"uncomfortable"/pressure crotch area when cycling

joeyhalloran

Didn't really know where to put this so I thought I would stick it in 'training. Basically sometimes when I'm out for a cycle (usually the harder efforts such as chaingangs or races) I get discomfort 'down there'. Its not numbness and its not directly my testicles, its a discomfort in the area above my testicles (you know when you get kicked in the nuts and its kind of like a stomach ache, its like a very mild version of that). I am wondering if its some of my shorts that are the problem as it only happen on certain rides. I have had a bike fit and riding a specialized toupe saddle

I guess I am asking if anyone else has had something similar (and was it the shorts) and what was your solution?

It kind of putting a bit of a dent on my cycling at the moment

Cleat Eastwood

ha ha you're asking if anyone's been kicked in the nuts.....I think you'll find life has done that to many many people on here.

joeyhalloran

This is really putting a holt on my cycling at the moment so any comments welcome.

alistaird

There are a number of saddles designed to reduce pressure as I'm sure you're aware. This was the best I found (from the advertising):

http://www.rido-cyclesaddles.com/c.do?category=100130

I'm now riding a Spesh Romin which seems to work most of the time (still need to get out of the saddle from time to time to reduce numbness...)


Just trying to help....

crumbschief

I have had similar in the past and it was caused by either saddle height slightly too high or and saddle angle too high,different shorts etc with better padding can mask it for a bit and confuse what the problem is though as it could be just a padding or saddle type issue,i just looked at the angle and height area and that sorted my troubles,best to alter or change just one thing at a time and go from there.

joeyhalloran

some more information but thank you for the replies.

I have had it on two bike (1 tt with Adadmo saddle, 1 road with Spesh toupe). I have looked at saddle height and they are the same height as the bike I was fitted on (and have been riding a while). I also think it is the same angle but I will look into this a little more as it could be this. Not sure if I should angle it up so that i am forced to sit more on the back or down?

crumbschief

I ended up with the saddle angle slightly down so there was less pressure at the front,just trial i'm afraid.

lef

A long shot but do you wear bib shorts, could they be too short in the length from straps to crotch? I have had this feeling (at least from what you are describing) and it was a result of the shorts been too short from crotch to shoulder. They eventually stretched but for a while they put too much pressure on by pushing things up too much. The resulting feeling after a couple of hours in the saddle was similar to a kick in the balls.

Also check you're sitting fully on your sit bones.

joeyhalloran

I guess it could be this, but I haven't changed my bibshorts and it has only just started happening. I have an appointment at my local Health centre this afternoon just to make sure everything is ok. If it is then I will start playing around with my position (tilt etc...).

Thanks for all the advice!

Im Bald Ok

I'm now riding a Spesh Romin which seems to work most of the time (still need to get out of the saddle from time to time to reduce numbness...)


Just trying to help....

As above, i was using a Spesh Toupe 143 and found it uncomfortable on rides 35miles+
Am now on a 130 Romin which i find much better. I still get out of the saddle every 10/15 mins for a few seconds to help the blood flow.

If you can get hold of different shaped/sized saddles to try you may find the right one. More and more shops i find are offering a try before you buy scheme.

Also try moving your saddle around on the rails and play with tilt to fine tune it. Trial and error.