Wear Cycling Shorts, You have been Warned

If you spend a lot of hours in the saddle, it is a must, not just a fashion statement, to invest in a decent pair of cycling shorts, that is, ones with a good padded insert.

We shouldn't need to say this but we though we'd better: never wear underpants under cycling shorts. Padded shorts are designed to be worn next to the skin, to which end they have a specially-designed surface to minimize abrasion and are seamless at the point where you're in contact with the saddle.

If your saddle is properly adjusted, the two ischium bones at the bottom of the pelvis are what you sit on. Sounds uncomfortable, but take it from the professionals – a narrow saddle that supports those two bones and does not have too much padding is the most comfortable type of saddle. No matter who you are, your bum, like other parts of your body, needs to be conditioned for; shall we say, above average use.

So, if you haven't ridden a bike for a while, expect a certain amount of discomfort. Even with a proper pair of cycling shorts and a conditioned bum, there are still potential pitfalls, the main one being sports or boils right on the weight-bearing points.

The main cause of this is poor hygiene; shorts should only be worn once, as this is long enough to deposit rather a large amount of bacteria which will multiply and infect your skin in time, so wash your shorts thoroughly. And fabric softener can sometimes create allergic reactions, so better wash your cycling shorts without it.

Secondly, give yourself a good wash in that all important area. It's no good washing your cycling shorts if you loaf about for a few hours after a ride with a sweaty crotch. After you wash, make sure you dry off properly and let some air to the nether regions as they may be a little raw, and you may want them to recover in time for the next ride.

Many serious riders also use a cream when they put on a clean pair of shorts. Cream is used to further reduce friction and may contain antibacterial agents.

And if you get a spotty botty? First off, be extra careful with your personal hygiene, apply a simple antiseptic cream to the area and allow it to get plenty of air. If it gets worse, stay off the bike for a bit and, should things deteriorate, consult your doctor. Most importantly, treat it early – there are plenty of stories of professional riders requiring stitches after having a boil removed. You have been warned.