You are here indicates that you’re concerned about the feeling of perennial numbness below the belt after a long bike ride. Let’s talk about balls today, yeah a sensitive topic for sure but almost every guy who enjoys cycling feels the bouts of numbness, acute testicular pain, and saddle sores.
If you fear the worst then let me clear the air and help you get rid of the misconception – Does cycling cause erectile dysfunction? No, sitting for long periods on an uncomfortable bike seat may cause pain in the groin, but it does not cause erectile dysfunction or infertility.
To support this, there was a study conducted using over 5,282 male cyclists and the results were published in the Journal of Men’s Health (July 2014 issue). According to the study, no matter how many hours or miles the cyclists logged each week, there was no connection found between cycling and ED.
That does not make you immune to the cycling discomforts and pains. However, you can prevent it by maintaining a correct sitting posture or using the best bike seat for your balls. The specially designed bike seats limit the perineal pressure and significantly reduce the incidence of poor positioning.
The correct bike fit and saddle adjustment also distribute the weight to the right places – your sit bones or ischial tuberosities. Other factors like the correct position of handlebars also help in minimizing the pain and numbness in the testicle peripheral area.
Finding the perfect bike seat is easier said than done as the market is flooded with a plethora of brands and models that can confuse even an experienced cyclist. To minimize your stress, we have reviewed several bike seats based on their design, quality, build, and customer reviews.
Read on to find our unbiased reviews of the prostate friendly bike seats handpicked by our team. If you are in a hurry to place your order, we suggest that you go with our editor’s choice – Bikeroo Most Comfortable Bike Seat (see Amazon) for Men, a versatile saddle that comes with a hollow core, center cut, waterproof cover, and mounting tools.
#1. ISM PR 3.0 Saddle 235mm x 145mm: Black
If you feel numbness in your butt and man parts after a long cycling trip, consider replacing your existing bike seat with the ISM performance recreation saddle. Based on the same model as the ISM’s performance short saddles, the seat comes with extra padding for comfort.
The design features PR 3.0, which is ISM’s premium level padding plus a wider 145mm rear end suitable for upright bikes or anyone who struggles to get a suitable position. Equipped with the 60-series foam and gel padding, this bike seat removes pressure from the soft tissues.
The ISM PR 3.0 sports the same chassis as the PS series and rear transition hook. With an improved design, the bike seat ensures optimized blood flow and no genital numbness for a healthier and more enjoyable ride. The longer front also gives you side and thigh support.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 9.2 x 5.7 x 2.7 inches
- Weighs 0.95 pounds
- 60-series foam-and-gel padding
- Chassis made of steel
- Rear transition hook
- Nose-less design
User/ Customer reviews
Some ardent cyclists who have used and replaced numerous bike seats have said that they finally found something that fits perfectly and offers great comfort when riding for long distances. Customers have also said that the saddle not only feels great but also looks good when installed. A few users have warned that you must be careful to choose the registered and authentic ISM seat only.
Conclusion
The ISM PR 3.0 is a specially designed prostate friendly bike seat that lets you cycle over 5 hours without feeling a number in your genital parts. Although unique designed, it does not look out of place when installed in your bike, Instead, it adds to the aesthetics and keeps you comfortable on long bike tours. Overall, we give this product a high score for design and performance.
#2. ISM Adamo Peak Saddle
Mountain biking on hilly and uneven terrain is physically straining and you feel the direct pressure on your groins, making the area numb and sore after a trip. In our review, we found that replacing your bike seat with ISM Adamo Peak Saddle can reduce numbness and boost your comfort level.
The ISM saddle design features a substantial cutaway which eliminates the pressure and provides users with a large rear platform with extra foam padding and gel for support. It also comprises of long Chromoly rails that let you find the correct seat position.
We are impressed to find that the seat features Kevlar sides that are capable of holding up to the unique challenges of the trail. It is rounded on the rear end with a graduated slope to fit a trail ride. The bike seat allows your anatomy to hang-off the front and borders directly with your sit bones.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 10.2 x 5.2 x 2.7 inches
- Weighs 12.6 ounces
- PS 2.0 Saddle
- Extra foam and gel padding
- Long Chromoly rails
User/ Customer reviews
Most users have said that they were impressed by the hypothetical benefit from the pressure relief in the genital area plus the aesthetic value of the saddle is also a bonus. People have said that the saddle is easy to set up and install following the instructions provided. Several customers have said that they prefer the split nose approach as it gives them much better leverage.
Conclusion
This is a great mountain bike upgrade you can do to protect your balls and enjoy a comfortable ride on rugged and hilly terrain. If you have used a regular bike seat until now, you must replace with the ISM Adamo Peak Saddle to notice an immediate improvement in your riding experience. Overall, this is a great investment you can do to stay healthy and happy.
#3. DAWAY Comfortable Men Women Bike Seat
If you share your bike with your wife or girlfriend then here’s a DAWAY saddle that is suitable for both men and women. Padded with thick and wide high-density foam, this bike seat sports a waterproof PVC leather surface to ensure there is no pressure on the genital area, butt, or spine.
The large bike seat design features a middle groove breathable design that minimizes the muggy feeling to keep your back dry and cool even when you are cycling in hot weather. The ergonomic saddle style also allows the thighs to move freely for a healthier and comfortable ride.
The DAWAY seat can be easily installed on any standard seat post, clamp tube, or dual-track using the tools included in the kit. Hence, it serves as a good replacement seat for mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrid bikes, beach cruisers, city bikes, and electric bicycles. The manufacturer stands behind the product with a one-year warranty.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 10.6 x 8.7 x 3.5 inches
- Weighs 2 pounds
- Taillight for Outdoor
- ISO Certified Relaxed Saddle
- Easy to Install on Indoor and Outdoor Bikes
- Water&Dust Resistant Cover
User/ Customer reviews
People who found it difficult to ride on their mountain bike because their butts and groin area pained badly or went numb after some time, experienced a remarkable difference after installing this seat. Customers have also said that installation is a breeze as the product comes with all hardware tools (wrench, an extra battery cell, seat cover) required for installation.
Conclusion
This is a well-built and sturdy, yet comfortable bike seat with a split to relieve any pressure in the soft tissue areas. What we like best about this saddle is that it is not only useful for men but also provides more comfort to women by eliminating sores and numbers in genital parts. Overall, we feel that this is a perfect couple’s bike seat designed to help you go mountain biking or city riding with a new found ease.
#4. Bikeroo Most Comfortable Bike Seat for Men
When looking for the best prostate-friendly saddles, one of the products that appeared promising is the Bikeroo Most Comfortable Bike Seat for men. The bike seat is built using an extra padded cushion to provide both daily commuters and long-distance cyclists more comfort.
Designed as per the unique anatomy of man, the saddle includes deep center cutout and hollow core to prevent rubbing against the genital area while riding. Due to the unique built, there is no pressure on the prostate, hence you do not feel any numbness or pain like other bikers.
As a versatile replacement bike seat, it perfectly goes with both road bikes and mountain bikes to make your rides better on all terrains. As the saddle comes with a free adaptor and a universal standard rails system, it also fits other bike types such as indoor exercise bikes and so on.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 10.2 x 7 x 3.9 inches
- Weighs 1.75 ounces
- Premium Memory Foam
- Universal Saddle Mount
- Perineal Center Cutout
- Waterproof Seat Cover
- Mounting tools and instructions
User/ Customer reviews
Older riders who found their bike seat uncomfortable were impressed with the comfort and ease brought about by this replacement saddle. Customers have also mentioned that unlike soft seats that are slippery, this saddle has a soft yet firm surface that does not let you slide. A few users have said that DIY installation is easy but it may take you some time to get the right angle.
Conclusion
This replacement Bikeroo bike seat for men is indeed comfortable and well-designed with a hollow core to protect the man parts and avoid that numb feeling. If you use your bike for the daily commute or prefer going on long mountain biking tours, this product is a must-have.
#5. Selle SMP Pro Saddle
If you are the kind of cyclist who enjoys frequent mountain biking on challenging trails with steep climbs and bumpy terrain then the Selle SMP Pro Saddle is a good choice. It comes with a unique beak saddle nose that serves as a flat base to protect man’s prostate during long climbs.
Made from nylon 12 carbon fiber material, the saddle also provides great relief during the descents and improved control of the bike using the thighs. It features a slightly wider design than the Glider, Statos, and Evolution to give you a high level of comfort, without any unwanted extra baggage.
We appreciate the extra-wide central channel that helps in eliminating any pressure in the sensitive areas both up-front and the rear section. The saddle features foamed elastomer padding with leather with synthetic (Red, Blue, White) or leather (Black) cover for more durability and comfort.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 11.8 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches
- Weighs 1.7 pounds
- Unique beak saddle nose design
- Nylon 12 carbon fiber
- Lightweight strength and resilience
- Slightly wider design
- Foamed elastomer padding
User/ Customer reviews
Several users have said that after trying a lot of ergonomic man bike seats, they finally settled on the Selle SMP Pro Saddle for its aerodynamic design and good-quality padding. Some customers have also said that this is different from other wide sit bones, which makes the seat slop downwards dramatically so your butt sits above the rails.
Conclusion
This is a smartly designed saddle for guys with wide sit bones and it diverts the pressure from your male parts to other areas. Replacing the bike seat does not take any special tools and once done, you can feel the difference in your ride. Although slightly pricey, this sleek and stylish Selle SMP Pro Saddle (shop now) does its job as promised.
#6. Selle SMP TRK Saddle, Large, Black
The next bike seat on our list also comes from the Selle SMP family and this large saddle sports a unique ergonomic design. With its comfortable padding and exceptional design, riders feel less pressure under the belt and no numbness or pain even after cycling for several hours.
Selle SMP features some patented features like the free central cutout channel and dropped eagle-beak nose rear design for optimum performance. Besides road bikes and MTBs, the saddle is also an ideal choice for recreational bicycles and indoor training bikes.
This large bike seat features a polypropylene shell and steel rail for added stability, sturdiness, and support. It has a central cutout to relieve the usual pressure points and reduce nerve compression when riding for long distances.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 11.8 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches
- Weighs 1 pound
- Polypropylene shell – steel rail
- Large central cutout
- Cushioned padding
- Ergonomic shape
User/ Customer reviews
Heavy riders have said that the saddle feels comfortable and capable of taking overweight people who ride with a back angle of 45 degrees. Those who have put the saddle to rigorous tests with steep climbs and long distances said that they felt zero discomforts.
Conclusion
This Selle SMP TRK Saddle is one of the most ergonomically designed bike seats you will love to use for a comfortable ride on or off-road. We love the flexibility and adjustability of the bike seat so that you can adjust it to your height and riding style. Overall, we feel this is one of the best saddles money can buy.
Buying Guide: Things To Look For In The Best Saddle For Your Balls
Studies have shown that cycling more than five hours a week can reduce the risk of an enlarged prostate by 30 to 50%. However, a poor choice of bike seat may result in numbness and pain in the groin, so here are some things to avoid discomfort.
#. Shape and design
While this depends on the preference of bike riders, we would recommend the V-shaped bike seats for the recreational riders because they are wide with thick padding and springs beneath. T-shaped seats are best suited for mountain biking, while the thin long narrow nose saddles are ideal for performance/ racing bikes.
#. Materials used
The type of material used in the production of bike seats also plays an important role in ensuring quality and overall durability. For example, the cheaper cruiser seats are made of steel alloy rails while the high-end saddles are made of lightweight carbon rails. Mountain biking enthusiasts often choose titanium rails because they come with more shock absorption abilities.
#. Padding
Many people that comfort means thicker paddings but this can turn out to be more uncomfortable in long-distance rides. Soft paddings often get squished and cause pain in the seat bones instead of providing comfort. Seats that are made of Zacro gel material offer enhanced comfort to long-distance riders.
Related Questions
What are the signs of sore testicles
Self-examination can give you enough visible signs such as inflammation, redness, or pain in one or both testicles. Sometimes, there might be swelling or tenderness in one of the testicles and/or scrotum. If you notice any of these symptoms, we suggest that you consult a doctor immediately and consider upgrading your bike seat.
What causes numbness and pain when cycling
When you pedal, the force applies pressure or friction to the scrotum or testicles, triggering a pain. Conditions like testicular torsion or testicular traumas are often caused by crashes that impact the testicles and you must seek medical help in such cases.
How to protect your balls when cycling
If you like to go on frequent long-distance bike rides, we suggest that you wear supportive clothing and other items like an athletic supporter. These protective gears are known to support your scrotum and slowly ease the pain. You may also wear protective equipment such as padded bicycle shorts to protect your balls during crashes.
See Also :
6 Best MTB Grips For Sore Hands
Rigid Vs Suspension Fork For Commuter (Here’s The Difference)
8 Best Gel Seat Covers for Bikes
Why the Bike Seat Is Not Soft
