Eunuch-cycling

[Dexter]

I spent just over an hour on the spinning bike tonight at the gym which is the longest I've been on a bike for in a while but I am trying to build up my fitness to get out on the road.

I spent most of that hour in the saddle only really standing to give my bum a break but I realised after about 40 mins that Snoopy and my Charlie Browns had fallen asleep which almost made me fall off the bike when I realised!

After a few minutes of standing I regained 'full mobility' but just wanted to check with the more 'experienced' if my position on the bike might need looking at or whether its normal, unavoidable... beneficial almost (I'm joking with the last one!)

Cracking way to get properly introduced to the forum....

 

[Tapeworm]

Spin class?? Hand in your "Man Card"!

Seriously, saddle shape is a highly personal thing. What is uber comfortable for one person will result in numbness in many different places. So apart from changing the saddle then doing what you described, ie: getting out of the saddle regularly, should help you situation. That and getting out of those "spin classes".

 

[Dexter]

LOL Thanks!

It wasn't actually a class just a bike in the gym with a resistance wheel rather than a 'conventional' exercise bike.

I've been desperate to get back out on the road and have been purchasing a plethora of parts over the last few months and the bike is going in to the LBS on monday for a full strip down and service.... then I will finally be free again!

As long as my saddle problem doesn't persist hopefully I will keep hold of my 'Man Card'!

 

[cyclopeon]

ime, the saddles on stationary bikes are notoriously bad for the equipment. Surprised you lasted an hour!

 

[daviel]

get a brooks B-17 and take it to class with you - with a wrench to install it

 

[elapid]

I agree with what everyone else is saying about saddles contributing to your numbness. Also, riding on a trainer is very different to riding outside. Whether you notice it or not, you are always up and out of your saddle when riding outside (stop sign, slowing down, climbing, sprinting, looking at something, etc). However, there is none of this variety on an indoor trainer. There is nothing to look at except straight ahead (unless of course there is someone distracting in the gym ) and there are no situations where you get your bum out of the saddle other than consciously knowing you need a break.

 

[Tapeworm]

Oh and FWIW I also use those type of gym bikes now and again, great for practising those ultra high cadence drills.