rperkins146

replacement saddle or no?


When I ride over an hour (40+ miles) I begin to get numb. Is this unavoidable or will a better saddle remedy this?






Thanks in advance

IAMAMRA

I would start with a bike fitting personally, as part of it they should help you evaluate if your saddle needs changing.

rperkins146

I have had a full fitting. Ride is much more enjoyable, saddle was adjusted but replacement was not mentioned.

IAMAMRA

Saddles are a PITA to get right sometimes, it might be worth trying out another saddle. I have heard good things about the infinity saddle, and almost bought one myself.

MikeRides

I'm surprised this hasn't been asked yet, but OP: how long have you been riding? Sometimes the answer is simply to: HTFU! Not trying to be mean, but if you've only gone on a couple longer distance rides, your current saddle and/or rump may not be completely broken in yet. One more tip to "speed" up the process of breaking in your rump so to speak, a very important one at that, is to get yourself a good pair of padded cycling shorts. Aero Tech Designs makes some great ones and even come in sizes for big guys like us.

rperkins146

been riding about 400 miles a month in season (8 months / year). I do have padded shorts.


This isn't a major issue, only curious if it's an avoidable one.

ill.clyde

There's a difference between being sore and being numb ...

You've talked a lot lately about indoor riding on a trainer ... is that when you're experiencing numbness?

Or are you talking about normal, outdoor rides?

I ask because if my trainer isn't set up perfectly, then I'm prone to numbness while riding indoors in winter. Check level on your trainer, and if needed, raise your front wheel til it is level.

If you're talking about outdoor rides ... there's a chance your saddle might be the slightest bit nosed up, and that can cause numbness. Adjust it down a bit to see if that helps.

I agree ... dialing in a saddle can be a PITA

But numbness is avoidable ... and shouldn't be laughed off. Without a long-term solution you'll do damage to the soft tissue down there.

Yendor72

I had numb bird syndrome and switched to an ISM Adamo noseless saddle. While that may be too extreme for you it sounds like you definitely need to fiddle with the position of your saddle. If its 40+ miles you can't be that far off though.

I wish I could ride at 40 mph.

ahanulec

That's the literal truth. 😀

rperkins146

I should have been more clear and concise, When I ride over (should have said a couple hours), like when I ride 40+ miles....

Heck I would be scared to death clipping along at 40mph.

kc0bbq

Do you occasionally take weight off the saddle? If you're not, you should stand on the pedals occasionally. Even with the right saddle it becomes a necessity to let your soft tissue recover a bit and get some extra blood flow a few times an hour.

ClydeTim

If you're riding 40 miles in an hour, I want some of what you're taking!

jsigone

even 40 kmph is damn impressive

ahanulec

To bring this back you could certainly try another saddle. I was comfortable on shorter rides, less than 90 minutes, and switched over to a Selle Anatomica. This saddle seems to disappear beneath me. It has been great.

I should say that I have a parts bin with four other saddles that didn't work as well. It's an expensive process but can be worth it when you find your match.

fietsbob

I Am not riding your bike, You are, ask your back side what it would like...

Cheap way Try 'Take Offs' at the LBS, They're new,.but customers dont always like the saddle that was boxed up in the factory.

You might read thru a few thousand prior saddle threads in the archives for amusement, at least..






...

rperkins146

I plan on talking to my LBS this week.

Thanks for your input.

jsigone

your LBS should have a device that you set on. its gel and moves to your sit bones. It will reveal your seat bone size and which size to shop for. It won't tell you if you will prefer a cut out or channel or solid.

PatrickR400

One thing that is not often considered is the fit of biking shorts. Are they snug, and is the chamois in the right place? If they are not snug the chamois may move around. If the chamois is not in the right place, between your sit bones, and the spot you sit on the saddle, it may bet painful.

Also think chamois cream; use a generous amount.

kickstart

Maybe, maybe not,,

Seeing that you have stats, and strava in your sig line, you're obviously a sport orientated cyclist. For those of us who are transportation or recreational cyclists, we shouldn't need bike shorts and chamois creme to prevent issues unless something else is wrong.

IAMAMRA

i am far from sports orientated..i ride with a freaking kitty litter bucket on my bike, and cycling shorts make a WORLD of difference for comfort. Shorts and creams, also help with chafing and with saddle sores(at least for me) which is not a fun experience.

IBOHUNT

and it feels awesome after 59 minutes

daytonmark

In a similar situation of getting numb, but I get numb at 30 minutes. Fairly new to riding, but after 4 months of 80 miles per week, the 30 minute hasn't changed...
One exception, I rented a bike on vacation and numbness didn't begin until the 1 hour mark. But different bike, saddle, etc.

So the question is where do I start? Local bike shop blew me off when I asked to be fit last fall. They showed me a few $$ saddles and never mentioned a professional fitting. Fitting first, then start trying different saddles?

deaninkl

I have a Brook B17, comfortable from day one and my bottom is the only part of me that doesn't hurt after a long ride. They do look dated but they work.

Jarrett2

Try tipping the nose of the saddle down in tiny amounts until the numbness goes away.

daytonmark

Thanks
I'll try