Bike seats?

Question

I have just started getting into cycling to build up my leg muscles for an ACL replacement surgery and have read some articles on some bike seats being unhealthy for males. The store I bought my bike at mentioned something about their bikes having the new improved seats but I didn't know what they were talking about. So what should I be looking for in my seat to know if it is a good one?

Answer 1

The thing to look for in choosing a new saddle is whether or not it allows your "sit-bones" to bear their share of the weight. If the soft tissue starts bearing the weight, that is when circulation gets cut off and you run into problems.

Sheldon Brown wrote a great article on how to choose a saddle, but its a bit lengthy.

Answer 2

This is very simple. You need to look for a seat that is comfortable for you. This will support you and not impede your stroke. We have all read the articles on male issues with seats, but the numbers are still very low. I hang out in a circle of cyclists and know many many happy fathers.

Answer 3

Excessive time in a bike saddle can do damage to a man's testicles. Newer seats are often designed to have "missing" portions in the areas where the pressure is worst, or have different materials that are supposed to cushion the area to prevent problems.

Answer 4

If your saddle doesn't hurt or cause numbness, you're fine. Ya bought the bike now ride it.

If, after you've put in a good number of miles to become accustom to the bike, saddle, exercise... and your saddle hurts then look for a new one. There's many kinds.

Answer 5

Some seats these days have either a groove or an indentation, which relieves pressure on the penile artery.
Some cyclists in the past have experienced penile numbness.

Answer 6

For you, I would suggest fizik saddles. They are soooo comfy. Oh and make sure you get some quality shorts with a good chamois. http://www.teamcyclist.com/store/Fizik-Saddles-ID_C1149.cfm