I am just getting back on the bike after robotic surgery. I am actually finding that the chamois padding is adding to my discomfort. Prior to surgery, my wife and I did a lot of distance riding and we both ride on Brooks saddles. My sit bones rest nicely on the leather saddle and I get no pressure on the peritoneal area except from the padding in the shorts. The padding puts just enough pressure on that area that it causes some discomfort. Not enough to make me get off the bike, but enough that I don't enjoy it. When I changed to shorts with minimal padding, I found it much more comfortable because of the reduced pressure in that area. Since I find the Brooks comfortable enough without padding, I think I am going to start riding in unpadded shorts to see how that goes.

I know this is not the answer for everyone, but it is what is working for me. I hope someone can benefit from my experience.

By the way, I also ride a bent and love it. It is my preferred brevet bike. I have completed two super randoneur series on it. All bikes have their plusses and minuses. I ride what I like and like what I ride.