Saddle choice for numb groin area (GENTS)

[Mrs Balls]

OK Guys your help would really go a long way here. Ever since I picked up cycling I started to develop a numb sensation in the pubic area. I'm sure this is cause by using the incorrect saddle.

Can anyone please share success stories of overcoming this and please specify a saddle that solved your problem, I'd like to try out some new saddles.

[milky4130]

Get a bike Setup, I suspect the saddle is titled either too much down or up, could be either. Get a bike setup done before blaming the saddle. If still persists then there is a saddle with a cut out in the middle Selle Italia call them the "Flow" model for Obvious reasons. Other saddles brands might not have the cutout but the design allows for the same effect as a cutout saddle.

[Thor Buttox]

OK Guys your help would really go a long way here. Ever since I picked up cycling I started to develop a numb sensation in the pubic area. I'm sure this is cause by using the incorrect saddle.

Can anyone please share success stories of overcoming this and please specify a saddle that solved your problem, I'd like to try out some new saddles.

Same problem when I started - hence my Hub name. What Milky said is true, but what helped me most was going to get my pelvic bones measured on the 'Assometer' and getting a 143mm saddle instead of a 130mm saddle on my road bike. The make of saddle also matters - my Fizik Gobi 130mm lasted 7years on my Mtb, while a new Fizik Tundra had to burnt alive due to horrible pain from day one.

[lerouc]

Im built like a WP Prop and i also had the same problem. Ended up getting a 155mm Spez  henge saddle. Best 1.5k i have spent on my bike.

 

But also check the tilt of your saddle. Rather point it a bit forward and go check it out if still persist get a new saddle. All bike shops have test saddles (even though i broke the spez test saddle).

[Eugene Brown]

Have to agree with the above comments, I was contemplating a DIY castration as a result of the stinging, burning pain I endured after starting to cycle again after a break of many years. I went for a bike setup, and found that when on the bike in pedalling position, my "backward tilted" saddle was actually digging into my jewels, and also "stretching" the tender parts open as a result of being too wide across the sit bones. Fitted a Fizik saddle suited to my flexibility, and the saddle was adjusted to be level. It was like a miracle: instant bollock pain relief   .

A bit of money to invest in the bike fit and saddle, but well worth it. Cudos to CycleFit for saving my knackers!

[Thomo]

Bike fit, suitable saddle, and don't underestimate the value of a good quality bibshorts.

Also develop good cycling habits - get out of the saddle often and give your nether regions a break.

[Vanzyl]

Two ErgoFits, two different saddle style selections.....the saddle fits are not specific enough and variety is very limited.....selle italia has a ID system but dont know of anyone offering it.....shops should really be offering better saddle fits.

[Martin PJ]

Different shaped butts need different shaped saddles. The best saddle makers in my opinion are Selle Italia and Fizik. I reckon find a shop that stocks these brands, then try a wide variety of both. One of these brands will certainly make a saddle that would solve your problems.

[GlockG4]

Had the same issue, and i spent an embarrassing amount of money on saddles. I tried the fizik flexible sadles, gobi ect. Ended up going with a Fizik Antares. It cost me a pretty penny, but i tilted it SLIGHTLY down with a proper bib and the problem was solved. I would also recommend the sella italia slr. It also depends on how aggressive your setup is. I have a very racing orientated setup, so i tilted my sadle a bit more. But again, that is just me and what worked for me. Also remember the price of the saddle is not always a reflection of comfort and quality.

[AlanD]

Pressure relieving saddles can help with this. You get ones that have a groove amd one that are cut out.

 

Correct angle and fore and aft position must be correct and a bike fit can sort this out.

 

Also good quality shorts/bibs as has been mentioned. A good point that was made is to get out thensaddle often to relieve that area so stand up on your bike often.

[NelAndre]

Im built like a WP Prop and i also had the same problem. Ended up getting a 155mm Spez  henge saddle. Best 1.5k i have spent on my bike.

 

But also check the tilt of your saddle. Rather point it a bit forward and go check it out if still persist get a new saddle. All bike shops have test saddles (even though i broke the spez test saddle).

Ha ha ha----there is hope for me!

[karlito]

Measure your sit bones. I used to have a 143 and after measuring it turned out I need a 155.

 

Also keep in mind saddles with lots of padding tend to put more pressure on veins so the whole area gets numb where harder saddles will focus pressure on sit bones.

[lechatnoir]

Ditto anyone suggesting a bike fitting. It'll help more than just your netherregions

[eddy]

I found luck with a Gobi, but it really is a personal fit matter.

 

After my very first race, the Sun City 100 in about 1998 I won R1000 because I bet someone that I would put my mielie on the restaurant table and let her hit it with a pudding spoon......

 

I had an incentive to change.

[philip.maree]

The Specialized Power saddle has worked the best for me. 

[Wez-O]

As mentioned, bike setup is the best thing you can do.

 

I like the Spezialised saddles with the "cut out" middle but saddles are very much a thing of personal preference. Try a few but the key is making sure you are on the correct width saddle.