Now that we are well in to winter - and indoor training - there are a lot of people who are finding that the mild discomfort from their saddle when riding on the road has become an unbearable torture. But who wants to hear about that? When you talk about your spin classes do you say, "my lungs were on fire", or "my quads were ready to explode", or do you admit to others, " my penis was numb for the entire workout", or "my vagina was so painful i had to get off my bike for a few minutes."
So why is it so much worse in winter? Simple - you are static.
Outside, you get to put your foot on the ground when you come to a stop. That distributes your weight away from the pelvis, but stop pedaling on a trainer and you actually increase the pressure. On the road you lean through corners, stand on the pedals for a hill - you are always shifting weight, and changing the contact points between your saddle and pelvis.
When doing spin classes keep that in mind. Shift from drops to brake hoods, or stand up for 20 seconds, just to let the blood flow. And if you want to do your body a favor this winter, see what a difference an ISM saddle can make.