Numbness and the search for a saddle
 

I understand saddles are a very subjective thing. But, with age (67) I've found that the frequency with which I'm experiencing numbness has entered the realm of concern for me. At least half of the time in the saddle... I'm numb. I have adjusted my saddle position numerous times. I have experimented with standard saddles, Brooks, ones with various cutouts. My next move is to get an ISM saddle and see how that goes.

I tend to rotate my hips forward (naturally) as I get into my grove. But, the numbness can be brought upon from a relaxed position too.

With that said, I ask for your help and suggestions.

If you are having that much trouble with different saddles, it isn't the saddle. The majority of saddle problems have nothing to do with the saddle, it has to do with the fit. Usually, the seat is too high, that will cause you to not be stable on the saddle, and you will not sit back on it, but instead will put more pressure on the perineum, causing your problem. Excessive reach is another cause of the problem.

I had the issue myself. The answer was dropping the saddle height. That fixed my perineum pain, my hip pain, and lower back pain. In other words, I am now comfortable on the bike, with a standard B17, no cutout, for as many miles as I want to ride. 70 mile days on tour are no issue. None, and I can do it again the next day with no problem. In addition, I now pedal more efficiently. I pedal more fluidly throughout the entire revolution.

Start here: https://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com...ard-can-it-be/


https://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com...d-can-it-be-2/

There is also a good article on seat setback. https://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com...or-road-bikes/

I appreciate the input. I will rethink my position on the bike and see what I can do.

Yeah seat too high. Also try pedaling at slower cadence using bigger gears - this usually works.

I have 3 rides under my belt with my seat lowered and it is significantly better. I'm just hoping my knee problem doesn't come back. About 4 years ago I was trying to reduce a very small twinge in my knee and I found that raising my seat helped. Maybe I just went to high(?)

possible seat height was too high

maybe also check for proper seat fore-aft position

and make sure you warm up properly - before you hit the hills or up the pace

and spin (vs mash/pound) ... pushing tall gears (at low spin rate) can be bad for the knees

After any fit change on the bike, take it easy for a while in order to give your body time to adjust. The earlier comment regarding spinning vs mashing is important. If you are in too high of a gear, and have to bear down hard on the pedals, you will be more apt to have knee problems than if you are spinning in an easier gear.

Thank you. I took it real easy on these last 3 rides and things do seem much better. What I need now is a micro adjust seat post. The one I have is indexed and does not allow for small adjustments.