the perennial perineum problem

chris_snell

I'm trying to set my new road bike up for the best fit. Most things feel good but I do start going a bit numb where I don't want to be. So far I've only been doing my 50minute commute to work and I reckon I hould be able to last longer than that without discomfort.

I have the saddle fairly level (v slight down tilt) and my bars are a fair bit lower than my saddle.

What height difference do most people have between bars and saddle?

Will a cut out saddle solve the problem anyway?

Cheers

ut_och_cykla

Raise the bars to level with saddle if you can, then lower bars by perhaps 5 mm increments every week until you can commute in comfort? MAke sure you're not too stretched out on your bike too. If you think you are you might need a shorter stem but try above first.
As you're a 'beginner' you'll need time for yourbody/back to get used to the roadie position

McBain_v1

Rather than worry too much about stem length, try moving your saddle backwards / forwards on the rails to either shorten or lengthen your reach. This is cheaper than forking out for a new stem, but make sure that you remain comfy with your pedalling action after moving your saddle.

I have had mixed experiences with cut-out saddles. My Selle Italia SLK Gel Flo is fantastic, but then so is my Selle Italia SLR, which doesn't have a cut out :? You really do have to experiment.

However, no matter what saddle you have, it pays to stand up off the saddle every once in a while, or at least shift your weight backwards / forwards to give blood a chance to circulate

chris_snell

Cheers guys

A couple of things to try there before buying a new saddle!

chris_snell

I should be able to just flip my stem upside down to raise the bars I guess. Will this move my weight more on to my arse bones and off my fleshy bits?

Fab Foodie

Sounds to me like you're too stretched.

I'm not sure whether Mc Bain and I are thinking the same here. Play with moving the seat back and forward until you get a good seated position, feel balanced and are sitting on your sit-bones. Then adjust stem and bars to meet you. Seating position relative to the cranks is THE most important part of the fit. The bars and reach are secondary.
Don't adjust your position to meet your bars.