Impotence and the Saddle (References to penis.)

[Kookas]

Sometimes after a ride, I get a pretty bad burning sensation in the tip of my penis. I'm thinking it's poor design on the saddle's part - anyone had a similar issue and solved it? Last thing I want is erectile dysfunction. I'm thinking a cut-out saddle might help, but no idea. It might just move the pressure into other places and make it worse.

Obviously depends on how well bestowed you are, but any ideas are welcome.

 

[MattHB]

It's more likely that the saddle is tipped up too much at the front. Are you able to post a side on shot of the bike?

 

[Hip Priest]

I used to experience numbness, so took some advice on here (from ColinJ I think) and tilted the nose down a couple of degrees. Hey presto, no more numbness. I doubt the size of your willy plays a part, but weight does, so it is more likely with heavier riders.

 

[Kies]

Try adjusting the angle of the saddle. Just a degree or two might help. If not,then try another saddle with a groove or cut out as you suggested

 

[Hitchington]

It's more likely that the saddle is tipped up too much at the front. Are you able to post a side on shot of the bike?

I'm glad you stipulated the photo needed to be of the bike.

 

[User19783]

Hi,
Ive been cycling for years, never had any problems,
but all my bikes have brooks saddles, and there tip down at the front slightly.
Another thing, do you use clean padded shorts?

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Plastic underwear can cause friction burns a bit like acrylic shirts rubbing the nipples sore.

 

[snorri]

Make sure your weight is on your sit bones, and not between your legs.
Sitting on your bike saddle should not feel the same as sitting astride a scaffolding pole for example!

 

[Kookas]

I am 14 stone, so pretty heavy. Mostly because of my height and build.

This is the best photo i could get. The saddle as a whole does seem level, but it has a shape that means it rises near the front (why??).

I just adjusted it slightly to make it properly level. Hopefully problem solved, otherwise I'll need a new saddle.

I have been considering getting padded boxers for comfort actually. Thing is that I want to preserve being able to ride in the same stuff I wear for the day on my commute, and save any Lycra for the proper leisure rides.

 

[biggs682]

Kookas google smp saddles and read the blurb, just about to treat myself to a lite 209 saddle after a 3 week test

 

[jim55]

yeah ,defo try a saddle with a cutout ,i had the same ,i had the numb gooch syndrome and after being on the bike it took ages to go away and it made me question bike riding as app its quite common amongst those who spend a lot of time in the saddle ,but get the right saddle and itl b fine ,one thing to do is (as said above )make sure your putting any weight through your sit bones ,NOT the perineum ,I push myself back on the saddle and it feels as if your sitting quite far back ,but its the position to aim for in gen

 

[smokeysmoo]

I am 14 stone, so pretty heavy.

and pretty deluded you lightweight!

 

[ColinJ]

I used to experience numbness, so took some advice on here (from ColinJ I think) and tilted the nose down a couple of degrees. Hey presto, no more numbness. I doubt the size of your willy plays a part, but weight does, so it is more likely with heavier riders.

Glad to be of service!

Another thing which is important is to get the saddle's fore-aft position right. I have Fizik Ariones on 2 of my 3 bikes but bought a Specialized cut-out type for the 3rd one (because it was going for a bargain price in the LBS and I fancied seeing if the cut-out made much difference). I made the mistake of setting it up the way I do the Ariones but the saddles are different lengths and shapes. The result was that I was sitting too far forward on the new saddle and it was extremely uncomfortable. The narrower part of the front of the saddle was forcing it way up into where you don't want a saddle forcing! After that, I moved the saddle forward by almost 1 cm and my sit bones started taking the weight again (as they should) and there were no more problems!

 

[MattHB]

and pretty deluded you lightweight!

This!! 14st is not heavy...

 

[Kies]

I always found the Triban saddle very uncomfortable. Changed it immediately and never looked back (or down!)