Outdoors: Don't Be A Softy

Newsweek, October, 2005 by Paul Tolme

Can bike seats harm your sex life? That's the conclusion of several studies, published recently in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, which blame ill-fitting saddles for erectile dysfunction in a small portion of male cyclists who log long hours in the saddle. Avoid injuries by choosing the right seat. Specialized's Alias ($100; specialized.com ), built for serious riders, features a V-shaped groove down the center to promote better circulation. It's light, feels cushy and comes in three sizes: retailers have a device that measures your undercarriage to ensure proper fit. Mellow bike-path riders can try the Easyseat ($29.95; hobsonseats.com ), a bizarre-looking noseless saddle that supports only the buttocks; it features two cushioned pads that tilt forward independently with each...