Using No-nose (Noseless) Bicycle Saddles to Prevent Genital Numbness and Sexual Dysfunction
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Over 40,000 workers in public safety occupations ride bicycles as part of their job. They include police officers, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and security staff who patrol by bicycle. Anecdotal reports from bicyclists had indicated that genital numbness, erectile dysfunction, and impotence are a concern.
The traditional bicycle saddle has a narrow nose or horn that protrudes under the groin as the cyclist straddles the bicycle. Ideally, the weight of the cyclist supported on the saddle should be under the pelvic sit bones. However, 25% or more of the body weight is supported where the groin contacts the saddle nose. This percentage greatly increases as the cyclist leans forward in more aerodynamic positions. Bearing weight on this region of the saddle compresses the nerves and arteries in the groin. These nerves and arteries run through the groin between the sit bones to the genitals. Research has shown that pressure on these nerves and arteries over time may lead to a loss of sensation and a decrease in blood supply to the genitals. This can contribute to the sexual and reproductive health effects that have been reported with bicycling.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently released a Workplace Solutions document titled No-nose Saddles for Preventing Genital Numbness and Sexual Dysfunction in Occupational Bicycling, which summarizes NIOSH research and recommendations. NIOSH researchers began investigating this issue as an occupational health concern in 2000 when complaints of groin numbness were received from officers in a Long Beach, California police bicycle patrol unit.1 In addition, NIOSH found that those bicycle police officers who exhibited more contact pressure on the saddle nose and who spent more time on their bicycle saddle had erections for a lower percentage of their sleeping time. Erections during sleep are a measure of genital health.2
In 2004, NIOSH conducted a study to examine the effect of bicycle saddle design on groin pressure. The study found that the traditional sport/racing saddle was associated with more than two times the pressure in the perineal region than the saddles without a protruding nose. There were no significant differences in perineal pressure among the no-nose saddles. Measures of weight distribution on the pedals and handlebars indicated no differences between the traditional saddle and those without protruding noses.3
To examine the benefit of saddles without a protruding nose, NIOSH conducted another study where bicycle police officers from five U.S. metropolitan areas used a no-nose saddle for their bicycles exclusively for 6 months. After 6 months, only three of the 90 men remaining in the study had returned to a traditional saddle. The study found a 66% reduction in saddle contact pressure in the perineal region, a significant improvement in penis tactile sensation, and a significant improvement in erectile function. The percentage of officers indicating that they experienced numbness to the buttocks, scrotum, or penis decreased from 73% while using traditional saddles at the beginning of the study to 18% after using no-nose saddles for 6 months.4
NIOSH research has focused mostly on police officers, security officers, and emergency medical personnel who use bicycles as part of their work, rather than on recreational/sport bicyclists. However, one study reported that 21% of sport cyclists reported genital numbness after a bicycle race and 13% reported impotence5 while other research reported a 61% incidence of genital numbness among cyclists and a 19% incidence in erectile dysfunction among cyclists riding more than 400 km (249 miles) per week.6
There is much less research on female cyclists and effects associated with traditional bicycle saddles. Previous studies found 40-70 percent of female cyclists experience genital numbness with a traditional saddle.7,8 NIOSH and researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine-Montefiore Medical Center investigated the relationship between frequent and/or endurance bicycling on neurological and sexual function in women.9 The study concluded that there is an association between bicycling and decreased genital sensation in competitive female bicyclists. Additional research is warranted to further examine these issues among female cyclists.
Contrary to some cyclists’ belief, it is not normal for any part of your body to go numb or lose feeling. Numbness in the groin or genitals is a warning sign that should not be ignored. NIOSH recommends that workers who ride a bicycle as part of their job take the following steps to help prevent sexual and reproductive health problems:
- Use a no-nose saddle for workplace bicycling. Give yourself time to get used to riding with a no-nose saddle. At first, it may seem very different from the saddle you have used in the past. No-nose saddles may not always be available at retail bicycle shops, but they are readily available for purchase through the Internet.
- Seek guidance on proper bicycle fit from a trained bicycle fit specialist. Use of a no-nose saddle may require different saddle height and angle adjustments. Be sure that the no-nose saddle is adjusted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Dismount the bicycle when at a standstill. Do not lean against a post or other object to stay seated on the bicycle saddle when you are not riding.
- Dismount the bicycle if you begin to have numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in any part of your body.
While much of the scientific community has reached a consensus about the association between erectile dysfunction and traditional bicycle saddles, no-nose saddle designs have not been universally embraced by many cyclists. Informal discussions with numerous police and security patrol cyclists have revealed substantial skepticism, and often outright rejection, of bicycle saddle designs that do not incorporate a traditional narrow protruding nose. One reason for this is that some cyclists believe that the absence of the saddle nose compromises stability, maneuverability, and handling of the bicycle. A recent study10 has shown that cyclists initially have a perception of decreased stability when beginning to use a no-nose saddle. However, the most recent NIOSH study4 showed that 96% of bike patrol officers who tried a no-nose saddle continued to use a no-nose saddle beyond the study completion, suggesting that these individuals were able to overcome initial perceptions of decreased stability.
As we continue our research, we would like to hear about your experiences with no-nose saddles. More information on no-nose bicycle saddles can be found on the NIOSH Bicycle Saddles and Reproductive Health topic page and in the new NIOSH Workplace Solutions document, No-nose Saddles for Preventing Genital Numbness and Sexual Dysfunction in Occupational Bicycling.
The NIOSH Research Team has been studying bicycle saddle pressure and reproductive health since 2000.
Dr. Schrader leads the Reproductive Health Assessment Team within the Biomonitoring and Health Assessment Branch in the NIOSH Division of Applied Research Technology (DART).
Dr. Lowe is a Research Industrial Engineer in the Human Factors and Ergonomics Research Team within the Organizational Science & Human Factors Branch, DART.
Mr. Breitenstein is a biologist in Reproductive Health Assessment Team within the Biomonitoring and Health Assessment Branch, DART.
References
- Schrader, S. M., M.J. Breitenstein, and B. Lowe. 2001 City of Long Beach Police Department, Long Beach, CA HETA 2000, 0305-2848
- Schrader, S.M., M. J. Breitenstein, J.C. Clark, B. D. Lowe, and T. W. Turner. 2002. Nocturnal Penile Tumescence and Rigidity Testing of Bicycling Patrol Officers. Journal of Andrology 23:927-934.
- Lowe, B., S. Schrader, and M. Breitenstein. 2004. Effect of Saddle Design on the Perineal Pressure of the Bicyclist. Sports Medicine. Med Sci Sports Exerc 36:1055-1062.
- Schrader, SM, MJ Breitenstein, and BD Lowe. 2008. Cutting Off the Nose to Save the Penis. J Sex Med. 5:1932-1940.
- Andersen, K.V. and G. Bovim. Impotence and Nerve Entrapment in Long Distance Amateur Cyclists. Acta Neurol Scand 95:233-240. 1997.
- Sommer, F, D Konig, C Graf, U Schwarzer, C Bertram, T Klotz and U Engelmann. Impotence and Genital Numbness in Cyclists. Int J Sports Med 22:410-413. 2001
- Buller, JC. Female Cyclists and Perineal Symptoms: An Experimental Bicycle Seat. Clinc J Sprts Med 11:289-290. 2001.
- Slaimpour P, M Doursounian, J Catney-Kiser, M Adelstein, SS Gliolami, CC Wen, M LaSalle, CA Kim, B Goldstein, L Goldstien, K Hablow, S Viatones, S Levinson, RJ Krane, and I Goldstein. Sexual and urinary tract dysfunction in bicyclists. J Urol. 1998;159(suppl):30
- Guess MK, KA. Connell1, SM. Schrader, S Reutman, A Wang, J Lacombe, C Toennis, B Lowe, A Melman, and MS Mikhail. 2006. Genital Sensation & Female Sexual Function In Cyclists And Runners: Are Your Feet Safer Than Your Seat? Journal of Sexual Medicine 3:1018-1027.
- Bressel, E, Bliss, S, and Cronin, J 2009. A field-based approach for examining bicycle seat design effects on seat pressure and perceived stability, Applied Ergonomics, 40(3), 472-476.
63 comments on “Using No-nose (Noseless) Bicycle Saddles to Prevent Genital Numbness and Sexual Dysfunction”
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The one issue that has risen with officers riding a no-nose saddle is wrist pain and/or hand numbness. This can be directly associated to improper seat angle. Once properly fit these issues are usually alleviated. Generally speaking, most cyclists are not “professional” riders. Many are ignorant to the importance of saddle angle and without the nose of the saddle they tend to want to tilt the saddle forward to compensate. While the benefits of using a no-nose saddle can not be overstated, it is equally important to ensure a rider has proper seat angle. To do otherwise only creates the situation for other health problems to arise.
You make an extremely important point. Pain and/or numbness are medical warning signs. Pain and numbness are never normal and should never be ignored whether in groin, the wrist, or any other part of the body. Proper bicycle fit is extremely important. As you indicate, the saddle angle is very important when using no-nose saddles. Professional police bicycling organizations or local bicycle shops can help ensure proper bicycle fit.
Whether you ride a traditional saddle or a no-nose saddle do not ignore pain or numbness in any part of your body. Thank you for your comment. We encourage others to respond with their experiences and expertise in using no-nose saddles.
Using a no-nose saddle has changed my life…truly! I can ride for hours in comfort now and race triathlons with no discomfort. It’s wonderful. Prior to getting my no-nose saddle, I was miserable after the first 30 minutes on my bike. I would stand while riding, even on flat roads and flat bike trails, just to give myself a break from the discomfort. The no-nose saddle was the best purchase I have made for my road bike and my body. I wondered when I bought the no-nose saddle if it would be hard to get used to, but it wasn’t. In fact, it took less than a day before it felt completely natural and I’m not the most coordinated person I know.
All I can say is don’t wait to consider a no-nose saddle until you’re in pain, numb or worse! Be proactive. Get one now, before you need it or it’s too late and damage has been done. I was fortunate, I got my no-nose saddle long before there was any damage to my body. It was the right decision and I cannot tell enough people how great these saddles are.
There are a wide variety of no-nose saddles on the market. Some seem to be made more for recreational riders and mountain or hybrid bike owners, others for athletes or road bike owners. Some are made for smaller, narrow framed riders and others are made for taller, and wider framed riders. If the first on you try doesn’t work for you, keep trying. I’m convinced you’ll find one to fit you and your riding needs. And once you find the right saddle, you will wonder why you didn’t get one sooner.
I know this article raises concern over bicycle riders, but I have suffered numbness numerous times on the expensive exercise bikes at the local gym. I am sure this applies to them also. I will be sharing this information with my gym management to educate them of the these issues. If this is affecting healthy individuals, imagine the effects on the overweight people in gyms accross the country.
Besides the effects of pressure, is there any strong evidence of negative effects of heat on reproductive health in occupational bicyclists? Of course modern bicycle saddles and bike shorts used by competitive bicyclists are designed for some ventilation and moisture reduction in the groin area. However, it seems that patrolling on a bicycle for several hours a day will generate much heat in the groin area regardless of the material of the saddle or clothing worn. Moreover, I have seen several images of policemen patrolling on bicycles wearing loose fitting pants or shorts, perhaps for the sake of modesty, which are conducive to trapping heat and moisture. Does heat play a roll in reproductive problems in occupational cyclists?
NIOSH does not have any data on this topic. Generally, trapping of moisture and heat can lead to chafing in the groin area. There have been some concerns that heat may cause fertility problems; however, the studies conducted on male fertility parameters and biking are inconclusive.
Noseless saddles might make sense for people who cannot find a regular bicycle saddle that fits them, just like having a bicycle frame custom made to your size would make senseāif you cannot find a stock size that fits because of short torso, unusually long legs, etc. But to advocate it as the first choice does not appear to make sense. For most people, many of the supposed benefits will be nothing that could not have been achieved through proper bike fit, and what is given up is the intuitive control of the bike that, in traffic, could be the difference between avoiding the car that runs the stop sign and becoming a fatal statistic.
NOSH has always advocated proper bicycle fit and has recommended that occupational cyclists seek the assistance of a bike fit specialist. However, bicycle fit alone can not eliminate pressure to the groin from a traditional nosed saddle. In the more upright position of a bicycle patrol officer on a mountain bike, it has been shown that 25-35% of the body weight will be on the saddle nose. If a cyclist leans forward to a more aerodynamic position this percentage typically increases due to the shape of the pelvis. As mentioned in the Workplace Solutions document, a no-nose saddle will feel different. The document recommends taking some time to acclimate to the feel of a no-nose saddle. The 2008 study showed that after a 6-month period of no-nose saddle use over 90% of the police officers continued to use the no-nose saddle. None of the 90+ police officers reported losing control of their bicycle. If there were a control problem with these saddles, we believe that police officers would not have continued their use.
I would like to try a noseless saddle but my local bike shop doesn’t have them. Are there many different styles available? How much are they? Where can I compare them? Where can I buy them?
There are several styles and manufacturers of no-nose saddles which can be found on the Internet by searching no-nose or noseless saddles. The price range can vary from $25-$275.
I am a fairly serious sports rider and use a no-nose saddle. my friends all kid me about the lack of control but that is nonsense. I can still maneuver as well as ever by using my body weight more during turns. Vertical stability is not compromised at all.
I would be ineterested in what no-nose seats you tested and which you feel are best.
Thank you for your posting. Bicycle control seems to be the biggest concern expressed when cyclists are considering a no-nose saddle. As you have indicated, within a short time of using no-nose saddles, there is very little, if any loss of control.
Our study was designed to evaluate the concept of no-nose saddles and not to compare the various saddle brands or designs. Nine saddles which were available on the Internet were used and the police officers were allowed to select the one that worked best for them. So our research and conclusions are based on saddles without a protruding nose and not a specific brand or design. Looking at the various no-nose saddles available, one should select a saddle that fits them and their riding style. Some saddles promote an upright position while other will promote a more forward aero position.
Great site…keep up the good work.
I have been racing pushbikes for 8 years and have won numerous state championships. After spending hours upon hours in the saddle i am happy to report that i have no problems of any kind. My latest seat is split down the center to relieve pressure and is ultra comfy.
Finding a saddle that is comfortable for you is important. We all recognize that no disease or aliment affects everyone. I hope you continue to be free of any adverse effects. It should be noted that several scientific studies have shown that split or holed saddles do not improve blood flow or alleviate the pressure for most cyclists. The blood vessels do not run down the center of the groin but instead off center. Some published scientific studies have actually shown some split saddles increase the pressure on the blood vessels because the edge of the groove aligns with these vessels. No-nose saddles continue to be the only saddle scientifically proven to remove the pressure from blood vessels and nerves in the groin.
I think the noseless bike seats are a great idea! They should have started equipping bikes with these types of seats a long time ago, or at least give you an option?
It is very uncomfortable as a man with short legs, and trying to balance the bike, while both feet are planted flat on the ground.
Another great idea are foldable bikes, everything (including the seat) are adjustable. I bought one and take it with me everywhere I go. It fits perfectly in my back trunk of my car. You can take to the park, on the bus, to the mall. It’s so light weight; it’s about the weight of a backpack.
Peace,
Jack
What particular noseless seat is recommended for cyclists with ED? Has anyone with ED recovered health while still biking when using the no-nose seat?
I’ve been riding for several years in triathlons and always used the “stock” seat on both my road bike and mountain bike with no problems.
I’ve recently started commuting on my and now I am getting an achy soreness in my testes and groin. No numbness, no ED, just soreness. I am thinking that nose-less seat may be the way to go, given that I want to keep riding. Also I am middle aged so have more to worry about w/ those issues. Should I try a more expensive or “split” seat, or try one of these (odd looking) noseless seats? I have been looking at one called a “spongy wonder”.
Soreness in the testes, groin, or any other part of the body, should be evaluated by a medical professional.
When choosing a new bike saddle, please note that several scientific studies have shown that split or holed saddles do not improve blood flow or alleviate the pressure for most cyclists. The blood vessels do not run down the center of the groin but instead off center. Some published scientific studies have actually shown some split saddles increase the pressure on the blood vessels because the edge of the groove aligns with these vessels. No-nose saddles continue to be the only saddle scientifically proven to remove the pressure from blood vessels and nerves in the groin.
We cannot recommend a specific brand. Our study used several different noseless saddles and there was no attempt to compare and contrast the effectiveness of individual saddle brands. When looking at the various no-nose saddles available, one should select a saddle that fits them and their riding style. Some saddles promote an upright position while other will promote a more forward aero position.
I worry about ability to put power into my bike on a saddle with no nose.
I haven’t spent much time on them but I feel awkward using them. Isn’t there an alternative to this?
There are no published scientific studies of other alternative methods or equipment which removes the harmful pressure from the groin. Just like learning to ride your bike, with practice you will readily adapt to the no-nose saddle.
What about just making an angle in a normal saddle? Putting the saddle nose pointing a bit to the floor seems that helps. I just did that and will test.
There are no published scientific studies showing that saddle angle can completely alleviate the harmful groin pressure. Certainly, a tilt downward is better than upward. If the saddle nose is supporting part of your body weight, you are compressing blood vessels and nerves in the groin. Our data and that of other indicates that a rider in a upright position puts about 25% their body weight on the saddle nose. As the cyclist leans forward into a more aero position, this percentage increases, thus increasing the pressures on the blood vessels and nerves.
I tried the spongy wonder and the easy seat to get away from the “nose”, but found that my 74-yr-old sit bones did not like the pressure. So, now I am going to try the Planet Bike 5018 ARS anatomic seat which is shorter than most womenās saddles, and has more padding. On women, the nerves run along the sides of the vagina so unless the “hole” is wide enough, it doesnāt work. And so far, the “hole” has not been wide enough.
The actual nerve location in men and women are very similar. The reason a split or holed saddle does not work and causes women discomfort is the location of the internal bodily structures. The internal structures called the crus of clitoris runs along the pelvic arch and the vestibular glands run just off the midline of the perineum. An internet search will show the location of these structures. These structures are blood filled erectile tissue. There is no place for a saddle nose to apply pressure without compressing these structures regardless of the size of the split or hole in the saddle.
There are more than a dozen different no-nose saddles available. I would suggest you continue to look for the one that best fits your body structure and riding style.
I am a recreational rider who uses a light road bike and likes a moderately aerodynamic body position (not extreme aero bar time trial position). In several internet searches, I have not been able to find a noseless saddle that looks like it was designed for an aerodynamic road bike position. Most of the noseless saddles seem to be designed for a more upright body position, some ads explicitly state that they are for upright positions. They all look like if you are in a semihorizontal aerodynamic position, the front edge of the saddle will cut into the back of your thighs when at the bottom of the pedal stroke, and your arms will have to support much more weight. Also, I have not seen a listed saddle weight under 600 grams, more than double what a good road bike saddle weighs. Are you aware of any noseless saddle designs that would be comfortable when riding in an aerodynamic position?
I believe manufacturer of bike companies should redesign there bikes
Great study! i’m so glad this study was supported and published. I am preparing to prototype saddle designs which provide comfort while maintaining handling (cornering) capabilities-as a commuter, my handlebars are at saddle level. Unfortunately for me, handling and body english frequently employ a saddle nose. Some sporty aero cyclists actually pedal positioned on the nose at times-can’t be comfortable. I am hoping through custom, individual fitting, focused on isolation and support of sit bones, that I can produce a steering nose that never requires (25%) seated weight.
I am a professional bicycle fitter. Our shop fits, designs, and builds custom bicycles. I also perform upwards of 165 re-fits per cycling season.
Numbness and pain are almost ALWAYS a function of improper fit and placement of the pelvis on the saddle.
I have fit over 1500 riders in the past 10 years and only 1 has had a consistent problem that, in the end, forced him to stop riding long distances because of penile numbness.
Noseless saddles, in my opinion, do not usually offer enough support at the front of the saddle; instead, the rider is perched on the bicycle in an awkward position.
95% of all the fittings I do require that I move the saddle forward on the rails from 1/2-3cm; this tucks the saddle up under the rider, doing away with the constant pushing back that we almost always see.
Best regards,
Diane Lees
Co-Owner HubBub Custom Bicycles
Chesterland, Ohio
hubbubcustom.com
Thank you for your post. We need to continually remind cyclists the importance of proper bicycle fit. This is also part of recommendations of the NIOSH Workplace Solutions Document.
Our experience with noseless saddles is difffernt than yours. In our study, only 3 of 91 bicycle police officers returned to traditional saddles indicating a wide acceptance of the noseless saddle. There are many different noseless saddles designs offering the cyclist many different saddle positions.
You also need to be aware that the elimination of urogenital numbness and/or pain is not an indication that the cyclists are safe from urogenital damage. In fact some individuals presenting with sexual dysfunction have not indicated urogenital numbness or pain. Cyclists put 25% or more of their body weight on the saddle nose. This pressure is great enough to constrict the nerves and blood vessels because this area of the body was not “made” to be weight bearing.
My saddle with a nose seems to be of a much more modern design than the one you chose, why should I beleive that a saddle which is raised in the center is representative of saddles which have a valley through the center?
Nice discussion. It’s good to see NIOSH responding to comments, even the more controversial ones. That is great!
Saludos, desde que leĆ estos estudios de NIOSH en diciembre de 2010 iniciĆ© el uso de “Sillin sin nariz”. Para mi fue la soluciĆ³n para el entumecimiento genital que lo sentia durante todo el tiempo que permanecia montado en la bicicleta. llevo estos 7 meses montando regularmente y paricipando en competencias recreativas. con la silla sin nariz me he aliviado del entumecimineto genital y mi comportamiento erectil y sexual ha mejorado.
Wow, great article, I really appreciate your thought process and having it explained properly, thank you!
This is super helpful information. I know several cyclists who have invested in a Spongy Wonder which only has pads for your ischial tuberosities but without the nose of the saddle. They rave about the absence of pain and they skillfully ride hundreds of miles over diverse terrain. Bicycling without a nose certainly takes some getting used to but the long-term benefits have been well articulated above. I plan on passing this article along to all the cyclists I know! Thank you for your post!
The links between reduced sperm count and bike riding have long been known. I remember even decades ago, it being raised and heavily debated as part of my science degree. What is enlightening here is the the use of well documented research data that you have provided. Even more encouraging, is the effort being made to provide practical measures through the use of changed seat design. This is particularly timely bearing in mind the increase in the number of bike riders seeing bikes as an alternative, environmentally friendly ( but perhaps not conducive to good sexual health) form of transport.
One problem which still needs to be addressed however, is the impact of the clothes worn by the cyclist. Sperm production has been shown to peak around 94 degrees and so the use of looser clothes, perhaps by switching from briefs to boxers and finding alternatives to ālycra typeā specialist bike clothing, can make a worthwhile difference also.
Webmaster of parkpcs10
What bicycle seat is recommended for an Interstitial Cystitis patient, recreational rider, on a 2012 17″ (product name removed) upright hybrid bike? I am 5’3″. I get burning bladder pain from my traditional (name removed) bicycle seat. I was diagnosed with IC in 1994. Bicycle riding sets off a flareup of the IC.
Noseless saddles reduce pressure on the perineal area. You should consult with your urologist to determine if changing to a noseless saddle would be beneficial to you.
Loss of sensitivity is also a big problem for female cyclists too from what I’ve read. Although not to the extent of affecting reproductive health as in males.
Bike set up is a very personal thing in my experience, and can take an age to get right. I partake in triathlons now and, only just recently have I perfected my ride position. The nose of the saddle has always been an issue in the tri-position on the bike, and lowering it only raises your rear end due to the sea saw effect. I actually managed to perfect it by being brutal with my seat height in the end, i lowered it by 10 mm and found that all pain disappeared. I still get a little numbness in the perennial area in longer rides though. I think I would definitely have had a professional bike fit in the future, especial if I buy a new bike. By the way I couldn’t help thinking of Lance Armstrong and his fight with testicular cancer reading this…
I read with interest the infomation posted and am wondering if the traditional bike seat can be responsible for inflaming nerves, can it also have some bearing on Prostate i.e. raised PSA levels?
We did not look at PSA levels in our research. The studies that have been done in this area offer conflicting results.
A proper-fitting bicycle can help prevent Erectile Dysfunction; appropriate frame size, handlebar height, and seat position are all important. A rider may consider changing the angle of the seat, which should be angled parallel to the ground or slightly forward, to help alleviate pressure on the perineum. Wider seats or those designed with a central cutout also help reduce perineal pressure and can help redistribute weight.
This is super helpful information. I know several cyclists who have invested in a Spongy Wonder which only has pads for your ischial tuberosities but without the nose of the saddle. They rave about the absence of pain and they skillfully ride hundreds of miles over diverse terrain. Bicycling without a nose certainly takes some getting used to but the long-term benefits have been well articulated above. I plan on passing this article along to all the cyclists I know! Thank you for your post!
*Note: Any references to products in comments posted on the CDC NIOSH Science Blog are not endorsed nor approved by the National Institutes for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
nice post
There are no formal tests to diagnose erectile dysfunction. SomeMenās ED Health Clinicare generally done to exclude underlying disease This Is The best info i have Seen So far
Oddly enough, even thought I am a licensed chiropractor I always heard that riding a bike could cause issues over time but I never fully understood why. This summary was perfect. Not too jargon ridden (pun intended) just the basic facts. Glad to know solutions exist for those that like that type of seat and riding position but don’t want the negative consequences.
I think that use of a no-nose saddle may require different saddle height and angle adjustments. Iām convinced the saddle angle is very important when using no-nose saddles. Lucas
Really great post. As said above the seat angle seems to be highly important. Great information though.
Great article, i really love the way you described how can bicycle saddles prevent the injuries a sexual dysfunction. All the best in future work!
Kind regards
John
Well, this makes a lot of sense, but if I may ask, what becomes of the bikes in the gym? although they are stationary they could have adverse effects as well
Great article. This is a very interesting topic to discuss about.
Oh wow. Informative blog. I heard about cycle causing erectile dysfunction. But didn’t knew how. But this blog explained me in detail how it is caused.
Proper bike fit is extremely important and it will do nothing to justify or improve the ills of having a seat with a nose, regardless of the configuration of the nose. I have proper bike fit and experienced numbness and fatigue. I purchased and installed a noseless seat and experienced immediate relief. I too can now ride my bike for hours without any pain. I used the Hobson seat and the seat pads move with you legs as you pedal – it’s wonderful. It does take a small amount of time to get used to not having a nose (maybe 2 days), but after that everything returns – it’s muscle memory. Perhaps for those who lack natural stability, mental and physical, converting may be a problem. After using the noseless seat for some time now it is difficult to understand why seats were made with a nose in the first place. In my view proper bike fit means having a noseless seat.
Awesome blog posted.
I didn’t know it has that effect on our bodies. But it is good that it has been studied about and try to improve the seat design.
I am trying to get use to a no nose saddle I have bought an addapble stem, but is not enought to relieve the excess of pressure in hands, and to do not fall, and I decided to buy a extender of the fork.
To be continued…
Thank you for your comment. People indicate that lowering the saddle or raising the handlebars can relieve some the hand pressure. The extender on fork will probably give the same result.
I realize that I have always done everything wrong , I need to change my habits urgently
Hello, I am here again. I am dissapointed, I tried EVERYTHING with a no-nose saddle http://www.spiderflex.com/
I bought a fork extender, An adjustable stem and wider bar for both mountainbike and road bike.
Nothing worked more than 1 hour or than 15 kms, I had pain in my wrist and arms. They show pictures of people that have adapted their ride style, most of them put the saddle in a very low position. This helped me twice but I noticed that it was not my height position and I had pain in my knees (this is not correct).
I tryed several combinations almost during six months in MTB and road bike, transforming them almost in “cruisers”. My opinion is that spiderflex is a comfortable saddle with no nose but is only appropiate for cruisers (probably like all complete no-nose saddle).
Indeed, other equivalent saddle WARN YOU that
“The 600 is suitable for bicycles with a very upright riding position. The saddle is not suitable for mountainbikes and roadbikes”. (as the Hobson was).
A very upright riding position is not something that your could get in your MTB or road bike, even transforming completely your bike, as I did.
That is why I encourage you to a validate or test saddles that could achieve the normal intention of riders (I am a low perfil rider -no competitive-, no more than 50kms MTB or 70kms road bike with, no more than 1000 cumulative desnivel rides, my height is 1,70) in contrary case I think you should modulate the expectations you are creating in the people interested in this issue. I spent 250 euros for the saddle, shipping and taxes to Spain, and also more than 150 euros adapting both bikes. This is not possible for average biker. May be all the no-nose saddle are not equal, buy the ussers can not spent that money and time only for trying or test.
The closer idea to the concept that I tested is duopower is not very comfortable at the begining and is not a total no-nose saddle, but is closer, you do not need to change things in your bike and is easy to get used to it.
If someone see list for no nose saddle you must know that they are not all equal applying the concept, with its consequences…
I advice to try allways demo version if a saddle is available in your country.
I think it would good to know which model uses the Police in Chicago, how many kilometers without stop they usually do and in what adaptations they needed.
If this is a public health issue, more further information is needed urgently for the users, constructors and UCI.
Greetings
Gonzalo de las Casas CƔmara MD, PhD, MPH. From Madrid, Spain.
Great article. This is a very interesting topic to discuss about.
Good post fellas
Like Moraes Antunes, I’m embarrassed to have succumbed to group-think for so long. Thanks for offering this important, well-grounded insight.
I would love to see similar rigor in comparing the single-pad design class to the swivel “Hobson” class — and in comparing the common chafing pains from nosed versus noseless saddles. But I appreciate your discipline in not commenting beyond the actual scope of your testing.
Until then, even the anecdotal comments seem helpful.
Many thanks!