Author Topic: A question for the male long-distance cyclist  (Read 4341 times)

CountrySickness

  • mostly puzzled
A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« on: 01 December, 2012, 06:08:07 pm »
Ooh it's sensitive :'( and may not get a sensible answer, but here goes:

On a v cold 200k ride yesterday I, er, suffered quite considerable numbness in my most sensitive of parts and he was rubbed really quite sore by the time I reached the shower (I was wearing my good shorts and roubaix tights). It’s hardly my first long, cold bike ride but this is a health problem I don’t want to go through again, there must a cyclists folk cure? Liberal application of goosefat or vaseline? Hand warmers taped to the inside of my shorts? I do have some windproof tights but I just don’t get on with them.

Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #1 on: 01 December, 2012, 06:35:42 pm »
A classic speedskaters' solution is pinning some windproof stuff between your shorts and the tights to prevent the whole thing from frezing. A more modern solution is using rainlegs against the cold.

Chris S

Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #2 on: 01 December, 2012, 06:38:16 pm »
Less sensible answer: Alternative uses for a Buff #3. It does work, but best not lend your Buff to anyone you don't know really well afterwards.

More or less sensible answer: More layers? I know the problem - what fits snugly when you're getting dressed in the warmth of your bedroom, becomes somewhat more spacious once things have... erm... retracted.

TBH - the Buff solution works!

Basil

  • Um....err......oh bugger!
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Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #3 on: 01 December, 2012, 06:38:36 pm »
V small sealskinz sock?  ;D

In fact, in this weather, v. v. v. small.
Admission.  I'm actually not that fussed about cake.

Chris S

Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #4 on: 01 December, 2012, 06:40:20 pm »
Actually, if you get to Chode Mode - then things are actually better as there's less chance of chafeage. The problem is the middle ground. As it were.

Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #5 on: 01 December, 2012, 06:42:18 pm »
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.

eck

  • Gonna ride my bike until I get home...
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Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #6 on: 01 December, 2012, 06:42:42 pm »
Make sure your cosy base layer is long enough to pull down over your athletic bits.  :thumbsup:
It's a bit weird, but actually quite wonderful.

Kim

  • Timelord
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Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #7 on: 01 December, 2012, 06:43:07 pm »
Wait, shrinkage *and* rubbage?  I'm fairly sure that's not how they're supposed to work...

jogler

  • mojo operandi

clarion

  • Tyke
Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #9 on: 01 December, 2012, 08:50:57 pm »
That, I believe, is Hummers' club kit.
Getting there...

Jaded

  • The Codfather
  • Formerly known as Jaded
Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #10 on: 02 December, 2012, 01:01:45 am »
You have obviously seen Hummer's club?
It is simpler than it looks.

Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #11 on: 02 December, 2012, 08:24:52 am »
You have obviously seen Hummer's club?
Hasn't everyone?
Quote from: Kim
^ This woman knows what she's talking about.

hellymedic

  • Just do it!
Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #12 on: 02 December, 2012, 01:30:41 pm »
An empty winebox bladder could give effective windproofing to sensitive areas...

Jaded

  • The Codfather
  • Formerly known as Jaded
Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #13 on: 02 December, 2012, 02:13:25 pm »
Plus act as a handy container.
It is simpler than it looks.

Pingu

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andygates

  • Peroxide Viking
Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #15 on: 02 December, 2012, 03:41:57 pm »
I don't dare!

Cold is bad, numbness and rubbing are bad, but man, nothing is worse than post-cold-ride foreskin pins and needles.  You need to hop about, but that just makes it worse...
It takes blood and guts to be this cool but I'm still just a cliché.
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Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #16 on: 02 December, 2012, 09:26:51 pm »
My solution is to use my "winter" longs which are windproof on the front, a pair of un-padded 3/4s underneath those and then a pair of padded shorts as the base layer.
I haven't suffered too badly with this combination.
The 3/4 are good for warmth in the "crucial" area as well as helping to keep my thighs warm.
They'd also probably suit Hot Flatus given his particular "issue".
I don't have that problem, I just wrap it around my waist and all is good.


Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #17 on: 02 December, 2012, 09:45:10 pm »
Carrier bag (Large, Med or Small ) tucked between shorts and leggings is cheaper than a pair of rainlegs .

Eccentrica Gallumbits

  • Rock 'n' roll and brew, rock 'n' roll and brew...
Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #18 on: 02 December, 2012, 09:50:27 pm »
I didn't realise Spirit of Flatus had such short legs.
My feminist marxist dialectic brings all the boys to the yard.


Manotea

  • Where there is doubt...
Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #19 on: 02 December, 2012, 09:51:17 pm »
I remember Andy's bon mot about it being so cold that his 'outie became an 'innie. At this time of year, chafing isn't so much a problem as finding it...


Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #20 on: 02 December, 2012, 09:56:21 pm »
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? 

jogler

  • mojo operandi
Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #21 on: 02 December, 2012, 09:58:45 pm »
Twice round one's neck as a scarf works well

Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #22 on: 02 December, 2012, 10:02:37 pm »
I remember Andy's bon mot about it being so cold that his 'outie became an 'innie. At this time of year, chafing isn't so much a problem as finding it...

I'm now remembering the pain (after eventually finding it) of peeing.
Warm liquid and cold "tissue".
Not good.


Feanor

  • It's mostly downhill from here.
Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #23 on: 02 December, 2012, 10:08:17 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.

Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
« Reply #24 on: 03 December, 2012, 08:00:42 am »
Never suffered from Frosty Todger myself.
I just wear longs with padded shorts underneath.
I never knew it was a problem.
 ???


How about using Ralgex? :demon: