Okay, so just what does it mean to go numb?
 

Sorry for the basic question, but I've read about the possible problems that can be created by seats that make you "go numb," and I have to confess that I'm not exactly sure what that means. To quote the famous Seinfeld line, there is definitely "shrinkage," as blood is being routed to the biking muscles, but does shrinkage constitute numbness?

I have been riding a Fizik Arione for the last year. It has been a very comfortable saddle for me--no pain whatsoever. Upon reflection, it seems that maybe it routinely makes me go numb--but there again, I'm not exactly sure what numb means. Certainly if one goes numb, there is by definition no pain. A week ago, I bought a used Selle Italia Flite Gel Flow (cut out, and slightly wider), expecting it to correct any "numbing" problem I might be experiencing. I find it also to be a very comfortable saddle, but it seems that I am about as "numb" (or not) as I was with the Arione. By the way, my sit bones, as measured by the Specialized arse-o-meter, are about 130 mm apart (which puts me squarely between the Specialized size 143 and 155 on their system). The Arione isn't even that wide to begin with, so my taint must be supporting the entire weight of my body. The Flite Gel Flow is about 142 mm wide, so it probably supports my sit bones better (and the Arione not at all, evidently).

So again, what is numbness, exactly. And if one does or doesn't go numb when riding, how do you know?

I expect that this thread might run the risk of degenerating into a running joke, but I'm hoping for some real help on this. Thanks.

I will be blunt and too the point.. If you are going numb there could be many reason..

The 1st thing, are your shorts giving you enough support, if not you may need to try bib shorts? They keep your manhood in the right place..

2nd - Reach into your shorts and pull upward right before you get on your bike, this will help..

dude, you will KNOW when you are numb.

and no, this is not a joke. how do you know when your legs are numb from sitting in a stupid position too long? they feel numb. same goes for Mr. Johnson down there.

Who's Mr. Johnson? :)

Oh, you want blunt? I'm feeling very blunt tonight. You ride the bike for a while....and suddenly you realize you can't feel your cock. Like it ain't there. Gone. Kaput. Fell off, slid down your shorts, and is lying on the road back there somewhere for all you know.

That's what 'numb' means.

This numbness may continue for hours after your ride, or even days. Maybe...permanently.

I recommend avoiding even short term numbness of this type. Adjust the saddle position, replace your current saddle with a saddle that causes zero numbness, or stop riding entirely. I mean, dude...it's your COCK!!!!

Numb is.. numb

Its like when you get home from the dentist and can pinch your cheek and not feel anything. Numb.

Happened to me once. Bought a body geometry the before I rode again. Take no chances, I say. I might get re-fit eventually as well.