I rode a too-narrow saddle for years. I developed styles and technique to move around a bunch and tolerate it. Once I actually measured my sit bone distance at home, I was able to shop and buy a more appropriate saddle for myself. It has made for fewer distractions on long rides.
also pedaling with some force will reduce weight on the seat. people who are only lazily pedaling will have more weight through the seat. or when you're tired towards the end of a ride and can't pedal so strong any more
After a extra long gruelling ride on the home stretch, you may have duelling hot feet and sore butt. It's happened a few times, not fun, but quitting is out of the question.
With the pad being the most important item on a pair of bibs it frustrates me that when looking for bibs in an online store or even the manufacturer site that they rarely show a picture of the pad.
Paramount is proper bike fitment, proper fitment of shorts, use of chamois cream, periodically getting out of saddle and the skin/tissue in the saddle contact points becoming more conditioned from a consistent routine of cycling.
Beside the wrong saddle / bike fit, eke bike being to large, to far from the handle bars or even sitting to much to the front or back. If these things are all correct then every other pain you get goes away after time. Don't forget you are training your whole body while driving a bike, especially MTB's and/or race bikes.
I have found that, for me, chamois cream is more critical for indoor rides than outdoor rides. On indoor rides, I don't vary my position as much, so the same spots rub over and over. Furthermore, my perspiration just sits there; I'll lose 3 - 5 lbs on an indoor ride, and my clothing is literally dripping wet at the end. Chamois cream is critical for indoor rides!
The people at the gas station aren't going to go out and get bib shorts. Almost all of my miles are commuting miles in street clothes. When the temps get above the mid 50's, khaki shorts. Below the mid 50's khaki pants. Light colors are good for being seen. I use regular cut-out saddle, but I ride a lot. There was a period of my life when I wasn't on the bike much, and then it hurt for a few days after a ride. For the people at the gas station, a big cushy saddle IS the best solution. One could argue this channel isn't one I should watch, but my daily commute includes over 1,000 feet of hill climbing (on a 37 pound commuter bike with fenders, dynamo light, three head lights, three tail lights, front and rear cameras, cable lock, & rain gear that always stays on the bike (I'm in Seattle). I really like hill climbing and even at 59 I'm fairly decent at it, so I enjoy this channel!
A lot of folks ride with bibs under their baggy pants. Gas station guy won’t see this video but anyone who does make that switch will be happy about it
I rode for decades with a cushioned seat and never had butt pain. I just started riding again after a 2 year hiatus, and instantly my ass hurt so bad. I tried changing the height and tilt and it felt a little better but still hurts alot. Its the next day and my ass is bruised and i can't even sit on my seat😂
@@paradise2403 it's gotten better. I can ride further and further each day. What helped me was to adjust my seat height and angle. I just think my butt needed time to adjust.
The way that the pad is stitched into the shorts can matter too. On Phil's rec, I tried The Black Bibs and was getting basically rope burns from the pad stitching, which is almost a round stitch. Swapped them out for an ancient, non-bib pair of Performance Ultras that were in the drawer and have a flatter, back-and-forth stitch. The problems went away. I used the Performance shorts at Palm Springs Century a few weeks ago (first hundred-miler since I stopped racing in the mid-90s), and they worked great. Now I know something to look for in my next pairs of bibs. That being said, at the current price point, Black Bibs are worth the try (I don't regret trying them at all), and if they work for you, great: buy 'em up.
Another good tip is that if you put one foot up on your bathroom counter, you can actually look down there in the mirror to be able to put bandaids on the blisters where you were sitting. You can actually see them this way.
Hey Phil, really painful topic. I have real issue with saddle soreness in between sit bones and genitals. After one hour its like a hell for me and its really hard to motivate through pain. I have tried different saddles like your mentioned Shimano, s-works power, some more traditional shape and last SQlab 612 saddle but no change. Watched all bike fit UA-cam videos as well.
Where do you live? I can ask around for a good fitter. As someone who gives advice on UA-cam I’m going to admit you can probably get better advice from someone who sees you in person
I don't wear bibs or cycle shorts, just normal beach shorts, because I find and have trouble with sweating which causes rashes and saddle sores and man parts been restricted . Saddle fitting is important and the style of saddle, what works for one will no work for the other , my saddle has some padding and is a women's saddle, yes a women's saddle and the last thing to get use to saddle without pain is to cycle a lot, more time the better . That why I ride in normal clothing because I go everywhere on my bike, for work, shopping my closes shopping mall is a 30 km round trip or when I bored I go for a 50 km's relax ride in the evenings . It not cool shopping in cycling gear , sweating.
It's odd how things have switched around with bibs and saddles from when I was was first a jr (1993-94). Bibs then just had piece of synthetic leather and saddles had all of the padding (e.g. the old Selle Italia Flite and Turbo with San Marco Rolls and Regal)
I'm a conti guy and the team adopted my technique which is to essentially spray the **** out of the saddle sore with anti perspirant. I find this dries out the sore. Although this does hurt at first, it will guarantee the sore leaves and does not come back.
I've found that it's important to check the condition of those bibs. Riding indoors seems to wear them out faster. Also, I tended to think, "It's an indoor ride, I don't need to use my best bibs." Wrong. Since the Black Bibs are so inexpensive, there's no need to use anything but fresh new ones.
100%, and if anything, indoor riding can be MUCH harder on your saddle interface region, since the bike doesn't move around under you (unless you have a rocker plate). High-quality bibs with a pad that works for you, a saddle that works for you, and a chamois cream are all crucial, especially for longer trainer sessions.
Whoa! Thanks for the insight into The Black Bibs! $40.00! I said why not and ordered a pair. They came on a Friday, which I was going to do a 30-minute shake out on the trainer before my long ride on Sat. I thought I'll try them and see. I put them on, liked them so much I took them back off and used them on Saturday. They were great. Immediately to the top pair in the closet ahead of all the $100-$150 bibs! I'll be getting more.
@@kyleharris7154 Inside of my crack doesn't make contact with the bib tbh. Behind the balls and seatbone area. You could just sit on the saddle, feel the pressure points, come of the bike and apply on those butt contact points.
My daughter comes for a visit once a year and goes out for an MTB ride with me and she gets a good case of sore butt . She where's my bib but she still ends up with pain . I think for a new rider or fitness level is not so high you can be heavy in your seat so to speak . I watched her and she rarely got out of her saddle as she kinds of use it as a crutch . So a big part of the equation is fitness and why when you push your limits with saddle time you can develope pain as you tire and get heavy in the saddle and on the bars . It's that core lower part of your body needs to be strong and have endurance for the saddle time you are basically riding . I noticed this also as I rode longer . I thought oh I just got use to it and why the pain went away and yes that is part but the other I just got a stronger core and wasn't so heavy in my saddle .
Yoo, the heavy in the saddle thing. I'm experiencing it hardcore atm, got fat and sedentary over the last 5 years. Starting cycling again for exercise and my goodness I feel the extra weight, gonna be nice when my body gets more fit to match my enthusiasm lol.
I was riding a MTB & within the space of 40mins, I felt a terrible disconnect on my current saddle… I was thinking perhaps I need to shift its position (maybe forward) it was that bad & I was half way my workout
Personnaly I never use my saddle. The only time I'm using it is if I don't do any effort then I put my upper leg (1 side) on the saddle. I get all the weight at the front and middle reach never at the saddle.
I can ride all day on my outside bike. But I recently got an indoor smart trainer for the winter and so far I can't take much more than an hour or so before I have to stop. I'm using my old bike for the trainer. It has a larger frame so I'm stretched out a little more but the saddle height is the same. Therefore I don't think there is more weight on my butt. I think it is because I'm glued to the saddle in erg mode all the time. It feels uncomfortable getting out of the saddle and giving my butt a rest. I'm afraid I might tip over or break my bike. I would hope one of those "rocker" things wouldn't be necessary.
There’s less movement and standing riding indoors so that’s super normal. Maybe try to stand and vary your position more often but shorten the stem or bring up the hoods or whatever if it takes to match the fit
Depending on what trainer you have, you may need a riser for your front wheel. Tipping forward could lead to you subconsciously leaning back more onto the saddle.
riding indoors is just a lot less mentally stimulating and you can get off any time you want instead of having to figure out how to get back home. i have a hard time doing more than 20 minutes
I am going to start sending this video to new Peloton users. It's funny how much this is talked about by people who buy Pelotons. Another hot topic: How to unclip the shoes from the bike. I am joking, but also serious. I get asked this by every new rider who gets a Peloton and can't ever think of what to say. "I don't know.. just get over it"
This! - I have a friend that was just leaving their shoes attached to their Peloton until I showed them how to loosen up the retainer springs on the pedals
You can have the best saddle, fitting exactly a person ( must be hard and forcing you to sit on your sitbones) , that is of course the number one priority but your bottom needs training every day to cure or avoid saddle pain. Just compare it with a fakir who is used to crazy things like laying on a spike bed. It is very painful at the beginning but his body gets used to it by doing it frequently. If you are just a nice weather cyclist you'll keep saddle pain. Just make your body strong and don't spoil it. Try to always sit on hard surfaces on your sitbones in an active sitting position ( they are made for that) avoid sitting on chairs with soft upholstery to make your bottom tough, you'll just get an ugly and weak hanging ass from upholstery Just cycle every day, rain, wind, freezing, snow, it doesn't matter, at least you feel that you live. There is no bad weather, only bad clothes. Just make sure that you have the right saddle and give your bottom time to get used to it like your body needs time to get used on a new mattrass.
about to order me some more of those black bibs... how do I get him to give me the hook up?! maybe I can take trip to south boarder and catch him on a KOM run?! YOLO but I do like his bibs, they seem to last few months
I always get a saddle with good padding and never use bibs inside the pants. I need baggy shorts or pants, I can't stand spandex. I Drive with me mountain bike around 100 - 300 KM depending on weather and time of year with no problems or pains. How to prevent crotch sleeping? get a saddle with a hole in the middle. At first you butt will hurt more but that is because you got used to sitting on you crotch for about 30% of your weight all time already.
Great Video and explanation. I'm having issues in my groin area. I recently bought a gravel bike just to workout with on zwift. I've made the correct measurements seat height, saddle bars, etc. After around 30 minutes on I get up I'm in crazy pain where I can't ride the next day. I have a stationary bike with a fat cushy seat that I have zero issues with. Any ideas of what to do next?
If it’s a stationary setup (meaning weight does matter) and you don’t have a problem with a big cushy seat on your other indoor setup, I say get a big cushy seat. It’s not wrong if it works
@@r.massattack4052 try to get out of the saddle quite often when riding indoors. I think indoor riding is worse for butt pains / numbness. Also, some trainers are compatible with rocker plates which might be worth researching
Truth is...the lighter one is...less issues occur. Triathletes for years, especially back in the day rode in Speedo like swimsuits and were fine. Also, in takes time, serious road time to get your body used to it. But, lighter is better if possible.
I can probably guess two of them. You’re close enough to go see Jim at Carson. Nate Loyal also very good I’m told but haven’t worked with him personally
Butt butter gives me a bad rash. On my left side where my leg connects to my butt, I have developed a tear in the skin, like a straight-line tear about 1 inch long. I have done a lot to fix the problem. What do you suggest?
Ok, on shorts/bibs, what is the average amount of miles/km you want to put on them before switching them out? I don't know how quickly the pads wear out in shorts/bibs.
Hi Phil, I've been dealing with a one sided sitbone pain for the past two years and cant seem to get rid of it. have done multiple bike fits, tried lots of saddles and also visited many medical professionals; all who cannot get to the bottom of my issue. What do you suggest?
Have you had your leg length measured, to make sure you don't need a shim on that side, and have you been to a physical therapist to have your pedaling motion and leg motion evaluated.
Agree with Jeffrey. Check flexibility as well. If you have a leg length discrepancy, the shorter leg will usually be tighter. Stretch and compensate about 50% with shim if the shortness is due to tibia. Also, you have to relax and check fore and aft and angle carefully.
Brooks leather saddle will mold to your shape. Order saddle with can of Brooks Proofhide and apply twice before riding, first coat will soak in. For third ride apply Proofhide again, after 400 miles the saddle will get two dimples where your sit-bones rest. The Brooks B-17 model for touring, or Brooks Professional for road bike.
@@Insert_Screename_Here yes I have and there is negligible difference according to my doc. My pedaling motion and seat pressure mapping was evaluated by a professional bike fitter but there was no progress
I have unbelievable sit bone pain after 10km, been for a couple of bike fits but it's still a miserable ride until hour 3 when everything is just numb (using a Bontrager Montrose Pro saddle)
Have you tried changing the saddle itself as part of these bike fits? Specialized dealers (at least, maybe others) have a memory foam pad you sit on that enables you to measure your sit bone width so you can find a saddle that will properly support your sit bones.
Same here. 3 hour is all I can tolerate before butt pain greets me. I'm assuming 3 hours will change into 4, 5, 6 even 8 hours in about a year or so. Keep riding.
It could be that TITS (time in the saddle) is the only cure. If you are a very heavy rider, forget about looks and having a proper racing saddle, and get a leather saddle. They are heavy, but you can go for hours on those, wearing jorts even. Leather saddle plus bike shorts you can probably ride the equator before the butt hurts.
Its a pain in the butt, literally, to get it sorted. Go to bike shops and no one has any tester seat/rental seat or anything and basically say, if you buy it and use it, its yours. Some seats cost a lot of money to have a 'up in the air guess' that it will work.
If I'm having problems with rubbing on the part that I'm not sitting on does it mean my bib shorts are too big? Isn't an issue at all outside but I think I'm doing a higher cadence on the trainer and it quickly becomes and issue.
Inbetween leg and hip? I have had some bibs bunching up in that area. Some bib pads just stop at the inbetween leg and crotch area and that can lead to chafing.
Hey Phil, do you find that the same saddle works on the trainer as on the road. I find my weight is way more stagnant on the trainer and pain sets in way sooner and in different areas. Any tips?
Agreed. Periodically moving from sitting to standing also helps, as does shifting your butt slightly from side to side on the saddle for a few moments. Much better is if you can add a rocker plate and/or an elevation device like the Wahoo Kickr Climb. Those changes in angle of the bike make a big difference for surviving multi-hour trainer sessions.
After about 60 mins on the trainer, I get an instantaneous sharp pain on/in my left sit bone and it's impossible to sit down. It takes a bit longer outdoors. Could this be tight hamstrings? Tried lots of different saddles, same result.
Have you tried different saddles and positions? How long have you been riding for? Sharp Pain would suggest nerve pain. I would try a softer saddle. How flexible are you? What would you say... how wide is your pelvis? Narrow, normal or wide?
@@sapinva It's like an instant sharp pain deep in my bum cheek, like a sensitive tooth kind of shooting pain. Impossible to sit in same position, rotating hips forward helps for a bit of time. If I've raced on Zwift 90 mins ish, I'm unable to walk up stairs with it. Wondering if it's tight hamstrings where they attach to sit bone area. Never a problem on right side, always left.
The reason why the pads are in the shorts and not on the saddle is because you want them to stay in place relative to your bum. If they were on the saddle, you could only sit one way on the saddle. Also, I see guys spending way too much time in the shorts after you've ridden. i.e. riding hard and then sitting in a coffee shop for hours is absurd. You're creating a moisture trap that isn't doing anything good. The first shorts that I could wear without needing chamois cream were Eliel.
I have a Brooks, and love it on my touring bike, but it does not work for me for TT's or chain-gang rides as the lack of a cut away puts for too much pressure where it shouldn't.
I've wondered that as well. Might be so that it can be washed, or so that it is interchangeable between bikes. But my best guess is that it is because the location of those two bones on your butt doesn't change, but your position on the saddle does change as you ride, so you want the padding to be affixed to the location of those bones, which means attaching the padding to yourself. But that's just a guess.
From personal experience, When I bend my torso forward on those large comfy seats, there’s too much rubbing on the inner thighs, and/or the range of motion is less.
@@CommaCam personal best for an athlete's hour over 40 in jan 1988. raced 2 years, never turned pro. regret it every day. just got my retirement so i'll have a book coming next couple years.
Pro tip - ever since i moved to a recumbent my butt, bits, wrists and neck do NOT hurt :D. Yes, it's not a normal bike - but i am WAY faster - and more comfortable. Otherwise, this is good advice if you don't move :D
I read you shouldn’t wear underwear with your shorts, I always wear my boxers. I just got back into riding and I had to cut my ride short because my taint and ass we’re killing me lol 😂
Been my trouble aswell for over a year. After moving my saddle forward and lowering it 2cm my knees are pain free. Had intense pain on the top of the kneecaps after bike rides. Got fooled by setting my saddle height accourding to the 109% rule, when it actually was way to high. Heel method is the way to go setting a starting point for saddle height. Hope you get it sorted!
Bike fit showed my saddle was too narrow. Correct saddle size and bike fit fixed my pain I had for years. Highly recommended!! $100 Christmas gift.
I rode a too-narrow saddle for years. I developed styles and technique to move around a bunch and tolerate it. Once I actually measured my sit bone distance at home, I was able to shop and buy a more appropriate saddle for myself. It has made for fewer distractions on long rides.
I'm not gonna pay 79,99 towards a company that you don't even know anything about.
That is 80 bucks quickly earned for half a hour of talking.
also pedaling with some force will reduce weight on the seat. people who are only lazily pedaling will have more weight through the seat. or when you're tired towards the end of a ride and can't pedal so strong any more
Agree !
After a extra long gruelling ride on the home stretch, you may have duelling hot feet and sore butt. It's happened a few times, not fun, but quitting is out of the question.
"I sent you a DM with pictures of my saddle sores, why haven't you replied???"
I thought that was tornado footage from Arkansas
@@worstretirementever 😂🤣😂🤣👍🏿
@@worstretirementever😂😂😂
Got em!! 😂
😂😂
With the pad being the most important item on a pair of bibs it frustrates me that when looking for bibs in an online store or even the manufacturer site that they rarely show a picture of the pad.
Pictures aren't that useful. Thickness and density are more important.
Paramount is proper bike fitment, proper fitment of shorts, use of chamois cream, periodically getting out of saddle and the skin/tissue in the saddle contact points becoming more conditioned from a consistent routine of cycling.
Beside the wrong saddle / bike fit, eke bike being to large, to far from the handle bars or even sitting to much to the front or back.
If these things are all correct then every other pain you get goes away after time.
Don't forget you are training your whole body while driving a bike, especially MTB's and/or race bikes.
I have found that, for me, chamois cream is more critical for indoor rides than outdoor rides. On indoor rides, I don't vary my position as much, so the same spots rub over and over. Furthermore, my perspiration just sits there; I'll lose 3 - 5 lbs on an indoor ride, and my clothing is literally dripping wet at the end. Chamois cream is critical for indoor rides!
If you're dripping, you need to really improve your ventilation! Get a proper big boy fan which can hit your entire body
Too much sweat is a sign of heart disease.
thanks for the tips Phil, very straight forward
Did it work ?
Jim is a godsend.
First and only fitter I'll go to.
Body Glide also works well for lubrication of the nether regions (and nips if needed).
Thanks for the Black Bibs recommendation!
The people at the gas station aren't going to go out and get bib shorts. Almost all of my miles are commuting miles in street clothes. When the temps get above the mid 50's, khaki shorts. Below the mid 50's khaki pants. Light colors are good for being seen.
I use regular cut-out saddle, but I ride a lot. There was a period of my life when I wasn't on the bike much, and then it hurt for a few days after a ride. For the people at the gas station, a big cushy saddle IS the best solution.
One could argue this channel isn't one I should watch, but my daily commute includes over 1,000 feet of hill climbing (on a 37 pound commuter bike with fenders, dynamo light, three head lights, three tail lights, front and rear cameras, cable lock, & rain gear that always stays on the bike (I'm in Seattle). I really like hill climbing and even at 59 I'm fairly decent at it, so I enjoy this channel!
A lot of folks ride with bibs under their baggy pants. Gas station guy won’t see this video but anyone who does make that switch will be happy about it
I rode for decades with a cushioned seat and never had butt pain.
I just started riding again after a 2 year hiatus, and instantly my ass hurt so bad.
I tried changing the height and tilt and it felt a little better but still hurts alot.
Its the next day and my ass is bruised and i can't even sit on my seat😂
Same I’m currently having the same pain right now
@@paradise2403 it's gotten better.
I can ride further and further each day.
What helped me was to adjust my seat height and angle.
I just think my butt needed time to adjust.
The way that the pad is stitched into the shorts can matter too. On Phil's rec, I tried The Black Bibs and was getting basically rope burns from the pad stitching, which is almost a round stitch. Swapped them out for an ancient, non-bib pair of Performance Ultras that were in the drawer and have a flatter, back-and-forth stitch. The problems went away. I used the Performance shorts at Palm Springs Century a few weeks ago (first hundred-miler since I stopped racing in the mid-90s), and they worked great. Now I know something to look for in my next pairs of bibs.
That being said, at the current price point, Black Bibs are worth the try (I don't regret trying them at all), and if they work for you, great: buy 'em up.
Its crazy how some seemingly super tiny and minute things which seem like nitpicking, can really make a huge difference.
Similar issue; found the stitching on some padded shorts really doesn’t agree with my skin. Which makes purchasing online a challenge
Another tip - use Infinity seat. The seat bones mentioned don't even touch the saddle and rather sink through. You butt will thank you
Another good tip is that if you put one foot up on your bathroom counter, you can actually look down there in the mirror to be able to put bandaids on the blisters where you were sitting. You can actually see them this way.
Good , experienced advice Phil 👍
Hey Phil, really painful topic. I have real issue with saddle soreness in between sit bones and genitals. After one hour its like a hell for me and its really hard to motivate through pain. I have tried different saddles like your mentioned Shimano, s-works power, some more traditional shape and last SQlab 612 saddle but no change. Watched all bike fit UA-cam videos as well.
Where do you live? I can ask around for a good fitter. As someone who gives advice on UA-cam I’m going to admit you can probably get better advice from someone who sees you in person
@@worstretirementever No doubt but I'm living in Estonia :(
@@alisonlumelaudur Hi. Have you solved your issue?
@@reforged3588 Yes, I would say most important is to try change position and second for me was Romin Mirror saddle.
I think it's called the taint
I don't wear bibs or cycle shorts, just normal beach shorts, because I find and have trouble with sweating which causes rashes and saddle sores and man parts been restricted . Saddle fitting is important and the style of saddle, what works for one will no work for the other , my saddle has some padding and is a women's saddle, yes a women's saddle and the last thing to get use to saddle without pain is to cycle a lot, more time the better . That why I ride in normal clothing because I go everywhere on my bike, for work, shopping my closes shopping mall is a 30 km round trip or when I bored I go for a 50 km's relax ride in the evenings . It not cool shopping in cycling gear , sweating.
Never needed chamois cream for under an 8 hour ride. A lot of folks trying to copy racers with high saddles tipped down and low bars. 😥
Thanks for the tios
It's odd how things have switched around with bibs and saddles from when I was was first a jr (1993-94). Bibs then just had piece of synthetic leather and saddles had all of the padding (e.g. the old Selle Italia Flite and Turbo with San Marco Rolls and Regal)
Thanks Phil, great vid!
Phil what do pros do when they get a saddle sore? Treatments, etc.
They pop them like zits
I'm a conti guy and the team adopted my technique which is to essentially spray the **** out of the saddle sore with anti perspirant. I find this dries out the sore. Although this does hurt at first, it will guarantee the sore leaves and does not come back.
My doctor recommended gynelotremin
Preparation H. Just used it last month for one and it worked.
Great advice, I need to find a bike fitter in the north SF bay area (Marin, Napa, Sonoma County area). Thanks for any info you can provide.
Dang, I was really hoping you pulled Emily into this video to talk for the ladies.
Thanks for the bib link
Hey can you do a video on dumb hand please
I've found that it's important to check the condition of those bibs. Riding indoors seems to wear them out faster. Also, I tended to think, "It's an indoor ride, I don't need to use my best bibs." Wrong. Since the Black Bibs are so inexpensive, there's no need to use anything but fresh new ones.
100%, and if anything, indoor riding can be MUCH harder on your saddle interface region, since the bike doesn't move around under you (unless you have a rocker plate). High-quality bibs with a pad that works for you, a saddle that works for you, and a chamois cream are all crucial, especially for longer trainer sessions.
Whoa! Thanks for the insight into The Black Bibs! $40.00! I said why not and ordered a pair. They came on a Friday, which I was going to do a 30-minute shake out on the trainer before my long ride on Sat. I thought I'll try them and see. I put them on, liked them so much I took them back off and used them on Saturday. They were great. Immediately to the top pair in the closet ahead of all the $100-$150 bibs! I'll be getting more.
Hey Phil, loving your vlogs, chap. Daft question, do you put chamois cream on you or your chamois…or both?
Just hand to crotch. Make sure nobody’s looking
@@worstretirementever on yer bawbag? I've been putting it on my bum cheeks. If it gets too close to my winky, I can taste the menthol.
@@worstretirementever can we get more specific. Is it best to apply to the inside of the “cheeks” or to really get down into the crack?
Put it where you chaffe.
@@kyleharris7154 Inside of my crack doesn't make contact with the bib tbh. Behind the balls and seatbone area. You could just sit on the saddle, feel the pressure points, come of the bike and apply on those butt contact points.
soreness and chafing on one stde is caused by a saddle that is too high
My daughter comes for a visit once a year and goes out for an MTB ride with me and she gets a good case of sore butt . She where's my bib but she still ends up with pain . I think for a new rider or fitness level is not so high you can be heavy in your seat so to speak . I watched her and she rarely got out of her saddle as she kinds of use it as a crutch . So a big part of the equation is fitness and why when you push your limits with saddle time you can develope pain as you tire and get heavy in the saddle and on the bars . It's that core lower part of your body needs to be strong and have endurance for the saddle time you are basically riding . I noticed this also as I rode longer . I thought oh I just got use to it and why the pain went away and yes that is part but the other I just got a stronger core and wasn't so heavy in my saddle .
Yoo, the heavy in the saddle thing. I'm experiencing it hardcore atm, got fat and sedentary over the last 5 years. Starting cycling again for exercise and my goodness I feel the extra weight, gonna be nice when my body gets more fit to match my enthusiasm lol.
Junk Front! got it!
I was riding a MTB & within the space of 40mins, I felt a terrible disconnect on my current saddle… I was thinking perhaps I need to shift its position (maybe forward) it was that bad & I was half way my workout
Personnaly I never use my saddle. The only time I'm using it is if I don't do any effort then I put my upper leg (1 side) on the saddle. I get all the weight at the front and middle reach never at the saddle.
Hey Phil, what saddle bag are you using?
It looks good and compact.
Check out orucase
I can ride all day on my outside bike. But I recently got an indoor smart trainer for the winter and so far I can't take much more than an hour or so before I have to stop. I'm using my old bike for the trainer. It has a larger frame so I'm stretched out a little more but the saddle height is the same. Therefore I don't think there is more weight on my butt. I think it is because I'm glued to the saddle in erg mode all the time. It feels uncomfortable getting out of the saddle and giving my butt a rest. I'm afraid I might tip over or break my bike. I would hope one of those "rocker" things wouldn't be necessary.
There’s less movement and standing riding indoors so that’s super normal. Maybe try to stand and vary your position more often but shorten the stem or bring up the hoods or whatever if it takes to match the fit
Depending on what trainer you have, you may need a riser for your front wheel. Tipping forward could lead to you subconsciously leaning back more onto the saddle.
riding indoors is just a lot less mentally stimulating and you can get off any time you want instead of having to figure out how to get back home. i have a hard time doing more than 20 minutes
I am going to start sending this video to new Peloton users. It's funny how much this is talked about by people who buy Pelotons. Another hot topic: How to unclip the shoes from the bike.
I am joking, but also serious. I get asked this by every new rider who gets a Peloton and can't ever think of what to say. "I don't know.. just get over it"
Indoor cycling a lot tougher on that area since you don’t move around as much. Maybe more in the case of Zwift than peloton
This! - I have a friend that was just leaving their shoes attached to their Peloton until I showed them how to loosen up the retainer springs on the pedals
Steven Little once described it as “putting out a cigarette with your shoe”. I’ve never heard a better description of the required movement.
You can have the best saddle, fitting exactly a person ( must be hard and forcing you to sit on your sitbones) , that is of course the number one priority but your bottom needs training every day to cure or avoid saddle pain. Just compare it with a fakir who is used to crazy things like laying on a spike bed. It is very painful at the beginning but his body gets used to it by doing it frequently. If you are just a nice weather cyclist you'll keep saddle pain. Just make your body strong and don't spoil it. Try to always sit on hard surfaces on your sitbones in an active sitting position ( they are made for that) avoid sitting on chairs with soft upholstery to make your bottom tough, you'll just get an ugly and weak hanging ass from upholstery Just cycle every day, rain, wind, freezing, snow, it doesn't matter, at least you feel that you live. There is no bad weather, only bad clothes. Just make sure that you have the right saddle and give your bottom time to get used to it like your body needs time to get used on a new mattrass.
my bike has a hard time rolling through the fresh half foot of snow. but i'll go...
about to order me some more of those black bibs... how do I get him to give me the hook up?! maybe I can take trip to south boarder and catch him on a KOM run?! YOLO but I do like his bibs, they seem to last few months
I always get a saddle with good padding and never use bibs inside the pants.
I need baggy shorts or pants, I can't stand spandex.
I Drive with me mountain bike around 100 - 300 KM depending on weather and time of year with no problems or pains.
How to prevent crotch sleeping? get a saddle with a hole in the middle.
At first you butt will hurt more but that is because you got used to sitting on you crotch for about 30% of your weight all time already.
Great Video and explanation. I'm having issues in my groin area. I recently bought a gravel bike just to workout with on zwift. I've made the correct measurements seat height, saddle bars, etc. After around 30 minutes on I get up I'm in crazy pain where I can't ride the next day. I have a stationary bike with a fat cushy seat that I have zero issues with. Any ideas of what to do next?
If it’s a stationary setup (meaning weight does matter) and you don’t have a problem with a big cushy seat on your other indoor setup, I say get a big cushy seat. It’s not wrong if it works
@@worstretirementever thanks for such a quick response. Thank you. I've taken the seat off the stationary and stuck it on my bike.
@@r.massattack4052 try to get out of the saddle quite often when riding indoors. I think indoor riding is worse for butt pains / numbness. Also, some trainers are compatible with rocker plates which might be worth researching
Truth is...the lighter one is...less issues occur. Triathletes for years, especially back in the day rode in Speedo like swimsuits and were fine. Also, in takes time, serious road time to get your body used to it. But, lighter is better if possible.
"theres some people that are completely full of shit" ... so far my experience with all 3 bike fits here in LA :(
I can probably guess two of them. You’re close enough to go see Jim at Carson. Nate Loyal also very good I’m told but haven’t worked with him personally
@@worstretirementever awesome, will def try Jim, close enough for sure. 🤙🏽
Nate Loyal has fit me for years. He does excellent work.
Butt butter gives me a bad rash. On my left side where my leg connects to my butt, I have developed a tear in the skin, like a straight-line tear about 1 inch long. I have done a lot to fix the problem. What do you suggest?
i get pain from long rides not short rides... a short ride for me would be 40kms.. a long ride would be 120/140kms
Finding the right saddle for you is CRUCIAL.
Hugely crucial. I rode on a saddle that was too narrow for years. There's a great variety available now.
I’m having trouble with discomfort on the inside of my legs making contact with the saddle. Would a narrower saddle possibly be the solution?
Yes
@@worstretirementever thanks. I will look into it.
Ok, on shorts/bibs, what is the average amount of miles/km you want to put on them before switching them out? I don't know how quickly the pads wear out in shorts/bibs.
Hi Phil, I've been dealing with a one sided sitbone pain for the past two years and cant seem to get rid of it. have done multiple bike fits, tried lots of saddles and also visited many medical professionals; all who cannot get to the bottom of my issue. What do you suggest?
Have you had your leg length measured, to make sure you don't need a shim on that side, and have you been to a physical therapist to have your pedaling motion and leg motion evaluated.
Agree with Jeffrey. Check flexibility as well. If you have a leg length discrepancy, the shorter leg will usually be tighter. Stretch and compensate about 50% with shim if the shortness is due to tibia. Also, you have to relax and check fore and aft and angle carefully.
Lower your saddle. Had the same issue due to muscular imbalance and lowering the saddle height really helped to even the pressure on both sit bones.
Brooks leather saddle will mold to your shape. Order saddle with can of Brooks Proofhide and apply twice before riding, first coat will soak in. For third ride apply Proofhide again, after 400 miles the saddle will get two dimples where your sit-bones rest. The Brooks B-17 model for touring, or Brooks Professional for road bike.
@@Insert_Screename_Here yes I have and there is negligible difference according to my doc. My pedaling motion and seat pressure mapping was evaluated by a professional bike fitter but there was no progress
I have unbelievable sit bone pain after 10km, been for a couple of bike fits but it's still a miserable ride until hour 3 when everything is just numb (using a Bontrager Montrose Pro saddle)
Don’t give up!
Have you tried changing the saddle itself as part of these bike fits? Specialized dealers (at least, maybe others) have a memory foam pad you sit on that enables you to measure your sit bone width so you can find a saddle that will properly support your sit bones.
My bike fit measured my sit bone width and changed my seat. Pain gone.
Same here. 3 hour is all I can tolerate before butt pain greets me. I'm assuming 3 hours will change into 4, 5, 6 even 8 hours in about a year or so. Keep riding.
It could be that TITS (time in the saddle) is the only cure. If you are a very heavy rider, forget about looks and having a proper racing saddle, and get a leather saddle. They are heavy, but you can go for hours on those, wearing jorts even. Leather saddle plus bike shorts you can probably ride the equator before the butt hurts.
Hi Phil
Can you please recommend an excellent bike fitter in the
Los Angeles area?
Thers no such thing as excellent bike fitter is there? They're all meant for bike fitting so just go anywhere with your bike
I need to get my lean game back on..
Its a pain in the butt, literally, to get it sorted. Go to bike shops and no one has any tester seat/rental seat or anything and basically say, if you buy it and use it, its yours. Some seats cost a lot of money to have a 'up in the air guess' that it will work.
If I'm having problems with rubbing on the part that I'm not sitting on does it mean my bib shorts are too big?
Isn't an issue at all outside but I think I'm doing a higher cadence on the trainer and it quickly becomes and issue.
Inbetween leg and hip? I have had some bibs bunching up in that area. Some bib pads just stop at the inbetween leg and crotch area and that can lead to chafing.
Will a bike fit affect saddle comfort?
Yes, a (good) bike fit will absolutely affect saddle comfort in a positive way.
Hey Phil, do you find that the same saddle works on the trainer as on the road. I find my weight is way more stagnant on the trainer and pain sets in way sooner and in different areas. Any tips?
That’s how it is on the trainer. My setup is the same. Try to vary your hand position more and see if the rest of your body follows
Agreed. Periodically moving from sitting to standing also helps, as does shifting your butt slightly from side to side on the saddle for a few moments. Much better is if you can add a rocker plate and/or an elevation device like the Wahoo Kickr Climb. Those changes in angle of the bike make a big difference for surviving multi-hour trainer sessions.
Could anyone tell me where to get that saddle bag?
Orucase.com :)
how do you deal with sizing of shorts?
Most brands have size charts that work pretty well. Trial and error is everything in life to an extent
Wow your biceps looks aerodynamic!
My but doesn't hurt from long rides i just get zitts on my but and thats what hurts.
Not exactly how I imagined Kill Phill Part 2 to go. Black Bibs are A+ tho
Holding a phone straight out like that is just asking for a crash or get a ticket if a cop sees you.
After about 60 mins on the trainer, I get an instantaneous sharp pain on/in my left sit bone and it's impossible to sit down. It takes a bit longer outdoors. Could this be tight hamstrings? Tried lots of different saddles, same result.
Have you tried different saddles and positions? How long have you been riding for? Sharp Pain would suggest nerve pain.
I would try a softer saddle. How flexible are you?
What would you say... how wide is your pelvis? Narrow, normal or wide?
@@MrBusunglueck tried lots of different saddles, I use 150mm wide. WTB Volt on all my bikes at moment.
@@sapinva My legs are massive as it is dude
@@sapinva It's like an instant sharp pain deep in my bum cheek, like a sensitive tooth kind of shooting pain. Impossible to sit in same position, rotating hips forward helps for a bit of time. If I've raced on Zwift 90 mins ish, I'm unable to walk up stairs with it. Wondering if it's tight hamstrings where they attach to sit bone area. Never a problem on right side, always left.
@@sapinva will do, thanks for the reply. 👍🏿
The reason why the pads are in the shorts and not on the saddle is because you want them to stay in place relative to your bum. If they were on the saddle, you could only sit one way on the saddle.
Also, I see guys spending way too much time in the shorts after you've ridden. i.e. riding hard and then sitting in a coffee shop for hours is absurd. You're creating a moisture trap that isn't doing anything good.
The first shorts that I could wear without needing chamois cream were Eliel.
Come on Phil, the proper term is Tuchus.
"Don't let you butt and your crotch discourage you".....although they can be hard asses, we came to an agreement
I wanna know how cyclocross riders hop on and off without crushing their balls. Seriously, one wrong move and it's over.
If they had balls, they'd be on a mountain bike. 👍🏿
I land on the saddle with thigh and slide onto the saddle kind of. I think that's what the aim is but the good guys are just much quicker
My balls hurt really bad when riding bikes , what could I do to prevent that please
Pedals with your legs instead
It's called tainted love
Thank you for mentioning women :-)
AN EASY FIX: BUY A BROOKS SADDLE! It takes time to break in, but you'll never need to wear padded shorts, ever.
I have a Brooks, and love it on my touring bike, but it does not work for me for TT's or chain-gang rides as the lack of a cut away puts for too much pressure where it shouldn't.
Why do you want your padding in your shorts and not your saddle? Even Phil doesn't know. "It's just the way it's done."
I've wondered that as well. Might be so that it can be washed, or so that it is interchangeable between bikes. But my best guess is that it is because the location of those two bones on your butt doesn't change, but your position on the saddle does change as you ride, so you want the padding to be affixed to the location of those bones, which means attaching the padding to yourself. But that's just a guess.
From personal experience, When I bend my torso forward on those large comfy seats, there’s too much rubbing on the inner thighs, and/or the range of motion is less.
One word..... "RUBBING"
Not sure should be liking crotch pain!
Haha depends whose pain
I have never seen the correct answer given in my over 40 years of riding. you got close with one of your points. please consider that a compliment.
Don't play coy then. What's the correct answer?
@@CommaCam personal best for an athlete's hour over 40 in jan 1988. raced 2 years, never turned pro. regret it every day. just got my retirement so i'll have a book coming next couple years.
Was that butt hurt or Butthead 😂
Get a recumbent
Pro tip - ever since i moved to a recumbent my butt, bits, wrists and neck do NOT hurt :D. Yes, it's not a normal bike - but i am WAY faster - and more comfortable. Otherwise, this is good advice if you don't move :D
I read you shouldn’t wear underwear with your shorts, I always wear my boxers. I just got back into riding and I had to cut my ride short because my taint and ass we’re killing me lol 😂
Fighting knee pain more my trouble
Been my trouble aswell for over a year. After moving my saddle forward and lowering it 2cm my knees are pain free. Had intense pain on the top of the kneecaps after bike rides. Got fooled by setting my saddle height accourding to the 109% rule, when it actually was way to high. Heel method is the way to go setting a starting point for saddle height. Hope you get it sorted!