veganbikes

I can't think of a lot of clothing manufacturers who are also doing saddles minus maybe Specialized or Trek/Bontrager. Pactimo, Primal, Gore, Pearl Izumi, Assos, Sugoi, Endura, Louis Garneau, Castelli, 7 Mesh, MAAP, Cadence...all don't make saddles. Also haven't really had any issues with cut outs and any of my bib shorts or back when I didn't wear bibs and just regular shorts haven't had a problem there either.

If you are having problems I would go see a fitter because it may not be your saddle, it may not be your shorts (though it sounds like maybe you have an issue of testicular placement within the shorts which can happen with those with those parts) it could just generally be your fit on the bike, your saddle could be slightly at the wrong angle or position on the seatpost and your seatpost could be at the wrong position, maybe there are other issues with reach and spindle length on your pedals, that is causing issues that is being attributed to shorts and saddle working together.

bike eagle

Agreed. Now, put on cycling shorts with the typical padding in the crotch / genitals area and try sitting on your bike again. Isn't that padding, which is trapped between your genitals and the saddle, exerting pressure up against your genitals?

tomato coupe

Please don't post any photos ...

bike eagle

Here's a typical design of a bike shorts pad. I don't have an issue with the upper half of the larger sit bones pads in the upper part of the pic. Call it the upper third of the raised padded areas. I'm saying that the narrower pads in the middle and lower part are right under the perineum and testicles, and also right in the area where the cutout would normally be in a saddle. Keep the larger part of the upper sit bones pads and remove the perineal and testicular ones and I'm happy. Keep the thin blue pad in those areas for modestly if desired, but no raised padding.

Rolla

Bust out the scissors and sewing machine and go nuts.

Kontact

Your testes are going to touch padding, but that padding shouldn't be anywhere near the saddle. When I am riding in the drops leaned well forward my testicles are still well above the saddle and above where my thighs would touch. What you describe sounds like you have your testicles tucked down between your legs (Silence of the Lambs style), not above them where they should be.

bike eagle

I've thought about doing just that, but can't believe the shorts manufacturers put padding in those areas in the first place.

terrymorse 

That's because you don't understand how that padding works.

bike eagle

If your testicles are in contact with padding, what is the purpose of that padding?

Maybe a better question would be, why don't long distance cyclists like soft padded saddles?

tomato coupe

To summarize: OP thinks all cycling shorts are presently designed wrong because he can't get comfortable wearing them, and the rest of us tolerate this discomfort because it makes our junk look bigger.

Rolla

I've never once heard of it being an issue. Over many years they've worked just fine for me, and I presume for most everybody else.

terrymorse 

Modesty. What is the purpose of a padded sports bra?

Because soft padding takes the load off your sit bones and onto your surrounding soft tissues.

If you think this is an argument for why there should be no padding in the perineum area, it isn't.

bike eagle

Maybe I need to start my own line of shorts:

"Smart Pads! Padding where you need it, and none where you don't!

Saves weight!

Less restrictive for more power!"

Etc...

bike eagle

I disagree. It is exactly why there shouldn't be padding in the perineum area in shorts. Padding inside shorts and padding inside a saddle (in the same area) are identical.

rydabent

So now we know why ** riders love padded shorts!!!!!

terrymorse 

Saddles contact the outside of shorts. Shorts contact the skin.

It ought to be obvious that saddles are different that skin, and that having a saddle move against unpadded shorts increases skin irritation.

Edit: rydabent has entered the chat. It was only a matter of time.

tomato coupe

You should be happy -- you might have finally found someone you can convince to switch to a recumbent. If he does, you can call your crusade a success, toss your computer in the landfill, and never post your manifesto again.

bike eagle

We’re not talking about skin irritation. We’re talking about pressure against internal soft tissues. Completely different.

bike eagle

Funny you should say that. I own and ride both recumbents and road bikes. I believe in being open minded.

“Because we’ve always done it that way” is never a good answer.

tomato coupe

No, it's not. But, "This needs to be redesigned because it works for everyone except me" is worse.

rumrunn6

Zoot Core Mens 7-Inch Tri Shorts
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...TF8&th=1&psc=1

size up because they are snug, especially in the waist (if you have a 'Dad bod"). I buy size 38" waist pants, but prefer the XXL Zoot Shorts

terrymorse 

I thought we were talking about the folly of removing padding from bike shorts.

bike eagle

How do you know it works for everyone? What about the millions of people who tried cycling and quit because they weren’t comfortable? Of course, they also don’t post in these forums, because they left cycling for other activities.

bike eagle

Thanks. Those still have padding in the perineal and testicular area, but at least it’s thin.

tomato coupe

Okaaaaay.