[Closed] Sweaty "bits" and other collateral issues from Zwifting

How long are you Zwifting?

I did my first 90 minutes last night. Normally about an hour.

…. is there any advantage to be had in reducing the amount of hair “down there”, particularly between ball sack and inner thigh?

This, don't shave it though, adds more issues than it solves

My collateral damage was my laminate flooring. I hadn’t realised the tsunami of sweat had leaked off and under the matt, trapping a sweaty puddle and damaging the wood!
My trainer and bike now sit on a furniture dolly so I can move the whole assembly around and inspect for further flooding

I found that Zwifting in a seated position can really bring out the sore spots..
But once you find a nice saddle/bib combo that works for you, that's one thing..

I find rubbing chamois cream in the bum area AND groin is pretty useful to prevent the thigh chafage. Give the ol' sack a trim too...you might like it...

A decent fan (I've got 3 fans!) is also a must!!!

DrP

Can't help with the nether region Q, but this fan is a favourite on the wattbike pages.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/hf-45b-18-industrial-floor-fan-220-240v/754HY?kpid=754HY&ds_kid=92700031521300566&ds_rl=1241687&ds_rl=1245250&ds_rl=1249404&ds_kid=92700031521300566&msclkid=be8c0f9b216714dc11d26fd0679e8528&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PX_Shopping_Heating%20%26%20Plumbing&utm_term=4583657818964572&utm_content=G%20-%20Ventilation&ds_rl=1245250&gclid=be8c0f9b216714dc11d26fd0679e8528&gclsrc=3p.ds

floor fan so can blow up towards crotch.

https://www.cleva-uk.com/products/vacmaster-air-mover

I've got a normal fan and one of the above. I use the air mover on speed 1 of 3, and have to keep it a couple of meters away to avoid being blown of the turbo. I used to have puddles of sweat (so it wasn't evaporating and hence wasn't cooling me), no puddles any more.

The reviews are all from people using turbo trainers.

I'd be looking at some trial and error of your set-up and saddle position. Unlike mountain bike riding, or even getting out on the road, Zwifting means you stay in one position a lot longer so it makes any slight misalignment worse.

Some general thoughts:
- Is it one side only? Is your set up flat or does it lean slightly? Does the saddle point absolutely straight forwards?
- Are you using different shoes to your normal outdoor ride meaning you may have a few mm difference in saddle height?
- Is the front wheel at the right height so you're not being made to slide forwards (or backwards) on your saddle?

Have you thought about a rocker plate? They do make a big difference in my experience

ditto the above..
My Tacx Neo 2t has about 5 degrees of rock, and it's lovely..

Also, I've one of those Cleva fans linked to above, and 2 smaller honeywell ones. IMHO it's a great setup. All connected via individual smart plugs, so can shout at alexa to turn them on and off!

DrP

^ Yes build yourself a rocker plate, makes it far more palatable as your bum moves around more like on a real bike. They really do make it a much better experience in many ways.

Also it's easy to get into the habit of just staying seated in the same position, I try to make myself get out of the saddle regularly - find it easiest on little hills as you can naturally stand up and put the power down for a few seconds. (Also whilst tucking on any long descents)

Have you thought about a rocker plate? They do make a big difference in my experience

Yeah this. And a turntable thing under the front wheel. Builds some movement into the system. Otherwise, fans, decent shorts and some sort of chamois cream. I find the drier varieties like the Happy Bottom stuff work better for me indoors than the more cream like ones, which are both 'wet' and also often contain stuff that can be an irritant. I reacted really badly to something in Chamois Butter for example, now stick to all natural stuff.

I had problems and the following worked for me and I don't have a fan and have puddles under me.

Build up to every night, if a saddle sore/rub appears, stop.
A quick shower before putting my best bibs on with a dab of chamois creme.
Shower straight after.
Talcum powder to reduce friction, found sudocrem a bit crap tbh.
Found tipping my saddle slightly to the left helped loads too, for some reason my right leg rubs more/is bigger so don't obsess on just the up/down angle.

Once I got into the groove I stopped the shower before and I could do 4 hours before boredom set in.

Yeah - better fan is a must. I've just ordered one of those shown above and pick it up tomorrow. I'll be moving the setup to a space beside a patio door soon so I can have that open too.

I'm using my normal shoes/saddle etc and have a riser block to flatten everything out. A new saddle is now on order and I'll play about with the angle a bit when that arrives.

Lots of other tips to try to. Thanks.

I have 3 fans, but one of them is a heater because I'm a big nesh softie

It's air flow, not temperature that I need and I've often ended up a sweaty mess but also bloody nithered after an hour or so. Heater works well for me on low heat when it's cold in the garage.

phil56
Full Member
Have you thought about a rocker plate? They do make a big difference in my experience

@phil56 care to elaborate how you are finding the rocker plate now? I know at first you were not too sure. I'm still considering to get one.

@kirky72 didn't you get one too recently?

This, don’t shave it though, adds more issues than it solves

Veet? Lol.

If ever I had troubles, double shorts works for me in longer efforts.

@oopnorth definitely took a few rides to get used to the feel, it's especially weird when standing up at first

Now I've got used to the different feel of being on the rocker plate it's fine, and most importantly it does help with 'bum comfort'

wiggle.co.uk/assos

If it's really cold I use a long sleeved jersey with the fan on.

Another slightly curious on how best to remove hair...
Also slightly interested in what a rocker plate does or can do?

Clippers or scissors. It helps to be tidy when I’m up to summer mileage, and dry your manly area really well after a shower, like with a hair dryer.

Clippers or scissors - good god noooo! Razor 👍

Beard trimmer on and around the spuds to help with cooling. Do not go for the full polish up. Just a tidy of the vegetable garden.