[QUOTE=Mindfield]
I’ve never seen a bike seat with a pommel. Perhaps to keep you from sliding forward and on to the frame if you brake suddenly? I’m thinking a metal bar in the junk is probably more painful than a plastic/vinyl pommel.
[/QUOTE]
As a male, I ride only bikes with a sloped frame bar (i.e. the female bike design that accomodates skirts). All bikes should be designed that way, as it’s nearly impossible to hurt yourself in the way you describe.
[QUOTE=The Controvert]
As a male, I ride only bikes with a sloped frame bar (i.e. the female bike design that accomodates skirts). All bikes should be designed that way, as it’s nearly impossible to hurt yourself in the way you describe.
[/QUOTE]
Which from a structural point of view is much weaker. Trade offs, there are always trade offs.
Here’s what I think:
Try removing the saddle+seatpost from the bike, and riding the bike that way. It’s possible, of course, but difficult because the only thing keeping the bike upright (in relation to your body) is your hands, and perhaps differential pressure on the pedals. Now put the saddle back on - it’s much easier to keep the bike frame upright, and to control the angle of the frame relative to your body. This is because your thighs can now push on the nose of the saddle, exerting a lateral force.
[QUOTE=Rick]
Which from a structural point of view is much weaker. Trade offs, there are always trade offs.
[/QUOTE]
I base my choice on the relatively likeliness of the two events: hitting oneself vs. bike frame structural failure. I’ve never heard of anecdotal evidence of the latter… have you?
[QUOTE=The Controvert]
I base my choice on the relatively likeliness of the two events: hitting oneself vs. bike frame structural failure. I’ve never heard of anecdotal evidence of the latter… have you?
[/QUOTE]
Bike frames/components can fail just like anything else.
In all my years of riding, I have never managed to nail myself in the nuts. And this is with quite a bit of racing. How do you do it? I think this is something that falls into the area of skill if you are on a properly sized frame.
[QUOTE=The Controvert]
I base my choice on the relatively likeliness of the two events: hitting oneself vs. bike frame structural failure. I’ve never heard of anecdotal evidence of the latter… have you?
[/QUOTE]
It’s also not just a question of failure: in order to make a ladies bike style of frame strong enough not to fail it has to be heavier components. Because the standard frame is a very strong shape, you can use lighter structure.
[QUOTE=The Controvert]
As a male, I ride only bikes with a sloped frame bar (i.e. the female bike design that accomodates skirts).
[/QUOTE]
What do you ride as a female? 
[QUOTE=Chasing Dreams]
In all my years of riding, I have never managed to nail myself in the nuts.
[/QUOTE]
I’ve only ever heard one person complain about nut pain and I tell him it’s because he doesn’t dress properly. He wears gym shorts with boxers underneath. Total lack of nut support.
[QUOTE=The Controvert]
I base my choice on the relatively likeliness of the two events: hitting oneself vs. bike frame structural failure. I’ve never heard of anecdotal evidence of the latter… have you?
[/QUOTE]
Bikes without the top bar flex under load, such as when climbing hard. You can feel the difference and it ain’t good.
I cycle ~80 miles a week and I couldn’t imagine using a saddle with no “front bit”. I’d feel like i was going to slide onto the crossbar. I have never found the standard saddle shape uncomfortable.
If you find the nose of the saddle is interfering with your dangly bits, then I would suggest you have the saddle tilted too far backwards. Adjust the angle so it is sloping very slightly down at the front.
[QUOTE=Colophon]
If you find the nose of the saddle is interfering with your dangly bits, then I would suggest you have the saddle tilted too far backwards. Adjust the angle so it is sloping very slightly down at the front.
[/QUOTE]
Actually, this could be the problem. I just noticed that the seat is slightly loose; I think maybe when I ride, my weight tilts it back. Thanks.
[QUOTE=The Controvert]
I base my choice on the relatively likeliness of the two events: hitting oneself vs. bike frame structural failure. I’ve never heard of anecdotal evidence of the latter… have you?
[/QUOTE]
Anecdotal evidence my ass, I have seen the broken frames. 
Lose some weight you fat bastard! :D*
Edited to add: *in Aust. speak, the formulation “[adjective] bastard” is strictly a form of affectionate ribbing not actual abuse. Have to watch the cultural differences
If you’re doing very relaxed, low-speed, short-distance riding on a bike that puts you in more of a sitting position (back upright, knees still fairly bent even at maximum extension), then the seat Zambini57 linked to could be a good idea. If you’re riding a bike that has you leaning further forward and extending your legs closer to vertical, then you’ll need that nose on the saddle to keep you from sliding right off.
A pair of bike shorts with padding in the crotch could also help, if you don’t mind people pointing and laughing as you walk by. I got used to it.
Or get “mountain biking” shorts. These have the same lycra and “chamois” (padding) as regular bike shorts, but have an outer short that looks just like normal person shorts.
Brian
[QUOTE=Chasing Dreams]
Additionally, the nose of the saddle gives you more control over your bike if you ride no-hands. This is important if you are trying to eat or change clothing…
[/QUOTE]
:eek: