How to avoid chafing, sores, and other discomfort from indoor cycling classes

You are a woman who has found herself taking indoor cycling classes once, twice … maybe a few times a week. And all went well until — ouch! It is not comfortable sitting in the saddle.

This is a difficult concern to address because (a) women are reluctant to discuss their private parts with each other and (b) Googling the topic often takes you to places on the internet you did not intend to go.

So, let me give you my tried and true recommendations based on personal experience. For context, I participate in indoor cycling classes five or more times per week. My studio uses Real Ryder bikes, which involve more movement than traditional stationary bikes — and, consequently, more potentially irritating movement in the saddle. However, this advice applies to all indoor cycling (and perhaps outdoor cycling as well).

1. DO NOT WEAR UNDERWEAR. This is not a fashion statement or a means of avoiding panty lines. This is to avoid the seams of your underwear and the seams of your shorts/capris/pants rubbing against each other and, ultimately, you. Concerned about camel toe? Don’t be. No one can see while you’re in and out of the saddle on the bike and, if they can, who cares? Not you. On the other hand, consider the placement of seams on your shorts/capris/pants and also the thickness of the crotch. The fewer the seams, the better, and the further away they are from any part of your body making contact with the saddle, the better. Thicker crotches are obviously better as well.
2. Consider hair removal of at least the bikini line (sides, not top), whether by wax or permanent laser treatments. I would not recommend shaving, which can be irritating and time-consuming. If you’re only going for the bikini line, keep everything else closely trimmed. Anything too long becomes an irritant.
3. Exfoliate (in the shower) and moisturize daily. I use a sugar scrub and a shea-based moisturizer.
4. Apply a lubricant right before class. I use Bag Balm, which is widely recommended for outdoor cyclists. It is similar to petroleum jelly (Vaseline), but clingier. Note that it will likely permeate your shorts/capris/pants, so don’t apply too far in advance and be sure to wipe down your seat after class.