Author Topic: A question for the male long-distance cyclist  (Read 4342 times)

Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #25 on: 03 December, 2012, 08:23:27 am »
I have had this problem but it only really affects the very tip.

My solution is to wrap a thermal band around my left leg just above the knee.

Do you wrap yours twice round your middle too, then?

Only run it down to knee in cold weather (shrinkage)

Biggsy

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Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #26 on: 03 December, 2012, 08:38:28 am »
I tuck mine in my left sock.

Seriously, though, how about shoving a gel hand warmer down your shorts?  I suppose it wouldn't last long, but...
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Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #27 on: 03 December, 2012, 08:49:18 am »
Only had frozen todger once.  About 10 years ago on a very cold very exposed road.  I bought a pair of windproof fronted undershorts (still made by Gore Bike wear) but have not used them.  If you buy any, beware that they are very tight and a little unyielding so you might want a larger size.

These days I find thermal bib tights over shorts works fine, although on very cold  days (perhaps when it has been -5 for a while so everything is damned cold) I use a pair of windproof fronted bib tights.

CountrySickness

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Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #28 on: 03 December, 2012, 11:25:36 am »
Well that's a greater number of sensible suggestions than I was expecting :thumbsup:

On my ride yesterday I tried my windproof tights over padded 3/4 fine for a flat 40 miles but it all felt too rigid for the 8-9 hours in the saddle that a winter 200 needs. I think I'll butcher something made of roubaix fabric and stick it to the front base of an old base layer to be worn under tight shorts (and avoiding seams :o), I'll also do my next 200k on a day that's warm enough to keep my water bottles full of liquid rather than slush (or add brandy to my water bottles).

I may also take a set of Hummers' club kit in my Carradice for emergencies ;D

Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #29 on: 03 December, 2012, 11:29:05 am »
Reading this with amusement - I've suddenly remembered that I have in the past resorted to using a sock. It was during a week when nearly every ride was in temperatures below -10C

As long as you tuck everything carefully in the sock it seems to stay in place.
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marcusjb

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Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #30 on: 03 December, 2012, 11:37:52 am »
but it all felt too rigid for the 8-9 hours

Viagra is not the best (sporting) performance enhancing drug there is you know?
Right! What's next?

Ooooh. That sounds like a daft idea.  I am in!

hellymedic

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Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #31 on: 03 December, 2012, 12:13:47 pm »
I tuck mine in my left sock.

Seriously, though, how about shoving a gel hand warmer down your shorts?  I suppose it wouldn't last long, but...

...the plastic envelope and filling would keep the wind off your little friend anyway.

Basil

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Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #32 on: 03 December, 2012, 03:05:45 pm »
On a tandem would be best, if the stoker could be encouraged into reach round cupping.
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hellymedic

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Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #33 on: 03 December, 2012, 03:08:22 pm »
Suspect swapping places on a tandem would afford a gentleman rider a suitable windshield for delicate areas anyway...

Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #34 on: 03 December, 2012, 05:19:14 pm »
On a tandem would be best, if the stoker could be encouraged into reach round cupping.
On our tandem it's a struggle to persuade the stoker to take her gloves off for long enough to distribute rations, never mind 'cupping'.

Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #35 on: 03 December, 2012, 08:14:58 pm »
There are possibly several issues here.

The numbness of which you speak may be caused by pressure on the perineum, and is fairly well-known.   Saddles with a gap in the middle are supposed to help, as is tilting the saddle forward slightly.

In regards to general chill, then simply layer up.

In regards to chaffing, that's simply a mechanical issue, and I find it's worse when wet.
If I ride a shorter distance wearing underpants, if they get wet, I will chafe.
I'd not wear underwear on a longer ride. (!)
So avoid your little cotton panties.
Apply lots of cream, esp. if it's wet or cold.
I just use the left-over sudocream from when our kids were babies!
It also seems to me that the chafing is related to the hairyness, and that hair acts as a grinding agent.
I've considered ( but not yet tried ) a bit of judicious shaving in the affected areas.

Is that Sudocream not a bit out of date? Your oldest is 14 now!
But seriously, what could possibly go wrong

Jaded

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Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #36 on: 03 December, 2012, 08:17:34 pm »
Reading this with amusement - I've suddenly remembered that I have in the past resorted to using a sock. It was during a week when nearly every ride was in temperatures below -10C

As long as you tuck everything carefully in the sock it seems to stay in place.


Is it possible to buy spare socks for Action Man?
It is simpler than it looks.

Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #37 on: 03 December, 2012, 08:27:56 pm »
Liberally apply deep heat to your tackle before the ride. You will then be praying for numbness.

rogerzilla

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Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #38 on: 03 December, 2012, 08:43:18 pm »
Never had rubbage, but numbness is common, especially with certain saddles which cut off the blood flow.  Standing up to pedal occasionally during a ride will let the blood back in; this can give a curious warm pulsating feeling as if you're wetting yourself.
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Basil

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Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #39 on: 03 December, 2012, 08:48:46 pm »
Never had rubbage,
ahh.  "Roger no mates."
 
Quote
but numbness is common, especially with certain saddles which cut off the blood flow.  Standing up to pedal occasionally during a ride will let the blood back in; this can give a curious warm pulsating feeling as if you're wetting yourself.

I thought that - then I realised that I was wetting myself.
Admission.  I'm actually not that fussed about cake.

Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #40 on: 03 December, 2012, 08:56:16 pm »
So Sudocrem can also help fight nappy rash then

Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #41 on: 15 December, 2012, 08:22:33 am »
When it gets seriously cold I don my Helly Hansen "sport wind briefs" (to stop wind coming in, not wind going out)
http://www.buachaille.com/p1057-1-52/Underwear/Helly-Hansen-Sport-Wind-Brief.html
It appears they have been discontinued, but I'm sure there are similar products.