LS and saddle on a cycle

Posted , 6 users are following.

In a bid to get fitter, I bought a mountain bike, since I did used to love cycling. I guess I did not think it through and realized so, once I sat on the very hard seat. 

Any tips for people who are cycling currently with vulva issues? I have seen some saddles with what I can only call 'slits' in, which seems like a good solution, since the pressure on the vulva area would be less?

I also read that wicking away material is good and I to measure one's sitting bones. (Not an easy task). 

So, question. Any other ladies managing to cycle with LS on the vulva? I also suffer vestibulitis, vulvadynia. However, not to be thwarted (!) I am happy to look at a new saddle. It would appear one with a cushy part for the sitting bones and a slit for the vulva to relieve pressure is the way to go?  Any tips, any experiences, that may help would be much appreciated. Or, names of seats (that are not too expensive if possible). 

Thanks again.

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Posted

    You can get padded cycle shorts that feel, according to my daughter who does spin classes, like you are wearing a thick nappy. She dosent suffer from LS like me but finds saddles uncomfortable. May be worth a try . I think she got them from a local sports clothing chain.
  • Posted

    Hi.  I think frequent and long term cycling on a hard seat was a contributing factor for me.  I tried the special cycling shorts and also a very padded overseat to no avail.  But I read about on this site the Hobson EasySeat and ordered it o line.  It has two rectangles and no center projectile and works wonderfully.  There is an EasySeat II but since I was not sure it would work just got the original for about $25.  I am so happy 2 b riding again.  There is a way around everything smile
    • Posted

      That's awesome news. I will def look up this seat and thank you. (Glad you are back in the saddle). I love cycling too.
  • Posted

    Real lambswool will help as well as it is wicking...so you won't get as sweaty...and also is comfortable.
  • Posted

    I've seen that saddle with the slit. A friend who's a physician showed it to me after I told her I have LS. It's the only seat I'd be willing to try after not cycling for many years. But I'm waiting till autumn to try it. I figure sweating my butt off would really be asking for trouble. She also said cycling shorts with chamois on them help.
    • Posted

      Thanks, I'm also looking at some tomorrow as well as the shorts. It's good to know they are physician recommended.
  • Posted

    Cycling is my main passion, has been since about the time I was dxed with LS.  Hmmm.  I have laid off of it and turned to hiking some but am trying for more cycling during this heat as it is too hot to  walk. 

    So I recently sent away for 2 new saddles.  One the Hobsen Easy Seat which is two rectanglar squares for your sit bones and another called the Moon Saddle which is sha;ed like a small, skinny crescent moon pointing backwards.  First one was too big for my seat as I am used to a small saddle on my road bike and it didn't even feel good on my hybrid.  THe moonsaddle I had high hopes for but at 62, I didn't like the loss of control you have without that horn and my sit bones were feeling too uncomfortable on the moon.  It felt like sitting on iron to me.  It actually is an excellent seat for you if you don't want any pressure at all on you bottom and you should try it out, they allow 90 days.  But on a mountain bike it might be tougher than on a road bike.  Main thing is you have to use your core and balance more without that horn, it is almost like semi standing while riding.  Read the internet reviews and see what you think.  As for me, I am sending both back and sticking to an ergonomic seat, traditional looking but with the slit which helps some.  And I never ride even 3 miles without my bike pants so all my usual rides of 30-50 must have good pants.  I also can't sait to get out of them as soon as finished riding so my parts can breathe again.  I am conditioning for a week long tour soon and figure I will probably have a flareup by the end of it.  Oh well.  That's LS. 

    So good luck on the mountain bike.  I hope you can stay on smooth enough trails that you don't beat yourself up too much.  There are many seats on the net that you can try --ergonomic ones,  but most are probably not the best for mountain bikes where you need good control.  You can google to find them.

    • Posted

      Thanks woozie. That is the tough thing about online shopping, or even shopping since you can't try it out. Specially for longer rides. I think I'll stick the slit one. I was told on one site to measure my sit bones distance, so that might help.
  • Posted

    I put the padded overseat on the EasySeat rectangles backwardsi and then taped iit securely so now  it looks like a larger single square but is softer. You are right that you must sit up more upright and use your core more.  That is not a bad thing for me but then I do not ride your distances.  Would like to know more about the slit seat...name, price, website, etc.   Thanks.i
    • Posted

      Hi Lyn 

      I don't think I am allowed to post links here, however, if you Google 'slit saddle', 'split nose' saddle there are quite a few. Try Google images, then select the image you like the look of to see about the saddle. I was to go in to a sports shop today to see them, but I am not sure looking at them, or even sitting for a short while on one will tell if it works or not, but they do seem to be the best bet.

    • Posted

      Oh and measure your sitting bones, mine are 16cm apart, I did it by sitting down and placing my hands on my sharper bones in my butt. Then turned around and my bf measured the distance. I think that part is important, for balance. The goal is for your butt to take most of the pressure.

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