Saddles - a man's issue!!

[slowwww]

Apologies in advance - not for people of a delicate disposition and definitely not for the ladies!!!

Other than a bit of off-roading I haven't done any 'proper' cycling for 15 years or so, but have returned to this now to improve my health and stave off middle-aged spread. I bought a road bike with the intention of getting out on this 2-3 times per week, ideally building up to a couple of hours a time.

So far I’ve done several rides of just less than an hour (16 miles or so) and on each occasion i have experienced an unpleasant sensation (or rather lack thereof!) where after 30 minutes or so, and my old fellah is totally numb. This is restored a while after i finish riding, but I’m concerned that i might be inflicting some lasting damage on a dear friend!

I did lots of cycling in my teens and 20s and don't recall such an issue then (or perhaps the numbing effect was beneficial if I was out on the town shortly after the ride ) and so I’m not sure whether this is a question of poorer circulation at my age (47) or whether it's the saddle (standard issue on my Boardman Team Carbon)

Before I start trying the saddle libraries previously highlighted on this forum, can anybody advise me whether this is an inevitable issue that I’ll need to get used to or whether it's something that I might be able to sort with a new saddle?

 

[edindave]

I went through the same thing roughly this time last year. Thought about a new saddle too! Almost clicked purchase...

Do your sit bones fit on the wide supporting bit of the saddle? If so then the saddle is fine. You will toughen up and get used to it.

If you're sitting too far forward on the saddle then your sit bones won't be on the wide supporting part so the pressure is in the wrong place, cutting off blood and causing numbness. A few minor adjustments forwards and backwards helped me sort my saddle position out.

Don't rush out and buy a saddle cos you'll probably just go through the same trial and error process finding the right set up with it.

 

[Fletch456]

I just googled the Boardman Team Carbon and the saddle, a Fizik Arione is the same as that used by many pros - and people like me. Lots of people recommended it to me. I eventually stumped up the £85 required after trying cheaper seats. This is the 2011 model of the bike I've looked at of course and yours may be a different saddle.

3 things as good as eradicate saddle soreness I believe. 1 the right and a good saddle 2. Good bib shorts - good padding. 3. Assos choie cream

 

[Mikeoupe]

I needlessly spent £56 on a new saddle trying to resolve this problem, good as it is I've since realised that a poor set-up was the cause of the problem. From my limited experience experiment by dropping the nose of your saddle a touch and move it forward, the smallest adjustments can make the biggest difference.

 

[Alien8]

I think there are two steps to comfort. Firstly you need a saddle that suits your sit-bones seperation. I think some shops, eg Specialized concept stores, can measure this and offer you an appropriate width saddle (also try Googling about how to measure this yourself). There isn't necessarily a correlation between saddle price and comfort. Secondly, as Mike says, get your bike setup properly.

 

[slowwww]

Thanks guys

As suggested I made a few adjustments to the saddle adn then did 22 miles this afternoon. Much improved, but I may have overdone the tilting forward of the saddle as my wrists took rather a pounding!

Clearly there will be much trial and error here, but thanks to you all for saving me the unnecessary expense of a new saddle

 

[cyberknight]

I picked up a boardman saddle off ebay for £8 and they do look a lot like the fizik saddles.

I have not fitted it yet as yesterdays job was chain+cassette whilst keeping a 3 year old clean ...

 

[FetterSteve]

I had the same problem with my Brookes saddle but when I changed to a Charge Spoon and set the saddle perfectly level ( using a spirit level) the problem went away.

I'm not sure I would call it comfortable yet but I don't have the numbness problem anymore.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I had the same problem with my Brookes saddle but when I changed to a Charge Spoon and set the saddle perfectly level ( using a spirit level) the problem went away.

I'm not sure I would call it comfortable yet but I don't have the numbness problem anymore.

+1, I always use a spirit level to get the saddle level, I also use a plumb line to get the for and aft setting right, looking to get the knee over the pedal spindle with the crank at 3 O'clock. Don't look at the saddle in isolation, look at it as part of the bike set up, the aim is to get the weight distributed between hands, feet and arse. Theres some interesting stuff on here.

http://www.caree.org/bike101bikefit.htm

 

[Banjo]

Thanks guys

As suggested I made a few adjustments to the saddle adn then did 22 miles this afternoon. Much improved, but I may have overdone the tilting forward of the saddle as my wrists took rather a pounding!

Clearly there will be much trial and error here, but thanks to you all for saving me the unnecessary expense of a new saddle

I had the same problem as you with the saddle that came with my Scott. Seat level = numb genitals seat down at the nose uncomfortable ride due to more weight on hands and arms.

The problem is caused by pressure on nerves in your groin along the centerline. The answer for me was a "bio" type saddle with a slot in the center. I bought a Ritchie Bio Saddle for about £25 and not had either problem since.

Persevering with a saddle causing numbness isnt a good option as I have heard it can result in impotence eventually.

 

[abo]

whilst keeping a 3 year old clean ...

Good luck with that one!

 

[oldroadman]

Numbness as has been mentioned is usually about position. You may be sitting a bit high, and too far forward. A pro position can sometimes look too low, but they sit well back - unless in a big effort - and are properly supported. Adjustment need to be by a millimetre or two until you get it right. Also, look at stem length, bar height (going too low may be a problem). If all else fails, there are saddles with a cutout in the middle. Originally women specific, to save 'em chafing their ladybits, there are men specific versions as well. They should take the pressure off and allow bloodflow which stops numbness.
Just remember that winter rides might just make you thing it's back, but it's only the cold!

 

[jayonabike]

It really is a case of minor adjustments until you get it right, but when it does all fall into place it'll be like sitting in your favourite armchair (well, almost!)