Saddles Part 2 – SELLE SMP
PICKING THE RIGHT SADDLE Here is what the manufacturers have been researching, as well as my analysis after testing these saddles (in the order that I received the saddles from the manufacturers)… SELLE SMP – Their racing saddles fall under one of two product lines. One product line is for cyclists with XSmall-Small-Medium hips, the other product line is for cyclists with Medium-Large-XLarge hips. At the top of both product lines are full carbon saddles. You can equate hip width to sit bone width as these two measurements should be directly proportional to each other. Since most cyclists prefer some degree of padding, Selle SMP measures the padding in 3 locations to best suit each cyclists preference for comfort. 2” from the front Saddle midpoint 2” from the rear Each of these different padding thicknesses equate to a different saddle model as can be seen with the three models tested. This also means that each SELLE SMP might have more or less curvature depending on the amount and location that the padding is placed. BENEFITS of...
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Saddles Part 3 – ISM ADAMO
ISM –IDEAL SADDLE MODIFICATION. Their saddles are used by many triathletes. I havent seen too many mounted to road bikes so I thought this might be something to explore. ISM reports that Dr. Sommer commented that with the ISM saddle, blood flow in the perineum area remained at 100% throughout his tests. Dr. Sommer stated, “ISM – A saddle where there is hardly any blood loss. Which is excellent to preserve sexuality and for preventing erectile dysfunction.” In a recent April 2009 Study, NIOSH concluded that the best bicycle saddle is one with no-nose. The 2 attached graphics summarize this article which shows the pressure points of a tradtional saddle (left) vs. a noseless saddle, which turns out to pretty much match ISM ADAMO racing saddle pressure points (that include a ‘nose’ -see figure below). These great results are due to ISM placing the riders groin in front of the saddle arms. For 2013, ISM has 11 ‘racing’ style saddles (they will be adding the ATTACK) and 2 sport/touring saddles which offer a wider seating platform and a...
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Saddles Part 4 – SPECIALIZED ROMIN EVO EXPERT...
SPECIALIZED’s saddle technology was developed with ergonomic expert Dr. Roger Minkow. This technology is called Body Geometry. The Body Geometry line of saddles is designed with a cut-out or groove to take the pressure off of the arteries and soft tissues for improved blood flow and comfort. Of equal importance is correct saddle width. In order for a saddle to have the Body Geometry classification, it must allow 75%+ blood flow. To get fitted, you sit on a piece of dense memory foam which imprints your sit bones. A measurement is taken then associated with a table to get your Specialized saddle width (see graphic). They will then ask you a question of riding position which is that final factor in determining saddle width. My results were that I need a 143mm wide saddle. SELECTING THE RIGHT SADDLE Specialized has 4 basic lines of saddles, MTB, Road/Multisport, Recreational and BMX/Youth. The line of Saddles I chose was Road/Multisport. Within this category, there are 3 lines of racing saddles; Chicane, Toupe, Romin. The Toupe and Romin are similar, except the...
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Saddles Part 5 – SELLE ITALIA SLR SUPERFLOW
SELLE ITALIA has a process called idmatch. You get professionally fit with a 4-step system where they measure General parameters – age, height, weight, gender, type of cycling Intertrochanteric distance Thigh circumference Pelvic rotation/flexibility Numbers 2 aboce is used to determine the width of the saddle, while number 4 is used to determine what part of your anatomy comes into contact with the saddle. Funny thing is that even though they measure thigh circumference, they never use it in the calculation, or in the design of the saddle. I will even offer that they need a #5 – Qfactor to complete a move accurate fitment, but more on this later. An example of why #4 is so important is that a cyclist who rides in an aero position could have very little flexibility in their pelvis, which means that even in an aero position, their pelvis is coming in contact with the saddle as if sitting totally upright. In this example, their spine is doing all of the bending. While, at the other end of the spectrum, a cyclist...
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Saddles Part 6 – So Who Won?
SO WHO WON? Which one is the best? Again, testing results are for my body type, flexibility, riding style. Your results may (and probably will) vary. FIRST PLACE: SPECIALIZED ROMIN EVO EXPERT (4.5/5)I found the Specialized to be the best overall saddle when comparing quality, usability, comfort, numbness factor, design and price. Even if this saddle was twice its price, it would be worth buying!What makes the Specialized Romin saddle so comfortable is that they have already designed in everything that makes a saddle comfortable. The Romin has Minimal taper to the side flares No protrusions to interfere with any leg movement Smooth profile of the edge All angles and transitions that flow into the cutout are smooth All curves and arcs on the top of the saddle are smooth – no pressure points. These are all high quality saddles, and the difference between 1st place and 3rd place was 0.5 points. SECOND PLACE: SELLE SMP FORMA (4.25/5)The Selle SMP FORMA is a surprisingly comfortable saddle when you consider there is no padding. I have ridden this...
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Saddles Part 7 – Summary Table
In conclusion, let me say that all of these manufacturers are a credit to the cycling community. Each has spent countless hours researching ergonomics in order to make saddles safer and more comfortable for you-the cyclist. Every cyclist has their own degree of flexibility, riding style, position, etc, and the saddle manufacturers have responded with different lines and models within each product line to satisfy each type of rider. I have looked at all model lines and every saddle manufacturer is using the absolute best materials with the highest quality craftsmanship possible. I was highly impressed with the form, fit and function of all of these saddles, so go out and try different saddles so you can find one that fits you the best. You will not go wrong using any saddle from any of these manufacturers listed! *click on table for full size...
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