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Hey people, I tried RPM and really loved it, the only reason why I can't and wont do it again is because after the class i lost all feeling in my pubic area and it didn't return for about 2 hours. To me exercise should not be this painful and I was wondering can it cause permenant damage due to the fact some male riders go sterile because of the seats? Thanks

in short wear cycling shorts they have padding

 

in regards to sterile thing not too shore i think you would have to do a lot of training for that i reacon. like a chefs sperm level is lower but some one who cooks everyday prob be unaffected lol.

Hi there!

You have to keep coming back!  It gets better the more that you do it - your "lower regions" gets used to the pressure from sitting on the saddle.  BUT in saying that yes it is totally advisable to get some padded bike shorts as this will help aleviate the pain somewhat. 

The other suggestion is to get yourself a gel seat cover from a bike shop which you can take to your classes and slip over the saddle.  This helps also.

The other consideration would be to not have the h/bars too low as again this puts extra pressure "downstairs" too.

Let us know how you go,

Sarah

I suspect it's a combination of your seat adjusted too high and your handlebars adjusted too low.

Come to class a little early next time and ask your instructor to set your seat height and remember the setting.  This probably won't ever change for you.

Next have your instructor set your handlebars conservatively high.  Riders will usually gradually adjust their bars lower and lower over a couple years or more.  Initially it's a lot more comfortable overall to start with your bars pretty high.

Once you have your bike setup correct you probably won't need a gel seat.

Have fun,

Rex

 

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Excuse me... May I motivate you?

I agree with Rex-your saddle is probably too high and the fore and aft may be off as well.  I do a lot of riding outdoors-just finished a century on Sun and I didn't get numb after over 6 hours in the saddle.  It's common for new riders to be uncomfortable in the saddle region, but you shouldn't be numb.  As far as sperm levels-check with your doctor.  I imagine that cyclists who spend long bouts training and riding may be experiencing lower sperm counts-because the spandex keeps "the boys" too close to the body-killing the sperm.  There has been studies showing that with brief vs. boxers.  I haven't read anything about cycling but it would make sense since spandex would be even tighter. I'm not sure if that would hold true if you do RPM as recommended. As I said check with your doc.  Have the instructor set you up-if possible have a very experienced instructor set you up.  Good luck and happy riding

I'm with Glen and/or Sarah there - I stoped riding for a few years and then all of a sudden I couldn't find a saddle anywhere which wouldn't hurt after 50k or so.  In the end I gave up and my ass hardened up again.  Now I can ride on anything!

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-- Alasdair.

Don't give up!  It took me several months...but now I don't have to use any kind of cushioning for instructing RPM.  Freedom! 

Don't give up.  It does get better.  When I first started RPM, I had a love/hate relationship with it because of the seat pain.  First, have the instructor make sure you are set up properly on the bike.  Ride position is very important.  Also any seat cover, padded shorts, etc. will help out a lot.  Check your resistance, too.  If it is too light and you aren't sinking into the seat, you can get a lot of added bouncing, which isn't helping.  I promise, after a few classes on the bike, the pain will go away.  Promise. And you'll have a great cardio workout.