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Perineum issues. INSANELY frustrating

Old 09-05-21, 08:17 AM
  #26  
Iride01 
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Measuring sit bones is questionable to me. The structures that we call our sit bones narrow as the pelvis leans forward. So the saddle profile has to match that.

I'd wonder if part of the OP issue is that they are being pulled forward on their saddle still from a poor fit and as another mentioned simply sitting to heavy in their saddle. A slow rider will sit heavier than a fast rider in the saddle, IMO.

It might be that the OP needs a different style bike for their riding if they are just out for a long leisure ride.
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Old 09-05-21, 08:39 AM
  #27  
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Yes, could be very frustrating.
I was married less than a week and the saddle coming out of adjustment on the way home from work made it so my second favorite sport was not happening for most of that night. I was able to solve the problem with a new seat post and didn't have to choose which sport to get rid of. I'm still married after nearly 38years.
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Old 09-05-21, 09:12 AM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by Rick
I was married less than a week and the saddle coming out of adjustment on the way home from work made it so my second favorite sport was not happening for most of that night. I was able to solve the problem with a new seat post and didn't have to choose which sport to get rid of. I'm still married after nearly 38years.
That was quick thinking. She must have loved that seatpost.
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Old 09-05-21, 09:45 AM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by Iride01
Measuring sit bones is questionable to me. The structures that we call our sit bones narrow as the pelvis leans forward. So the saddle profile has to match that.

I'd wonder if part of the OP issue is that they are being pulled forward on their saddle still from a poor fit and as another mentioned simply sitting to heavy in their saddle. A slow rider will sit heavier than a fast rider in the saddle, IMO.

It might be that the OP needs a different style bike for their riding if they are just out for a long leisure ride.
If everyone measures them the same way, the measurement you get might not be the exact functional width between the ischial tuberosities, but it will tell you whether you need a narrow, medium, or wide saddle. It's like an instrument that gives a consistent bias in the readings - you still get useful information.
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Old 09-05-21, 10:07 AM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by Iride01
Measuring sit bones is questionable to me. The structures that we call our sit bones narrow as the pelvis leans forward. So the saddle profile has to match that.
Most instructions take pelvic tilt in to account, whether by measuring while tilted or by compensating afterward.
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Old 09-05-21, 10:52 AM
  #31  
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It's not that I'm opposed to getting sit bones measured. I just don't put much faith that that will be the miracle for the OP. Just trying saddles in general that have different widths and profiles will cover that with out even having to know what the sit bone measurement is.

Since the angle of ones pelvis on the saddle will make a difference, then I'm not certain that measurement even applies because when in my normal riding position on the hoods, I'm not even on the part of the saddle that they measure width at. So still it gets back to the particular profile of that individual saddle.

Perhaps the measurement should be made when in a more upright position. However just like measuring a person for the right size bike frame, this is measurement that probably doesn't work for all. There is still some judgement, artistry and hokus pokus that goes into suggesting the right saddle or bike for another.
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Old 09-05-21, 12:49 PM
  #32  
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At one point, I went with the recommendation based on the Specialized ass-o-meter. I did not hear or see anything that took into account anything about the pubic rami, the parts of the pelvis that come forward from the ischial tuberosities.

If it's not a prostate problem, it's probably excessive pressure on your pubic nerve and/or artery. I recommend reading the Selle SMP patent application and the material on ismseat.com on the design principles of their ,,,um... device (the one that fits on a seat post which is typically inserted into the seat tube).
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Old 09-05-21, 10:10 PM
  #33  
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Tilt the nose of the saddle down just a hair. Keep doing that till you find your sit-bones.
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Old 09-06-21, 12:53 PM
  #34  
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It's not that I'm opposed to getting sit bones measured. I just don't put much faith that that will be the miracle for the OP. Just trying saddles in general that have different widths and profiles will cover that with out even having to know what the sit bone measurement is.

Since the angle of ones pelvis on the saddle will make a difference, then I'm not certain that measurement even applies because when in my normal riding position on the hoods, I'm not even on the part of the saddle that they measure width at. So still it gets back to the particular profile of that individual saddle.

Perhaps the measurement should be made when in a more upright position. However just like measuring a person for the right size bike frame, this is measurement that probably doesn't work for all. There is still some judgement, artistry and hokus pokus that goes into suggesting the right saddle or bike for another.
If you ride a road bike with the handlebars. lower than the seat height by some inches than a narrower seat and a different saddle angle is needed than on something like this.

I believe sit bone width can have some effect on the OPs problem but it is most likely more of a seat angle problem. The OP has declined to show pictures of the bicycle and there riding position, so we are just speculating about this.
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Old 09-06-21, 01:27 PM
  #35  
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Originally Posted by Chuckles1
Maybe a recumbent bike if you want to stick with cycling.
Even a recumbent is no guaranteed fix. But yes, perineal problems with bents are extremely rare. Reason: You're sitting on a seat, not a saddle. There are several problems with bents:
1. They're an expensive 'fix.'
2. The common "slower up and faster on down/flats" story isn't entirely true, mostly because things aren't that simple. But it's safe to say they're different.
3. They take a different set of muscles and riding technique. Balance is different when you're more reclined.

Here's a photo taken during the build of my avatar bike, to illustrate the seat. Lowracers are finicky beasts. But faster than stink.

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Old 09-06-21, 07:05 PM
  #36  
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Originally Posted by pgjackson
Tilt the nose of the saddle down just a hair. Keep doing that till you find your sit-bones.
And then tilt the seat back until you're not slipping forward, and you'll find the right position for the saddle.
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Old 09-10-21, 06:56 AM
  #37  
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Just to close this out, OP has found a solution.
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Old 09-10-21, 07:07 AM
  #38  
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yup
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Old 09-10-21, 11:38 AM
  #39  
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^ I don't understand ANY of this discussion at all. Really?

The OP complains of soft tissue pressure BETWEEN the supporting points of his pelvic bone(s). That means that it's not the pitch angle of the saddle, but the CROWN or CROSS-SECTION of the saddle between where the pelvis is supported. That's where the interference is. Too much contact where it's not needed at all.

So, OP, why don't you post a photo of the saddle that you're riding? I going to offer a blind guess that in cross-section at the seat area, it's bowed downward toward the sides or crowned. Also, it's likely that you have one that has gel padding or some such, so is too thick and/or soft. This spreads out the contact pressure, which you don't want.

You want a concave saddle, one with a pronounced channel that cannot give pressure. The sit points should be firm and flat, and as narrow as needed to support your pelvis at the tilt angle(s) where you will ride. Your fitter should have already explained this to you. A better anatomical saddle would be advisable.

Look at Kontact saddles, for example.
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Old 09-11-21, 07:42 PM
  #40  
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Stand more
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Old 09-12-21, 12:39 AM
  #41  
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Originally Posted by shelbyfv
Entirely possible.
I wouldn’t go that far yet. Have you tried lowering the saddle 2 mm at a time? Improvement would be that you are able to ride a little longer before pain returns. Too much pressure can’t be relieved by raising the saddle. Also, try to feel if your sit bones are on the wide part of the saddle, and are staying there. You can sit on your finger to check this. If not, move the saddle a few mm forward. If you feel that you might be sliding forward just by sitting, raise the saddle nose just a millimeter at a time, or the smallest possible amount.
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Old 09-12-21, 12:47 AM
  #42  
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Originally Posted by Phil_gretz
^ I don't understand ANY of this discussion at all. Really?

The OP complains of soft tissue pressure BETWEEN the supporting points of his pelvic bone(s). That means that it's not the pitch angle of the saddle, but the CROWN or CROSS-SECTION of the saddle between where the pelvis is supported. That's where the interference is. Too much contact where it's not needed at all.

So, OP, why don't you post a photo of the saddle that you're riding? I going to offer a blind guess that in cross-section at the seat area, it's bowed downward toward the sides or crowned. Also, it's likely that you have one that has gel padding or some such, so is too thick and/or soft. This spreads out the contact pressure, which you don't want.

You want a concave saddle, one with a pronounced channel that cannot give pressure. The sit points should be firm and flat, and as narrow as needed to support your pelvis at the tilt angle(s) where you will ride. Your fitter should have already explained this to you. A better anatomical saddle would be advisable.

Look at Kontact saddles, for example.
Kontact would not be a bad idea, nor would a Selle Anatomica or a Brooks Imperial. Also I beg to differ: I think perineal pain can be caused by a saddle of the shape you describe if the body is sliding forward off of the support points.
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Old 09-12-21, 12:56 AM
  #43  
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Originally Posted by shelbyfv
Just to close this out, OP has found a solution.
When I started to try to self-fit, I found I had to let any pains or injuries, like abrasion or excessive pressure, heal before testing out a new position. Because I had a target of an event ride and had to train for it (60 miles a day two days in a row), the first metric was to ride long enough and often enough to actually improve my distance at about 12 mph average.
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Old 09-12-21, 04:55 AM
  #44  
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Originally Posted by Road Fan
Kontact would not be a bad idea, nor would a Selle Anatomica or a Brooks Imperial. Also I beg to differ: I think perineal pain can be caused by a saddle of the shape you describe if the body is sliding forward off of the support points.
I agree.
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Old 09-12-21, 05:24 AM
  #45  
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I really like the Specialized Power saddles, they come in wide sizes which allows most everyone to find a saddle width where the sit bones are adequately supported, and come with a cutout.

I angle it down a bit (designed to be done that way), set it low enough that it doesn't cause undue pressure or instability while pedalling, and basically it disappears under me, could and did go on basically all day without issue.
​​​​​
​​​​​​Basically the idea is to avoid contact between the perineum and the saddle. If the nose is sticking up, well then. Stopping sliding forward by pushing against the saddle with your sensitive bits doesn't sound like a capital idea.
​​​​​

Last edited by Branko D; 09-12-21 at 05:30 AM.
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