Where Do Saddle Sores Show Up?

Saddle sores usually appear in areas that come into direct contact with the saddle, including:

• Upper inner thighs
• Perineal region
• Creases where the leg meets the glute or bottom

The Role of Seat Height

Incorrect saddle height can increase the risk of saddle sores:

• Too high: forces the rider to reach for the pedals, pulling the body deeper into the saddle and creating excess pressure and chafing.
• Too low: prevents the legs from supporting the body properly, loading extra pressure onto the crotch area.

Saddle Geometry

Saddle width and shape matter. A saddle that is too wide increases pressure and chafing in the creases where the thighs meet the body, whether at the glutes or crotch. Finding the correct width and shape for your anatomy is key to reducing irritation.

Choosing the Right Shorts

Thick chamois padding is not always better. In fact, overly padded shorts can:

• Bunch up along the sides of the saddle, increasing friction
• Creep into saddle relief channels, creating pressure points
• Trap sweat and bacteria, raising the risk of infection

Always choose shorts with a seamless chamois, especially avoiding designs with seams down the middle, to reduce unwanted rubbing.

Saddle sores are preventable with the right combination of bike fit, saddle choice, and shorts. Addressing these factors keeps you riding longer and more comfortably, without the pain and frustration of recurring sores.