Numb! Please suggest a WW saddle with cutout to help me.

Back by popular demand, the general all-things Road forum!

Moderator: robbosmans

RedRacer
Posts: 412
Joined: Sat Jan 21, 2006 6:13 pm

by RedRacer

erotero wrote:Check your position first and foremost. Have in mind that having a position where the body weight is not properly distributed will lead to pain, suffering and numbness on wither your hands or your "bazooka". Try lowering or lengthening the stem, or both. After you find the "right" fit, then you may try different saddles if necessary. I experienced a similar numbness issue and solved it by lowering the stem 2cm. This allowed not only to distribute the weight better, but also to sit on my bones rather than on the soft tissue. The more you lower your torso to reach the bars, the closer the sitting bones get to each other. Also make sure you have good pedaling habits and not rotate your knees outwards, but rather keep the knee rotation limited inline with your feet. Kicking your knees out promoted opening of the hips and it can too lead to numbness. Hmmmmm... I can't think of anything else... My 2 ¢...


I appreciate this advice and understand that I might have a basic set-up problem beyond just needing a new seat. I did get a 'professional' bike 'fit' (computer aided session) but they seemed more focused on efficiency and power than comfort. I read one article about fitting that suggests being able to comfotably support the weight of your torso while seated but still in the bent over position...as if this would lead to correct weighting on the sit bones. Any truth to it? Also saddle angle......if I am going numb do I tilt down a bit to lower the nose away from the soft tissue or tilt the saddle up to stop from sliding forward?

If only this was simple :)

BTW, I found this posted on another site and it sounds exactly the same as my problem! Maybe an SMP is in my future. Too bad they don't have wide ones (145mm+) that are also light weight.

I have been riding the SMP Composit (the one with no padding, just leather wrapped carbon). for several years now. It is the best saddle I have ever ridden. I am getting a little older, and have considered the Evolution, but my butt is sooo used to the Composit, I am sticking with it. Prior to this saddle, I rode an Arione, and had frequent "numbness" issues. I was constantly out of the saddle, letting my "parts" wake up from the numbness of the ride.

AGW
Posts: 477
Joined: Sun May 27, 2012 2:11 pm

by AGW

fdegrove wrote:Hi,

Not so sure about a solution.
It's an individual thing which could or could not be solved by proper fitting.
What is a crying shame however is that this problem, which to my mind falls into the professional hazard category even when it's not necessarily professionally induced, is all too often reduced to something that's just in your mind. Be that by your partner, your doctor or the general public at large.
To them it just can't be.

In reality however vessels do get compressed for hours in a row, nerves do go numb and your life suffers. For some reason beyond me most medical care services do not seem to take this as a serious dysfunction. It is.

That being said, I hear a good amount of praise about SMP saddles. Cutouts in saddles just don't work for me. Never heard of anyone claiming these did work for them but it's not entirely impossible.

Ciao, ;)


I'm confused by this post. Are you saying that numbness/compression/whatever is often reduced or denied by medical professionals and wives, but not vehemently so by riders themselves? I think it's the other way around. For example, I'm open to any excuse that blames fit vs the act of just sitting on a saddle. Seems like a problem that doesn't permeate the pro peloton the way it plagues hobbyists.

I'm also still interested in whether comfort can accurately serve as a guide for saddle "safety". Some here and in literature claim that vessels and nerves get compressed even riding in comfort, but I question to what extent.

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com



fdegrove
Tubbie Guru
Posts: 5894
Joined: Tue May 03, 2005 2:20 am
Location: Belgium

by fdegrove

Hi,

xnavalav8r wrote:I'm a fan of the older Selle Italia SLK. I have them on every bike I own as well as a number of extras since they are no longer made. I haven't had any numbness issues since I began using this model of saddle and have no plans to switch. I'll pay to have them recovered when necessary, which is cheaper than buying new saddles. I guess my point is, when you find something that works for you, stick with it.


Good to see this brilliant awarded design being resurfaced. For all those who suffer from leg length discrepancies this design idea is the way to go.
Since it allows for individual L/R flex of the shell it prevents the hip from suffering repeated excessive tilting.
Naturally there are other ways to counteract this. Cleat stackers are but one example.

Still this is an elegant way. It's a shame it's being phased out. Pity too it is/was so porkily heavy too.

Maybe something for the guys at SAEVID to pick up?
Some of us need custom frames, others are in dire need of a custom saddle maker....
I'd also like to see custom insole makers . Fibre-lyte biting?

Ciao, ;)
Being a snob is an expensive hobby.

refthimos
Posts: 411
Joined: Fri May 25, 2012 6:02 pm

by refthimos

You need to try the Dash Strike.9. Two prong design like the Adamo, but more comfy IMHO. And completely WW approved at around 100g (padded) or you can get the integrated saddle/post at about 200g or so.

www.dashcycles.com
EVO1 | 5.37kg
EVO3 (sold) | 6.51kg
EVO4 | build thread coming soon
S5 Disc
SystemSix (sold) | 8.01kg
P5 Disc | heavy but fast

User avatar
erotero
Posts: 90
Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2011 7:15 pm
Location: Columbus, OH - U.S. of A.

by erotero

RedRacer wrote:I appreciate this advice and understand that I might have a basic set-up problem beyond just needing a new seat. I did get a 'professional' bike 'fit' (computer aided session) but they seemed more focused on efficiency and power than comfort. I read one article about fitting that suggests being able to comfotably support the weight of your torso while seated but still in the bent over position...as if this would lead to correct weighting on the sit bones. Any truth to it? Also saddle angle......if I am going numb do I tilt down a bit to lower the nose away from the soft tissue or tilt the saddle up to stop from sliding forward?

If only this was simple :)

BTW, I found this posted on another site and it sounds exactly the same as my problem! Maybe an SMP is in my future. Too bad they don't have wide ones (145mm+) that are also light weight.

I have been riding the SMP Composit (the one with no padding, just leather wrapped carbon). for several years now. It is the best saddle I have ever ridden. I am getting a little older, and have considered the Evolution, but my butt is sooo used to the Composit, I am sticking with it. Prior to this saddle, I rode an Arione, and had frequent "numbness" issues. I was constantly out of the saddle, letting my "parts" wake up from the numbness of the ride.


I too ride an SMP Composit and it has helped, but it was painful prior to adjusting my riding position. The saddle must always be leveled, SMP being the exception as its form allows for some small adjustment, but its almost to level (I level mine from lowers part of ridge in the back to the highest point of the nose). Low nose on saddle will make you slide forward and put too much weight/pressure on your hands. High nose will... well we all know what that will do. Besides, efficiency and power cannot be achieved if one is not comfortable as most energy will be spent counteracting the pain.
MASTER says... FASTER!!! ...but my leg still hurts...

fdegrove
Tubbie Guru
Posts: 5894
Joined: Tue May 03, 2005 2:20 am
Location: Belgium

by fdegrove

Hi,

AGW wrote:
fdegrove wrote:Hi,

Not so sure about a solution.
It's an individual thing which could or could not be solved by proper fitting.
What is a crying shame however is that this problem, which to my mind falls into the professional hazard category even when it's not necessarily professionally induced, is all too often reduced to something that's just in your mind. Be that by your partner, your doctor or the general public at large.
To them it just can't be.

In reality however vessels do get compressed for hours in a row, nerves do go numb and your life suffers. For some reason beyond me most medical care services do not seem to take this as a serious dysfunction. It is.

That being said, I hear a good amount of praise about SMP saddles. Cutouts in saddles just don't work for me. Never heard of anyone claiming these did work for them but it's not entirely impossible.

Ciao, ;)


I'm confused by this post. Are you saying that numbness/compression/whatever is often reduced or denied by medical professionals and wives, but not vehemently so by riders themselves? I think it's the other way around. For example, I'm open to any excuse that blames fit vs the act of just sitting on a saddle. Seems like a problem that doesn't permeate the pro peloton the way it plagues hobbyists.

I'm also still interested in whether comfort can accurately serve as a guide for saddle "safety". Some here and in literature claim that vessels and nerves get compressed even riding in comfort, but I question to what extent.


What I'm saying is that I'm often met with doctors who seem to believe that being on a saddle all day does not or can not have any effect whatsoever on your genitals and any related part for that matter.
I also say that this problem can be reduced somewhat by a perfect fit on a bike to which I agree.

Bottomline is my impression is that most doctors mentally start from an ideal person sitting atop an equally ideal saddle and riding that for five miles or so.
IOW to them riding a bike can't possibly have any impact whatsoever on your sex life.

I'm saying this is a problem and to my mind it is a major one. Hence the header of this topic. Hence the cry for help.
Without a healthy sexual relationship you're on your own. Solo.
If your doctor does not accept this may be saddle related, how do you think your wife will accept your excuse?

Ciao, ;)
Being a snob is an expensive hobby.

User avatar
Kjetil
Posts: 2853
Joined: Sat Jul 30, 2011 1:17 pm
Location: Hamar, Norway
Contact:

by Kjetil

Curiously:
I had my reproductive powers removed last autumn. The vasectomy was done by one of the urologists that performed one of the studies that led to the development of the Selle SMP saddle shape. Nice to have a topic of conversation while under the knife. :thumbup:

--

I never have had any trouble while using the original SI Flite saddles, and I still have one on my mountain bike, but must say that the total lack of pressure on the perineum while riding a Selle SMP Full Carbon is a whole lot more comfortable. I run mine with the forward high point 11 mm lower than the rear high point.
Bianchi-Campagnolo
The Specialissima
Gylne Gutuer, the UCI 1.2 bike race I invented.

MileHighMark
Posts: 199
Joined: Sun Apr 01, 2007 10:50 pm

by MileHighMark

What's the padding like on the SLK? Is it as hard as, say, what's used on the Turbomatic (non-gel/flow version)?
GRAVELBIKE.COM - ride everything

fdegrove
Tubbie Guru
Posts: 5894
Joined: Tue May 03, 2005 2:20 am
Location: Belgium

by fdegrove

Hi,

I never have had any trouble while using the original SI Flite saddles, and I still have one on my mountain bike, but must say that the total lack of pressure on the perineum while riding a Selle SMP Full Carbon is a whole lot more comfortable. I run mine with the forward high point 11 mm lower than the rear high point.


Said it before, will say it again: if only they'd make them lighter and less expensive. Mostly the latter really. It's just plain ridiculous.

What's the padding like on the SLK? Is it as hard as, say, what's used on the Turbomatic (non-gel/flow version)?


It's fine, not overdone like on some saddles.
There used to be gel version on offer IIRC but you don't want that.
SSM's Aspide range (not the composite/carbon fibre ones) can be made to be quite flexy at the wings which can be rather accommodating for those with leg discrepancies or those who like the idea of flex in that area.
An idea that isn't so daft as it allows for a more "rounded" pedal stroke and better power transfer. Almost eliminating dead spots avoiding rocking of the hip in the process.

Ciao, ;)
Being a snob is an expensive hobby.

User avatar
Kjetil
Posts: 2853
Joined: Sat Jul 30, 2011 1:17 pm
Location: Hamar, Norway
Contact:

by Kjetil

Yeah, I got that Full Carbon for the MSRP of a steel railed Dynamic when my very LBS couldn't get hold of one in Celeste. An offer I couldn't refuse.
Bianchi-Campagnolo
The Specialissima
Gylne Gutuer, the UCI 1.2 bike race I invented.

User avatar
keith
Posts: 81
Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2008 10:38 pm
Location: North Wales
Contact:

by keith

Just a thought - how long are you riding sat down if you experience pain or numbness? On any ride on my road-bike I spend some time, say a minute or so every 20 minutes, (very rough guess) out of the saddle to let my 'saddle area' recover. So far I've not had any problems on long rides, up to around 7 hours long.
Riding my road bikes around Eryri

http://www.strava.com/athletes/keith_robertson" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

User avatar
Powerful Pete
Moderator
Posts: 4132
Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2004 10:22 am
Location: Lima, Peru and the Washington DC area - it's complicated.

by Powerful Pete

1. All butts are different, so all we can do is offer advice.

2. Position checking...

3. Arione works well for me. Another saddle, with cutout, that worked exceedingly well has been the San Marco Mantra.

Not recommending that site or retailer, just first picture that I clicked on when I googled...
Road bike: Cervelo R3, Campagnolo Chorus/Record mix...
Supercommuter: Jamis Renegade...
Oldie but goodie: De Rosa Professional Slx, Campagnolo C-Record...
And you can call me Macktastik Honey Pete Kicks, thank you.

xjustice09x
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Nov 11, 2010 9:29 pm

by xjustice09x

I just switched to a Romin pro this weekend. The Antares made me go numb on my new bike. It worked fine on my old bike.

My fitter let me demo a Romin pro 155, and it immediately felt much better than the Antares. I could feel all my weight on my site bones where it should be. My fitter said that is the first saddle he usually recommends to people because it works so well for so many people. He also said the evo model doesnt fit people as well. I havent ridden an evo so I dont know how much of a difference there is.

On my ride today I probably would have gone numb 4-5 times riding the antares. With the romin I didnt go numb at all.

addictR1
Posts: 1878
Joined: Sun Jun 10, 2012 1:11 am

by addictR1

refthimos wrote:You need to try the Dash Strike.9. Two prong design like the Adamo, but more comfy IMHO. And completely WW approved at around 100g (padded) or you can get the integrated saddle/post at about 200g or so.

http://www.dashcycles.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


i started riding on fizik arione... i was so numb after a 20 miles ride it just didn't feel anything. then switched to adamo road, which was nice, didn't have any more pain, but still have some numbness. then switched to the ISM century, what a butt saver.. but on the heavy side. after a 36 miles ride.. my boys still get a bit numb, but nothing too bad like before.

with these, i notice you tend to lean forward a bit more than regular saddle, but with your boys out in front.. it's nice.

thanks for the link on the dashcycle.. that looks interesting. might give that a try. worse case.. i can always looking into this guy i bumped into at Tiburon.. riding a Cdale Super Six with EASYSEAT2.

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com



dieselgeezer
Posts: 91
Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2010 4:57 pm

by dieselgeezer

Have found that saddles with cut outs are much better. However, by tilting the front down by up to 10mm over the saddle length makes it much better. You're forced to sit on your sit bones. You get used to the "sliding forward" feeling.

Post Reply