Guide: Preventing and Treating Saddle Sores

What Are Saddle Sores?

Saddle sores are skin irritations caused by prolonged friction, pressure, and sweat where your body meets the saddle. They often appear as red, inflamed areas or even painful boils. Common culprits include poorly fitting gear, excessive time in the saddle, or riding with wet or sweaty clothing.

Think of them as your body's not-so-subtle way of saying, "Something's not right down here."

How to Treat Saddle Sores

If you're currently experiencing saddle sores, don't worry. Here are a few tips to help you treat it and get you back to riding in no time:

• Rest and Recover: Take a break from the bike to give your skin time to heal. Riding through the pain can make things worse.
• Keep It Clean: Wash the affected area gently with soap and water, and keep it dry to prevent infection.
• Apply an Ointment: Use a soothing cream or antibacterial ointment to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Over-the-counter options like diaper rash cream or a specific chamois cream can work wonders.
• Consult a Doctor: If the sore is persistent, extremely painful, or appears infected, seek medical advice.

How to Prevent Saddle Sores

• Invest in Quality Gear: Poorly designed or loose-fitting shorts are often the main culprit behind saddle sores. Choose bibs with a properly designed chamois (hint: that's where Civilized Bibs come in). Our bibs are made for real riders, with comfort-focused features that reduce pressure and friction.
• Use Chamois Cream: Apply a thin layer of chamois cream before every ride to minimize friction and keep your skin hydrated.
• Wash Your Gear: Never reuse dirty cycling shorts!—bacteria thrive in sweaty fabrics and can lead to saddle sores. Wash your gear after every ride to keep things fresh.
• Adjust Your Saddle: An improperly positioned saddle can cause unnecessary pressure. Experiment with saddle height, angle, and position to find what feels best.
• Take Breaks on Long Rides: Shift your position or stand up on the pedals occasionally to relieve pressure on sensitive areas.

Civilized Bibs: The Permanent Fix for Saddle Sores

At Civilized Bibs, we strongly believe comfort is the foundation of cycling. With comfort comes consistency, and with consistency comes your ability to achieve your health goals.

That's why our cycling bibs are designed to help you achieve comfort on your bicycle.

• Proper Foam Padding: Our foam padding provides relief for your sit bones while maintaining blood flow. We use one of the best foam padding on the market!
• Breathable Fabrics: Moisture-wicking materials keep you dry, even on long rides.
• Perfect Fit: No pinching or bunching to completely avoid skin irritation.
• Made for Real Riders: Most people don't want to wear skin-tight spandex in public. With Civilized Bibs, you will have proper cycling gear with a more modest presentation.

Investing in quality cycling bibs isn't just about avoiding saddle sores, it's to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Comfort will help you achieve your goals!

Final Thoughts