Cycling is one of the life's great pleasures. The scenery and the feel of the wind rushing by give the rider a sense of freedom and a direct connection to the surrounding environment. But riding a bike with groin pain is no picnic. Groin pain affects cyclists on mountain bikes, cruisers and racing bikes. The bicycle is not to blame --- frequently the pain emanates from an overlooked source: seams in the rider's clothes.
The Hidden Culprit
Seam pain is the result of the body chafing against garment seams The pressure of the rider's body on the bicycle seat is enough to cause any seam to irritate the skin. That includes the seams from pants and shorts as well as underwear. The seams can score the rider's body like ropes. Tight clothing in the groin area can also result in bacteria growth and infections for both men and women.
Contributing Factors
Adding to the problem of seam pain is the chronic risk of numbness and pain from an ill-fitting bicycle seat. The wrong seat, or saddle as it's called in the industry, can cause a rider to experience pain in the perineum. The perineum is the area between the rider's sit bones, the bones that make contact with the saddle and take all the pressure. If there is too much pressure from an uncomfortable saddle, nerves and arteries get compressed, causing damage and even sexual dysfunction.
Clothing Solutions
Luckily, fixing the problem is simple. Riders should wear padded bike shorts to avoid seam pain. The shorts feature liners made of smooth material that reduces chafing and makes for a more comfortable ride. Riders should remember not to wear underwear. The bike shorts serve as protection for the groin area. Bike shorts are usually made of fabric that breathes, wicks away moisture and supports muscles used for pedaling. Bike shorts come in many different styles and fabrics for the fashion-conscious rider.
Additional Fixes
Riders can use chamois cream as an added protection against chafing. This is a body lubricant that you rub on the skin under your bike shorts. It reduces friction, prevents bacteria from growing and makes for a more comfortable ride. You can also opt for a saddle that cuts down on perineum pressure. Comfort saddles come in different shapes and sizes, such as noseless and ring-shaped saddles, with gel or air filling. Be sure to test out saddles for comfort before buying one.
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