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2012-09-17 7:18 PM

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Subject: Bike Numbmess in men

Ok I know this has been talked about a lot and there is so much info but I have tried everything and cannot seem to get it done. Here is my problem, when biking after 3-4 miles I get numb down below. I have tried everything that I could think of and think I narrowed it down to my saddle. this is what i have done.

New bike purchase- needed one anyways and was hoping a smaller bike, 52 vs 56 would work. my original bike was a craigslist find to get me throgh my first year and did not know what I needed.

Pro bike fit- finally got one for my new bike hoping that would help.

First saddle was Felt basic saddle with bike, no slots or much cusion.

Profile Design gel saddle with slot in middle. No change.

 

Any ideas if this is still the saddle? Any saddles recommended? Thanks guys, although I wont stop biking it would be great fix this.



2012-09-17 7:35 PM
in reply to: #4415635

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Subject: RE: Bike Numbmess in men
snyder2165 - 2012-09-17 5:18 PM

Ok I know this has been talked about a lot and there is so much info but I have tried everything and cannot seem to get it done. Here is my problem, when biking after 3-4 miles I get numb down below. I have tried everything that I could think of and think I narrowed it down to my saddle. this is what i have done.

New bike purchase- needed one anyways and was hoping a smaller bike, 52 vs 56 would work. my original bike was a craigslist find to get me throgh my first year and did not know what I needed.

Pro bike fit- finally got one for my new bike hoping that would help.

First saddle was Felt basic saddle with bike, no slots or much cusion.

Profile Design gel saddle with slot in middle. No change.

 

Any ideas if this is still the saddle? Any saddles recommended? Thanks guys, although I wont stop biking it would be great fix this.

You might try some of the online stores like Trisport that have the Saddle program where you rent a saddle, try it out and see if it helps before spending the money on purchasing.  I am strongly considering the Adamo Saddle myself.  Nice empty slot in the middle with plenty of support on either side and back.

2012-09-17 8:13 PM
in reply to: #4415667

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Subject: RE: Bike Numbmess in men
TriGuyBri - 2012-09-17 7:35 PM
snyder2165 - 2012-09-17 5:18 PM

Ok I know this has been talked about a lot and there is so much info but I have tried everything and cannot seem to get it done. Here is my problem, when biking after 3-4 miles I get numb down below. I have tried everything that I could think of and think I narrowed it down to my saddle. this is what i have done.

New bike purchase- needed one anyways and was hoping a smaller bike, 52 vs 56 would work. my original bike was a craigslist find to get me throgh my first year and did not know what I needed.

Pro bike fit- finally got one for my new bike hoping that would help.

First saddle was Felt basic saddle with bike, no slots or much cusion.

Profile Design gel saddle with slot in middle. No change.

 

Any ideas if this is still the saddle? Any saddles recommended? Thanks guys, although I wont stop biking it would be great fix this.

You might try some of the online stores like Trisport that have the Saddle program where you rent a saddle, try it out and see if it helps before spending the money on purchasing.  I am strongly considering the Adamo Saddle myself.  Nice empty slot in the middle with plenty of support on either side and back.

 

I was having the same problem until I switched to an Adamo saddle.  I also got my bike fit properly.  The combination worked for me.  I am considering trying a Cobb saddle now, but only because I can't leave well enough alone.

2012-09-17 8:37 PM
in reply to: #4415635

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Subject: RE: Bike Numbmess in men
ditto on the adamo saddle, takes some getting used to, but I would not switch now.  I have the prologue and the typhoon.
2012-09-17 9:33 PM
in reply to: #4415635

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Subject: RE: Bike Numbmess in men

Thanks guys, although I wont stop biking it would be great fix this.


You might consider taking a break at least until you can try the other options (bike, fit, saddles).  You can do long-term harm if you keep riding until you go numb.  If you're determined to keep riding your current setup, stand up or shift position every couple minutes to keep circulation going.

2012-09-17 10:29 PM
in reply to: #4415635

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Subject: RE: Bike Numbmess in men
I would recommend immediately trying out an ISM saddle such as the adamo racing II. I had a saddle that worked for one season but the following I kept going numb after a few miles. Not something to mess with it can be serious if ignored. Went with the ISM racing II saddle and it took a few weeks to get used to but I have loved the choice and have not had a problem since. Check out the classifieds or online for a good deal. Well worth the price rather than suffering the consequences. 


2012-09-18 8:30 AM
in reply to: #4415635

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Subject: RE: Bike Numbmess in men
Before you do permanent damage to yourself, take a break from biking and in that time, find a good fitter and get a bike fit. In that session, also discuss saddle options that may work for you, your type of riding/racing, etc.
2012-09-18 10:20 AM
in reply to: #4415635

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Subject: RE: Bike Numbmess in men

Try a Cobb saddle.  Call them up, tell them your experience/how you ride and they'll help you choose the right saddle.  They have a 180 day no questions asked return policy, so if you don't like it you can return it or swap out for a different saddle.  I used the Profile Tristryke which didn't work because the gel just squeezed into the cutout.  I then tried the Adamo Race2 and Typhoon, which were better but after awhile when I'd come off the saddle it would hurt like hell, which I determined was because the prongs/nose was too wide.  Switched to the Cobb V-Flow Max which is a bit narrower and has been just about perfect for me.  They use memory foam which is more dense and doesn't squish around like gel. I also saw they just released a new saddle called the Gen2 which is supposed to be a combination tri/road seat.  They're not cheap, $160-$200, but finding the seat that actually works is definately worth it.

If you do decide to try an Adamo, I suggest finding a used one on here or Slowtwitch.  You can usually find them around $100 and if it doesn't work you can resell it and get most or all of your money back.  I sold my Race for the same as what I paid for it.  There's lots of them being resold because they don't work for everyone.  You won't find many Cobbs since they can be returned, and they ones I've seen pop up on eBay go for too close to retail to give up the return policy.

Also, good bike shorts help.  Desoto 400 mile shorts help make any saddle feel better.  Chamois cream too.



Edited by mshawgo 2012-09-18 10:23 AM
2012-09-18 11:18 AM
in reply to: #4415635

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Subject: RE: Bike Numbmess in men
This tread is turning into a bike saddle recommendation thread... and yes, it can be the saddle, but more often than not, this is a bike fitting issue. You're simply putting pressure where you shouldn't.
2012-09-18 11:33 AM
in reply to: #4416564

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Subject: RE: Bike Numbmess in men

audiojan - 2012-09-18 12:18 PM This tread is turning into a bike saddle recommendation thread... and yes, it can be the saddle, but more often than not, this is a bike fitting issue. You're simply putting pressure where you shouldn't.

The OP did say he got a Pro bike fit.

2012-09-18 11:40 AM
in reply to: #4415635

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Subject: RE: Bike Numbmess in men
I'll third the Adamo.  I tried the Cobb Plus and still got numb, but no such problems with the Adamo Road.


2012-09-18 11:41 AM
in reply to: #4415635

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Subject: RE: Bike Numbmess in men
Adamo century for me, and no problems..........
2012-09-18 11:57 AM
in reply to: #4416593

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Subject: RE: Bike Numbmess in men
Nipper - 2012-09-18 12:33 PM

audiojan - 2012-09-18 12:18 PM This tread is turning into a bike saddle recommendation thread... and yes, it can be the saddle, but more often than not, this is a bike fitting issue. You're simply putting pressure where you shouldn't.

The OP did say he got a Pro bike fit.



Yes he did, but that doesn't mean that it was perfect... this is why most fitters do include follow up fittings in the original cost. I bet the reason why you see so many barely used saddles for sale all the time is because of this near endless chase for the perfect saddle...
2012-09-18 4:03 PM
in reply to: #4415635

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Subject: RE: Bike Numbmess in men
Thanks for the info guys. I am going to find an Adamo and start there. BTW i got my fit with the profile design tristryke and will go back when i get new saddle. Thanks again.
2012-09-25 11:59 PM
in reply to: #4415635


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Subject: RE: Bike Numbmess in men
I put Dr. Achilles gels on the saddle just under my ischial tuberosities. Worked for me on my recent 70.3!
2012-09-26 8:05 PM
in reply to: #4415635

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Miami Beach
Subject: RE: Bike Numbmess in men
+ whatever on the ISM. I got an Adamo TT and no more numbness. For me the issue is the nose of the saddle hitting right at the pudendal nerve/artery. With Adamo, no nose. I am also looking ino a better bike short. TYR are making a short with a pad in the shape of the ISM saddles


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