This article is a continuation of the https://rockstartriathlete.com/is-your-bike-seat-supposed-to-be-uncomfortable article…
Triathletes are known to spend a LOT of time on their bikes, preparing for events. Athletes preparing for sprint triathlons may log only a few hours a week, while others who are preparing for iron distance races can log hundreds of miles in a single week. A common complaint that I hear from some of my athletes, both male and female, is saddle discomfort and ‘numbness’ while riding. While there is typically an adjustment period for new triathlon bike riders to get used to the pressure on their ‘sit bones” ( the ischial tuberosities – those two protrusions that bug you when you sit on a hard bench), there is a more common complaint of ‘numbness’ after long periods of riding ni the aero position, especially from male riders.
Sitting on the bicycle seat may result in the compression of nerves and blood vessels of the vulnerable area of the body called the perineum. The perineum is the area between the anus and the base of the penis in males and between the anus and the vagina in females; it contains both blood vessels and nerves. Compression of the perineum can lead to nerve damage, swelling, artery insufficiency (lack of blood flow through the vessel), and even occlusion (blockage) of blood vessels, which in turn can lead to temporary or permanent groin numbness, tingling sensations, decreased penile blood supply, erectile dysfunction (impotence), and pain.
The interaction between the bicycle seat (saddle) and the perineum is the culprit in all cases of perineal symptoms in cyclists. The interaction is dependent on the vertical (downward) and shear (backward) force of the perineum on the saddle, the weight of the rider, the height and angle between the saddle and the handlebars, the saddle tilt angle, and the shape of the saddle.
In a study of perineal compression and blood flow to the penis in male cyclists, penile blood supply decreased significantly in 70% of the 40 cyclists who participated in the study. Numbness in the genital area was reported by 61% of the cyclists, and 19% of the cyclists who rode their bikes more than 250 miles per week complained of erectile dysfunction. In another study of 463 cyclists competing in a long-distance cycling event (200 miles), perineal numbness during the ride was experienced by 31% of the cyclists and was associated with erectile dysfunction that lasted as long as one week after the event.
I am no stranger to numbness caused by a bike saddle, so I decided to research different bike saddles to be able to make recommendations to my athletes who suffer from this malady. After several hours of reading and test rides in many saddles, Cobb seemed to rise above the rest. I tested two of their designs using my Specialized Transition triathlon bike, the “V-Flow”, and the “V-Flow Max”, Keep in mind that in the classic triathlon aero position, there is greater perineal compression when compared to a road bike position.
I first rode for 3 hours on the Cobb V-Flow on our local Ironman bike course, which has its share of rollers, flats and a few sustained climbs. My sit bones were well supported, the saddle was firm enough to give support during power application phases, but in the third hour of the ride, I did notice some perineal pressure and some numbness, but far less then when riding the saddle that came with my bike.
I then rode the Cobb V-Flow Max – what a difference! The V-Flow Max has raised, padded ‘ridges’ that run down wither side of the saddle leaving a deep, wide groove down the center. The V-Flow was similar in design, but has more of a traditional nose that the raised ridges disappear into. The V-Flow Max nose is almost non-existent, which comfortably accommodates the more aggressive aero position of triathlon riding with far less (almost no) perineal pressure. During my test ride of the V-Flow Max, I did notice the pressure on either side of my pelvis, which did cause some new chafe, but I had no numbness what so ever. After a few more rides, the body adjusted to the new pressure points and I have not had any chafe, or numbness, since.
Cobb also makes a V-Flow Plus, which is similar in design to the V-Flow Max, but is not as ‘wide’ towards the front of the saddle, and the center groove is not quite as deep. I did ride this saddle as well, but still experienced some numbness after three hours of riding, which is why I moved onto the V-Flow Max. With its narrower nose design, the V-Flow Plus would be a good choice for smaller frame riders and some females. For larger riders or riders with wider hips, the V-Flow Max may be the best choice.
The Cobb V-Flow saddle would be a perfect upgrade to any road bike, or possibly a triathlon bike, however, based on my personal experience, the V-Flow Max is the saddle to ride if you are looking to eliminate numbness all together. While the design allows for very comfortable, long rides, it could also be ridden for short TT efforts comfortably as well. While riding a sprint, most will slide forward on the saddle – with the lack of a nose and having two padded rails to sit on, the V-Flow Max proves to be a good all around choice for Time Trial saddle as well.
If you are interested in a Cobb Saddle, some local bike shops have test saddles on hand. Keep in mind that due to their tall rail design, you will need to lower your seat post so you don’t get a ‘false reading’ while riding. Don’t forget to carefully measure or mark your original seat post height, nose to steer tube distance, and seat tilt before you take the Cobb for a ride.
If you have any questions or would like more information on saddles, triathlon training, nutrition, please contact me at www.pacificfit.net, or by emailing me at [email protected].