Indoor Cycling Saddle Comfort: How important is Chamois Cream & Good Hygiene?

If you've been spending more time on the indoor trainer lately - whether on Zwift, MyWhoosh, or just free riding through virtual worlds - you've probably noticed one big difference compared to riding outdoors. It’s not just the lack of scenery or wind in your hair. It’s the sweat, the saddle pressure and the sometimes overwhelming discomfort that can come with long hours on a static bike.

Indoor cycling has taken off in a big way. Platforms like Zwift have turned what was once a solitary grind into an interactive sport. Cyclists can now join races, social rides, and training sessions from the comfort of their homes. The community around this space has also flourished, especially with the rise of e-sports teams and cubs like Rocacorba Collective, which focuses on uplifting women in cycling.

ASS MAGIC is proud to partner with them to ensure that indoor training for their members is not only effective but comfortable too.
(Enter their partnership giveaway HERE)

But comfort indoors isn’t something that just happens on its own.

The challenges of indoor cycling:

Riding indoors might seem easier at first glance. There’s no wind, no traffic and no unpredictable terrain. However, what many riders don’t expect is how tough it can be on the skin...especially down there.

One of the biggest culprits is sweat. When you're riding inside, especially in a still room without much airflow, you sweat more than you would outside. That sweat soaks into your bib shorts and stays trapped against your skin. Combine that with the fact that you tend to stay in the same position for long stretches, and you’ve got a recipe for irritation.

Unlike outdoor riding where you shift position more often, indoor cycling usually involves less movement in the saddle. That creates constant pressure in the same spot, leading to chafing and, eventually, saddle sores if you're not careful.

Understanding saddle sores:

What Are Saddle Sores and why do they happen?

Saddle sores aren’t just one thing. They can be a mix of skin irritation, blocked pores or even infections from bacteria that love warm damp environments - like the one created when you sweat heavily on an indoor bike.

You might notice red raw areas where your skin rubs against your chamois. Sometimes it’s a small bump or inflammation around a hair follicle. In worse cases, sores can develop that make even short rides unbearable. It’s uncomfortable, it’s frustrating and it can completely derail your training goals if left unchecked.

Importance of saddle comfort in indoor cycling:

This is where a high-quality chamois cream becomes essential. Unlike riding outside, where airflow helps dry your skin, indoor rides trap heat and moisture. That means your skin is under more stress for longer periods.

A chamois cream like ASS MAGIC Chamois Cream acts as a protective barrier. It helps reduce the friction between your skin and your chamois pad so you're less likely to develop soreness or irritation. The ingredients in ASS MAGIC are carefully selected to soothe the skin while also keeping it clean and fresh, even during your sweatiest sessions.

You simply apply a small amount - between 5 to 10ml - either directly to your skin or the pad in your shorts. That one step can make a huge difference to how you feel during and after your ride.

The often overlooked side of indoor riding: Kit Hygiene

Let’s not forget your kit. When you’re training indoors, your gear absorbs a lot more sweat and bacteria than it would during an outdoor ride. And it stays there unless you wash it properly.

Regular detergent won’t cut it when it comes to cycling kit. That’s why ASS MAGIC Kit Wash was developed. It’s an enzyme-based cleaner designed specifically for sportswear. It doesn’t just clean the fabric but breaks down sweat particles and neutralises odours. Plus it’s gentle enough to maintain the stretch and fit of your kit.

Using the right wash for your bibs and jerseys ensures that you’re not putting bacteria-laden gear back on the next day, which can seriously increase your risk of skin issues.

What if you still get chafing or sore spots?

Even with the best preparation, sometimes irritation still happens. Maybe you pushed through a longer ride than usual or didn’t get to shower right after training. That’s where ASS MAGIC Skin Repair Cream comes in.

This cream is designed to treat already irritated skin. It’s loaded with ingredients that help your skin heal faster and feel better right away. It’s ideal for post-ride care, especially if you’re training regularly or ramping up for a race series. Just apply a small amount to the affected area and let your skin breathe and recover.

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Using a quality chamois cream like ASS MAGIC before your ride, a skin repair cream afterwards if needed and keeping your kit clean with a proper kit wash all work together to keep you focused on training - not dealing with avoidable aches and pains.

So next time you saddle up for a virtual ride, remember - comfort isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. Your skin will thank you, your performance will improve and every ride will feel just a little bit more magical.

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A shared commitment to supporting indoor cycling

Our partnership with Rocacorba Collective is more than a sponsorship. It’s a shared vision of making indoor cycling more inclusive, supportive and comfortable. Their focus on empowering women in cycling aligns perfectly with our mission to make every ride a pleasure, not a pain. Through this collaboration, we help ensure their community can train longer and stronger without being sidelined by discomfort.