hobbysdad

I'm living proof of the connection between distance cycling and prostate health problems. I had an infection, probably cycling related, that resulted in major surgery. Now that I'm back to cycling, I want to let the guys know that what you may have read along these lines is real. For my road bike I purchased the "buns only" Easy Seat. Weird looking, not very comfortable, but it eliminates potential problems. I'm looking for another saddle for my mountain bike that will protect the anatomy as well but is a more conventional design. Any recommendations?

stapfam

Radical prostatectomy in 2001 and pre- op I used a Flite Titanium saddle. 6 weeks later sat on the saddle and got it very quick- that hurt so down to the LBS for one of the new anatomically designed saddles- that was comfy----for about two weeks. Seemed that for the next couple of years- I could not find a saddle to stay comfortable. The Prostate area was adapting to the lack of prostate and it did take a lot to settle down. Finally- I went back to the shop and decided to just get a saddle that felt comfy when new and just stick to it. The best I found was a Flite Max Gel. The gel is minimal and it had the cutout and a big plus- It was the same shape as my original Flite. Been using it ever since- but also found a San Marco "Aero" that is just as comfortable for the 2nd bike.

And from my consultant- I was the highest milage cyclist he had on his books and he could categorically state that there is no correlation between cycling and prostate problems. He had more Ex-Footballers and lazy old fat gits on his books than anyone who kept fit by sport. And cyclists were a minority among those who did any form of sport.

DX Rider

This is the groundhog day of subjects lately. It keeps coming back, seems like daily.

See these threads for advice, feedback, comments, insulting comments, etc. These are only the tip of the iceberg, search for the word prostate, I know there is more.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...light=noseless

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...light=noseless

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...light=noseless

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...light=noseless

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...light=noseless

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...light=noseless

https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/566997-standard-saddles-impacting-reproductive-health.html

HC203

Just to chime in on this prostate issue. I'm only 47 but had prostatitis when I was 30ish-had it a few times. Now I have my psa tested as part of routine physical, and it's rising, a 5 and a 6 in the last few months. Also my free psa is a low percentage which can indicate cancer.
Have been reading lots about how docs are quick to pop that prostate out or jump into other hasty decisions.
Haven't had a biopsy, will take a wait and see approach as I seriously modify my nutrition, no more caffeine for one and even less fat than I already eat, plus supplements, vitamins etc. I tend to think this is an enlarged prostate issue and not cancer, but may be wrong. Mean time I'm looking for a better saddle.

BlazingPedals

My solution was to ditch the saddles.

DarrellA

Hi HC203,

I am not a doctor in real life nor do I play one on TV. I have however went through the prostate cancer thing. I was 50 when my psa hit 4 and on my second test the free psa was 9. I did the biopsy thing and I would rather go through the surgery then repeat which is why I did not choose the watchful waiting path. Two of the core drilling samples came back positive and off to surgery I went. As far as which saddle is best each guy heals differently. I have a Brooks Champion Flyer that felt great both before and after the surgery. I do have to admit the first time I sat on the seat I was a bit apprehensive but there was no pain. I did follow the doctors orders and waited almost 6 months. Here is a good site if you have any questions on PCa https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35Good luck on which ever path you take.

Hezz

Specialized now makes several models of saddles with the prostrate cutout. All of them are good saddles from 40 dollars up to 150 bucks. I swear by them. The lower priced models are good saddles but heavier in weight. Since I have several bikes I have some in each of the bottom, middle, and top price range. All of them work for me and I haven't had protrate problems since going to these saddles.

JanMM

My understanding, too, is that it has not been shown that cycling leads to prostate disease.
The experience of one person is a data point that does not prove anything.

fietsbob

As one can see from anatomical diagram, Prostate is within the pelvis surrounded by a ring of bone,
an internal organ.
I think there is confusion with the urethra .. that is what those cut out saddles are sold as promoting their benefits to not compress nerves and bloodvessels , not effecting internal organs.
see:https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/adam/images/en/turp-normal-anatomy-picture.jpg&imgrefurl=https://healthguide.howstuffworks.com/prostate-cancer-in-depth.htm&usg=__g2-e9ryZqQaoBjY7oJPdRVvf61U=&h=320&w=400&sz=24&hl=en&start=2&sig2=3FEkrb_Yx9j9O0ysWGAyAQ&zoom=1&itbs=1& tbnid=1_Z92aq9j1KOwM:&tbnh=99&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Danatomy%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bhuman%2Bbody,%2Bprostate%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DG%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-USfficial%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=qNIUTbD2FI2CsQOppMydCg
from Google images, anatomy , prostate
only an enlarged one would, it seems to me, expand below the pelvis, It's health itself the problem
not an effect caused by cycling, .. in any event ask your Urologist.

Doug5150

Yea but in some countries you could have bought TWO new prostates for what you paid or that lowracer.

-----

There is also the RANS crank-forward bikes, that are somewhat of a combination of recumbent & upright bike.
The riding comfort is much improved and they still look fairly normal, but they still do have some drawbacks.

Still if saddle issues are keeping you from riding as much as you'd like, feel free to get rid of your "normal" bike.
You can look at bicycling catalogs from 100 years ago, and almost every kind of saddle shape variation you see today was available back then. They didn't "cure" the discomfort problem than, and probably work about as well now too.
~