You’ve packed up your bike gear and got your bike. You are about to go for a ride to get some fresh air and beat the hangover from the drinks that you had last night.
BUT last night before you hit the club, you shaved your balls. You always come prepared, after all. Can you cycle comfortably after shaving?
Although men don’t tend to complain about saddle pain, it can definitely be an issue. Your groin area suffers a lot of friction while pedaling and once it’s irritated, you’re in for a hard time. Razor blades are pretty rough on the sensitive outer layer of skin, or epidermis, and cycling can be painful and cause unwanted ingrown hairs and follicle infections.
And while shaving your legs makes you faster (true story), shaving your balls doesn’t necessarily benefit your ride.
However, with attention to shaving technique and some proper aftercare, you can enjoy a smooth ride with smooth balls.
Make sure you shave with a sharp blade, get nice and wet and use a high-quality shaving oil to protect the skin. Moisturize your balls after shaving and wear loose-fitting cotton underwear.
And four more pro-tips for you:
1. Ask your local bike shop whether you can test a few different saddles to see which type of saddle is most comfortable for you
2. Always ride a well-fitted bike. Correct saddle and handlebar height ensure your
weight is evenly distributed and prevents you shifting around on your saddle.
3. Make sure your kit fits perfectly and avoid wearing underwear. This can go a long way in minimizing friction.
4. Wear a clean kit. Bacteria thrive in damp, sweaty environments and the risk of
saddle sores increases. You could also rinse the saddle area with antibacterial soap after your ride.
After you finish your ride, always check for ingrown hairs and sensitive or chafing skin. If this is the case, don’t panic!
Small saddle sores usually clear up quickly. Just clean them and apply a good aftershave lotion to soothe and cool your balls. You might want to stay off your bike until they feel better. You can also read this blog on what to do when you spot ingrown hairs on your balls.
Lastly, some men are more prone to razor burn and ingrown hairs than others. You’re the best judge of what works for you. The most important thing is to enjoy your ride.
