While biking has well-documented cardiovascular benefits, riders are often forced to put up with some terrible symptoms such as pain and numbness in the groin. However, proper saddle designs like the one so prominent in the best bike saddle for numbness can severely reduce your risk of suffering cycling-associated numbness.

For many long-suffering riders, these saddles have proven to be very good news.

Their special design limits perineal pressure, significantly reducing the incidence of poor positioning which is the number one cause for biking-related numbness.

They also distribute weight to where it should always be -the ischial tuberosities (sit bones).

In a hurry? Below are the hottest bike saddles that you can count on for numbness.

Best Bike Saddle for Numbness: 5 Hottest Pick

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Groin Numbness and Bike Riding or Perineal Numbness from Cycling

Perineal numbness is triggered by compression of your nerves and surrounding blood cells, limiting blood flow to your perineal area.

An ill-fitting saddle, poor positioning, and failing to switch between standing and sitting while riding primarily cause numbness in private parts for most cyclists.

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What Is Perineal Numbness From Cycling?

Perineal numbness from cycling manifests itself in a forthright way.

After cycling for some time, you sort of lose your feeling in the perineum. (The area just below your pelvic diaphragm and in-between the legs).

The zone grows numb and you no longer feel the usual exciting sensation when you touch it.

If not addressed, it can bring serious issues such as erectile dysfunction in men.   

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Causes of Perineal Symptoms

Medical professionals have discovered several triggers of perineal numbness, one of the commonest side effects of bike riding.

Issues Surrounding The Sexual Organs

Although the statistics are still hazy, it’s believed that many men riders experience testicular pain after cycling, especially for long distances.

Women riders who have suffered genital numbness have also reported vaginal itches or burning and occasional vaginal discharges.

This is because as you pedal, the bike seat applies pressure on the sensitive perineum zone.

This eventually squeezes blood vessels and the many nerves which provide feelings to your manhood or the vaginal area, causing numbness and discomfort.

Recommended Fix:

There are other helpful measures (more on this later) but the best bike saddle to prevent numbness is a great start.

Cycling Postures

For both sexes, your overall riding position can trigger groin numbness.
Riders who shift around a lot wrongly may notice that tingly feeling as they change positions since, as I mentioned earlier, some posture affect circulation.

Recommended Fix:

Now, it’s advisable to keep switching positions, yes, but always maintain the right angle.

Also, ensure the handlebars are properly positioned.

Riders Reach

If you lean forward too much, there will be more pressure on the perineum because you transfer your weight to the wrong areas.

Recommended Fix:

To correct this, aim at ensuring your arms always remain perpendicular to the torso, your elbows slightly bent while resting on your bike’s handlebars.

This gives optimal reach naturally for both men and women.

Issues Surrounding the Bike Saddle

There are plenty of reasons why a comfortable bike saddle should come first when upgrading your bike.

If the nose of your saddle points upwards too much, it triggers pressure whose eventuality we all know too well.

Again, if you have set your saddle’s height incorrectly, you will be in for a rough ride seeing the amount of pressure that lands on the perineum.

Recommended Fix:

First, get the best cycling saddle for numbness. Then, ensure proper height fitting and sitting angle.

Seams In The Shorts​

Unknown to many, the ‘innocent’ seams in your biking shorts can provoke saddle sores, pinch nerves or worse still, the blood vessels in your crotch.

Recommended Fix:

The best quality cycling shorts are typically seamless and padded and will solve the issue.

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Perineal Symptoms Suffered By Cyclists

Besides male and female numbness after cycling, perineum zone compression can set off multiple other symptoms including…

• Erectile dysfunction may evolve from genital numbness.
• Testicular discomfort (due to the micro-traumas).
• Reduced fertility (precipitated by raised scrotum temperature).
• The vaginal labia may suffer ulcerations.
• Inflamed/painful prostate gland (Prostatitis).
• Urination difficulties.
• Damage to nerves, veins, and arteries.
• Chronic perineum pain.
• Ulcers (small crater-like lesions)
• Tingling and tightness

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How to Prevent Numbness on Your Next Ride

You should add the following measures to the specific fixes we have so far recommended;

• Take regular few-minutes breaks while riding.
• Get a nice professional bike fit.
• Avoid overexerting yourself and instead, increase your cycling mileage gradually.
• Always wear form-fitting cycling shorts.
• Grab one of the wider bicycle seats that protect the perineum. Such seats have extra padding which cushions the perineal area.

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How the Best Bike Saddle For Numbness Helps Your Ride

The best scenario is when the majority of your body weight is resting on your “sit bones”.

But never on the soft tissues, your riding position notwithstanding.

This calls for the most comfortable cycling saddle

The saddle will conform to your body shape and ensure that it supports your weight on the sit bones sparing the soft tissues and your perineum.

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Best Bike Saddle To Prevent Numbness

Advanced engineering studies have led to the development of various seats to prevent and/or limit numbness-related disorders…

1. Padded Bicycle Saddle with Soft Cushion

The outstanding feature for this group of bike saddles for numbness is the ideal soft padding. They pride themselves in having the best ability to absorb shocks and to deliver a comforting ride.

Their tailored cushioning protects you against prostate problems, numbness, and chronic back pain.

Most have a deep center cutout and will distribute pressure away from the sensitive areas and back across the saddle’s surface.

The cushioning also enhances their anatomic support helping in preventing sit bone pain.

Because of these features, padded bicycle saddles like the Bikeroo’s Men’s Most Comfortable Saddle and its women’s version are heavily recommended by even veteran riders.

About the Bikeroo Most Comfortable Bike Seat For Men

The Bikeroo Most Comfortable Bike Seat is everything male cyclists want. This best bicycle seat for numbness comes in an ergonomic anatomical design that suits the male anatomy.

It promises to relieve you from seat bone pain by distributing your weight uniformly. That makes it perfect for male long-distance riders.

This bike seat also comes in a narrow design and generally feels soft. So, not only does it offer you seat bone relief, but it also suits male riders with prostate issues, erectile dysfunction, and backache.

The saddle has a deep center cutout that provides your butt area with optimal ventilation and comfort.

I mentioned that the seat feels soft, owing to its premium memory foam that conforms to your body.

The Bikeroo Most Comfortable Bike Seat absorbs shock when going over bumps. For that reason, you can fit it on a fat tire bike, BMX, mountain bike, or tour bike.

The bike seat also works great on road bicycles.

It comes in an easy-to-mount design and is accompanied by an information-packed eBook. It also comes with mounting tools plus a seat adapter to promote its setup. As a result, its mounting is DIY.

Moreover, the bike seat comes with a rain cover that protects the cushioning from rain damage.

The Bikeroo Most Comfortable Bike Seat is tested by at least 12,000 cyclists, proving its reliability.

Highlight Features

• Premium memory foam
• Universal mount
• Deep center cutout
• Rain cover
• Ergonomic design

2. Gel Bike Seats

Gel cushioning in saddles help you conquer pain during cycling. That’s because a gel pad is softer and makes cycling super comfortable.

The silkier Gel pad covers also don’t stick on bare skin so chances of friction as you pedal are greatly reduced.

Now, Zacro is one company that seems to have mastered the art of making premium Gel bike seats. One of their modes, the Zacro’s Gel Bike Seat has repeatedly outshone most of the competition because of its wider design and excellent support for your butt and the crotch.

This is simply on of the best bicycle seats for big bums.

Additionally, they have an excellent gel bike seat cover.

About the Zacro Gel Bike Saddle

The Zacro Gel Bike Saddle promises the most ergonomic and comfortable riding experience. Of course, that’s mainly due to its dual-density gel foam padding.

The padding feels extra soft and comfortable, and in addition to that, the cushioning gives the seat an elastic feel. So, the saddle stretches as it conforms to your body.

Zacro Gel BS053 comes with carbon steel dual-spring suspension for smoothening bumps and promoting a smoother rider.

And due to the accompanying Zacro wrench, it’s almost effortless to mount this saddle on standard seat posts.

Besides, it enjoys a universal design that makes it compatible with all standard seat posts.

On its outer is a tough artificial leather cover that protects the foam padding and boosts the saddle’s overall lifespan.

Furthermore, it features PU material that gives it an elegant touch.

Overall, Zacro Gel BS053 is quite versatile as it easily fits on different bicycle models. Plus, the size is reasonably wide to suit both small-bodied and plus-size cyclists.

Surely, Zacro doesn’t leave any room for disappointment when using this bike saddle for numbness!

Highlight Features

• Wide seat
• Universal design
• Zacro wrench
• Premium dual-density padding
• Dual spring suspension
• PU material and leather covering

3. Bike Saddles For Long Rides

Cozy leather saddles work best for longer rides.

Because they come with a single leather piece tensioned on their metal frame, you will notice a superb suspension.

Typically, these saddles are padded by thickened and wider high-density memory foam which acts as a superb defense for your buttocks!

They also sustain perfect weight balance and successfully keep numbness away.

The only drawback is the essential break-in time.

To better understand this type of bike saddles for numbness, check out the Wittkop Bike Seat.

About the Wittkop Bike Seat

The Wittkop Bike Seat is everything you would expect from a top trekking bike seat. Its comfort is unrivaled, and it’s not just about the padding but also aspects like seat ergonomic and ventilation.

Starting with the padding, the Wittkop Bike Seat features premium-quality memory foam that clings to your body. That ensures it feels comfortable to let you ride long-distance.

The foam padding doesn’t feel too soft or extra firm. It is medium, something that you want as a trekking cyclist.

The manufacturer employs a 5-zone concept, a technology that creates an ergonomic seat.

As if that’s not enough to promote optimal comfort, this best cycling saddle for numbness features internal braces that enhance airflow.

As a result, you avoid the discomforting heat around the butt area. You also don’t have to tolerate the unpleasant sweat.

The other exciting thing is that the Wittkop Bike Seat is 100% waterproof. That’s primarily due to its welded seams that prevent water and sweat from getting in.

With the seat width extending to about 6.7 inches, there’s no doubt that it’s perfect for both small-bodied and plus-size riders.

Having joined the saddle manufacturing sector in 1898, Wittkop prides itself on producing excellent and high-quality bikes, and this one is a practical example.

Highlight Features

• 5-zone ergonomic concept
• Premium memory foam
• Waterproof welded seams
• Reflective patches
• Innovative Wittkop Airflow System
• 7 inches wide

4. Bike Saddles For Women

Many women benefit from wider saddles to accommodate their pelvis, which is wider than in men.

All women saddles for numbness hence have more width to ensure the required balancing of weight on your resilient sit bones.

And the majority, including Daway’s c99 saddles have a contouring shape to match women’s unique anatomy. This construction reduces pressure on the entire perineum.

About the DAWAY Comfortable Seat

Both men and women can fit the DAWAY C99 Comfortable Men Women Bike Seat on their bikes.

Judging by the name, you can expect optimal comfort from this best bike seat for numbness. So, you can as well say goodbye to saddle numbness once you fit it on your bicycle.

DAWAY C99 features soft memory foam cushioning that conforms to your body’s alignment to relieve you from saddle numbness.

And to ensure that you always have a smoother ride despite the outdoor bumpiness, the saddle comes with dual-spring rubber ball suspension. The suspension promises maximum shock absorption.

Remarkably, even the PVC leather covering promotes seat comfort as it feels soft. The PVC leather not only feels smooth but is also non-slip. So, overall, it ensures you cycle discomfort-free.

The highlight of DAWAY C99’s comfort is the middle hollow design that promotes breathability.

Are you wondering if you can cycle at night?

That’s not a problem with DAWAY C99 as it comes with a bright water-resistant LED taillight. The light makes you visible at night.

Interestingly, the inbuilt LED light can run for nearly 36 hours, and it offers you three lighting modes.

DAWAY C99, like many others, enjoys a universal design, and as a result, it allows you to mount it seamlessly on standard seat posts. Whether it’s on a road bike, beach cruiser, fixed gear, or e-bike, you can fit DAWAY C99.

Highlight Features

• Soft, non-slip PVC leather
• Water-resistant LED taillight
• Dual-spring suspension
• Central hollow design
• Universal fit
• Soft memory foam padding

5. Bike Seat To Prevent Perineal Numbness in Men

Saddles built for men intentionally feature either the all-important vertical split between their left and right hand segments or a detailed middle cut out.

This design is charged with reducing the strain on your perineum on top of preventing nerve compression and/or numbness in your genital region.

And all of them are like this- from PayoneerYao, Planet Bikes ARS saddle, and Selle’s extra biking saddle.

About the Pioneer Yao Bike Seat

Very few saddles can match the ergonomic nature of the Pioneer Yao Bike Seat. In my view, there is no better choice for preventing numbness than this.

This best bike saddle for groin numbness comes with high-density foam and gel cushioning to relieve you from tingling sensations. The padding also gives the saddle an elastic, softer feel – mostly the reason behind its comfort.

The Pioneer Yao Bike Seat has a hollow middle that makes it more breathable, thus great for combating sweat and saddle heat.  For that reason, it is an excellent pick for long-distance cyclists.

The saddle prides itself in a universal fit, which means it’s perfect for standard seat posts. Impressively, this bike saddle is safe to use at night as it comes with reflective patches that boost your road visibility in the dark.

Its shape is perfect for both genders. Not only can you use this bike seat on outdoor bikes but also spin bikes.

The Pioneer Yao Bike Seat weighs about a pound, thus reasonably lightweight for easy cycling. Its overall construction promises durability, which means better value for money.

Highlight Features

• High-density cushioning
• Breathable central cut
• Universal design
• Reflective patches
• Lightweight

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How Do You Know Which Is The Best Bike Seat For Numbness?

So many bike saddles are marketed as the best road bike saddle for numbness. Ignore the hype and focus on the following couple of items to be sure.

• Shape, Size, and Design

To tell whether a bike seat is truly the best bike saddle for groin numbness, you have to look at the contouring.

If it doesn’t adapt to your butt shape (and weight), it doesn’t have any business being in the market for bike saddle numbness.

Saddles with a large “cutout” and a downward facing nose are more recommended.

The built should incorporate sufficient padding and fit.

• Test Various Saddles

Proper seat design will minimize the risk of biking-associated perineal numbness and possibly reduce related symptoms.

Since the saddle design that may fit my anatomy may not necessarily support another rider, you should take time to sample the available options.

Try Gel saddles, men extra-large saddles for numbness, and the rest before settling on the comfiest.

• The Type Of Bike/Riding

While a number of saddles can work with different types of bikes, some are specific.

For instance, I have encountered some saddles for numbness labelled “road” or “mtb”. And surely, I found the mtb ones cozier on a mountain bike. The road saddles felt easier on road bikes too.

It’s true the standards may not be that different but a saddle specially made for your bike type is likely to be more effective.

And More…

• Adjustability

Some discomfort is normal in the early days of your bike saddle as you try to locate the best fit.

For the best results, the best bike seat for numbness should allow proper adjustment angle-wise, height-wise, and any other needed fine-tuning until the stress on your perineum ceases.

• Cushioning

No evidence has been published as yet that gel saddle covers help diminish perineal symptoms.

In fact, too soft a cover can be more discomforting than a reasonably firmer saddle.

Even so, a gel covered seat may be better for short rides like running errands or commuting.

For longer rides, you require the best bike saddle for long rides. Here, firmer foam works better as it doesn’t compact easily.

• Cutout vs Indentation vs Zero Accommodation?

Many of the models considered in the best bike saddle for numbness class are purpose-built to shield your perineum.

However, you and I probably have different anatomies meaning that you may find awesome relief in a saddle that has a perineal cutout.

I, on the other hand, may get healing from saddles that come with a small indentation.

We even have types that don’t provide such accommodations.

The pressure-relieving design that will benefit you as a man or woman is, therefore, a matter of personal preference.

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Perineal Numbness Treatment

A reader had asked about perineal numbness treatment.

Well, whether you will rediscover feelings in your nether region depends on the real cause of the condition.

If it’s biking, you should experience gradual change as soon as you cut back or change your bike’s seat type and setting.

If the body is taking longer to restore your feelings, it may be best to see your doctor for a treatment that works.

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Sore Testicles And Pain From Cycling | Bike Seat Hurts My Balls!

Apart from numbness, most men dread sore or painful testicles when riding. Unfortunately, hurting balls are a painful reality with poor saddles and riding styles.

How To Identify Sore Testicles

Self-examination will do. You can also visibly see signs of redness and inflammation or feel the torsion. Pain in both or one testicles, swelling, and tenderness of your testicles and/or scrotum are also sufficient signs.

What Causes Testicular Pain From Cycling?

When pedaling, the friction or pressure applied on your testicles and the scrotum by the saddle can trigger pain.

Testicular torsion (twisting of your testicles) and testicular traumas are, on the other hand, mostly caused by factors such as crashes that land a blow to your testicles.

How Can You Prevent Testicular Pain?

A couple of measures can help ease sooth your aching balls.

• Wear supportive clothing: consider wearing recommended items such as an athletic supporter. These deliver more support to your scrotum and will ease the pain gradually.
• Put on Protective equipment: To protect your underworld from injuries during crashes, wear protections like extra-padded bicycle shorts.
• Install the best bike saddle for long rides (or short distances):  depending on your usual rides, get the best saddle. It helps promote a proper angle and to deflect pressure from the testicles.

FAQs

What Does Saddle Numbness Feel Like?

In most cases, saddle numbness feels like a tingling sensation on the butt. In some instances, you may feel weak in your seating area.

However, in the worst scenario, you may have a problem feeling the tissue paper when wiping.

Which Bike Saddle Is The Most Comfortable?

It’s hard to say exactly what makes a bike seat comfortable. The best bike seat for overweight riders might feel uncomfortable to you, as a more slender rider.

So it depends.

But based on factors like seat comfort, shock absorption, quality covering, and perfect shape, here are the most comfortable and the best bike saddles for numbness:

1. Bikeroo’s Men’s Saddle: Most Cushioned Bike Saddle
2. Zacro’s Gel Bike Seat: Best Gel Bike Saddle
3. Wittkop Bike Sea: Best for Long Rides
4. DAWAY Comfortable Seat: Best for Women
5. PayoneerYao Bike Seat: Best for Preventing Numbness

How Do I Keep From Getting Numb While Cycling?

Saddle numbness happens when you compress the nerves once you take a seat. Primarily, that’s associated with picking the wrong saddle, an uncomfortable one.

So, to avoid saddle numbness when cycling, consider changing the seat or its cover.

Why Do My Hands Get Numb When I Ride My Bicycle?

Your hands get numb when you ride your bicycle because you compress the hand nerves, especially the ulna nerve.

Once you put pressure on the bike handlebar, you squeeze the ulna nerve, and the effect is a tingling sensation.

You can reduce or prevent that with handlebar grips.

How Do I Stop My Bike Seat Hurting?

For starters, you have to pick the best bike saddle to prevent numbness. Ensure the seat agrees with your anatomy to feel comfortable.

You can also get a comfortable seat cover to improve your seating comfort.

Other options include wearing biking shorts, using emollient (soothing) cream, and keeping the saddle clean.

Conclusion

The road to the best bike saddle for numbness can be long and winding but very rewarding on arrival.  

Crucially, what works for you may not work in my case. Again, so many factors matter.

The conventional wisdom is that you should wash, rinse, and repeat until you get to the saddle for numbness that suits you.

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