There are loads of threads on here about sore bums (one of these days I will index them
). If you search on 'saddle sore' or similar, you will find loads of advice. But my advice is (in order):
1) your bum needs to get used to the saddle and vice versa
If you're pushing your distance, that might be the only problem
2) Saddle position is crucial
Make sure that your sit bones are the primary contact between you and the saddle at all times: If other places are in hard contact with the saddle, see if you can adjust the saddle by titling it a little up or down, or moving it a little down or up, forwards or back and solve the problem.
Make only one change at a time, and mark the position on the rails, so that you can change it back if you make it worse. Have a look at 531colin's bike fit guide
https://wheel-easy.org.uk/wp-content/up ... -2017a.pdfIf adjustments do not solve the problem
3) Saddles and bums both come in a wide variety of shapes
It's entirely possible that your saddle and bum are not entirely compatible. If this is the problem, be prepared to try a number of different saddles before you find one that suits. This process and the eventual solution are very individual, so one person's cure may not be yours. I think that the saddles where they have you sit on a fitting mat (Specialized, Bontrager) have a slightly better chance of working than taking other people's recommendation
Specifically regarding gel saddles, I will say that it is is personal. I like Serfas saddles, but generally experienced cyclists tend to prefer unpadded saddles.
The last thing is that I generally think it is better to solve the issues causing soreness, rather than using creams or lotions.
“In some ways, it is easier to be a dissident, for then one is without responsibility.”
― Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
