Hands, Feet, Seat

Whats the Best Grip to Prevent Numb Fingers

I suffer from numb hands. I've tried gel gloves and had my riding position checked, but there's been no improvement. I think it's from the way I hold my hands on the bar -- usually grasping the brake hoods. Any suggestions?

How Can I Cool My Hot Feet

For several months I've been plagued with "hot feet," pain in the balls of my feet starting after several thousand-mile months this summer. I've changed pedals, put cushioned insoles in my shoes, moved the cleats as far to the rear as possible, and changed sock thickness. Is there anything else I could try?

Why Does My Foot Go Numb

I had a back operation but my physician says riding is fine. But after 20 miles my left foot goes numb. If I get off the bike for a few minutes, the numbness goes away but quickly returns. Strangely, if I'm climbing it doesn't seem to bother me as much.  Coach Fred has a few answers  based on his riding and coaching experience.

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Why Do I Get Saddle Cysts

I've recently developed a couple of cysts on my upper leg and buttocks. Is this caused by irritation from my cycling shorts? Bacteria? What are the remedies? 

What Can I Do About a Chronic Saddle Sore

Last season I developed a bad saddle sore. My doctor told me not to ride, but being part imbecile and part fanatic, I did. Now I have a persistent small lump under the skin and it hurts like sitting on a marble. I know you're not a physician but can you help? 

How Can I Stop Late-Blooming Saddle Sores

 

I'm troubled by saddle sores that sprout after long rides when I'm driving home, even though I've changed out of my sweaty cycling shorts and cleaned up with a wet wipe. Any ideas?

Why Do Cycling Tights Cause Saddle Sores?

It's getting colder and I've begun to wear tights. I've noticed that I tend to develop saddle sores when riding with tights, either the kind worn over shorts or those with a built-in chamois. Any advice?

How Can I Toughen My Crotch

I'm having serious saddle soreness as I build my mileage toward a double century. I bought new bib shorts that might be too large, so maybe they're contributing. I use a chamois cream on my shorts, but it only lasts about an hour. Then, yikes! It seems like my skin simply isn't tough enough. Any advice? 

How Can I Cure a Rash in My Shorts?

Warning -- graphic material to follow!  When I ride farther than normal or sweat a lot, I get what I refer to as "diaper rash" or "swamp butt." I think my sweat channels down the butt crack and pools near the bottom, causing the rash. I have tried A&D ointment and Bag Balm (both before and after rides) with no luck. Any ideas?

What Caused This Horrible Swelling

I got a narrower saddle for my Colnago and positioned it higher to try for a bit of extra power. I noticed significant crotch discomfort, but kept riding in the hope I'd get used to it. Then I developed a swelling half the size of a tennis ball -- a large and uncomfortable object to carry between one's legs! It was diagnosed as a perineal hematoma and I'm off the bike until it goes away. What happened? How can I keep it from recurring?

How Should I Treat a Persistent Saddle Sore

I ride 150 miles a week and have had a saddle sore for months. It recedes but it never goes away. The doctor says antibiotics or surgery are the only solutions. I refuse to take antibiotics. Advice?

I Got a Saddle Sore! Now What

After many years of riding and racing it finally happened -- I got a saddle sore. It's a small boil-like bump/sore at the crease where my leg meets my butt. How should I treat it?

Why Is My Hybrid Making Me Numb

I'm 50. Ten years ago I bought a hybrid bike due to an arthritic lower back. The upright position seems to have increased both crotch and hand numbness. I've tried different saddles with no relief. What do you suggest?

Whats the Trick to Nixing Crotch Numbness

I have been riding and teaching spinning classes for six years. I do five classes each week, and I race or do long group rides on weekends. My problems are crotch numbness and slight impotence. I went to a urologist who suggested I stop riding, but I don't want to. I've had my bike fit checked and I use a Specialized Body Geometry saddle. Any ideas?

Where Can I Get Cleat Shims

I've read that one solution to unequal leg length is to put a shim between the cleat and shoe of the shorter leg. Where do you get shims and the longer bolts needed to attach the shimmed cleat?

Why Does Just One Sit Bone Hurt on the Saddle

 

I average about 100 miles per week and enjoy multiday tours. Recently, I developed pain in the tissue over my right sit bone. On long rides, this varies from discomfort to an actual small sore. My position is good and I've tried a number of saddles with no improvement. What do you think?

Is Leg-Length Inequality Causing Saddle Sores

I've been riding for 10 years and suffer from chronic saddle sores on my left sit bone. I understand that a leg-length discrepancy can cause sores on the short-leg side. My left leg is about 3/8 inch shorter than my right. I've tried many position and equipment changes but nothing has worked. Can you help?

Why Is My Heel Hitting the Crankarm

My left heel shifts inward toward the crank. It's not a problem when pedaling easily, but when I increase the wattage, my heel hits the crankarm. I also get saddle sores on the left side only. Any ideas?

Whats Causing My Ankle Pain

My ankles hurt after rides, but I don't know if it's due to my pedaling form, lack of stretching or a bike-fit issue. I've even thought it could be caused by my Shimano shoe/Look pedal combination. Any ideas?

Can Pruitts Shoes Solve Foot Pain

I suffer from "hot foot" on long rides.  What do you think of the Specialized cycling shoes designed by Andy Pruitt? 

Why Does My Crotch Get So Sore on a Trainer

I've been stuck on the indoor trainer here in Minnesota for months. I don't mind riding inside, but my crotch gets much sorer than it does while riding outside. I use the same shorts, saddle and bike and never ride more than an hour at a time. Any solutions?