Saddle advice

goonz

Hi all I'd like some assistance in choosing a new saddle or positioning my current saddle on my bike.

I cycle just under 20 miles a day (commute) and some weekend rides. In the last 2 years I have twice had to go to A&E with a urinary retention problem and required a catheter to help me urinate. I have had all the checks and nothing shows up with any issues so it could possibly be a stricture (narrowing of the urethra). This could be due to my posture/positioning on the bike. I do not ever have a numb feeling below but I do recall times when it has felt like things are being pushed up and I have had to stand on the bike to reposition things below.

I have read a few people complaining about urinary issues/pain whilst urinating/numbness perhaps being linked to their cycling but mine altogether stopped! Trust me when I say I do not wish what I went through on anyone. Every doctor is so surprised to see a 29yr old in hospital for urinary retention.

I am looking to adjust my seat or even change depending on what I need. I am 5'6 and weigh 65kg. Any advice on how I should be sitting and how to measure my sit bones and what type saddle I should use would be greatly appreciated.

wishitwasallflat

I've never tried it but I have read that if you put tin foil on third or fourth step up on your stairs and sit on it and lean forward you can the see where your sit bones have made depression and width between them is a good start point. Bear in mind though that as you tilt forward the distance shorten.

If you go to a Specialized Concept or main dealer store they have a sit bone width measuring device (I think trek dealers may as well) If you buy a saddle from Spesh you can change it for any other one in the range as many times as you like so you can try a few but only Spesh brand.

There is a guy on here who runs a rent a saddle site where you can hire a saddle for 30 days for about 10% of the cost - after that time return for refund or but as you wish. I've used it and he is sound - http://www.tryasaddle.co.uk/

Its really a matter of trial and error till you find the one - from what you say it sounds that you many need more perineal relief so SQlab are designed just for that - or any saddle with a big cut out Spesh Avatar or Romin may work for you - at the extrme price end there are SMTs but I personally found them way to hard with the rail running right under the bit where I sat.

Grill

Get something with a cutout. Specialized Romin or Toupe is a good place to start.

goonz

Thanks really appreciate the advice gives me a good starting block. Will look into all you have recommended.

pkripper

For long rides and the turbo I use a spesh romin (the 80quid one with a bit more padding) and for shorter rides and tts I really rate prologo saddles, not cutout but nicely padded.