Girlie cycling advice - Triathlon

Nessie

06/07/2005 at 14:37

So should I go for the pink bike, or the lilac one?

Ok, now the lads have gone - is vaseline-commando-chamois the way to go, or is there a better way to remain comfortable on the bike?

[eyes water at the memory of first long cycle of the year]

2 trenches

06/07/2005 at 14:41

Always commando, if you've got chammy, then for gods sake keep it clean and get some softening cream (most padding is non shammy these days anyway), and (NO, really, this one was given to me by a professional and international female cyclist), *ahem*, trying to put it as delicately and inoffensively as possible...

Shorn.

fat buddha

06/07/2005 at 14:45

can't see it's any difference between male and female comfiness in all honesty........we all suffer similar problems.........

and DON'T use vas beforehand - it will make you slide about more which is what you don't want.......

cougie

pirate

06/07/2005 at 14:45

Crafty Nessie - crafty.

Yup - always commando. As VPL under cycling shorts is a fashion no-no.

I don't bother with the cream for the chamois, but sometimes some vaseline if its a long ride.

2 trenches

06/07/2005 at 14:50

Spose the chamois doesn't go crunchy if you wash it regularly.

Can't say I ever investigated...

amandarunning

06/07/2005 at 14:53

Shorn?? What totally?? Really????

miles to go

06/07/2005 at 14:54

Intriguing thread.

I cant think of an example of a lilac bike.

2 trenches

06/07/2005 at 14:54

Lol, I knew I'd regret that one...

She swore by it.

amandarunning

06/07/2005 at 14:58

Blimey - and I thought trimming my nails so I didn't damage my wetsuit was a step too far in the name of triathlon!!

Nessie

06/07/2005 at 14:58

Actually FB, there is a difference in that the *most* delicate bit can get chafed if in contact with the wrong material. <shudder> I'm sure I've used vaseline in the past and it's helped - I must move more in the saddle than I'm supposed to. Maybe I should look at the saddle position.

Amanda - it does sort of make sense. Friction between *delicate* skin and fabric could be made worse with added abrasives in between.

Gumps

06/07/2005 at 15:00

Surely this would applly (to a lesser extent) to men as well?

Should I email someone on the TDF?

amandarunning

06/07/2005 at 15:00

Nessie. I have one of those female specific saddles with a hole for the most delicate bits to ummm well fit into I suppose and not get too much pressure...I think it works...what I have learnt this year (on completing a 106 mile ride :-) ) is that the discomfort at say 20 miles is no worse by 100...

But - I do seem to catch a small piece of flesh which results in a sort of blood blister/bruise which is v ouchy for a day or two...might have to utilise them nail scissors again :-)

Ooer....

Gary T

06/07/2005 at 15:19

Female specific saddles are the way to go to avoid a chafed button (I should stop, shouldnt I?). OK, I will.

Adjusting saddle position should help too as well as sorting out optimum saddle height. Too high and you will be moving side to side as you pedal.

Also Bodyglide.

fat buddha

06/07/2005 at 15:19

Nessie - us chaps also suffer chafing in a delicate area known as the "barse" aka the perineum - is not pleasant either...........

LizzyB

06/07/2005 at 15:24

At the risk of sounding indelicate, nessie, girls (just like men) should adjust their bits after putting on cycling shorts. Does mean that 'agony of the first pee after a bike ride' thing doesn't happen.

Only way forward for comfort is female-specific cycling shorts (not tri shorts, and no need to bother with vaseline), washed after every wear (hubby can tell some wonderful tales of boils when he didn't do this), no knickers and as for saddle ... well, it's a personal thing, and you will never get if right first time. After much experimentation, I use a men's Selle Gel Oktavia saddle. Personally, I find very narrow saddles more comfortable than wide ones.

And lilac or pink? Hmm, not sure. My new bike is metallic blue/ice white/orange (I chose the colours) and is very pretty without being too girly. Pale colours do show the dirt a lot more, as I've found having a partly-white bike.

amandarunning - I feel sick now ...urgh!

amandarunning

06/07/2005 at 15:28

LizzyB - well imagine what it's like for me! Actually I do think the saddle is too wide as the said bruised area is ummm sort of v top of inner thigh where it meets...

Ok - enough anatomy for now but interesting you prefer a mens saddle due to the narrowness. Mr amandarunning read some stuff about male cyclists and impotence and went out and bought 2 new saddles that day! I might try out his spare...

I always use female specific shorts but actually prefer the tri ones with less padding as that seems more comfortable and less over heating/friction...

Your bike sounds lovely - mine is a bright green speed machine and I love it :-)

cougie

pirate

06/07/2005 at 15:32

All that rubbish about saddles and impotence seems over the top to me. Look how long the pros spend on their saddles. Even Eddy Merckx has kids.

Things going numb (that shouldn't be numb) has been a problem for a while though, but its just when you've sat in the same position for ages. So a bit like a dead leg thing. Out of the saddle for a bit and everythings sorted again.

My new arione is fantastic though and doesn't numb anything. the first saddle in 10 years to work like that.

LizzyB

06/07/2005 at 15:35

amanda - I have very narrow hips and if I sit on a wide saddle it's like I'm being split apart (!) even my MTB has an old road bike saddle on it (and yes, it does look silly).

Gumps

06/07/2005 at 15:36

I have just switched to an arione tri and it is great.

I also have 3 pairs of shorts £15, £20 and £70 (Pearl IQ)

THere really is a difference in comfort and I only use the cheaper ones on shorter rides now.

Nessie

06/07/2005 at 16:05

Hmm, lots of good stuff there. Thanks.

Cougs - numb - if only! 'Tis definitely a chafing problem - feels like I've been done over with sandpaper on the "button" (thanks for that description Gary :o))

I think possibly that a wideish saddle, coupled with probably-mens shorts and possibly a too high saddle might be the things I should address first.

My bike is black btw - the first question was just a cover. ;o)