My 6 Tips To AVOID a Sore 🍑🍑🍑 On The Bike! Saddle Comfort Tips! 

You do these 'uncomfortable' videos better than anyone! Difficult topic, and very well presented and explained.

Here's a tip I use - wash your shorts using napisan which is an anti-bacterial. This made a big difference for me weirdly.

*Grandson lives out from town on 18 acres and the **Latest.Bike** is great on trails through the woods, on gravel driveway, and through the yard. Keeps them active. Thanks Easter Bunny*

My personal tip for measuring the angle of the saddle is to put a flat object like a book on top of it an measure from there. This allows you to replicate and adjust the angle much more precisely. Many saddles these days are just not flat or have a cut out that can make measuring tilt difficult.

Great info and perfect timing as I’ve started to lengthen my rides this spring. Saddle discomfort has become my principal limiting factor on these endurance rides. Many of the roads near where I live in Quebec are awful which doesn’t help. These tips will help loads. Ta very much! 🚴😀

Thanks for the vid Katie. I've taken much of your advise over the last 18 months or so. I'm now going higher and further than ever. Chamio creme now on the way 🤩

I've been riding for over 10 years, went through many saddles and although it is a pricy journey, I finally found my exact specs I wanted/needed only a few years ago and that was the turning point in increasing my ride time exponentially. Now I'm at the point where if I need a new saddle or build a new bike, I know exactly what I need, the exact height, angle, etc. and I do not struggle anymore with setting up my saddle. If you are in the middle of this journey, don't give up! You'll reach the perfect balance eventually!

Hi Katie, I watched your video last Monday and ordered some of the Slip Stream cream on your recommendation. I’ve been a long distance cyclist for years and latterly an audaxer and have tried EVERYTHING to deal with saddle discomfort, including different chamois creams, saddles, shorts, bike fits etc and always have discomfort and sort of resigned myself to it now, watched this and thought well I’ve not tried this cream, it’s worth a shot. Did just a 70 miler Saturday using the Slip Stream for the first time and OH MY GOD, game changer!! No discomfort at all which is totally unheard of for me, even on shorter rides I was getting some level of soreness so just wanted to say as a fellow female cyclist THANK YOU! Absolutely saved my skin, quite literally 😅 I’m doing LEJOG next month and was already dreading the state I’d be in afterwards in the saddle region but now that’s one less thing to worry about! Thank you 🙏🏻

This one I had to watch. I have figured out an out of saddle pedal over rough tar by moving up 3 or 4 gears, lower cadence, leaning over the bars. With practice, I have worked up to 2 miles out of saddle without a big drop in speed particularly percentage on smaller climbs. I developed this to a point where I could find a pedal pause at midway on leg cramping climbs, it works, you must concentrate not to use all the power available to avoid that musle cramp. Out of the saddle, you'll not have far to go until you find smothered tar. Next major I found to avoid those saddle vibrations, based upon my current road bike, is just avoid rough open tar roads. Good valuable video.

Hey Katie, great video as always. Could you do a video on fueling? Day before, Day of and Day after? Maybe even include stretching routine? Just a thought. Did a big ride the other day and got wicked quad pain. Been trying to do tons of reading about fueling to see how I can adjust for future.

Some interesting points raised there Katie, I changed my saddle a while ago tho whilst there's merit in the sit bones thing when I had mine measured many moons ago the saddle the bike shop recommended to me was like sitting on a brick and that was with well padded shorts on so because I'm carrying a bit more weight I've went for a more padded saddle for tho' even it is firm-ish I couldn't go for a rock hard one or a super soft one either. I did a fairly flat ride last Sunday of about 52 miles which was alot for me and was sitting down for alot of it and had a slightly sorer behind as it was a predominantly flat-ish route and I didn't stand up as much as I should have tho' you are right about that refreshing your comfort when you do sit down again on the saddle. I use a harder thicker chamois cream called Morgan Blue on my shorts only, I never thought about applying it to myself but may try that trick and indeed the chamois cream you recommend once the I have is almost used up. I also haven't levelled my saddle tho' it looks level since I had it fitted to that new bike I got so I must check that out as I have an android spirit level app that's in the shape of a saddle called Saddle Adjust which I can recommend. Bottom line if you'll pardon the pun, some handy useful information there.

Mint thanks for the tips defo give the slipstream ago 👍 used a few trial and error ,many thanks katie x

Many thanks for your information. I just ordered some slipstream and a new saddle after same body mapping looking forward to a more comfortable longer ride

Great advice as always thanks for that just bought some of that cream 👍👍

That’s a awesome tip for using your phone for setting the angle from 0- minus 3 degrees on your bike seat. Going to give that a try when I get back home

the last time I rode a bicycle was when I was a teenager, I am now 35. I bought some mtbs for my wife and I as well as my 7 year old who can now ride with no training wheels (so proud) I almost started dumping money into new seats but then I cam across this videos and honestly just changing the seat angle and height resolved my comfort problems. So Thank you so much for the valuable information, and saving me some money!!!

Great advice! Thanks!

New sub here from the states - I find your channel to be so incredibly helpful and entertaining. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

I started cycling (bitmac and gravel) during lockdown and had a lot of saddle discomfort (numbness after an hour) trying various combinations of saddles and tiny adjustments and checking SB width. Brilliant LBS was very helpful too but couldn't resolve it. I am sorted now, almost by accident, with a saddle that looks identical to my original Montrose. I put the improvement down to the lack of give on the new saddle. With my hands, I can push down on the Montrose saddle and it deflects downwards at the sides so doing the same with my sit bones my weight (like sitting on a narrow log) was going on to soft tissue that should be protected, hence the numbness. I accept that the flex of the Montrose is probably good for other folk but unpleasant for me. I thought I would mention because I have never read any thing of this aspect on any web sites. New saddle doesn't bend at all and I'm getting much more enjoyment. You would think lack of give would be less comfortable but it is the opposite for me. Thanks for this, and all your other videos for that classic candid KK advice and thoughts.

Excellent tips. I have a too much chamois cream story. I once had someone show up for a bike fitting not a ride but a fitting. As I was taking some measurements of his position on the bike I couldn't help notice chamois cream oozing through the fabric. After he left one of the shop managers asking me why I looked a little green. I told him what happened at which point he handed me a beer and told me to take a break for as long as I wanted. I wish I could say that was the only weird occurrence during a fitting but sadly I have many more. Customers are crazy. lol

As far as comfortable bib shorts are concerned I have tried many different brands before discovering Shutt Velo Rapide. Super comfy chamois and they even have a guarantee that, if they aren't the most comfortable bib shorts you've ever tried, you can send them back for a refund! Please note that I have no affiliation with them, I just love their products 😊

New bike day!!!! Finally 😍

Great tips Katie, thanks. The phone angle tip I will try tonight. I'm off to do LEJOG in a couple of weeks, hope i'm not like the guy you mentioned!!

Great advice 👍

For people in the UK Planet X's ProLine and Clubman bib shorts are worth a shot if you're on a budget I got some as just "beater" bibs to save my best ones for longer rides, but I found myself preferring them, recommended them to a few riding buddies and no complaints so far. Their Carnac stuff is about on the same level too but more expensive.

Super helpful!

Really good tips 👍🏻

Saddle angle is very important, I did have issues after each weekend ride that was over 1.5 hours, changed the saddle angle to -2 : no issues any more

Thanks Katie, not tried this cream but will order and give it a go, anything to avoid the dreaded sore bum!

Great video

just post i needed to see after riding home from central manchester this eve haha

A very well bike fit can also help. Personally i think people should start with this. For newbees it also can be hard to find a good bikefitter. I also watch video's from Francis Cade, now and then he has a bikefitter in his video's, This guy knows what he's talking about. If i was living in the uk that would be the guy for me. My favourite bibs are from Rapha followed by Assos. I use the assos shammy cream. Works just fine for me. Also have to say ( for the taller and heavyer riders) that i am 196cm tall and weight about 100kg. Thanks for the really nice video....thumbs up👍

A friend who rides with my local Sunday ride is having a new bike soon. She has gone for a Ribble gravel bike. When the sales person as how she heard of Ribble. She told them from your channel.

Fantastic tips. The best is less is more with the creme. You want to glide around, not slide around!

I really fancy you and nice vids. I'm going to be doing my first long distance ride soon 😬😬

Hi Katie. I went for a professional bike fit with a physiotherapist after watching your informative video on the subject. I wanted to say thanks for that. My Physiotherapist measured my sit bone width on what she called the "Ass-O-Meter" lol. I laughed so hard. My new bike had a 145mm seat and after measuring me she suggested I would do better with a 155mm seat and what a difference. Thanks for your videos. Love them.

After a lot or trial and error with clothes, saddle type, set-up and skin products I found success with Crotch Guard spray on oil. It made such a difference I was astonished. Slightly odd name and finding in the UK takes patience, but it's worth it.

Being one of those guys who routinely oozed chamois butter on every ride, I was a bit skeptical on this Slipstream product. Well, I rode with it today and absolutely love it. THANK YOU!

Saddle height was probably the biggest thing for me. I can also HIGHLY recommend a bike fit to anyone, if you're willing to spend £1000s on cycling then £200 is nothing to spend on comfort whilst enjoying your hobby!

Hi another great video, perhaps you could include some tips about preventing skin damage from sun exposure.When I was young it was always good for you to be out in the sun, and now I have all sorts of skin damage, i now use sun block but as the doctor said its not what you are doing now, its what u didn't do when you were young.

And remember if you absolutely nail your setup you can still have issues just due to the nature of the activity, so know when to take time off the bike. I’ve had a great fit complete with saddle pressure mapping with one of the most renowned bike fitters in the country, have a great saddle on all my bikes that I get on with, great bibs and cream, put down tens of thousands of miles without any issue over the last few years. Then out of nowhere I’ve had an issue down there this year that now requires surgery to resolve. 😣

Hi Katie, thanks for sharing this info,,,very very useful. when are u going to do a trip in Switzerland...we have everything here...also for different saddle :)

Your videos are wonderful, Katie. Thank you. Question (s): You convey through your videos extraordinarily well your love of riding. Can you talk about the difference between riding when you’re filming and not filming. Can you enjoy the ride in and of itself when you are filming and be present in the moment? Or does the pressure of creating content change the experience such that you are preoccupied with finding an angle or a vantage point for a good shoot? Does creating content change how you experience your riding? I guess I’m simply curious about whether creating content diminishes your experience of riding or, perhaps, enhances it? On long multi-day rides, one can grow lonely, especially in isolated places. Does creating content when you’re out riding alone give you the sense of being with your audience, does it mitigate the onset of feelings of loneliness and even stabilize mood swings that we all experience on long rides? I watch your videos and enjoy them. These are questions that occur to me as I think about your fine work. Cheers.

Strategically placed Krispy Kreme Ring Doughnut works wonders ! Take care Katie ☀️ 🦙 🐑 🦔

Used many types of saddles over the years, but never looked back after I bought a B.17 and then two C.17s. Certainly no padding needed with the B.17 once broken in and to date no trouble with the C.17s over medium distances.

I’ve just changed my saddle to a Fizik one with a cut out to relieve the pressure on the front, however I’ve now got an issue with a sore on my bum cheek, so solved one issue and got another now. Think I’m going to have to change the saddle again

Hi Katie All you said is what l do the only thing when l finish a ride l handwash my Knicks l like your singing take care

I sort of adapt to saddles ,tbh I haven't had a bad one. I have 3 types, road, MTB and long distance. All have the cut away but one is wider and another more padded.

I'm interested in how you manage other painful areas too like numb hands and feet and sore neck and shoulders. Thanks! Love your videos.

I can’t believe the diff it made when I got measured and bought a properly fitting seat. Luckily the cheapest saddle was my size.£50 I don’t do padded shorts, but use a gel cover as recommended by LBS…

Don't underestimate changing to quality bib shorts, made a huge difference to me 👍 Then try bike fit setup, saddle angle etc before changing the saddle.

I struggle like mad, but booked in for bikefit next week after a hip replacement and a long time not riding dur to pain

Comfortable saddle is a must and shorts and a chamois cream .

Good tips Katie, saddle comfort is the one thing I haven't got quite dialed yet, though I'm not one for standing up and pedalling. So that probably doesn't help.

Thank you, you are amazing and beautiful! I'm a new rider a bit on the overweight side... big in the fanny 😆.. I've got a good saddle, but every season I start riding... I always get saddle sore on one side... I normally start riding 2 or 3 days a week to minimize it... for 20-30 minutes...but I'd rather ride every day from the start.... do you shammy shorts only and nothing underneath? or shammies and saddle cream until a routine is set?

I can not do anything like your distances Katie . Have had my saddle for 41 years ! but I do not get sores ,as such . I get what I call sit bone ache , and have to get off the saddle to ease this . Have only just started using gel pads in (Endura) which I feel do not make a huge difference . AS YET . My saddle is very near your - 2/3 deg . etc

I think men being much hairier tend to get badly sore for that reason, shaving only irritates it, but leaving hair in it gets constantly pulled through the motion eventually causing massive irritation

Great!

Get 2 pieces of wood, the first is one by one inch and the length of your saddle, the second is one by two inches and the width of your saddle plus one inch each side. Cut a notch in the one by two inches piece of wood one inch wide and deep. You then can join the two pieces of wood together in a cross shape. Make the cross inline with your seat post and you then can rest your tape measure the pieces of wood each side of your saddle.

The flash Baboon was so graphic ! Hahahaha Thanks so much ❤ 😊

Go for a BROOKS SADDLE, take a while to break in but when you do you'll never look back....there Awesome 🙏

😂 Did wait till the end.

Bought slipstream on your recommendation and it is great! Query for your endurance Q&A, if you were to do Ride Across Britain again (or something similar) would you change anything you did/took? If so what? (I am doing RAB this September!)

Great tips. Thank you. Not to forget: "No underwear under there."

Oui Oui!

I have yet to find a YT video to show what is the best way to apply the cream to the chamois. Do you blob it on, do you work it in?

thank you for the tips!

Do you fancy doing a vid on saddle position, maybe with your bike fit bud? Curved saddles etc make it a bit of a minefield now days and it’s and important part of the bike…

We don't get this chafing cream in South Africa.. How can we go about getting it?

Best tip I had was if you have consistent saddle pain - lower it. Big cause is riding too big bikes with too high saddles

I ride every day and sudocrem and as the shamois wears I wear a old shamios and it works as one gives but the other stays in place and as a mountain bike rider we get wet and muddy and it works for me.

Most riders go for a lightweight an expensive seat. Now myself i havent found a seat yet over 75buks to work good i find seats under 75buks better dont go for the lightest one.. This is one of the most important parts of the package.. I myself find great comfort an luck with mtn bike saddle on road bike.. I like avenier brand mtn seats.. They are made by velo.. I pay like 25-35$ per seat is all. I have 6 of them an use them on all my frames. I don't use cream or bike shorts i roll str8 up an rarely get sore ever. I ride 10 thousands miles per year minimum.

Do the cremes not go on first?

Lol I was on the bridge couple days ago

I've just been out there for 89 mile that's my longest ride, saddle wasnt the problem it was the quads becoming heavier and heavier 🤣

[I've been wondering about the bike you ordered several months ago - looking forward to seeing it soon.]

I'm still using my nike 'running' shorts, new to all this bike stuff. Wattbike Atom seat is ok, I've deliberately not changed it so I can adapt my body. 100 KM ride last week and the comfort was bareable. Definately think I need a bib, do they sell indoor bibs LOL! :) oh dear I'm clueless, do Halfords even have a changing room... Thanks Katie! 👍

how many bikes do you have?

My biggest issue with distance biking is lower back tightness/cramping but I don't know if the saddle is involved in that though I suspect it is. Somehow saddles/arse have not been a problem.

LOL loony, I do have to say this I bought the crappest saddle for £8 ish for a bike I had up for sale, I then decided to try it for a laugh to see what it was like it turned out to be ok, then I forgot to stick in my padded shorts on and word it with them and I have to say honestly the saddle looks a bit rubbish but I have to say its the nicest saddle I've ever ridden LOL I now use it in my house so I don't have to put anything on except my sidi peddles on haha

Hey Katie, does Slipstream ship to the USA?

Did you change your mind about the new bike or are you waiting for summer sun? To reveal.

Save the bush!

I find you want to trim the area, not shave, but keep the hair short brcause if its long it can pull the skin around and cause a lot of iritsrion or fold it over and puting pressure on folded over skin with taught hairs here and there pinching from elsewhere can cause alot of problems, i ride 40-50km a day working as a courier and on my 3rd week back the hair was too long and causing problems. Also dont forget to trim around the bum areas too and make sure its uber clean. Less hair will help garuntee cleanliness, but you dont want red eye from poulled bum hairs that got trapped in your chammies and cheeks plus rubbed hard with micro poopies molicules, its a disaster. I agree, get right out of those chammies and into the tub with some epsom salts for a long bath and relax, then moisturize the area after with high quality body moisturizer. I like CeraVe lotion, a bottle has lasted me a year so go splurge. Its worth it.

When is that bike arriving

And if you find the right saddle, make sure you buy all remaining stock of it 😁

For me (female rider) it's the genitals that hurts, not so much the bum, any advice ?

never ride stock saddles. stretch and strengthen butt muscles. comfy undergarments. good posture. shift that weight

7) a racing a recumbent [No it's not a handicap bike.]

It is really uncomfortable upfront...

Katie.. 0/-3 degrees - is that gender specific or a general rule of thumb to relieve discomfort for all sexes? Ta ..

My top tip is not to cycle to far 😉

I'll say it now, cocoa butter is no good because it is too oily and creates sweat. Before I had gotten back into cycling, I would use baby powder and I could ride for 100 years at a time.

Hairy Muff confirmed hahaha.. Sorry couldn't help myself. Lol

You sing tooo 😅 thx for the tips but the right saddle stays key!

Never mind your bum my wife suffers more at the front. Really puts her off. Tried cut outs, varying tilt angles etc