Floppy lady-bits and bicycle riding...

For any bicycle fans out there, a question...

For the past year I have biked with my sweetie ever since figuring out that running was killing my back.  I have gotten more and more into it, and just yesterday did a 30 mile ride that would have been unthinkable for me 190 pounds ago.

The problem is, to put it delicately, my bits.  As many of you are aware, the mons area gets looser after massive weight loss... to the point that some require plastic surgery to cinch up things a tad.  I haven't required "cinching", but I do find that biking squishes my poor floppy folds to near distraction.  I have comfy bike shorts that keep my butt pretty happy... and a saddle with a cut-out... but neither seems to help the hoo-ha region... does anyone have a recommendation for a decent saddle/seat that will better accommodate the "down there" area?  Looking for specific brands/models that people have actually used please...

Audrey

I have to say that I have no clue, I am not a bike rider. The reason I am posting is to thank you for the giggle this morning. I am sure it is not a laughing matter for you and your "lady bits," but for me... A good morning giggle! Thanks!

Lady bits are always fun!

Audrey

The seat I have is wide at the back from when I was heavier. I find I shift my weight to mostly my but. If you use a bike with lower bars this will not help. Good luck. I love biking.

Cyclist here! A few things that will help:

Do you have a chamois (i.e. shorts with padding)? You don't need to ride in spandex, they make baggier shorts with built-in liners that are very form-fitting. These are my go-to shorts and I have a spare liner to wear underneath, just make sure you wash the liner every time you wear it. You could even go a size smaller in the liner to help keep everything tucked in, and you wouldn't have to worry about feeling self-conscious about people looking at your butt.

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_559724_-1__ _

Are you wearing undies with your shorts? If you're wearing a chamois, they're generally meant to be worn "commando." Luckily, the liners have no seams to irritate your lady bits! You can also add some cycling balm specifically meant to lubricate your delicate lady bits and reduce the friction down there; you can find it at your friendly neighborhood bike shop, though I know some people who swear by the Bag Balm lotion you can buy at the drug store. You'll definitely want to make sure you're washing your liner EVERY time you ride (machine wash cold/delicate and air dry), and if there's a delay between when you ride and when you get home, you'll want to toss some baby wipes in your bag for a quick cleanup.

As far as saddles go, I purchased this one on sale this weekend and took it for a quick spin. The padding has been very helpful for my sit bones in particular!

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_113 4660_-1_400196__400196

Hope this helps!

Thanks!  I wear my shorts "commando" and they are definitely well-padded, proper bike shorts... with my new bony butt, I needed the padding.  I will definitely look at that link.

Audrey

In addition to the info from Sparklekitty, you might want to go to a bike shop and have your bike fit checked.  Your seat and handlebar height will affect your seating position and you may be bearing most of your weight on your ladybits rather than on your sit bones.  Also, there are things such as noseless saddles out there.  I haven't had an opportunity to try one yet, but I find the idea very attractive!  :D

Jen

Bike fit is good... my boyfriend has been biking for years and has me well-handled with fit, shorts, etc etc... but of course he knows nothing of labia, LOL!

As for noseless saddles, that intrigues me.  I will look into that.

Audrey

Silly boys and their lack of labia!  I'm glad your bike fit is good.  My first bike as a grown person was waaay too big for me and I couldn't understand why my knees and bits hurt all the time and then I rode my husband's smaller bike and all was made clear.  :D  I ride a Fisher hybrid right now, but I have an eye on a friend's barely-ridden Trek road bike.  It's so light and I'm sure it rolls like a dream.  :D  You mentioned Pearl Izumi shorts--which do you wear and how do you like them?  I won't fit into anything they make yet, but I've got my eyes open and there's a PI outlet not too far from me.

Jen

I HIGHLY recommend Hoo-Ha Ride Glide!!!!!! (Yes, this us a legit, non-x rated product so guys stop LOL-ing) I've not met a woman cyclist yet who doesn't LOVE it. Put a decent dollop on the chamois, smear it around and with what's left on your hand, rub all over your lady bits. Don't forget to wash your hands! LOL! Once you get past the shock of the minty freshness down-under, your HooHa will thank you, I promise!!! This product has got about 15-20 gals I know through century rides and I'm counting on it to get me through my first one. 

Hoo-Ha Ride Glide can be found on Amazon, as well as many other places online. Some local bike shops in my area caries it too. OH, I recommend a good washing before getting frisky... Just saying. LOL

GOOD LUCK!!! I know you'll love the Hoo-Ha!

PS, I've personally not tried it, but Terry makes a NICE saddle with a MAJOR cut-out (which I affectionately refer to it as the "clit slit"). Look on their website at their endurance saddles. They have some nice ones and they have a GREAT return policy if it doesn't work!!! Also, make sure to be fitted by an expert if you haven't already!!!!! It does make a HUGE difference to ensure you're on your diet bones right!