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Road Cycling: Numbness in the special parts

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    twilighthours

    Genital numbness: a phrase I never thought I'd write.

    Fellas, I need help.

    This summer, I started upping my distance.  I'm not training for anything, I am just enjoying the sheer pleasure of being out on the bike.  Where I used to ride 15-25 km, now I'm riding 30-50 km at a 29 km/h pace (nothing major but a nice recreational ride).

    And on my last few rides, I've encountered some serious numbness in the genital parts around the 20km mark.  So much so that I've had to stop, rub some life into my companion, and wait a few minutes until the numbness subsides.

    I'm talking scary numbness, here. 

    Last night, I went out for 38 km and I had to stop at 22 km and again at 31 km.  It was so painful and scary that I didn't even want to get back on the bike and finish the ride.

    I'm guessing, from reading the forums, that this is a fairly common problem.  I'm also guessing that this is related to my bike setup/body position, and perhaps even the saddle itself.

    I plan on getting a bike setup and a look at alternative saddles soon, but what I wanted to know was:

    anyone else care to share their experiences?  And what you did that solved the problem?

    Thanks for any takers on this sensitive topic.

    • CommentAuthorFree Member592
    • CommentTimeAug 14th 2008
     
    592

    Have you tried a different make of padded shorts as they vary considerably. I have found it is not always the most expensive shorts that are most comfortable, it appears to be down to the cut of the shorts and pad. It was suggested to me to wear lightly padded undershorts, but I found it was not very comfortable but it may be worth a go. A decent gel saddle will certainly help but may prove more expensive. I have found some very comfortable shorts now and do not notice any difference when using a gel saddle or slim race saddle.  Good luck.

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberc-loco
    • CommentTimeAug 14th 2008
     
    c-loco

    I too have had some numbing issues.  It typically started around the 5 mile mark and would require that I stand up and ride for a moment to let the blood flow back downstairs.  The solution that I have found is as stated above, a really good "fitting" under short and a good seat.  I also where a general loose fitting overshort for added comfort along with regular snug fitting undies.  Ensuring that my seat is at optimal height also provides a bit of comfort which I adjust prior to almost every ride. 

    Hope this helps w/ your riding & good luck !

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberkeith31
    • CommentTimeAug 14th 2008
     
    keith31

    I had the same issues in the past, and I went to much smaller seat, and it took it all away.... doesn't happen any more.
    Good luck

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberdrewmk2
    • CommentTimeAug 15th 2008
     
    drewmk2

    Numbness can be caused by any number of issues, but your overall position on the bike, as well as the height of the seat can make a big difference. I would get fit at your bike shop. It might cost you $80 but they can address your concerns, and it will make all parts of you a little happier. There are so many factors that can cause numbness that it's really difficult to diagnose without observing. 

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberCO_Roaddog
    • CommentTimeAug 19th 2008
     
    CO_Roaddog

    Yes, that is numbness and-or pain is very frustrating. Not to mention concerning. A few years back as a racer I had to stop riding due to similiar discomfort.

     Now starting back, due large for gas prices, I riding about 2-3 times a week with plans to up my frequency and miles. Three things I feel have helped me are:

    1) Paying attention to my bike setup. Going back to what my professional shop setup was when I was racing and got "Fitted". This can be expensive and some shops only do this for new bikes. There are articles out there on things to look at like saddle-to-pedal height and handlebar-to-seat distance.

    2) Bicycle shorts and a good chamois.  Looking at my older shorts and comparing to the newer ones there is a huge difference now in thickness and density. My current favorite shorts are from Pearl Izumi (with the 3-D race or pro chamois).

     3) Changing to a flatter bicycle saddle. The saddles I had previously had a rise between the flat/fanned seat towards the nose. I figured that rise was causing "issues" when I rode and especially when I got hammering along and started to move forward on the saddle. I now have a flatter saddle by Selle Italia (Novous model) and it has a narrower fanned back, which I like for climbing to slide back.

     Good luck in your search!

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberJef_1_f
    • CommentTimeAug 22nd 2008
     
    Jef_1_f

     

    Contact Competitive Cyclist they have a selection of 11 saddles they will send you and you can try them out for a week.  

    We did this and everyone (5 guys) decided on the Selle Itallia Prolink Gel Flow.  

    No problems anywhere since with any of us.

     As a matter of fact we're begging for longer rides and more miles.  

  8.  
    mainetreker
    Just my 2 cents worth. Don't spend any money! it sounds as though the pitch of your seat is wrong. In other words the nose of your seat is probably too high putting pressure in the prostate area, making things fall asleep. Make a slight adjustment by putting the front of your seat down. Just a little, and then ride. If it's better great, By making minor adjustments you can always go back to where you were or make further adjustments. Keep a log of measurements and set-up and comments on how the set-up affects your riding. The shop that sold you the bike should have done an initial set-up that gets you into the ballpark and then you customize from there. Hope this helps. 
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberkdillman
    • CommentTimeAug 23rd 2008
     
    kdillman
    Definitely check saddle position before spending money! Stop by a local shop for a fit and go from there...

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