[Neuromancer]

I heard from someone that a certain type of seat can injure your reproductive capabilities if used over extended periods of time... is this true?

 

[Doc]

I have never heard this but would be very interested to see what people say.

 

[Neuromancer]

"In men, a sheath in the perineum, called Alcock's canal, contains an artery and a nerve that supply the male sex organ with blood and sensation. The canal runs along the side of a bone, Dr. Goldstein said, and when a cyclist sits hard on a narrow saddle, the artery and the nerve are compressed. Over time, a reduction of blood flow can mean that there is not enough pressure to achieve full erection."

 

[Naturegirl]

Hmm, just thought of a really mean Lance Armstrong joke....

 

[wildroot]

"In men, a sheath in the perineum, called Alcock's canal, contains an artery and a nerve that supply the male sex organ with blood and sensation. The canal runs along the side of a bone, Dr. Goldstein said, and when a cyclist sits hard on a narrow saddle, the artery and the nerve are compressed. Over time, a reduction of blood flow can mean that there is not enough pressure to achieve full erection."

Many modern seats have a relief area in the middle to prevent that. However if you are pulling the 25 year old road bike out of storage to ride again, you'll want to change the seat. And the tires, bars, brake pads, etc. Actually seats are referred to as saddles in the catalogs but I can't get in the habit of calling them that.

 

[zahgurim]

Most of the newer mid/high-end seats have either a very evident cutout, or relief channel built in to the center of the seat.

I like the Selle Italia Flight Trans Am. Comfy over a long period, and has the cutout for if I want to have brats (a long time in the future!).

 

[bootht99]

i've heard of this. i always try to not lean too far forward, and i have a softer seat on with a channel in the middle. still doesn't save your testicles during accidents, rough trails, or sudden stops though....i'll have to start looking for some spandex undies. haha

 

[TxCyclist]

Hmm, just thought of a really mean Lance Armstrong joke....

Didn't he just have another kid? God must want Armstrong's.

 

[riderman14]

i've been riding for 45 years or better,and everything seems to be working just fine! and i can produce reffrences on that!!! ride on

 

[Andymerch]

Some good research

There is some good research about this on ECD Sports and a UK physician, Dr. J R W Harris, Consultant GU Medicine at St Mary’s Hospital, London is quoted on the website: "Each year I see a number of people who have suffered from prolonged riding on conventional seats, causing them discomfort and sometimes leading to health problems.” The company has just launched a noseless saddle that takes the pressure of the sensitive area of the backside – the perineum – and so riders can cycle for longer periods with no risk to health. It got a great review from the Hungry Cyclist. The Hungry Cyclist : ECD Introduce Radical New Cycling Seat

 

[petehickey]

Think about this.... How many years and how many people were riding BEFORE this research came about?

Who is making money as people replace older seats with newer ones.

Don't you think that if it were a SERIOUSE/COMMON problem, it would have been observed much sooner?

Who funds this research?

When I (and many others) am doing something for 40+ years with no problem, and am told that I have to buy something new because what I am doing isn't safe.... well... I'm suspicious.

 

[Grape Ape]

I saw something on this the other day. I think the reason that it hasn't been an issue in the past is the prescribed way to counteract any bad affects is to stand a bit during your ride. to allow blood to flow. The problem being seen now is due to people staying seated the entire ride. So don't worry about it just stand and pedal every so often during a ride and you will be fine.

 

[bantam700]

I tend to think that is only an issue when you are using a saddle that is too soft or not set up properly and your soft tissues is what is supporting your weight. A good seat that is properly adjusted will have very little, if any, health effects. Make sure that your sit bones are what is carrying you weight and you should be fine.

 

[Buffalo-jon]

Try The noseless saddle, there are several out on the market, Typically high end cyclists do not like the noseless saddle but I have one and would never use anything else. I can ride for hours with no numbness or discomfort. I own a spiderflex