Being comfortable on the bike has always been a top priority. I have been experimenting in my training rides with new types of equipment and better bib shorts, as well as learning from others' experience, in an endeavour to find the best that suits me. At times I had been really depressed when I was unable to find any solution, despite all my efforts.
My team's recent participation at Ultra Spice Race 2019 was a test run to Race Across America in June 2019. I was upbeat and mentally prepared to perform. This confidence was complemented by the SCOTT FOIL 20 (for flats) and SCOTT ADDICT 10 (for climbs and rolling terrain). But a litmus test of any equipment or preparation is a multi-day race, which can never be simulated in any training ride.
The Winning Combination
I was very particular about chaffing and saddle sores. I was using SCOTT RC PRO+++ Bib Shorts, a Physiosaddle on the ADDICT 10, and Syncros FL 2.0 (Narrow Width) on the FOIL 20. This magical combination helped me sail through the 1,750 km of Ultra Spice Race without any issues of chaffing or saddle sores.
The comfort level of these bib shorts was outstanding. I had tried bib shorts of various brands but the stretchable fabric gives a very good feeling. The padding was super effective in preventing the chaffing of softer tissues.
Finding the Right Saddle
Finding the right saddle had always been a tough choice to make. To be sure whether a new saddle suits you, it has to be used for a few long rides. Even the costliest of the saddles didn't work well for me.
The combination of both saddles was helpful in keeping me comfortable. The different designs of both — different shapes, different pressure-point geometry — were effective in changing the pressure points at regular intervals, thus relieving stress regularly. Getting up from the saddle at regular intervals also helped in maintaining the required blood circulation, relieving the pressure points further.
Posture is the Hidden Factor
Another major aspect that helped me in tackling this problem was strength training at Sports Medicine Rehab. Correct posture on the bike helped me to maintain better control as well as improve performance. A strong posterior chain means less slumping, less rubbing, fewer sores.
It is difficult to assign a specific reason to the problem of chaffing and saddle sores, and the solution can only be achieved by learning from the experience of others and experimenting diligently.
Have a pain-free ride.