Seat discomfort is one of the main problems for cyclists, whether professional or amateur. Especially at the end of the season, you should use the time off the bike to take the time to analyse your personal seat complaints. 60% of all cyclists complain about it, the rest usually ignore the pain. It becomes critical when the seat problem develops into something more. A sore spot, a small inflammation or even an abscess.
There are three contact surfaces: handlebars, pedals and saddle. The buttocks have to bear a large part of the weight. The few square centimetres that serve as the seat surface are therefore subjected to a high pressure load - problems are inevitable.
How does the pain on the seat surface come about?
Especially on long bike rides and MTB tours, the skin, sit bones and perineal area become irritated. If moisture and dirt are added to this in bad weather, the skin is literally rubbed open, resulting in sore patches.
The pain on the first few rides after the winter break is largely unproblematic. The bone membranes of the sit bones first have to get used to sitting in the saddle again - if you also have a new saddle on, this is completely normal. After a few rides you will have got used to the saddle and after four to five weeks you should no longer have any problems. Tip: At the beginning, take a two-day break after each ride so that your bum has enough time to recover before the next session.
On the other hand, constant numbness in the genital area resulting from excessive pressure in the perineal area is unpleasant. If you have these problems, you should check your saddle position. Perhaps as part of a bike fitting. This will give you quick feedback as to whether the saddle you are using suits you or not. The correct saddle angle is important here (the basic position is horizontal), as is the saddle width to suit the individual sit bone distance. Experts such as ergonomics consultant Dr Kim Tofaute offer assessment centres for the aforementioned seating complaints. These examinations are particularly useful during the transition period so that you can start the new season in an optimised position.
After the numbness comes the wound
Nothing works anymore! This is the case if you have a sore on your buttocks. The first long sessions at home or at training camp, perhaps in the rain or in the dirt, can quickly lead to sore patches. The scourge can also strike in extreme heat: sweat irritates the skin due to the salts it contains, which then cause micro-injuries like small razor blades. It gets really bad if you ignore them and then an inflammation develops. This inflammation can then develop into an abscess.
Thomas Litscher (Multivan Merida Biking Team) was a prominent victim of the treacherous seat problems in 2013. In August, the team announced the premature end of the season for its top rider, as Litscher's persistent seat problems were the result of an abscess that had to be surgically removed. Even if it is perhaps a taboo subject for many and "pimples on the arse" are not discussed as intensively at the biker regulars' table as the products of the new season, you should still deal with the subject in depth before it affects you.
Professional tips: Interview with Wolfram Kurschat
Bike pro Wolfram Kurschat from the Topeak-Ergon Racing Team knows the problem: as the reigning European junior vice-champion, he lost a season in 1993 due to protracted seat complaints, which also had to be surgically removed at the time. The licenced pharmacist therefore knows exactly what he is talking about.
BIKE: How many bikers do you estimate have seat complaints with such consequences?
Wolfram Kurschat: I don't know the exact figures, I haven't had a study on this topic on my desk yet, but ultimately everyone knows the problems after long tours.
Can you briefly and concisely explain the problem that can lead to an abscess on the buttocks?
The abscess develops from inflamed tissue that becomes encapsulated. So if a sore area on the buttocks or a hair root becomes inflamed after many hours in the saddle, this not only leads to acute pain, but inflamed tissue can also encapsulate if the strain continues. A veritable encapsulated collection of pus then forms. Of course, there are other causes, but the scenario described above applies to bikers with such problems.
What can bikers do to protect themselves?
Firstly, the right choice of saddle and bike trousers should prevent discomfort caused by soreness. It is important that the saddle and padding fit well together. In the event of sore areas, it is important to prevent possible inflammation. Seat ointments with antibacterial, disinfectant properties can be used here. Then, of course, the Regular washing of bike clothing. Unfortunately, inadequate hygiene often correlates with a large amount of training - training camp, no corresponding opportunities to wash the expensive jerseys every day - this is where the greatest risk potential lies.
Are there big differences between the seat creams?
For me as a pharmacist, it is important that the products are of high quality. I prefer ointments here instead of Seat creamswhich have antibacterial properties and are dermatologically tested. Ointments have a very low to no water content compared to creams. This means that ointments in combination with essential oils are more durable and antibacterial than some creams - especially if the tube has been lying around for a while. Good products can be found in pharmacies.
What tips do you give every biker to prevent seat discomfort?
You should choose a saddle and a model of trousers (seat pad) that fit you well. Do not make any major changes during the course of the season, as the buttocks are used to them. In addition, you should use a high-quality seat ointment purely as a preventative measure to prevent inflammatory processes. If you have the feeling that something is wrong in this respect, it is better to go straight to the doctor before suppressing the symptoms and prolonging them until only surgery can possibly help. At training camps or on a cycling holiday, I recommend putting on a clean pair of shorts every day. If you have two or three pairs of trousers with you, there is enough time to wash them out and dry them thoroughly every day.
Contact: Wolfram Kurschat Sports and Health Consulting, e-mail: wk@kurschat-consulting.com
