Every year, several hundred million people worldwide are involved in the activity of bicycle riding. Research 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! In November 2004, Steve Toll set out to eradicate the problems caused by traditional saddles, and create the most comfortable bike seat in the world. He took the ISM™ saddle to Germany to be tested by Dr. Frank Sommer, a noted expert in the area of arterial occlusion resulting from bicycle saddles at the University of Cologne. While normal testing involves a 15-minute ride on a saddle, the test using the ISM™ was discontinued after 12 minutes. Why? Dr. Sommer commented, “It doesn’t get any better than this.” In fact, blood flow in the perineum area remained at 100% throughout the test with the ISM™, a mark rarely seen in bicycle saddle testing. In addition, Dr. Sommer’s prior research has indicated that some saddles restrict blood flow in the perineum area by as much as 95% within the first minute of a ride. Other studies indicate that such restriction over a long period can result in permanent erectile damage, as well as similar issues in female riders. The ISM™ is a first-of-its-kind seat, designed for comfort and rider longevity. If a family is in your future, or you’re simply tired of the pain and discomfort associated with a traditional saddle, rest your bones on the ISM™. Research has proven that it’s simply a medically superior seat.
