darrenm

I read in the Specialized catalog that seats without the cutaway middle can cause ED...? any thoughts? i did have an irritation whilee peeing last night after a 30 mile ride (this is my 4th ride pretty much ever)

darrenm

let me rephrase...the cutout middle allows blood flow to the pelvic arteries...it doesnt knock any other saddle directly but by selling their cutaway style they are discouraging you to buy the other saddles...

waterrockets 

Everyone's anatomy is different. Sounds like you have a fit issue. Check that your saddle is level (tipped down can be bad as well as tipped up). Make sure that the saddle is far enough under you that your sit bones are supporting your weight, not soft tissue. Make sure your saddle isn't too soft -- that actually causes more problems than it solves unless you're on a cruiser with the saddle 8" too low.

I rode cutaway for several years. I'm actually currently more comfortable on some solid saddles. The cutout can help some people, but it's not necessary and not always an improvement.

Work with your LBS to find a saddle and fit that's right for you.

mustang1

I use a Specialized saddle that came stock with my Specialized bike. I have no ED whatsoever. In fact, I'm good to go. Whilst I'm using a Specialized saddle on my Specialized bike, both of which I like very much, I doubt the cut away thingies (that my saddle also has) has anything to do with the ED thingie.

Consider it this way. The Italians would hate it if they got ED, they simply love to, well, ya know, not have ED-related issues. And they make the best racing bikes ever. And they make saddles. And those saddles dont have cutouts.

But dont sue me if you're screwed in a year.

Daytrip

I've had the junk go numb from riding, but it always worked--just not to my satisfaction. I lowered my seat about 1 cm and it hasn't been a problem since.

darrenm

i have the San Marco Magma MG which is a competition saddle and is not soft at all. im not sure what i need to do but i might be doing something wrong. i have a longer torso than legs so i dont ride like a lot others that ive seen. im 5'6 with an inseam of about 28...currently riding a 50 cm Fuji SL1 SRAM. I noticed that most riders seats are higher than the handle bars making them much more hunched over. My seat is level or even below my bars which gives me a less aggressive stance. did the sales person fit me to the wrong bike? I noticed that when im trying to be in the aero position its more comfortable because my sit bones are in need of rest...is this my problem? i must be more on the soft tissue...no?

unbelievablyred

My saddle doesn't have cutout and I don't have any problems when I'm with a lady-friend.

Then again, I'm 20.

alcjphil

38 years of serious cycling, up to 16000 km per year. Never used a saddle with a cut out, never had a problem. I don't think erectile disfunction is any more prevalent amongst cyclists than the general population

urbanknight

Sure, saddles without a cutout can cause ED. So can other factors. The important things to watch for - according to various doctors and not one company's marketing strtegy - is prolonged numbness and pain. Numbness might be detrimental, but is usually not. Pain is usually an indicator of something bad. If you saddle isn't causing any of this, stop worrying and enjoy your riding. If it is, try some different positions and/or different saddles.

crhilton

If your butt hurts:
1. You're getting used to the kind of mileage you're doing.
2. You're not resting on soft tissue for very long.

If you're getting numb worry about the cut out thing. If it hurts try to increase your time on each ride more slowly, or just grin and bear it.

The late great Sheldon: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html

Also, your shop probably fitted you in a more upright position because you liked it. There's nothing wrong with that. Ride a lot more before you think about getting more aggressive. In fact, I'd recommend asking your shop to fit you in a more aggressive position if/when you decide that that's for you: They'll want money because they'll be changing some parts and doing a fit. It'll probably be worth it. Pain from bad fit sucks.

crhilton

I'd like to clarify this and what I said. Pain in your junk == bad. Pain in your butt == getting used to the miles. BIG DIFFERENCE!

Walter

I've tried a bunch and finally realized the old school San Marco Regal was the best for me. Big, old style, no cut outs or grooves but comfort and no numbness. I've upgraded lots of things since the 70s but the oder saddles are still my answer.

Your results may vary.

patentcad

It's not a problem. Trust me on this.

Caad 8

.....

Eclectus

It may or may not be a problem. If you don't get penile numbness, you're fine. If you do, then you need to do something different.

A cutout is not needed for many riders, it is for others. But, in any case numbness is a serious warning sign indicating artery and/or nerve compression. It may just required adjusting your saddle angle (up/down nose, left or right), or changing your position in the saddle more frequently, standing up more often, riding lighter in the saddle, or getting a different saddle. But, whatever, if you are getting numbies, that's a warning sign that you should not ignore.

Uni-Vibe

Years ago we'd have killed for cutout saddles. Anybody in 2010 that doesn't have one deserves to have numb-n*ts.

Walter

OK, if you say so.

Depends on your perspective I guess. Years ago people rode saddle leather seats like Brooks and numbness wasn't really an issue. The first attempts to make lightweight saddles seems to be where it started.

LesterOfPuppets

I've only had numbness from squirming around on big puffy gel seats for longer than 20 minutes. I've still yet to go for a long ride on a cutout seat.

rangerdavid

It has increased the size of my penis.




Not you guys too?

ultraman6970

I agree... same here

electrik

Irritation while urinating isn't ED... ED is ED! Maybe you were dehydrated? Had your prostate examined? I dunno... ask your doctor not bike fo.

ultraman6970

Probably this christian is using boxers while riding the bike and his bike is a schwinn varsity with a springs saddle... Now seriously, what u said sounds more like something else, not ED

D.Kinsey

Clap?

Bob Dopolina 

I switched away from a cut-out and back to the regular version of the same saddle. Far more comfortable for me.

Eclectus

Difficulty urinating is a prostate problem. I don't know if there are any cutout designs to alleviate this. I'm not saying there are not, I just don't know. If you have prostatitis, it could be a low-grade infection. I'm not saying it is. But it's a consideration.