Saddle Sore No More: Expert Tips for a Pain-Free Ride

Cycling Comfort: Tackling Saddle Soreness for Women

Cycling is a favorite pastime for many women, offering both an energizing workout and a lovely escape into the outdoors. However, numerous female cyclists face a common struggle: saddle soreness. This pain or discomfort, caused by pressure on sensitive areas while seated on a bike, is a concern that touches cyclists from leisurely weekend riders to competitive athletes.

Chris Steffanoni, a professional bike fitter based in Gisborne, Victoria, sheds light on this issue: “It’s a problem for everyone, because you’re putting a lot of pressure on a pretty soft part of the body.” For some women, the discomfort can even escalate to issues that require medical attention. "I’ve seen cases where women have pain even going to the toilet, which highlights how important it is to address saddle-related problems early," Steffanoni adds.

Many women also experience vulval irritation while cycling, and if not attended to, this discomfort can lead to permanent changes in tissue structure, like enlargement or the formation of nodules. “If these issues are not treated quickly, the tissue may not return to its original form, leading to complications,” explains Steffanoni.

Research backs this up, showing that nearly half of surveyed women have felt deterred from cycling due to discomfort in sensitive areas. Even among elite female cyclists, a staggering percentage reported saddle soreness, yet many hesitated to discuss it, especially in male-dominated environments like coaching or medical care. It's essential to break down these barriers and create spaces for open discussions about women’s unique cycling experiences.

One reason for this discomfort is the design of traditional bike saddles, which have often been made with men in mind. Steffanoni notes, “Many have narrow seats that don’t support women’s pelvic structures properly.” Thankfully, advancements in saddle technology have introduced newer designs featuring a 'cutout' that alleviates pressure on the pelvis, providing relief for many female riders.

While the new designs may help, Steffanoni emphasizes that finding the right saddle is crucial. “