I've lost that lovin' feeling

grey_area

Okay so as a first topic this is maybe a bit intimate but I guess that a lot of you guys (and it is guys) on here will have had some experience of my current situation. I did my longest ride yet on Saturday with the most climbing ( and hence most descent) that I have done yet. My issue is that a certain gentleman has gone a little numb. Having googled the symptoms I can identify all the silly beginners errors that have led to this state of affairs but not how long it is likely to last.

Two days later and whilst not as bad as Saturday it is definitely not right. What I wanted to know is how long this generally lasts and would my modest 3 months of cycling be enough to do permanent damage? Mrs Grey_Area is somewhat concerned (as am I) and would like to have some idea.

Before everyone says - I will book a bike fit before I get on again - assuming it gets better. I will be so gutted to stop cycling after enjoying it so much but would be more gutted to damage the little fella!

superbagneres

If all is not back to normal within a week then suggest a consultation with a urologist (perhaps you can book one now and cancel later if things recover), and regardless of that, have yourself properly fitted for the bike by a shop which specialises in it - Google the 'Retul system'.

kingofthetailwind

What saddle are you using? Is it level? Are you sitting on it right - ie at the back and not slipping forward onto the nose?

I've had similar problems. I have a bad habit of slipping forward on the saddle. Bought a Rido R-LT saddle which is specifically designed for numbness issues. Bit expensive but seems to do the job. Feels different from other saddles. The back of the saddle is raised so all your weight is on your sit bones where it should be. I'll sometimes still have a bit of numbness on 60+ mile rides, but it only lasts a few hours rather than days like before.

Tried a Sella Italia saddle with a cutout before this, but didn't find it very effective. Others do though.

unixnerd

A saddle with a big centre cut out such as a Specialized Toupe might be the solution.

grey_area

I currently have the standard Body Geometry saddle that came with my Allez Elite, does the Toupe have a larger cut out than that?

My saddle has been level and I think too far back causing me to sit on the point rather than on my sit bones. As I said I will definitely have to get a bike fit. Does anyone have any recommendations for a fitter in Manchester?

lotus49

Fortunately that hasn't happened to me but be careful. Someone else posted on here (then as I recall thought better of it and deleted his post) that he had suffered from erectile dysfunction as a result of a lot of cycling. Take no chances and see a doctor if it persists.

pilot_pete

If you are riding on the saddle that came with your bike, chances are it is not a great saddle and probably is not suitable for you individually. I am assuming here that it is level, and correctly positioned fore/ aft. Many OE saddles are cheap bottom of the range (pun intended!) and no matter what you do with them they just don't work.

Getting a bike fit will ensure it is correctly adjusted and things like your reach and bar position is correct so that you are correctly positioned on the saddle and distributing your weight correctly. if it still doesnt work then chances are you are just not suited to the saddle.

Saddles are very personal in terms of fit/ comfort, and it can be an expensive exercise trying to find one that suits. Well worth doing your research and trying to get hold of one second hand on here, which you can try and then sell on for minimal loss if you want to try another.

I still get the odd bout of numbness on really long rides, but standing up and stretching eases it and gets the blood flowing properly again. If it lasted after I got home I would be concerned and see my doctor. If it is lack of blood flow, the feeling should come back pretty quickly, anything longer and the chances are it is nerve related. Be very careful as my surgeon friend and cyclist said you can cause irreversible damage and this can lead to dysfunction as mentioned previously.....

PP

Bordersroadie

I returned to cycling a few years ago after a 20 year gap. I assumed a numb todger was a usual part of cycling especially long rides.

I was using an old classic Selle Italia Turbo, which felt very comfy apart from the dick-numbing thing.

Then I was measured up (a) for a bike fit and (b) for a Toupe and have since done several thousands of miles without any numbness whatsoever, not even temporarily. I was amazed to be honest.

Gkarno

Research kegels for men in the mean time. It's an exercise to help increase blood flow to the fella as you so nicely called it.