Traditional Saddle causing problems?

[KSH]

I have read about a lot of ladies on here having saddle problems. I found this gear review on my Beginner Triathlete board. If you have problems with a normal saddle, it might be something to check out.

http://www.ismseat.com/index.html

Here is some "medical information" about the saddle from the website:

Medical Information
Why are we so confident the ISM™ is a medically superior seat?

On an annual basis, bicycle riding involves several hundred million people worldwide. Studies have linked perineal pressure caused by straddling traditional bicycle seats to numbness, urinary tract and yeast infections, prostate inflammation and impotence. For male riders, in addition to the discomfort and numbness associated with a traditional saddle, there is an increased susceptibility to restricted blood flow, which can lead to arterial occlusion and permanent erectile dysfunction. For women, the restricted blood flow and hardening of the genital arteries can lead to an inability to reach orgasm. It has been found that as little as 11% of a person’s body weight can compress the genital artery!

Review from the BT website:

The review

Basically, the ISM is a racing saddle without a nose. In theory, the absence of a nose eliminates the pressure that many cyclists find uncomfortable, if not unbearable. Blood flow to vital areas will increase and numbness will decrease through the use of the ISM Adamo. The cyclist’s weight is distributed more evenly throughout the surface of the saddle, creating a more comfortable ride.

Yet for me, dissatisfaction often precedes change. Fortunately for me, I am not dissatisfied with a traditional racing saddle. If you are not dissatisfied with your current saddle, the ISM Adamo is not for you unless you just have to have newfangled gear. If you do suffer from discomfort or health issues when using a traditional saddle, give the ISM Adamo a try. The $149.00 price tag is steep, but increased comfort may likely lead to more training time and greater health.

[KnottedYet]

the width of that split nose would be utterly unbearable to me! OUCH! The chafing!

[Kitsune06]

I agree. The width looks crazy. I *think* if you're sitting on your saddle right, though, there's really no pressure on that entire area... all on your sit bones.

...I'd rather go about working those arteries the old fashioned way to ensure they don't narrow than try a saddle like that...

[KSH]

the width of that split nose would be utterly unbearable to me! OUCH! The chafing!

Well, from what I gathered, the nose points down... thus, there isn't any pressure on those parts.

It's not mounted the same way as a regular saddle is... flat. It's mounted at an angle... from what I could tell.

A very odd saddle indeed. But, maybe worth a shot for someone who is having serious problems with normal saddles?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

That girl on their homepage looks like she's having LOTS of fun with HER saddle!

[KnottedYet]

Oooh, I missed THAT picture!

[velogirl]

I definitely wouldn't recommend a saddle like that. If you're at all serious about riding, this type of saddle would significantly compromise your bike handling skills. We use the nose of the saddle to control/steer the bike.

If someone is that uncomfortable on a traditional saddle, I'd guess they need to get a good fit, try a different saddle (or two or three), or try different shorts.