sunv

SO I read on the specialized site about their BG (body geometry) saddles. ANd looking around i discovered sitting in the saddle for hours on end can cause some tubes to be squeeezed down there in you crotch, and makes it hard for you to get it up.

So I'm wondering if any of yall bike messengers have this problem. Or is this a myth?

Pumpkincycle

I go on long rides with a regular saddle (which is more protectant of the rear than the front.) Best thing to do is set up the saddle so you point the nose of the saddle slightly downward--as much as you can without you starting to slide forward.

nayr497

I have never had ED problems (and am still at such an age that the opposite is almost the problem, but anyway) but I did have a saddle that was awful. I'd wake up in the middle of the night with shooting pains down below. It sucked. I even went to the doctor. I changed my saddle...and it went away! So, if your saddle is hasslin' your nacho, then get a new one. It shouldn't really hurt when you are riding or after. Cheek chafe is one thing, perineum pain is another.

Gyeswho

? i was wondering if brooks saddles tend to eliminate this problem since it support and not presses against things? because of its custom fit would this be the best saddle choice?

dudezor

I'd guess that Brooks saddles might be worse for this than others that are designed with 'cut out' sections for the sensitive areas. I remember hearing some media about this a few years ago before I was into riding like I am today. From what I remember it was more about low sperm count than erectile disfunction, but I'm really not sure. It does make sense that this area could well be affected in some way :\

edit: also, I think it would be more likely to be roadies that do miles upon miles at a time that would be more affected by this than messengers, who are constantly on and off their saddle. I really don't know ***** about the subject though.

onionterror

sounds like a load of bollocks to me...

dudezor

Yep. That's exactly what it is. *HAW HAW*

cyclezealot

the story is just someone trying to make headlines. Should a cyclist not be particular about the type of saddle he uses problems might develope. But, my saddle has the ergonamic hole in the center. There is not soft tissue contact. Don't know how damage could be done when vital areas are immune from contact.

bike_mike_pa

My boys are happy with their Brooks.

Sammyboy

Some people quote problems with regular saddles, that go away with a Brooks, others report the other way round. If your saddle hurts you, or your old chap has trouble standing up, it might be time to change it. If not, it's probably time not to worry about it.

Aeroplane

There was a thread about this last week. And it devolved into an argument about the motivations of scientists.

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

deathhare

Looking at those ugly Brooks saddles gives me erectile dysfunction.

mattface 

they go togetherrrrrrr like ramma lamma lamma she-do dede bobdebop


Actually no, if you're having problems with numbness, the best place to start is with adjusting the saddle you have. start at level (I use a carpenters level to get this starting point) then ride around, and adjust from ther in small increments until you get it just right. It depends upon the saddle, and the rest of your riding position, but I find somewhere not far from level is atually about right. If you can't get your saddle adjusted comfortably, then maybe it's time to try something new. Maybe some thing with a crotch slot. I've never needed the slot once I got things adjusted, and maybe my ass is just lucky, but I can get comfortable on most anything provided it's not crazy wide.

mattface 

Yer mother gives me erectile disfunction.

deathhare

Ironic, cause your mother gives me a straight up HARD ON.
Nothing like a fresh plump MILF.

mattface 

I dunno WHAT you're talkin' about man. My mom looks like a well worn Brooks.

YOUR mom looks like one of those Selle Anatomicas!

deathhare

Its all about the taste man!

andre nickatina

blasphemy!

well to each their own, i used to think brooks were butt ugly, then i thought they were beautiful, now i'm trying to get rid of mine because a nice selle turbo is on it's way. either way, it all beats KASHIMAX! (for e.d.)

Fixxxie

Au Contraire,
The Brooks supports your A$$ and the front part is very soft putting little pressure on the sensitive areas, at least this is my observation on it, I'm sure some others will back me up. It is really dependant on each particular person though because I know a lot of guys like the FiZik Arione saddle and to me it is the most horrible uncomfortable torture device I've ever had on my bike

gfrance

I got the Selle Italia with the cutout, and hate it. It really has no positive effect on the discomfort issue. But on my fixed gear I have a more simple Fizik Nazene (I think that's what it's called) and it's way more comfortable (but not superlight). I'll be upgrading to a higher end Fizik for my road bike this Spring based on the comfort on the Nazene and all the positive reviews.

My larger point here, though, is that one must really experiment with different saddles and set up to get what's best for you. One size does not fit all.

Ken Cox

Sheldon Brown wrote somewhere that in most cases a firmer saddle will cause fewer of these kinds of problems than a padded saddle.

If I have misrepresented Sheldon I apologize.

In any event, I have found going to a firmer saddle with a cut out or channel in/down the middle makes for a happier me.

I think it has something to do with putting the pressure on the two sit bones instead of on the valley between the sit bones.

My present saddle, a hard light-weight with a deep channel, represents a huge improvement over my earlier, softer saddles.

Perfect?
No.

When I get over an hour in the saddle (my present saddle), I start to suspect a better-fitting saddle must exist out there somewhere.

As a matter of principle, though, I think firmer works better than softer, and a channel down/in the middle helps.

I think people for whom Brooks saddles work well tend to interface with the saddle at their sit bones and not in the valley between the sit bones.
I'd like to hear from Brooks riders regarding this.

mander

Yes. The key is not to condition it much so that it holds its shape overall and does not "hammock" in the middle. (Insert double entendre re staying hard) With luck, two ass dents form in the back and the saddle becomes perfect.

Gyeswho

mine feels pretty good. no problems at all really but im only 19 so maybe this wont effect me as much now?