Hi everyone,

I have recently started training to do tri's. I went and bought a new bike. I hired a trainer to get a good program together, and also hired someone to properly fit me to the bike. I tried to do everything properly. However, as the title states, I started having some penile numbness last week. It took about 4-5 days to get almost back to normal. I rode a stationary at the gym to attempt to give myself a break (sitting upright, big padded seat). I took the tri bike out for a ride again today after a 5 day break and have the numbness again. My question is: is this normal for someone new to the sport?, do I immediately buy a new saddle? Do I need to quit riding until I get the seat? I really hate to quit training, but the alternative isn't good either. Any solid advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Not normal.

Assuming the fit is correct (might not be), you ought to try a different seat - the stock seats that come on many new bikes are not always the greatest, as it's often assumed that you'll be swapping the seat regardless.

Does your seat have a cut-out down the centre? You might want to try one of those. And on long rides it's a good idea to stand up for a few seconds every now and then.

(something like this (http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/news/article/mps/UAN/954/v/1/sp/) - though there are lots of models out there)

Hi everyone,
I started having some penile numbness last week.
your seat may be tilting up too far - try tilting it forward a little and see if it helps. Also take a look at this thread http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=147457&page=1&pp=25&highlight=numb+numbness - if nothing else it's a hoot!

//k

wear nappies it works for me

Yeah there's no easy answer here. It comes down to trial and error. Different saddles, slightly different positions, riding style, etc.

One downside about tt bikes is you're leaning forward on the soft tissues, so it's going to be more of an issue. If you have a regular road bike, ride that for the bulk of your miles so you can sit more on your sit bones. Save the tt bars for special efforts, and a few rides to get comfortable with the handling / position.

I had this problem I switched to a Vision Tech Tri Gel saddle and problem solved.
Good luck
Dwayne

Trial and error is the only thing that works. I still get it during 70.3 races that lasts for several days afterwards. When I got started, I tried to vary my position and frequently stand for a few seconds to give the blood chance to flow. I find the Profile Designs Tri Styke to be the best--for me (tried the Selle SMP too, which I like better for road riding), though many have found success with the Adamo.

I've used the very inexpensive Forte T1 from Performance bicycle with great success, 56 miles and no discomfort whatsoever. With one of their coupons you can usually get one for around $35.

tilting the seat down in front solved this for me

I had this same problem and saw my doctor twice. He suggested I stop riding. However, I experimented with different seats and I found one that basically elimnated the problem. Its a Specialized Sonoma 155 with Gel. I found its also very important to move the seat around and find the right position.
Also, try standing up on your pedals for about 2 minutes every 30 minutes to allow blood flow back to numb areas.

you don't need that thing anyway, after a month or so of numbness it will fall off and you can get on with your life

Look at the Adamo Race saddle if you are on a tri bike, Road version if you are on a road bike. I've found most traditional saddles create numbness when you are in the aerobars for a long time. The Adamo does not have a nose at all eliminating pressure points. Numbness is signs of a problem with the seat and should not be tolerated.

Adamo ism saddle's are great, i cant ride on anything else.:thumb:
http://www.trisports.com/blreismadras.html