Originally Posted by
GTPowers
I have a question along the same topic. (Male body part content warning)
I have three Brooks that haven't given me much issue outside of the break-in gig. Until the last few months I have had no pain issues whatsoever but since spring I've had some (male) genital pressure-type of pain. Not numbness nor a nose tilt too high. It feels more like getting pinched between the saddle and my inner thigh. I had not changed the saddle positioning before the pain, only the general stuff after the pain started (nose tilt down to near flat, changing the fore/aft position to a more comfortable stop) but still....after a couple of miles it feels as if they are getting pinched between the edges of the saddle.
I should probably just get fitted for the bicycle but I am wondering if I just need more support to keep my genitals from going places that will cause pain. Will bicycle shorts help with this or so I just get off the bicycle, see a doc and get fitted?
PS; The bicycls are a Novara Safari with a b-17 and a Dahon with a b-17 Champ. The Safari has trekking bars about even above the saddle but with a longer top tube (saddle nose nearly flat). The Dahon is an MuUno with Soma Sparrows over an inch above the saddle, a shorter bicycle overall leaving me rather upright (saddle nose tilted up slightly). The pain shows up on both bicycles after a couple of miles. I normally wear swrve shorts or jeans with Target brand cycle boxer briefs (no camios).
Well I hate to ask for MORE details but.... is it the frank or the beans that is getting pinched? Feel free to PM me the answer if that makes you more comfortable. Off the top of my head I would guess these things:
1) It seems like you have been adjusting your saddles recently. If you are getting pinched I would actually point the nose of the saddle UP a little more. This always seems counter intuitive, especially for men, but it will actually push you further back on the saddle and help relieve pressure on your under side parts. This is what I did when I was getting some crotch numbness on my rides that were over 4 hours, still not too bad though really. When I raised the nose of the saddle that went away.
2) Your Brooks saddles are starting to sag. I would assume that you have already tried to tighten the bolt on the nose which probably didnt help. The nose bolt mostly tightens the center of the saddle and doesnt do as much to tighten up the sides. This may be causing the bottom sides of the saddle where your thigh is in contact to spread out and have some sort of negative effect on your particular body physiology. I would try lacing your Brooks to bring the sides of the saddle in. It wont hurt the saddle so even if it doesnt work its no big deal. Do a google search for youtube instructional videos.
3) You are getting older and so your junk is moving around to places that your not used to. What kinda underwear do you ride in? Sometimes I get pinched down there when I ride in tight boxer briefs because my parts can wander around and get in funny places. Try changing your underwear to something that olds your package in place between your legs and away from your thigh. Something like briefs but with a nice big pocket in front so nothing gets squished to the sides.