Talking (about) bollocks

dieselgeezer

Not to beat about the bush, but my bollocks ache while riding the bike. It's a bit like having been 'mildly' kicked between the legs & is not very comfortable. I assume it's at the opposite end of the spectum to numbness which I've never experienced. I've been riding for 20 years (road racing & sportives, about 8000 annual mileage) & I'm now in my late 50's. My problems started in 2001, it was eventually diagnosed as epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymus, the tubes surrounding the testicles) & when anti-biotics didn't work the epididymus were removed in 2005. Things settled until Sept of this year when it all started up again. Anti-biotics again to no effect. Ive looked through this forum & contacted the only other guy who had suffered similar problems. He had changed to a Rido saddle with limited success. I'd tried one back in 05 but couldn't get on with it. For the last 4 years I've used an SLR XP which was pretty comfy. The pain diminishes once I stop riding so I guess that will be the GP's advice.
Has anyone else had these sort of issues? If so, any advice would be very welcome. I'm not ready to hang my wheels up yet.

rokkala

Tried a saddle with a cut out to see if that would help? Like Selle Italia Max Flite Gel Flow? Saddle called 'Adamo' which is meant to help relieve pressure on that area a lot as well, never tried one myself, but i think a couple of people on here have them.

dieselgeezer

Hi Rokkala,
Thanks for that. I have tried a 'normal' saddle with a hole in the past but I'd forgotten about the Adamo. Have contacted Trybike Ltd (UK agent) who are going to send me one to try. Fingers crossed ( & buttocks clenched!)

oldwelshman

Try some set up adjustments, maybe bars a bit higher or saddle tilted a bit forward.
My track bike saddle is set up totally different to my road bike due to bollock issues

bobtbuilder

Another great cut out saddle is the Selle Italia SLC. Not cheap, but worth every penny. Some bike shops might let you loan one before buying it. Don't be fooled into getting an SLK - it's a different shape and as uncomfortable as Hell!

Russell160

Or try a Brooks saddle. I think the basic problem is that because the saddle is not supporting you on your sit bones the (ahem ) soft tissue gets compressed, leading to all sorts of problems of the sort you'd rather not see a doctor about. The rationale of a fairly hard, leather saddle is that it will support you on your sit bones which take the weight instead of the soft tissues taking the weight and getting compressed. I think this is the basic rationale behind the Adamo as well, which I will be trying if the Brooks I've ordered doesnt' work. I'd be interested to hear how you get on. I already have a soft-ish saddle with a cut out (the Specialised Avatar gel) and it hasn't solved the problem, as the padding still leads to compression.

dieselgeezer

Hi, thanks for the further info.
To Oldwelshman, yup, I've tried all permutations for the saddle & bars with no result.
To bobtbuilder, do you reckon it's 'cos the SLC has a much wider slot than the SLK that makes it more comfy?
To Russell160, yup, will let you know how I get on with the Adamo ( probably in about a week's time).

bobtbuilder

To bobtbuilder, do you reckon it's 'cos the SLC has a much wider slot than the SLK that makes it more comfy?

Yes - definitely. The SLC is the first saddle I've ever had (in 25 years riding) where you don't notice it's there. I can't praise it enough. Mine was £120, but if it fixes your problem it'll be priceless.

I know that one of the internet shops was doing a "return it if you don't like it, after riding it" offer, but I can't remember which one.

markwalker

I think it might require castration :shock:

But youll be lighter consider it an upgrade Happy Christmas

dieselgeezer

Hi Mark,
So that'll be sweetbreads with the sprouts & turkey!
Happy Christmas

markwalker

dieselgeezer wrote:

Hi Mark,
So that'll be sweetbreads with the sprouts & turkey!
Happy Christmas

Ill pass on the "bread" sauce