male specific pain issues

[PscyclePath]

Guys are plumbed down there so that constant pressure or constriction can cause numbness in the personal parts due to restricted blood flow, and ultimately some functional problems as well.

Saddle choice is the first place to look... the Specialized Body Geometry saddles work well for some, as well as the Terry saddles with the cut-outs.

Getting a good pair of shorts with a gel-type chamois is another option. Some of the cheaper shorts simply have a foam pad sewn in there, which may or may not provide cushioing in the right places. I really haven't noticed any real difference in using bibs vs. regular cycling shorts; it's a lot more a matter of getting things distributed and packed away down there to minimize friction and getting things pinched in the wrong places.

I have sort of an iron butt, and have gotten along pretty well with the Selle San Italia racing saddles on my road bikes that I use for the longer rides. I've got a Body Geometry saddle on one commuter and a Brooks B-17 on the other commuter, and have seen a notiecable difference in comfort. It's coming up time in a while to replace the saddles on the road bikes due to simple wear, and I'll probably swap them out for one of the above...

Tom