FORUMS > Cycling Forum Rules

Anatomically Correct Bicycle Seat Recommendations?

• MuchMoreThanM... Posts: 19600
  QUOTE Dec 29, 2011 7:36 PM GMT

  Hey, y'all.
  
  I've decided that I should get one of these seats in order to not put so much pressure around the nerves near the family jewels and to alleviate the pressure around the prostate. I am wondering if this has been the culprit related to my mild ED over the years. I have used a bicycle as a primary source of transportation for over twenty years. So basically I'm asking for people to contribute what they think of these seats and for a recommendation for brand. I see the prices range from $30 to over $100. I could spend around $50, but if someone can recommend a cheaper model that they feel works well I am all for it.
  
  Here are some images, this one looks good:
  
  
  
  
  

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  QUOTE Dec 29, 2011 8:39 PM GMT

  I've been using this one for several years. It's OK - haven't had any problems with numbness or pressure points. It would take a lot of test-riding to convince me that those nose-less saddles are safe. Particularly on hairy descents in the mountains. (i.e. my regular rides.)
  
  
  
  
  I seem to recall that they've got a little gadget at the bike shop that measures the distance between your seat points to help find the right saddle. Or if you know how to size them, you can probably do the same thing by sitting on a stiff cushion (e.g. the weight bench) and measuring the impression.

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  QUOTE Dec 30, 2011 11:35 PM GMT

  I'm not familiar with those saddles you're looking at, but like mindgarden said, some local bike shops will have a fit kit that measures the distance of your sit bones. I know many Specialized bike dealers have this kit you can use at the shop. This measurement will help you determine the right saddle width for you.
  
  I personally find more padding in a saddle to be uncomfortable. The firmer the saddle is, but more comfortable I am, as long I have the proper saddle width.
  
  [url]http://www.mrbike.com/ask%20seatwidth.php[/url]
  
  Are you mostly an urban rider? I know a lot of urban riders who swear by Brooks saddles. However, there are two caveats. The first one is that they are pricey (starting over $100). The second is that they take a long time to break in. But once broken in, they are the most comfortable saddles. It's common for riders to buy them used because they're already broken in.
  
  Also, a lot of bike shops in my area have a "grace period" when you buy a saddle for them. You can try it out for up to 30 days and return/exchange it if you don't like it. As long as the saddle isn't damaged. Maybe that can be an option for you if bike shops in your area offer that.

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  QUOTE Dec 30, 2011 11:45 PM GMT

  MuchMoreThanMuscle saidI am wondering if this has been the culprit related to my mild ED over the years.

  
  Could be. There have been some studies in recent years that suggest long-term bike saddle use can cause penile numbness and ED, due to nerve damage in the region of the perineum. Your prostate, however, is located higher in your pelvis and should not suffer any direct adverse affects from bicycling. Tight bike shorts and elevated body temp from exercise can lower your sperm count, but this may not be of concern to you.
  
  http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/cyclingworkouts/a/BikingImpotence.htm
  
  http://www.nature.com/ijir/journal/v14/n6/full/3900929a.html

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• MuchMoreThanM... Posts: 19600
  QUOTE Jan 01, 2012 1:35 AM GMT

  SoloXCRacer said
  
  Are you mostly an urban rider? I know a lot of urban riders who swear by Brooks saddles. .

  
  
  I'm really trying to get some feedback on the anatomical bike seats. I'm not spending $100 for a seat that is not what I'm looking for. But in any event, some of these anatomical seats are at least that much if not double. But I have seen some for around the $30-40 range.

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  QUOTE Jan 05, 2012 1:18 AM GMT

  Nothing that points straight up! *wink*

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  QUOTE Jan 05, 2012 1:29 AM GMT

  This?
  
  
  
  It's anatomically correct.

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