jwill226

I'll try not to be too graphic here.

I have a new Surly DT with the stock saddle. I was sized and the seat was adjusted by the LBS as they watched me ride around. Until now I have been riding in basketball shorts with no underwear. I was getting discomfort after a couple miles that basicly followed the outline of the saddle. No numbness or anything like that. Just sorness that would only hurt when I was on the bike.

Today I tried some cycling shorts for the first time (No underwear). They where about $30 on Amazon. I didn't want to spend a ton of money until I figured out what would work best for me. (The shorts I ordered - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000P1R7MI/ref=yo_ii_pd_dx_gr_2?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000P1R7MI&pd_rd_r=W2JQ2XRJPD2J34RV1AV1&pd_rd_w=7mMSO&pd_rd_wg= M7JW6&refRID=TKK2ET19F2DRB7SB1673 )

I went on a 17 mile ride and while the pain where the edge of saddle makes contact is now just a mild discomfort my taint was now mildly hurting and my wedding vegetables where going a little numb.

Where should I go from here? Keep riding and see if my body becomes accustomed to it, look into better quality shorts with more or less padding, or look into a new saddle?

AmFaeEmbra

Strange things, saddles.

Ones that are comfy on a mountain bike don't work for me on a road bike, and vice versa, due to the different riding positions. Unfortunately it's trial and error, but go back to your LBS to explain the situation and ask if they'll let you test a few, especially ones with a cut-out.

"Where should I go from here? Keep riding and see if my body becomes accustomed to it, look into better quality shorts with more or less padding, or look into a new saddle?"
Probably a bit of everything, but look for "long-distance" rated bib shorts. Bib shorts, because the chamois is less likely to move as much as on short shorts. Sit down before you see the price, but these are absolutely fantastic Sportful Super Total Comfort bib shorts review - Cycling Weekly

Hope it works out for you, and remember that everyone here is thinking of your vegetables.

trailangel

https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...8&category=149

brianmcg123

You need to start with a saddle that's wide enough. My taint hurts just by looking at that stock saddle. I put a Brooks champion flyer on my trucker and in 8 years never thought about my lower regions.

PatrickR400

It looks like you have a different sort of pain, but after more miles. Are the cycling short snug? They pretty much have to be, and using chamois cream often helps a lot.

Now, as mentioned in another comment, not all cycling shorts are made equal. Some have truly horrible chamois, fit, etc.

MRT2

When I bought my Salsa Casseroll 5 years ago, I decided to try a Brooks B17 as they have been around 100 years and people really seem to like them. It is now my benchmark. Not cheap, but once broken in (probably takes a couple of hundred miles), I barely notice it.

As a bonus, a Brooks would really give your Surly a classy look.

jwill226

Having never used cycling shorts before I can only go by what I read. They are skin tight. I fell right between two sizes so I went with the smaller size. I don't know anyone personally that uses them so I have no one to ask. Based off my reading and looking at pictures I would say they are the right size.

PatrickR400

Aerotech is a good brand, I've used them in the past. Skin tight is fine. Too loose may cause a fold to appear which can cause irritation. Too tight may pinch the skin with the same result.

I'll mention again the chamois cream, and that the short must be washed after every use.

dagray

Personally I like bib shorts (Bellwether, Aerotech are my two go to brands), I also like a narrow saddle with a cutout. Not everyone's sit bones are the same so that you need to get a saddle that is the correct width for you.

Too wide and you will throw your hips out of place, too narrow and you will be uncomfortable as well.

Your best bet is to see if your bike store has different saddles you can try out, and remember short rides aren't always the best to determine if a saddle is right for you.

InTheRain

I've commuted on a brooks saddle for 10 years (same saddle.) I have ridden 200+ miles in one-day on that saddle... no pain. Today, I got on my road bike for the first time in months (bad weather) and within the first 10 miles I felt discomfort - luckily it was a short 12 mile ride. The road bike has a narrower race bike type of saddle. Yes, it has got uncomfortable in the past... but not until about mile 50 or 60. I attribute today's pain to not riding on that saddle for such a long time. I'm sure I'll adjust as I ride more... but, I doubt that I'll ever be as comfortable as I am on my brooks. IF, I find myself doing rides longer than 60 miles, I'll consider switching out the saddle on my road bike to a brooks cambium... hopefully it's similar in comfort to my brooks b-17 (without the issues of keeping it dry.)

fleslider 

anytime you got a numbness, there is a little to much pressure there, Now whether it is the Saddle width or the nose of the saddle needs to come down a little.

A little sore after a longer ride is not a big concern, especially as you are getting yourself conditioned to riding.

when i first started back riding, every saddle hurt after a 30-40 min ride , and now that i'm conditioned most saddles i ride with are fine, some more comfortable than others.

but the most comfortable one i have is the Brooks B17. only thing with the Brooks is that you need to be careful with riding in wet weather.

treesloth

Don't you think that referring to your "wedding vegetables" is a little... crass? Perhaps in the interest of keeping this family-friendly you could instead call it your "gentleman's sausage". Thanks.

rgconner

We talking the Pork, or the Beans? or the Pork AND Beans?

treesloth

/treesloth clutches pearls, falls out of tree...