Are noseless saddles the
answer?
By Nick Gatlin, EMSCI #036
Williamson Medical Center EMS (TN)
Cincinnati (OH)
As long as there have been bicycles,
one component has been the focus of many who ride. "Bike riders" call it
the "seat." "Cyclists" refer to it as the "saddle." It's often blamed for
problems it doesn't cause, and just as often overlooked for those it does.
Now, it's under attack for causing everything from back problems to impotence.
Is the bike saddle really the latest form of birth control? Recent studies
by a variety of sources would lead one to think so, but there is a much larger
picture here than meets the eye.
The results of two studies have been released within the last few months.
Both indicate that riding with the standard bike saddle will have adverse
effects on reproductive health, particularly in men. One goes so far as to
suggest that "men should never ride a bicycle." Why do some people seem to
suffer such devastating effects when others are unaffected? Perhaps the real
focus of these studies should be on answering this question instead of looking
for the effects alone. The answer is most likely one that a cyclist, not
a scientist, is more qualified to answer, and it isn't all that hard to
understand.
Expert cyclists recognize the saddle for what it is: a component. It is one
factor in a long equation that eventually translates into bike fit. While
some saddles may be inherently problematic, most often the problem is with
the way a particular saddle figures into that equation. Other factors include
the rider's height, weight, dimensions of various bone structures, frame
geometry, terrain, riding style/habits and other components of the bike.
Cpl. Robert Ricciardi of the West Palm Beach Sheriff's Office teaches the
Advanced Bike Fit workshop at IPMBA conferences. He notes that, "People need
to understand that the geometry of a specific bike is as individual as a
pair of shoes or the cut of a dress. You wouldn't look for a size 6 petite
if you weighed 180 pounds, but buying a bike that is one inch too big creates
the same caliber of error."
On blaming the saddle, Ricciardi agrees that often that's not the problem.
"Unfortunately, it's easier to bolt on another saddle than it is to get a
properly-fitted bike."
NIOSH has conducted studies at IPMBA conferences, seemingly in search of
the perfect saddle. These studies involve placing a pressure-sensitive pad
on the saddle, then having the rider actually pedal. The bike's rear wheel
is mounted in a device that simulates the stress of a slight hill-climb.
After a few seconds, a computer printout with color-coded stress points is
generated.
While everyone appreciates this kind of research, its practical application
may be lost between the lab and the street. The test takes nothing into account
except where the pressure is concentrated on the pad. Critical adjustments
and suitability of the frame for an individual rider's size are not taken
into account. However, those possible flaws in the control data do not make
the information entirely useless. This is an excellent way to determine whether
that particular setup makes for a proper fit for that particular rider. This
setup includes the position of the handlebars and pedals as well.
Searching for the perfect universal saddle is simply unrealistic. Ideally,
the saddle must do two things. It must provide support in the proper portion
of the pelvic bones, and it must be firm enough to prevent undesirable levels
of pressure to other portions of the genital region. Both of these goals
can only be accomplished by taking bone structure and weight of the rider
into account.
Even an otherwise perfect saddle can cause major problems if adjusted improperly.
Height adjustment is obviously a major consideration, but fore/aft and angle
are just as critical. According to John Washington, who supervises the University
of Pennsylvania's bike patrol unit, "Too inclined an angle (nose up) contributes
to the extra pressure on the underside of the genital area in both men and
women. Too declined (nose down) may cause the rider to slide off, resulting
in contact with the frame and causing blunt-force trauma to the genitals."
Washington also notes that he instructs officers who experience problems
to let him know. Those who have get a quick course in saddle adjustment.
The fact is that most people do not understand the importance of either proper
bike fit or saddle adjustment. For those people, a trend toward "noseless"
saddles is growing. Various designs exist, but the salient feature of all
is a combination of two simple pads, or at least padded areas designed to
support the lower pelvic bones. The lack of a forward portion of the saddle
will presumably eliminate the possibility of pressure on the pelvic region.
Could this be the end-all solution to saddle woes? Not exactly.
Presumably, road cyclists are more prone to saddle-related health concerns.
They spend more time in contact with the saddle than mountain bikers. They
also tend to ride for longer periods of time without breaks. Captain John
Brandt of the University of Maryland's bike unit uses one for his road cycling
and casual touring.
"It's pretty nice. I'll definitely be using it for my next 185-mile trip
down the C&O canal."
But as pleased as Brandt is with his noseless saddle, he sees problems with
the design for more aggressive off-road riding.
Off-road cyclists, particularly those who ride aggressively, find that the
saddle does more than provide a place to sit. A properly adjusted and sized
saddle allows for easy movement of the rider while off the saddle. In situations
where hard braking or steep descents are encountered, the rider needs to
be able to easily slip off the back of the saddle to maintain control. Since
noseless saddles are typically wider than other types, this can be difficult.
Many off-roaders also use the inner thighs to push the nose side-to-side
during technical riding or on rough terrain. It can also help keep tabs on
the vertical position of the bike.
While the debate rages on, the experts who actually ride seem to agree on
two points; noseless saddles are probably not the best answer to the problem,
and there is absolutely no substitute for proper bike fit. A saddle that
feels comfortable in the short run may actually contribute to problems with
other parts of the body. Soreness in the neck, shoulders, wrists, back and
knees may still exist and could be more serious in the long run, especially
if the real issue is bike fit. The saddle remains only one factor in the
complicated equation of what will make your bike work for you.
Nick Gatlin can be reached at
bikemedic1208@comcast.net |
