Saddle, Sore: Ride Comfortable, Ride Happy

If you spend a lot of time in the saddle you may discover that the parts of your body that connect to the bicycle are unhappy about it in different ways. Hurford would like to talk about all those different ways and how you might be able to prevent that discomfort or what to do when it occurs. Most of the books is written with women in the forefront, there is one chapter on testicle specific issues, but in general I think the advice is applicable across the board : proper bike fit, proper saddle fit, no underwear with your chamois, chamois cream, stand up occasionally, remove shorts and shower immediately after a ride, get used to talking about your nether regions if you are having issues. I remember having to hove up to my LBS and say “My saddle makes my genitals numb after about an hour of riding” and, after trying out all the saddles they had on hand, found one that didn't. My first 14hr ride still turned my butt to mincemeat but I think that was due to 14hrs in a chamois problems. Uh.

Be aware that if you are enby or trans without bottom surgery the language is pretty exclusionary, a lot of “lady parts” etc.