Uncomfortably numb

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.

kevdkev77

New Member
Hi all, I hope you can help. I've recently upped my mileage and have started to experience quite severe numbness down below. The little chap and his mates stay numb for a day or so after each ride. I've googled and taken some ideas such as lowering seat stem and maybe trying a seat with cut away but just wondered if there's any other advice and if this is a common problem? Cheers
 

huttster

Well-Known Member
Location
southend on sea
Hi there,I have also upped the mileage recently and had a touch of the numbnuts :whistle: :blush: ,changed my saddle to an on offer £20 pro-lite one with a cut out in the middle which has helped a lot,specialized do one called a bg romin which will be my next purchase,this one has got a cut out all the way along,also a change of shorts should help,i was using gore power shorts that have foam padding,o.k for short rides but now i'm on my way to 100+ miles a bit of gel between butt and saddle is required,going for some bibshorts from assos once i have saved up enough money,i love cycling but i would give it up if the boys went on strike permanently!
 
I suffered the same - especially if I was on the trainer where you just sit and spin without having the chance to stop and get off the saddle - at red lights for example - my problem was solved by adjusting the angle of the seat down a few degrees at a time until problem dissapeared altogether (pointy end down).
 

numbnuts

Legendary Member
Hi there,I have also upped the mileage recently and had a touch of the numbnuts :whistle: :blush: ,changed my saddle to an on offer £20 pro-lite one with a cut out in the middle which has helped a lot,specialized do one called a bg romin which will be my next purchase,this one has got a cut out all the way along,also a change of shorts should help,i was using gore power shorts that have foam padding,o.k for short rides but now i'm on my way to 100+ miles a bit of gel between butt and saddle is required,going for some bibshorts from assos once i have saved up enough money,i love cycling but i would give it up if the boys went on strike permanently!
WHAT......:ohmy: you didn't
 

Herzog

Swinglish Mountain Goat
Hi there,I have also upped the mileage recently and had a touch of the numbnuts :whistle: :blush: ,changed my saddle to an on offer £20 pro-lite one with a cut out in the middle which has helped a lot,specialized do one called a bg romin which will be my next purchase,this one has got a cut out all the way along,also a change of shorts should help,i was using gore power shorts that have foam padding,o.k for short rides but now i'm on my way to 100+ miles a bit of gel between butt and saddle is required,going for some bibshorts from assos once i have saved up enough money,i love cycling but i would give it up if the boys went on strike permanently!

The Romin saddles are excellent. I used to suffer from a bit of numbness, but not after swapping my saddle for a Romin. Pricey, but definitely worth it!
 
OP
OP
K

kevdkev77

New Member
Thanks all. I've heard it's not good to let it go on for long. Common sense tells me the same. Tilted the saddle yesterday and it helped. Was wondering if the cut outs worked so thanks for the heads up. Much appreciated ppl!!
 
The Romin saddles are excellent. I used to suffer from a bit of numbness, but not after swapping my saddle for a Romin. Pricey, but definitely worth it!

Do these definately alleviate the numbness.


I shuffle about quite a lot and 'readjust' whilst on the move (with no cars oncoming)

If these do work, then I am ordering today.
 
Do these definately alleviate the numbness.


I shuffle about quite a lot and 'readjust' whilst on the move (with no cars oncoming)

If these do work, then I am ordering today.


Just an update if anyone was interested.
Decided to order the Romin saddle from cyclestore as it was half price.

Instant difference.

Previously, within 30 minutes of riding, I was starting to get that uncomfortable feeling before the numbness started. then the numbness would set in.

Now after fitting this seat...nothing..no numbness. no feeling of uncomfortable on my bits.

Only negative for me is my sit bones have been slightly sore after my longer rides, but I expected that as using them to sit on rather than my balls!!!!

And I know my sit bones will get used to it :smile:
 

Holdsworth

Über Member
Location
Crewe, Cheshire
I've been having problems with numbness recently, especially so on longer rides but it is present throughout my 9 mile commute.

I am using the stock "touring" saddle that came on my EBC bike. I am experiencing pain in the sit bones at the same time as numbness in the groin area. I have been experimenting with tilting the saddle a few degrees either way but I am struggling to settle on the perfect angle.

A little help to solve this issue would be appreciated
smile.gif
 
A little help to solve this issue would be appreciated
smile.gif

The angling of the seat downward at the front combined with THIS saddle did the trick for me. My saddle 'appeared' level before adjusting the angle - and I guess I adjusted it between 5 and 10 degrees max. Three hours in the saddle doesn't even register now, though i've just sold my bike for my upgrade, hope the new saddle is as good.

Ive been told that if you can spend an hour or two in the saddle, then any further comfort issues are due to the fact your 'tush' needs to toughen up, rather than the fact your saddle aint coping. HTH
 

Banjo

Fuelled with Jelly Babies
Location
South Wales
Need to take care with tilting the saddle.

Tilting the saddle forwards may take the pressure of the genital area but can cause you to lean on your arms more causing problems with wrists and elbows .(this was the casae with me anyway)

I think its a case of experiment with different seat angles and if you find one that works, great. If not look for a new saddle that suits you.
 

Hip Priest

Veteran
I had this yesterday for the first time. 10 miles in, felt a bit peculiar down below, so went for a grope and felt nothing. Stood up on the next descent and some life returned to the jewels. It's never happened before, and I think it's because of the way the seam of my shorts was angled. Time for some lyrca I think.
 
Completed 100 miles with the romin saddle. No numbness at all.

I know it was a risk to fit it a few days before my long ride, but figured my sit bones would hurt after 100 miles anyway, so nothing to lose.

Yes my sit bones did hurt, but rather that than numb bits anyday of the week. ;)
 
Top Bottom