Numbness in the Seat

[g2]

I have been riding for years and have FINALLY gotten my wife interested in touring with me. She has been riding with me for about a month (approx. 30 miles each time).  She's been experiencing numbness in her "female area ." I purchased her a Terry women's saddle which seems to have helped a little, but ... since I'm a guy, I do not know how to help her with reducing/eliminating this condition.  Any ideas?

[5thdown]

Get her a Tour Easy!!!!!

[toughlilchick]

Female cyclist here... Where exactly is the numbness?  If it's on her clitoris (sorry to mention the unmentionables), she may be leaning too far forward on the seat.  If it's in the inner labia, it could be from a gel seat or a seat without a cutout.  If it's the outer labia (the pelvic bone?) area, I have pain there, but no numbness.  If anyone has any suggestions, I'd appreciate it as well!

[g2]

What is a Tour Easy?

[5thdown]

Google it.  I bought my wife a Tour Easy and it was the answer to all discomfort.  No more sitting pain, no more hand numbness, no more neck and back issues. Biking became fun.  We ride bikes on our Tour Easies and have lots of fun without pain.

[adventurepete]

My wife had a similar problem so I bought her a Brooks saddle. Brooks saddles are leather and after breaking in are very comfortable. Because you are not sinking into the saddle like you would in a padded or gel saddle there is no pressure on the delicate parts. There is a good method to speed up the break-in period. I like the single rail, sprung saddles for touring. Look for the women's version of the saddle.

http://www.wallbike.com/brooks/singlerailsprungsaddles.html

Travel Safe.  Peter Campbell

[wonderkid]

I agree with the Brooks saddle - I've tried more than 50 saddles and none have been comfortable.  If they're comfrotable right away, chances are they're too soft and you'll be sore later.  My favorite saddle is a 28yr old Ideale saddle.  If you look after your saddle, you'll have it a life time.  Break in can be accelerated by soaking the saddle in water, but a prefered method is applying proofide every month or so for the first few months.  Numbness may never go away, but you can minimize it with a well fitting saddle.  

[litespeed]

I use a Terry gel touring saddle (I'm a guy). I don't ever have butt pain except a little when getting back on the bike after many, many miles of cycling and then it's just for a few minutes. It completely cured numbness.
But, I agree, if I were really suffering sustained butt pain I would go to a recumbent like the Tour Easy and put up with the poor climbing and visibility. Recumbent riders certainly look like happy people.

[BrianCM]

I went through a number of seats before I found the Serfas bicycle seat.  It is the only bike seat that doesn't hurt my tush, and there are models for both men and women.  Other than that, I must also recommend a recumbent.  I just bought (and upgraded the components on) a Burley Nasoke.  Recumbents are far more comfortable than conventional bikes.

[Sailariel]

I set up a Univega Comp for my wife. The seat that was with the bike was a Selle Italia. It definitely was a pain in her ---. Decided to get a Trico Womens saddle. Works like a charm--not too much gel-plenty wide and only $35. It doesn`t get any better. Best regards,  Alex

[BrianCM]

I found this in a recent article (Hub of the Action):

BiSaddle adjustable seat.

Looks pretty neat.  Once my current seat gets too worn, I think I'll give it a try.

[litespeed]

If you REALLY want to make a hit with your wife get a Bilenky Viewpoint. They are expensive but it's one bicycle for both of you and she will be reclining while you, her big strong man, can do most of the work should she slough off. These are very well made bicycles. Couples have crossed the country on them.