QUESTION: 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? — Greg…
Question: 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? — Steve B. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Wearing tights over cycling shorts adds an extra layer of fabric…
Question: 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….
Question: About 2 weeks ago, 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…
Question: My wife is just starting to ride. She has a new hybrid bike, with a comfort bike-type seat. We want to ride the Katy Trail (250 miles) this October, about 40 miles per day. We have started a training program. She complains of “tail-bone” pain after about 5-6 miles. She thinks she needs more seat padding or…
