Prostate Problems

Q: I need some information on mountain bike saddles for riders who have had their prostate removed due to cancer but don’t want to give up riding bikes just yet. What is the best solution?
Jim Curcuro
California

A: For riders who have had prostate surgery but wish to continue mountain biking, selecting the right saddle is paramount for comfort and health. Luckily, there are a variety of saddles that are designed to offer support while minimizing pressure on sensitive areas, which hopefully will allow you to continue riding as pain-free as possible. As with all riders, nothing beats the trial-and-error method of picking a saddle since everybody has specific needs. Here are a few good starting points, though:

The Terry Bicycles Liberator Y saddle is touted for long-distance rides due to its multi-density foam and a groove for improved blood flow and pressure relief, making it a top choice for those seeking comfort for longer days in the saddle.

Bontrager’s Commuter Comp saddle, with its contoured shape and full-saddle cut-away, provides a good amount of pressure relief and support, making it popular with both commuters and mountain bikers.

For performance-focused riders and those who enjoy the finer things, the Specialized Romin EVO Comp Gel offers an aerodynamic and sleek shape that is designed to help promote blood flow to sensitive arteries. It’s also available in three different sizes, which can help curtail the fit and improve comfort.

For something a bit more unique, the Hobson Pro Hub X2 stands out as a nose-less option and features adjustable, high-density foam gel padding and a wide surface area to help on longer rides.

For those looking for the most bang for their buck, the Specialized Body Geometry Comfort Gel, at $50, combines a fairly plush foam, gel inserts, and an anatomical design to promote blood flow and provide support for soft tissues.

The ISM PR 2.0 is a unique-looking option, thanks to its nose-less design and improved thigh clearance, and can be used for everything from road and triathlon riding to mountain biking. The nose-less shape is designed to remove pressure from soft tissue and improve blood flow, which reduces pain and numbness.

And last, the Selle SMP TRK saddle is designed as a trekking and bike-packing solution but works very well for mountain bike riders who want extra cushion and comfort. It’s offered in both a medium and large size and with gel or non-gel padding, and the central channel is designed to alleviate pressure around the prostate and promote blood flow.

Riders with prostate issues are encouraged to look for saddles that ensure minimal contact with the prostate area, have adequate padding around the sit-bone area, and have designs that facilitate blood flow while reducing pressure on sensitive tissues.

Additionally, websites like BicycleSeats.com have hundreds of different saddles, and you can filter by the type of relief you want to find something that works best for you. Always consult your healthcare provider before getting back into the saddle (pun intended) after you’ve had any kind of surgery or procedure concerning your prostate to make sure it aligns with your individual health circumstances and needs.

For more information on picking your perfect saddle, check out our Science of Seat Selection guide here and MBA’s list of the ten best mountain bike saddles here.