All I Want for Christmas is a Comfortable Crotch - By Sarah

Sometimes, it feels like days since I’ve seen my legs. With the frost coming on fast, there are fewer situations where taking my pants off is a good idea. It’s only December and already I ride every day wearing a layer of spandex under my jeans.
Then again, it’s like this every year: come Thanksgiving there’s a temperature drop, and soon enough we’ll have regular snow and ice.

So layering up is a good idea. It’s hard to keep your legs going when they’re a blistery red, and it’s not easy to shift with stiff fingers. Most of you are probably familiar with the routine of pulling on one article of clothing after another just to go on a Sunday ride through Fairmount Park.

For some of you, though, this might be your first winter of cycling. Maybe you have some concerns about enjoying your bike despite inclement conditions. And rightly so. Even if you’re a seasoned cyclist who has had her fair share of nose-sicles, there still might be some questions you’ve always wanted to ask but never did.

Especially about the infamous down there. After all, more layers and less breathability often implies added discomfort between the legs. I’m sure this is something that many, if not all, women on a bike have experienced; but it’s not something we often discuss openly.

Not only is it difficult for a woman to muster the courage to walk into a shop and ask which saddle won’t feel like a vice grip, but it’s also a touchy subject for many guys who work at the shops, many of whom aren’t sure how to answer your questions.

I’d like to use this blog post then as a resource for Breakaway customers and employees, both male and female, who might be hesitant to say anything out loud. Perhaps if we open up the issue, it will become less intimidating.

First, I think it’s important that we establish a word for down there. Personally, I like the word crotch because it describes the entire area. That way, we don’t really have to know all that much about anatomy, just location. For certain issues, it might serve to be more specific. But for the purposes of this blog post, I’m going to stick with crotch.

Tip #1: Skip the panties

In case no one told you, padded cycling shorts/pants are made to function without underwear. The seam in your underwear can cause chafing in the creases between your legs, while a good padded chamois eliminates these seams. If you haven’t already, invest in a pair of padded cycling shorts. It’ll make your bottom feel great. Otherwise, breathable underwear and loose-fitting clothing work best to prevent crotch discomfort.

Tip #2: Cut out crotch cram

Women-specific saddles are more than just flower and butterfly decorations, they also support female anatomy in a way that other saddles cannot. For example, many women-specific saddles are broader towards the back to accommodate wider hips. Women’s sit bones, those that should carry your weight when you’re cycling, are usually set farther apart. Consequently, a stock saddle might feel less comfortable because it puts our weight on softer tissue. In addition, women-specific saddles will often have a cut out in the middle to relieve any pressure on this soft tissue. Finally, if you’re still not satisfied, ask a shop employee to help you out with saddle positioning, which can have a significant impact on your riding comfort.

Tip #3 Women are like yogurt

We produce natural bacteria that help to keep our crotches healthy. This also involves a delicate balance, however, that can be disrupted. In order to prevent bacterial infections, it’s important to practice good hygiene. For example, wash your panty-free padded shorts after each ride and never ride in dirty shorts. Ultimately, if you have a concern about a possible infection, please forego the bike shop and visit a doctor.

Of course, I couldn’t cover everything about crotches because they are so very complicated. But I do implore customers and employees alike to start asking more questions about issues like these because they often have significant health implications. Plus, our mission is to make your bike ride enjoyable. And if your crotch doesn’t enjoy it, chances are you won’t either.