Login required to started new threads

Login required to post replies

New to Multisport - NUMBNESS!
Quote | Reply
Hello All,

I'm new to Multisport in general.. signed up for IM Lake Placid in 2015 - I have never run a tri (or a 5K for that matter), before... Crazy (yes!).

Anyways, I just bought a roadbike and am learning to ride, am experiencing some severe "numbness" (down there).

Are padded shorts enough? If so, can you reco a couple of good "starter" brands to try for a W 5'3", about 130 lbs... OR, reco also looking at other seat cushions for bike (I bought a Trek Silque).

Many thanks in advance!!!
Quote Reply
Re: New to Multisport - NUMBNESS! [JennyNew2Multi] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
The key for me was finding the right saddle; here is the thread I posted which got me looking at what I needed to consider. I landed up with a Specialised saddle which I love. I hope you get this sorted.

What prompted you to sign up for an IM?
Last edited by: Scheherazade: Oct 1, 14 9:06
Quote Reply
Re: New to Multisport - NUMBNESS! [JennyNew2Multi] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
A few things. Less padding is better. I know this sounds counter-intuitive, but more padding means more pressure on your lady bits. It may take some work to find the right saddle for you - everyone is built different.

Two - when you are sitting on the saddle, the only parts that should really be touching the saddle are the sit bones (the bones in your butt). A strong core will go a long way to helping, but basically you want to rotate your pelvis forward while you are on the saddle.
Last edited by: edbikebabe: Oct 1, 14 18:40
Quote Reply
Re: New to Multisport - NUMBNESS! [edbikebabe] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
You've got it backwards: you want to rotate your pelvis forward, not "up and back". This would inhibit the extention of the glute maximus.
The OP did not mention if she's on a road or tri bike, but pelvic rotation is key to normal lordotic curvature to the lower back.

Anne Barnes
ABBikefit, Ltd
FIST/SICI/FIST DOWN DEEP
X/Y Coordinator
abbikefit@gmail.com
Quote Reply
Re: New to Multisport - NUMBNESS! [ABarnes] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
The OP wrote that she bought a road bike in her post. Perhaps you may offer further advice based on that information.

DFL > DNF > DNS
Quote Reply
Re: New to Multisport - NUMBNESS! [ABarnes] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
You are absolutely correct. I was thinking about what the lady bits do, rather than the direction the pelvis moves to make it happen. I'll edit my post to avoid confusion.
Quote Reply
Post deleted by ironclm [ In reply to ]
Re: New to Multisport - NUMBNESS! [JennyNew2Multi] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Anyway, back on topic and ignoring that last post of utterly juvenile crap...

In my experience it's more important that your bike fits, not so much your knicks. Yes, it's important that they fit too, but if your bike fits properly, extra padding on your knicks and saddle aren't so neccessary.

If you've signed up for IM you're going to be spending many many hours on your bike and you need to love it, not dread it.

Personally, I'd spend the money on a bike fit before you spend it on anything else.
Quote Reply
Re: New to Multisport - NUMBNESS! [SallyShortyPnts] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
of course, I'm an idiot. :) need to open the thread in another tab so I can reread! I can only see the previous post in the pane below my post?

It's a dichotomy that while we need forward pelvic rotation, this action puts the genitalia down into the saddle.

In a fitting, it's a 'tell' to me when the rider can rotate the pelvis off the bike, yet can't/won't on the bike - a sign that the saddle just isn't right.
Sometimes a little downward tilt, or more likely a cutout of the right shape/position is the happy solution. Guys are similar, women are more obvious. I have observed that women can hyper rotate the pelvis, because we are flexible, but too much rotation sways the back and stresses the SI joint and L2 thru 6. Always recommending core conditioning, and learning how to engage those muscles whilst riding will stabilise the entire pelvis/back.

Road bike comfort test comes from being in the drops; tri bike, you're always on the armrests.

At rare extremes saddle discomfort 'no matter what' stems from imbalances at the feet, notably spindle width or length discrepancies.

My mantra is: "You want a saddle where you need it, but you don't need it where you don't want it." Or is it the other way around?

Anne Barnes
ABBikefit, Ltd
FIST/SICI/FIST DOWN DEEP
X/Y Coordinator
abbikefit@gmail.com
Quote Reply
Re: New to Multisport - NUMBNESS! [Scheherazade] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Thank you Scheherazade - I appreciate the info! I agree, and there are probably more comfortable saddles out there. I will try to check out Specialized next time I'm at the bike shops.

I signed up for the IM basically bc my boyfriend (at the time) didn't think I could do it, or didn't recommend it (as he put it) :) Since I started getting into the sport though he's been 200% supportive.
Quote Reply
Re: New to Multisport - NUMBNESS! [edbikebabe] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Thanks edbikebabe.. that makes sense about less padding. Will keep it in mind when I check out some shorts (currently I've been borrowing a pair from bf but can see that they are likely made differently). Thanks again.
Quote Reply
Re: New to Multisport - NUMBNESS! [ABarnes] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Thank you Anne. I'm on a road bike but will keep my positioning in mind.
Quote Reply
Re: New to Multisport - NUMBNESS! [blackthugcat] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Thank you BTC - agree, I don't want to dread the bike. Which I love so far, it just hurts at times while riding and the numbness lasts a few days! Anyways, was fit properly when I bought the bike, but am aware I may be riding a bit low on it to get more confident. That will change as I ride more but in meantime agree with the others on this thread prob pays to look at other saddles and shorts to see what's out there.
Quote Reply
Re: New to Multisport - NUMBNESS! [JennyNew2Multi] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Fit is very important. Did you get a bike fit before you purchased your current bike? Its best to get fit before actually buying anything, but you can still "change" your current bike if needed. The only problem is if the frame is too big/small for you. Make sure you contact a reputable bike fitter in your area and get set up properly. Its well worth the extra cost, it will save you lots of headaches and body aches!
Quote Reply
Re: New to Multisport - NUMBNESS! [tinytri] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Yes, I was fit before I bought the bike. Seat is just uncomfortable and there is a lot of pressure. I bought, what I really think will be, a better saddle yesterday. Hopefully that helps, if not there's always more bike shorts! Thank you!
Quote Reply
Re: New to Multisport - NUMBNESS! [JennyNew2Multi] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Sorry to throw another variable in there. But I am a person who does much better with MORE padding in my bike shorts. So I guess it just depends on the person. Though given the responses that are usually on this forum, I seem to be in the minority on the padding issue.
But, saddle is #1. Took me a trial of 7 different saddles to find one I like. I now own 4 of them - of the model that I love.
Quote Reply
Re: New to Multisport - NUMBNESS! [determination] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Thanks determination! Is there a particular brand of shorts you like best? I did get a new saddle over the weekend (it's a hybrid actually).. but still think I am going to need a couple pairs of padded shorts too. Thanks again -
Quote Reply
Re: New to Multisport - NUMBNESS! [JennyNew2Multi] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Pearl Izumi and Castelli. Though with the Castelli shorts I like their model that has their KISS Donna pad. I think that's what it's called. With PI, I think it's the top of the line model. Neither are cheap though...

If you get chafing, invest in some body glide or chamois cream.
Quote Reply
Re: New to Multisport - NUMBNESS! [determination] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Thanks again Determination. Really appreciate it! I picked up a pair of Bontrager shorts today. Wasn't planning to buy but they felt good and fit, but I will definitely keep those others in mind (likely I'll need more). Thanks again!
Quote Reply
Re: New to Multisport - NUMBNESS! [JennyNew2Multi] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
also read Dan's series on Saddle Theory, starting at

http://www.slowtwitch.com/...ory_Part_I_2504.html

worth trying, a neoprene cover for the saddle,

http://www.slowtwitch.com/.../saddles/covers.html

I have used the DeSoto cover ever since a sciatica/piriformis problem in 2006.. worked for that.
Quote Reply
Re: New to Multisport - NUMBNESS! [doug in co] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Thank you Doug in co - LOT of great information here. I will check it out. Thanks again -
Quote Reply
Re: New to Multisport - NUMBNESS! [JennyNew2Multi] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
>>Are padded shorts enough?<<


Hey there Jenny!


Someone else alluded to chafe cream. I like this stuff. It's available in all of the chain drug stores, and it's light and cheap. Makes an amazing difference to the comfort of my ride.


http://www.amazon.com/Monistat-SootTing-Chafing-Powder-Gel-1-5-Ounce/dp/B0012ZNSWE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413302431&sr=8-1&keywords=monistat+anti+chaffing+gel


Best wishes ~~


db


Quote Reply