Old 02-07-16 | 09:02 PM
  #15  
martianone
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,207
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From: Northern VT

Bikes: recumbent & upright

Originally Posted by cyber.snow
I am a prostrate cancer survivor and as a result of the treatment and surgery, my perineal area is very sensitive. I first tried about a dozen seats but they all were either hard on the front or hard on the back side. My LBS suggested a more upright position and an IMS saddle. I now sit more back in an upright position and have an IMS saddle. This combo is good for a little less than 2 hours. I am trying to get up to at least 4 hours of riding before I need a break.

If anyone is doing touring and had this problem and resolved it, I would certainly appreciate any suggestions. I am ready to try just about anything!
I rode only a recumbent bike for several years, then I too had some prostate problems. Since then, I've ridden a mix of both recumbent and upright bikes. Not going to talk about a recumbent as a solution to your problem - however my recumbent is currently my oldest active bike. In the decade since my prostate issues, probably had a dozen bikes. Different tools for different conditions was often my rational to my accountant, also different fit needs. Finally smartened up and accepted that a saddle is only part of riding comfort - Have an odd body size and shape with short legs and a long torso. While looking for a new road bike, the bike shop owner whom I was working with (bought several bikes from this shop) finally said something about with the various different bike geometries among today's bike offerings it is rare that a person currently needs a true custom geometry. Then he said, I think you are among those that really need the custom build. Finally I agreed and had the fitting and measurements for a custom steel frame, it was tweaked for my size/weight, riding style, etc. Shop built up the frame with selected components - got the "perfect" bike. Saddle is a Berthoud Aravis - I can ride for hours in perfect comfort. Have done some credit card tours, packing a saddle bag and frame bag - all well. The custom configuration, while not inexpensive, was the best bike investment I've made in that decade.
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