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Aaron D.
Aaron D. Sendmail

Chaffing?? New rider..

posted almost 3 years ago | Report

Hey all, I am new to the sport.. I Just bought all my gear. like the shorts with the pad in between, helmet, clipless peddles, bike. Etc.. Im 270 lbs and about 5'8... Im wondering what i should start out at like mile wise.. I dont want to get 15 miles out and start chaffing really bad and have to ride 15 back.. You know? let me know what you think.. I really have to get the weight off so i think this is the way to do it.. Or do any of you use gel or powder up in there when you ride? Or shave your whole legs all the way up? Also am i supposed to wear any boxers or anything under my tight shorts with the padds in them?? Any answers help! Thanks, Aaron

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  • Nathan G.
    Nathan G. Sendmail

    DO NOT weat anything under the shorts. You will definitely hate yourself if you do. Make sure your bike is fitted to you and I would probably start with 5-10 mile rides if you're new. You should wait a little to build up your endurance before you go longer. In those >10 mile rides you can fine tune your fit and start to break in your seat. Remember, a seat needs to be broken in. Seats that are comfortable from the get-go are usually gonna be really bad in the long run.

    posted almost 3 years ago

  • Melissa B.
    Melissa B. Sendmail

    What Nathan said. And really Chamois Butter will be your very best friend.

    posted almost 3 years ago

  • Aaron D.
    Aaron D. Sendmail

    ok thankyou.. That butter stuff at wal-mart? Also how do i get the bike fitted to me.. Like im thinking on going on a ride on sunday with a group of more experienced riders.. Will they be able to help me get fit to my bike?

    posted almost 3 years ago

  • Melissa B.
    Melissa B. Sendmail

    Go to your local bike store. You can get Chamois Butter there. Also call ahead and tell them that you need to be fitted - bring your bike in with you, and they'll do it for you. It won't be at all expensive.

    While the riders that you're going out with might be able to help you out, I can guarantee they won't have the tools needed to make any adjustments to your seat or steering poles, and really, it's an imposition, especially if you show up for a ride and ask.

    posted almost 3 years ago

  • Nathan G.
    Nathan G. Sendmail

    yeah, definitely can't buy that stuff at walmart.

    and when you bring your bike to the shop, make sure to bring your shorts and shoes, too.

    posted almost 3 years ago

  • Amy M.
    Amy M. Sendmail

    you are going to laugh, but.. I find the best thing for chaffing is Bag Balm!! Yes, bag balm. You can get it a any TSC store or farming store and it is used for exactly what you think it is used for.. it is also great for prevention and treatment of chaffing.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Greg S.
    Greg S. Sendmail

    I, too, am a heavy rider. As has already been said DO NOT wear anything under your riding shorts. The thing that has helped me the most is getting an ergonomic saddle. I bought one from Spiderfex @ spiderflex.com. I rode my first Century rides, 100 miles, on a regular saddle and thought I was going to die. Since I've been on the Spiderflex, no pain. And I have ridden Centuries on it, still no problems. Of course your riding geometry changes with a new saddle so you have to adjust to it.

    Good luck!

    posted over 2 years ago

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