What is the right type of saddle?

trevtherev

I must admit I am somewhat worried by this recent article in the Sun.....

"Male cyclists could suffer sexual problems with the wrong kind of saddle, doctors warned yesterday. Blood flow can be restricted, causing arousal problems. And pressure on nerves can affect sperm, said consultant surgeon Binod Nargund, of St Bartholomew's Hospital, London. He said six in ten male cyclists suffer numbness. They should have a padded saddle and shorts and make sure the bike is the right height.....

I ride a Genesis Day01 and commute 15-20miles each day, the saddle came with the bike and is gel padded, my shorts have slight padding. Should I now invest in "well padded" shorts and look for a more accomodating saddle? I remember an acticle in c+ some time ago about a saddle that was cut away to accomodate the scrotum....I would state that I do not have problems but worry that I could be doing long term damage! Your replys and thoughts would be most welcome

whyamihere

The right type of saddle is the one that feels comfortable. The children of older cyclists who went for "Brooks or nothing" shows that there's not a great deal of problem. If your saddle is wrong, then it will indeed press on the nerves uncomfortably, but if your saddle fits you, and your sit bones are supported (If you're not in agony after a couple of hours, it's ok), then there's nothing to worry about.

always_tyred

More cutting edge news from the sun.

Commuting necessitates a fair amount of stop/start, during which your blood supply will be re-established. As I understand things, such medical evidence of long term effects as there is relates to elite athletes rather than hacks such as ourselves. In short - we don't cycle enough to cause a problem.

Numbnuts is not particularly fun though, so if you suffer, in order of importance; (i) try re-adjustsing your saddle (ii) get decent shorts (iii) try another saddle.