Ladies fit saddles, shorts and my sore bits!

[PARunnerGirl]

After about two hours, I am really suffering! It’s not chafing, it’s more like pressure and general compression of everything down there is how I can best describe it! So much so that I actually get small bruises, a bit like blood blisters, where the pressure has been worst.

I have some ladies Castelli bib shorts for longer rides and ladies waist shorts from Decathlon for shorter rides. I actually prefer the fit of the Decathlon ones! My saddle isn’t a ladies fit saddle and I am wondering if this would help. Am I right in thinking there is basically a gap for your most sensitive parts?!

Has anyone else had similar problems and managed to overcome them? I have a couple of epic rides coming up and really want to sort this!

[TheLongRider]

Get your saddle height and position checked first. If it's too high it may be putting more pressure on your vulva. A level or slightly tilted down and the front saddle may be more comfortable.

[PARunnerGirl]

Thanks @TheLongRider . I actually think my saddle is a little high and I’ve been meaning to put it down a little. Will also try the slight tilt.

[CMOTDibbler]

I do think a womens specific saddle helps - I have a Selle Italia Diva flow and don't have pressure problems. I am contemplating an ISM noseless one though.

If you buy a new saddle on ebay you will get your money back selling it again if you don't like it. Unfortunatly it is trial and error as to what combination of shorts and saddle suit you

[PARunnerGirl]

Thanks @CMOTDibbler .. yeah I’m starting to see that there is far from one solution to fit all! I probably just need to invest some time in trying a few different things out.

[reallyneedmoresleep]

I found having a bike fit and my saddle adjusted to a downward tilt made a massive difference to my “bike-lady-interface”