorts they have a pad in them but they are looser fitting than "roady" shorts
I use these under my cargo shorts/pants
you can buy them in any size from skin tight to baggy loose
https://www.backcountry.com/zoic-ess...ner-short-mens
The op clearly states he doesn't want medical advise
in his original post
He is asking for advise on saddles and or shorts
My opinion is you need to try different saddles and different saddle positioning
I dont know that there is a specific set time for trying different saddles or positions of your saddle
I would also try mountain bike shorts they have a pad in them but they are looser fitting than "roady" shorts
I use these under my cargo shorts/pants
you can buy them in any size from skin tight to baggy loose
https://www.backcountry.com/zoic-ess...ner-short-mens
12-17-19, 04:05 PM
#32
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I dont see why everybody is getting in such an uproar
The op clearly states he doesn't want medical advise
in his original post
He is asking for advise on saddles and or shorts
My opinion is you need to try different saddles and different saddle positioning
I dont know that there is a specific set time for trying different saddles or positions of your saddle
I would also try mountain bike shorts they have a pad in them but they are looser fitting than "roady" shorts
The op clearly states he doesn't want medical advise
in his original post
He is asking for advise on saddles and or shorts
My opinion is you need to try different saddles and different saddle positioning
I dont know that there is a specific set time for trying different saddles or positions of your saddle
I would also try mountain bike shorts they have a pad in them but they are looser fitting than "roady" shorts
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12-17-19, 04:11 PM
#33
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If the Op only wanted advice on the saddle, he could have done so without all the bloody extraneous BS.
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12-17-19, 04:12 PM
#34
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I was talking about the general public using the term loosely.
To be clear, I don't have hemorrhoids, have no history of hemorrhoids in either myself or my family. The blood is only noticed on the paper from wiping after a bowel movement. It is external bleeding (bright red) and not from higher up in the fecal tract which tends to be darker red.
To be clear, I don't have hemorrhoids, have no history of hemorrhoids in either myself or my family. The blood is only noticed on the paper from wiping after a bowel movement. It is external bleeding (bright red) and not from higher up in the fecal tract which tends to be darker red.
Black stains on my pants seat weren't enough to get me dressing for success, but bleeding from a 3 mile one way commute did the trick.
Cycling shorts are built so the outer short sticks to the saddle, the chamois sticks to you, and they wear holes in each other instead of your skin. A single layer of fabric can't do that. Synthetic leather was fine. Some squishy pads are less comfortable than that. Firmer pads can be a bit nicer on all day rides.
Wear cycling rain pants, board shorts, a utility kilt, a minidress, etc. over them if you don't like the look.
Anyone else who doesn't like your commuting fashion can pound sand.
Last edited by Drew Eckhardt; 12-17-19 at 04:21 PM.
12-17-19, 04:25 PM
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Another vote here for wearing cycling shorts under long pants, I do that for longer rides in the winter all the time. Usually the overpants are dockers or cargos. The main thing you lose doing that is the sweat wicking away which is not a big deal in colder weather. Carharts on a bike sounds really harsh.
You still wear the shorts against the skin, pack your underwear. And spurge for nice shorts, you get what you pay for in this instance.
You still wear the shorts against the skin, pack your underwear. And spurge for nice shorts, you get what you pay for in this instance.
12-17-19, 04:42 PM
#36
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If you are going to step in and be the voice of reason then be reasonable. When have you ever known bleeding to be a result of the worst saddle choice or type of shorts used? I've jumped on some cheap-o @$$ hatchets in my day and put on 30 miles and the main danger was that Willie might not wake up again. Chamois is not padding, its used as a low friction interface to reduce chafing. So is chamois butter. Your hoo-hoo should NOT be undergoing chafing as a result of normal cycling motions. Pressure perhaps, not twisting or tearing. This thread is going to hell in a handbasket and you are welcome to join the ride but, please, don't insult our intelligence. There is no 'uproar'. We are bemused, not outraged.
Secondly I have personally had a saddle sore that formed and bled just from cycling in wet blue jeans on a ride home in the rain from work that was only 8 miles
Thirdly if your "intelligence" or lack of is so easily insulted maybe you should hang out on a knitting forum or somewhere similar
last time I checked I didnt need your permission for anything
12-17-19, 05:18 PM
#37
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Folks, it's all winter fun here. "Medical Practitioner" asking the internet for advice on his bloody butt? About as likely as the homeless guy (living in a tent until he can get in public housing) buying Campy Record to go on his dumpster bike. Saturday 12/21 is winter solstice, keep this one rolling!
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12-17-19, 05:24 PM
#38
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As I stated in the above post, I'm looking for biking advice on whether or not my saddle is the most likely cause, from folks who actually ride regularly, not medical advice.
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12-17-19, 05:31 PM
#40
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I was going to post and update, and probably will change the title when I do, but I stopped by my local bike shop today and they sold me a used saddle that has a cut-out right in the perineal area that's inflamed. After borrowing a 14mm wrench, I swapped it out right there, spent a few minutes fidgeting with the angle of the seat and on the rest of my 8 miles of errands today, didn't have to stand up once to relieve any itching or soreness. I'm at least a step closer to the solution, if not already there.
Thanks to almost all who have given their thoughts. And thanks for the medical advice as well, as it came from a place of concern. The world should have more of that.
12-17-19, 05:33 PM
#41
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I'm sorry, but that wasn't covered in medical school 27 years ago. Things may have changed....
12-17-19, 05:39 PM
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I like Terry saddles with the cut out.
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12-17-19, 05:45 PM
#43
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A friend who researches diet and exercise, once said something along the lines of "don't push, it should fall out on its own." 
12-17-19, 07:10 PM
#44
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Thread Starter
Update:
Here's where we are, folks
.
Original saddle (with spot on saddle where the irritation/inflammation is/was:
'New' ($5 used) saddle:
.Original saddle (with spot on saddle where the irritation/inflammation is/was:
'New' ($5 used) saddle:
12-17-19, 07:48 PM
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MOD NOTE TO ALL: The topic of this thread is saddles & clothing to prevent abrasion.
Title edited to better reflect the OP's concerns.
Title edited to better reflect the OP's concerns.
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Last edited by Homebrew01; 12-17-19 at 07:52 PM.
12-17-19, 07:53 PM
#46
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Hello all. Looking for opinions/advice from those of you with more time on the bike than me.
Due to occasional seizures, a little over a month ago, I made the transition to being a full time bike commuter because driving a 1-ton diesel in now a bad idea and unsafe for the public. In the past couple of weeks, I've noticed some bloody stools and some irritation/inflammation around my perineal area, which I'm pretty sure is due to irritation from riding 10-20 miles a few days a week running errands.
I'm wondering what I need to change, (1) my saddle position; (2) the saddle itself; or (3) my attire?
(1) - In the past week, I've started playing around with my seat position, which I'm pretty sure this is the main culprit as the nose seemed too high once I started paying attention to it.
How long should I give each new seat setting before trying to adjust again?
(2) - My saddle is just the basic saddle that came with the used Giant Farrago I bought.
Am I wasting time playing around with positioning and should I go right to a better saddle designed to prevent this problem?
(3) - I also work as a metalworker/blacksmith and most of my commuting lately has been in Carhartts. I also (not to get too personal here, but it is relevant for the current discussion) do not like wearing underwear/long johns/tights/biking shorts etc.
Should I start by biting the bullet and getting some biking shorts with padding in that area?
Thanks
(PS-I've been a medical practitioner treating patients for the past 25 years, so I don't need any advice to go see a doctor to make sure it's nothing more serious)
Due to occasional seizures, a little over a month ago, I made the transition to being a full time bike commuter because driving a 1-ton diesel in now a bad idea and unsafe for the public. In the past couple of weeks, I've noticed some bloody stools and some irritation/inflammation around my perineal area, which I'm pretty sure is due to irritation from riding 10-20 miles a few days a week running errands.
I'm wondering what I need to change, (1) my saddle position; (2) the saddle itself; or (3) my attire?
(1) - In the past week, I've started playing around with my seat position, which I'm pretty sure this is the main culprit as the nose seemed too high once I started paying attention to it.
How long should I give each new seat setting before trying to adjust again?
(2) - My saddle is just the basic saddle that came with the used Giant Farrago I bought.
Am I wasting time playing around with positioning and should I go right to a better saddle designed to prevent this problem?
(3) - I also work as a metalworker/blacksmith and most of my commuting lately has been in Carhartts. I also (not to get too personal here, but it is relevant for the current discussion) do not like wearing underwear/long johns/tights/biking shorts etc.
Should I start by biting the bullet and getting some biking shorts with padding in that area?
Thanks
(PS-I've been a medical practitioner treating patients for the past 25 years, so I don't need any advice to go see a doctor to make sure it's nothing more serious)
12-17-19, 07:54 PM
#47
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I've not had the blood issue, yet have had the severe pain from a similar seat to your original non cut-out one. Went with one that has a longer "trench" to the second one you have & no longer have the pain. I still get back stiffness, however, I attribute that to more than bicycling although cycling doesn't help matters for the back issue. I enjoy my bike, so that is not changing any time soon!
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12-17-19, 08:43 PM
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I have had saddles sores and "blood blisters" on occasion from saddles that don't fit me. I think a compatible saddle is primary, with clothing 2nd. There are probably non-cycling specific undies that will work with street clothes. Tight fitting, to avoid bunching and folds is probably the thing to look for.
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12-17-19, 08:58 PM
#49
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This is not a medical advice thread.
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12-17-19, 10:08 PM
#50
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Best thing to do is get a bike fit. Getting fit on the bike and having a professional recommend saddles based on your riding and measurements can help quite a bit in the comfort department. Getting a dynamic fit like say Retül is for literally everyone who rides a bike. People assume it is just for those who race but anyone and I do mean anyone can benefit from it. Having gotten a fit it has changed my riding and I am way more comfortable than I ever have been on any of my bikes. When I brought in another bike to get the fit set I knew it was off and my fitter said "yep you were off quite a bit" and then my ride home was so much better. It is almost like I am riding on a new bike and I cannot recommend seeing a fitter enough.
Once you are set on the fit I would also consider using some good chamois creme (mine is Cycle Glide from Body Glide) and a chamois (I prefer bibs as they keep things in better place). If not a chamois then good tighter fitting non-cotton underwear like ExOfficio Give and Go. I have probably 20 pairs mostly boxer-briefs (though I think I got some boxers when my old shop was closing because the price was excellent) and aside from one pair of TNF FlashDry that a friend gave me that is all I wear and all I would wear for underwear and have zero interest in switching even if someone paid me money to wear something else. That is how much I love it. For pants and such Club Ride might be more your style and I have ridden in their Gold Rush Pants a bunch of times and can say they are fantastic for riding in. They also make a chamois which probably would be fine for commuting if you didn't want to go with bibs.
Once you are set on the fit I would also consider using some good chamois creme (mine is Cycle Glide from Body Glide) and a chamois (I prefer bibs as they keep things in better place). If not a chamois then good tighter fitting non-cotton underwear like ExOfficio Give and Go. I have probably 20 pairs mostly boxer-briefs (though I think I got some boxers when my old shop was closing because the price was excellent) and aside from one pair of TNF FlashDry that a friend gave me that is all I wear and all I would wear for underwear and have zero interest in switching even if someone paid me money to wear something else. That is how much I love it. For pants and such Club Ride might be more your style and I have ridden in their Gold Rush Pants a bunch of times and can say they are fantastic for riding in. They also make a chamois which probably would be fine for commuting if you didn't want to go with bibs.