Either as seat cream on the skin or padding in the cycling shorts: the layers and layers between the saddle and the bum help to further reduce pressure and chafing or, in the best case, eliminate it completely. While thin, relatively uniform seat leathers used to be common, the seat inserts in cycling shorts or pants have now developed into an independent and complex textile construction: They are available in various thicknesses, widths (for example, matched to the saddle model with Endura Pad fit, www.endurasport.com), shapes, materials or even with varying pressure zones depending on the sitting position (Gonso-Sitivo range).
The thickness and finish of the seat cushion are crucial
However, a certain counter-trend can also be observed, with some manufacturers going "back to the roots" and offering inserts that are more similar in texture to the good old seat leathers (SQlab). Of course, it is not only the padding but also the cycling shorts themselves that contribute to comfort and
-ergonomics. Above all, the fit should be right, nothing should pinch or pinch - especially not at the waistband - and there should be no annoying or bulky seams. For commuters, touring cyclists or anyone else who doesn't want to wear special cycling shorts, there is also the option of wearing cycling shorts with a seat insert under your normal shorts.
Seat cream reduces friction
The effect of the padding is even better if the skin is treated and lubricated with an ointment or cream. This makes it more lubricated and better able to cope with the friction between skin and trousers - particularly useful on long tours. In principle, this can be done with any cream that is not too greasy (so as not to close the pores of the skin). However, special seat creams are even better at arming the skin against the stresses and strains of cycling.
Cycling shorts
Example: Endura, www.endurasport.com
Depending on the area of use and taste, there are different cuts of cycling shorts: with straps or classic tight-fitting for more sporty use, in short form with (possibly detachable) cycling pad inner shorts and wider flared legs mainly for touring, trekking bikes and MTBs, or as individual cycling shorts to wear underneath for everyday wear or travelling, etc.
Seat cushion
Example: Gonso-Sitivo range, www.gonso.de
In general, seat pads offer the slightly thicker main damping zones under the sit bones and in the perineal area. Gonso, for example, offers three pads with different cushioning variations, each with a different thickness depending on the riding position: those who sit more upright and therefore further back will find the most cushioning there, those who sit more stretched out or even flat will find more in the centre or front seat area.
Seat cream
Example: Ilon Protect Ointment, www.ilon-protect-salbe.de
Generally speaking, seat creams should protect against chafing. This is best achieved if they form a stable, moisture-resistant protective film, for example with the help of Vaseline or beeswax. They often also contain essential oils such as thyme and rosemary, which stimulate circulation and have an antiseptic effect. (Caution, possible allergy risk; not everyone likes the "herbal smell" in their trousers).
