[prchoudh]

I was dead set on getting an Electra Townie 21 speed bike. Once I sat on the bike I knew that this was the bike. However, I having been reducing my weight and remembering the good times with my Specialized MTB, I would like to get back into it.

My main concern is over the numb feeling in the groin after riding a bike. I had that sensation from riding a beach style cruiser as well. I tried to adjust the seat angle, it really did not change anything.

I was impressed with the Giant Revel MTB even though I was on it riding in the bike shop's parking lot. My groin did not seem to have the problem.

Here is my apprehension:

I would like to get back into biking. The main reason why i stopped was because of the numbness in the groin. I really do not want to invest a large amount of money into this, if the end result is that i stop biking because of this.

So, should I go with a Giant and get another seat like an Adame? Or should I play it safe with the Electra Townie. I really do not want to buy 2 bikes.

 

[theextremist04]

Have you ever tried real cycling shorts? If you like mountain biking, then get a mountain bike.

 

[zebrahum]

Cycling shorts, better saddle, having your riding position looked at by a shop; there are plenty of things that you can do to improve your numb issue. A cruiser bike is not made for extended riding, the riding position is very upright and the saddle is (usually) soft and huge. A big mistake people make when they're figuring out how to get a comfortable saddle is to pick the biggest and softest saddle they can get. What actually happens when you do this is that all the soft tissue gets compressed and it cuts off blood flow to various parts of your body. What you need to be looking for is a firm saddle that matches the width of your sit bones. When you get a saddle like that, your body weight is supported on your sit bones and it allows blood to flow more naturally keeping numbness from occurring. Other nice features are having a cutout or relieved channel in the middle of the saddle which also aids in keeping numbness down. Cycling shorts are a big help but don't wear them with underwear or you'll be in a whole new world of discomfort. They come in styles with baggy outer coverings if you're worried about style.

There are a lot of issues you can work on to help get rid of your numbness, try and find a shop that has some demo saddles. WTB has a nice demo program that some shops have available (look for the yellow "demo" saddles). And remember that you should be standing up off the saddle much more frequently on a mountain bike than on a cruiser or street bike so you get a bit of relief once in a while.

 

[prchoudh]

Thanks for the advice

Thanks for the advice. My outlook on MTB is much better now that I understand the mechanics of cycling. I suppose my first MTB was not sized correctly and that is why I had such difficulty with the bike comfort.