Anyone who cycles a lot knows the feeling: at first, everything is wonderful – the wind is whistling, your legs are flying, the road is your element. But after an hour, your backside starts to complain. First slightly, then sharply, finally so intensely that every pedal stroke becomes agony. Welcome to the club: saddle sores and irritated skin are among the most common complaints among cyclists – and hardly anyone talks about it openly.
Time to break the taboo.
By Fabian Huber 4 minutes read time
Published: October 30, 2025 | Updated: October 30, 2025
The cause is rarely just "the saddle". Usually, several factors combine:
Pressure and friction : Constant contact between the sit bones, skin and saddle leads to micro-movements – and thus to irritation.
Moisture and heat : Sweat, wet clothing and heat create a perfect environment for bacteria and skin irritations.
Incorrect position : An overly aggressive sitting posture or a poorly adjusted saddle can massively increase the pressure on sensitive areas.
Clothing material : Cheap cycling shorts with inferior padding or rough seams are real skin killers.
In short: Where friction, pressure and moisture meet, the skin suffers.
Every butt is different – and that also applies to the distance between the sit bones. The perfect road bike saddle must fit the anatomy . Three factors play a crucial role here:
Seat width : The saddle should be wide enough so that the sit bones rest fully on it – not the soft tissues.
Shape : Flat, slightly curved, or with a relief channel? Your riding style determines this. Those with a sporty riding position often benefit from saddles with a cutout in the perineal area.
Material and padding : Less is sometimes more – saddles that are too soft often lead to pressure points because you “sink in”.
💡 Tip: Have your sit bones measured at a specialist retailer. Brands like SQlab, Selle Italia, or Fizik offer saddles in various widths and shapes that are tailored to your anatomy.
Good cycling shorts with a high-quality seat pad are not a matter of fashion, but of preventative healthcare.
Pay attention to the following:
Seamless construction in the seating area
Antibacterial padding with foam or gel core
A snug but not constricting fit – no wrinkles, no slipping.
👉 And very important: No underwear under your cycling shorts!
It rubs, retains moisture, and destroys the effectiveness of the padding. That sounds unusual – but believe me, your bum will thank you.
Sweat, friction, and bacteria are a bad combination. These routines will protect your skin:
Before riding: Apply a thin layer of chamois cream (e.g., from Assos, Muc-Off, or Bepanthen) to the seat area. It reduces friction and cares for the skin.
After the ride: Immediately take off your cycling shorts, shower, and clean your skin with a mild, pH-neutral soap.
Follow-up care: A soothing cream with zinc or panthenol helps the skin to regenerate.
If you are prone to irritation, it's worth taking a quick look in the mirror – if detected early, it heals faster.
If the damage (or rather, the backside) has already been done, the following will help:
Take a break – avoid pressure and let the skin dry.
Disinfection & Care: Use a mild, antiseptic ointment.
Air to the skin: Cotton underwear or none at all – the skin needs to breathe.
Short rides, no continuous fire 🔥: Give your skin time to regenerate.
Incidentally, if small pimples, blisters, or inflammation develop, this is called saddle pressure dermatitis . In severe cases, a visit to a dermatologist is advisable – sometimes a bacterial infection is the underlying cause, which should be treated.
Many cyclists don't talk about saddle pain because it happens "down below".
But that's nonsense: Professionals like Chris Froome or Annemiek van Vleuten regularly work with bike fitters and dermatologists to avoid exactly these problems.
This shows that pain in the genital area is not a sign of weakness – but rather an indication that something can be improved.
And let's be honest: anyone who spends hours on a racing bike deserves to pay some attention to their body.
To prevent things from getting to that point in the first place, here's a short checklist:
✅ Have saddle width and position professionally adjusted
✅ High-quality cycling shorts with a clean, dry chamois
✅ Regular skincare before and after the ride
✅ Avoid excessively long training breaks (the skin will get used to it over time!)
✅ Hydration to maintain skin elasticity
A well-tuned setup not only extends your driving time – it also increases your enjoyment of the sport.
Saddle pressure, irritated skin, and feelings of embarrassment are not fringe issues, but rather part of the reality of cycling. Those who ignore them will eventually lose the joy of riding – those who take them seriously gain comfort, performance, and endurance.
So: Take care of your body, treat yourself to the right saddle, and ride with pride.
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