adjustment or new saddle?
 

Greetings--

Looking for some input on what I think is a saddle issue. Yeah, it gets a little personal.

Lately (3-4 weeks) I have been having some trouble in the groin area. Basically, after about an hour, hour and a half, the testicles start to become uncomfortable. One in particular seems to move into a weird position. It's not painful, but it's really awkward. I stand up and it gets sorted out. I move around--sit back more, sit forward more--which helps, but doesn't fully solve the problem. Yesterday, after about two hours, it was getting ridiculous, I had to keep moving, standing, or just barely sitting on the edge of the saddle. It was definitely worse than it's ever been before, and this morning the right one is a little sore.

It seems to be more of an issue if I had recent sexual activity.

God, this is not fun to type.

A couple things that may be relevant:

1) In the past three months, I've really stepped it up and gotten a lot stronger, going for longer and harder rides (2.5 hrs, 50 miles, 4-5 times a week).

2) I've been using the same saddle for three years. Selle San Marco Ponza Lux, came with the bike. Never had any trouble with it. It's looking a little worn now--the pleather (?) cover is cracked in numerous places.

I've always kept the saddle level. Should I tilt it down a bit, or move it back some? Or try a new saddle? Of course, I'll try some adjustment before plunking down the cash. Just looking for input, similar experience, etc.

Thanks--

short of the cover wearing out your ponza should last a gooooood long time, much more than 3 years. It sounds as if trying some adjustments should be your first option considering the multitiude of different saddle designs/choices available. people can spend months and a crapload of cash searching for the perfect saddle. another option to consider is your bike shorts/chamois. assuming you wear padded shorts, some chamois can lose shape and function over time and washings.
Im sure you can probably get your ponza re-covered, perhaps an upholsterer, or cobler.
if you do decide to replaced your saddle, your lbs may have the specialized butt measuring device or a saddle swap program. that may save you some cash.
your manhood may demand an alternatively shaped noseless saddle.
Im not going to even mention the last option...yikes!

You say you've been riding harder and longer, lately. For longer rides, that (cheap) saddle may be showing it's true colors. I rode the same saddle for about a year. At first, it was an improvement; for a while it was fine, then, it became unbearable. I switched to a different saddle that looks like this:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w4APNEt0JOc/TF...2/IMG_0663.JPG

Correctly positioned, I can ride all day on it, in comfort. Maybe it's time for you to get a saddle like it.

Try adjustments on the saddle. I think maybe move the saddle back a bit since you find comfort in riding in the narrow section. Also I had a similar issue with my testicles, I swapped out my saddle with a toupe because I wanted to try a saddle with a cutout and it has helped a lot.

Thanks to all for your input on this "sensitive" issue. I think circumstances will dictate my course of action. I'd like to try a cut-out, but it will take some time to finagle one here (China), so I'll make some adjustments while I wait.

Cheers!

You're putting in a lot of miles so I assume you're in training. I'm not certain doing the same distance hard 4-5 times/week is the most efficient way to train your body. In addition to the mileage increase you may be experiencing fatigue in your legs which can be changing your body position or increasing the weight on your seat.