Serious cyclists enjoy the adrenaline rush from a great ride or race, but they may not be so fond of the penis pain that often accompanies long-term biking. When one's manhood is distressed, it's hard to keep one's mind on cycling. The following tips on wardrobe considerations are offered in the interest of promoting proper penis care for those born to bike.

Suiting up is important

Tight, friction-reducing clothing is essential for the serious cyclist and recommended even for those who are more casual about their biking. The Lycra wardrobe helps a guy move faster and eliminates the chance of a flared pant leg getting caught on the pedals or in the chain.

Not all bikers know that real cycling shorts are meant to be worn without underwear. This isn't because riders get a special kick out of going commando (although, hey, it is fun); it's because even tightie whities can get a bit bunched up when riding.

That's why biking shorts come with special padding, called the "chamois." This eliminates the need for underwear.

Fit is crucial

However, shorts that sag or don't fit tightly enough in the crotch can cause irritation to the penis. Over a long ride, this can be very uncomfortable and result in considerable soreness.

One solution for many men is to switch from regular shorts to bib shorts. These are the shorts that resemble a unitard, stretching up beyond the waist and including a sort of built-in suspender. Bibs can help to keep the crotch area pulled upward, ensuring a better fit.

Personalization may be necessary

Although pro shorts are made for free-balling, sometimes a man simply can't find a pair that fits well enough to keep his penis from becoming chafed, sore or irritated. In such cases, it may be best to consider some form of underwear.

Regular street underwear, such as briefs or boxers, is probably not the best option for most men. In addition to the "bunching up" factor, the extra heat from another layer of clothing may increase sweating, resulting in an itchy rash.

Many men opt for the old standby: the athletic cup. A jock tends to fit more snugly and will keep equipment in place. In addition, a mesh-type cloth in the crotch and the lack of fabric along the butt will make for cooler conditions and keep sweat levels down.

Men who experience pain in their balls but not the penis while cycling might try a suspensory; this is essentially a jock with an opening in the crotch through which the penis hangs.

Those who favor an alternative to a jock can investigate a penis pouch. This is basically a less confining version of a jock. Rather than having a snug cup that compresses the equipment, a pouch allows for more freedom of movement.

Laundering is key

Achieving and maintaining a proper fit is not the only clothing consideration for cyclers who wish to be as pain-free as possible. There's also the matter of keeping that clothing clean.

Fortunately, most men who are interested in biking are also interested in their physical presentation: they already know that wearing unwashed, sweaty clothes is both a turn-off and an invitation for bacteria and germs to invade the crotch and cause all kinds of issues.

However, many men forget that there can be a big difference between one laundry detergent and another. They may also forget that, though their skin may be manly and rough over the rest of their bodies, their penis skin may be far more sensitive. Penis irritation when biking may be partially caused by the naked penis reacting to chemicals or additives in a guy's detergent. Switching brands may make a big difference.

Penis pain can result from many different causes, but the above clothing-related tips can make a difference to bikers. One other thing that can really help ease the pain and irritation of a sore penis is the regular use of a penis vitamin cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil). After a long ride, slathering on a cream rich in soothing shea butter feels great. A cream containing vitamin E can aid in keeping the organ hydrated, and those with vitamin A are a big help in reducing the odor that clings after an intense ride.