embarassing problem
 

I'm getting some numbness after riding. It's ahh,, ahem, errr my "tool". It feels like when your leg falls asleep. After a few minutes off the bike it goes away. I have followed all the advice for proper fit on my bike and I'm on my second saddle bought from a bike shop. No pain or discomfort while riding and my sit bones and muscles have finally got used to riding a bike again. I'm not sure what to do about this and don't want to cause any physical problems by continuing to ride with this happening. It's frustrating and embarrassing. If anyone else has experienced this, please let me know what you did to alleviate the problem. A PM is fine if you don't want to discuss it publicly. Great subject posted from the new guy eh?

It's a common issue, and usually resolved with the right saddle. Or, correct positioning of the saddle, or on the saddle.

You should not feel any pressure on that soft tissue, while seated.

Perhaps, you are a candidate for a Selle AnAtomica, with a cut out.

I love Selle AnAtomica and Brooks for comfort, and I don't even have a cut out saddle... Selle AnAtomica is comfort, right out of the box!

I suggest levelling that saddle, perfectly, and then making minor adjustments until you can position your butt anywhere, without moving. Then even more minor positioning until you feel nothing on your soft tissue...... it's not really at your tool, just feels like it.

I'll second Wanderer on the seat advice. I have gone to seats with grooves (several Specialized models) and cutouts (Terry Fly, my favorite all time seat). But I do take issue with "level". That's a good starting place, but every bike that has fit me well has a nose down seat. If I leveled out the seat, I would have to raise my bars and ride with more wind resistance. Only real benefit would be pleasing others.

Ben

This is a very common problem. A saddle with a cut-out fixes it. However which saddle is still a bit of a trick to get right. A Specialized Romin will fit most folks very well. Some people do well on a Selle SMP. Go to a LBS that sells Specialized and have your sit-bones measured for width. Then try a saddle of the recommended width.

Oh good. Gives me the opportunity to be an equal opportunity offender.

Back when I was riding diamond frame bikes Brooks saddles solved that problem for me.
Now I ride recumbent bikes and don't have that problem anymore either.

I've done some research on seat positioning and actually have my seat a few degrees tilted BACK, not forward. I think I'll try tilting it a few degrees forward and see if that does anything. I hate to keep buying saddles to find the perfect one but if I'm going to continue riding daily I have to have a good fit. Thanks for the replies

Shorts with extra padding might also help, JOF Fifty Five, might help

Sometimes it isn't the saddle but the shorts. Shorts that are too tight can add to the effect of saddle pressure in critical places. Also padding which has sometimes become excessive adds to the problem because it transfers pressure form the "sit bones" where you can handle it, to more central areas where it cuts off circulation.

So padded saddles and shorts are a mixed blessing, often trading less saddle soreness for numbness other places.

If this is a new problem for you, and you're been riding without it for a while, the first question you need to ask, is "what changed". The answer will help point you in the right direction, unless of course if you're just riding longer.

One thing that does help is to stand or at least lift slightly off the saddle for a short interval from time to time. I rarely or never have this issue riding the rolling terrain where I live, but sometimes see it happen on long flat rides. The only difference is that climbing rakes weight off the saddle in ways that pedaling along on the flats doesn't.

O.K. just went around the block with the front of the seat down a few degrees. Didn't' like it. It felt like I was sliding forward off the seat a little. Now I have the seat perfectly level and it feels good. Not sure where I read the seat should be tilted back a little but neutral feels the best so far. Not long enough of a ride to see if the numbness returns but I can't imagine a few degrees of seat tilt will make all the difference in the world. I hope I'm wrong. My LBS where I bought this saddle said I could return it and try a different one if I wanted. What does he do with returned saddles? He can't sell it as "new" as I've put 100mi. on it. Sounds like a losing proposition for him and I don't think he's getting rich with the business. He's too nice of a guy. I feel like I should just out right buy another saddle so as not to take advantage. My wife is now saying I'm OCD with the bike and that I'm constantly making unnecessary adjustments. She should know me better than that. It's not right until it's right and I'll keep fiddling until I'm satisfied.

Actually I'm still quite interested in recumbents and may eventually end up with one. I need to find a dealer and take one for a spin

Sounds like that might be a tough sale to your wife. But at least when you bring it up, your tinkering on the existing bike may be cheap by comparison.

First you shouldn't be embarrassed at all, numbness can lead to serious issues, in the hands, feet or, crotchal area.
Try looking for a bike shop that has a seat library. They are seats that you borrow, basically pay for, then return when you find one that works for you, and you then get a new one. or your money back if you don't find one that works. (Just be prepared to have a really ugly saddle on your bike for a while)
BTW, when changing your seat position, make really small changes, like 1or 2 degrees for tilt, or 1 or 2 mm for fore and aft changes.

1. Keep trying different seats/positions until it is no longer a problem.
2. If you feel it getting numb while riding, stand up and get your weight off the seat.
3. Do not accept it as "normal." Keep working at it until it goes away, or long term problems may result.

Like FB hinted, decent quality recumbents aren't cheap but we're talking about a long term solution.

Unlike diamond frame bikes, there are a number of different recumbent designs. They all ride quite differently, and they each have their own unique set of benefits and issues. My advice is always to plan on spending a day at a recumbent specialty dealer so that you can look at, discuss and maybe test ride several different ones.

^ Forgot to mention that! If all else fails, go recumbent!

A saddle with a cutout solved my issues. Based on the reviews, I tried a Forte Pro SL from Performance Bike and all has been well.

BTW, it was somewhat alarming to me the first time I stood there to go, and didn't feel anything yet knew I was going. :eek:

All good points. I'd add that this is primarily a problem with relatively new cyclists and is often the result of having too much weight on the saddle and not enough on the pedals. As you get stronger, you'll put more force into the pedals and that will decrease the amount of weight on the saddle. In the meantime, consider shorter rides of greater intensity.

Those delicate nerves and blood vessels located behind your "tool" shouldn't be squished under your full body load. The blood vessels can actually become permanently compressed with unfortunate consequences.

Anyone have thoughts on how much of a difference on road vs. hybrid comes into play here? You're stretched more on a road bike with more weight on shoulders/hands compared to the upright sitting position of a hybrid. I wonder if it's worth it to stay stretched out?

I think this is a misconception. We shouldn't be riding like sacks of potatoes. We have a skeletal-muscular structure and should use it. When riding a road bike, one should use core muscles to avoid laying all one's upper body weight onto one's hands.

Whenever I buy a saddle, I keep all the packaging and receipt. If it doesn't work, I'll know in a few rides. Any decent saddle will still look and essentially be new. I put it back in the packaging and return it for another one to try. I've occasionally ridden centuries for a first ride on a new saddle. No lasting damage to either of us.

If it's a flat saddle, it's easy to get level with . . . a level. If it is curved, try it with the central area level and the back pointing up a bit. If you feel like you're falling forward, move the saddle back until you can take your hands off the bars while pedaling in your riding position without sliding forward on the saddle.

It is totally worth it to be stretched out on a road bike. It's more comfortable, more powerful, faster, and easier on the back. The reason for the standard road bike position is not style or speed particularly - it's comfort over long distances.

Given that this is the 50+ forum, we need to consider biological/medical possibilities. For example, an enlarged prostrate can be a factor here. This is common enough in older men, and affect pressure on blood vessels or nerves in the area. Of course the right saddle or addle position will help, but having someone who knows his way around the plumbing is the right place to start.

Don't worry! The resident Grouch already took care of that for ya! LOL

Some of us have tried many different saddles to find a good fit. Some shops have "demo" saddles you can try.
Yes, a couple degrees can make a huge difference. Yes, if the shorts are too tight that will make things worse.
Also, too much padding sucks for longer rides.
For me, a leather saddle with a small cut-out works. I hate Brooks saddles and I hate big soft saddles. Selle Italia or San Marco.

Seat position is probably the most frequent cause for this numbness. Level is the most common solution. Also I agree with the cutout saddle. My saddles are all the same model and anatomically friendly.

On upright bikes, I have had (and continue to have) good experience with the Terry Men's Liberator saddle.

For a "never again" solution, I strongly recommend a recumbent.

Good luck.