Many of you ask us why Selle SMP saddles are so comfortable.
Because they are designed to fit your body.
But how can they be designed to fit the body of every cyclist?
That's simple: because they are designed with extra special care.
In this article, we will explain exactly what this care involves. All Selle SMP saddles are designed with the fundamental contribution of cyclists. You, to be exact.
Before the launch of any saddle, unseen, yet constant and fundamental work is involved.
Creating the prototype: the saddle takes shape.
The prototype is the ready-to-test saddle, created according to our patented ergonomic design. To achieve this design, we have carried out various experiments and we have talked about it in this article on prostate saddles that work.
In short, the prototype is a saddle designed in much detail to adapt to the human body in order to eliminate any discomfort and pain for cyclists. And this is where you bike enthusiasts come into play.
The field test: get ready to pedal!
Once the prototype has been finalised, we ask professional cyclists, teams and amateurs to test it, even over many kilometres. The prototype then starts to do its work: it is mounted on bikes and tested on roads, paths and circuits. Naturally, we also do in-house tests on it: we are not always in the production unit or in our offices. As soon as we can, we take our bikes and test them again and again. Until we are satisfied.
This is the most important stage in creating our saddles. The tests carried out by cyclists provide us with empirical data, sensations, opinions, suggestions, advice and even criticism. The goal is always the same but it is not trivial at all: to create a comfortable saddle. That's why we are willing to receive any kind of feedback.
This has been the case for every one of our saddles: from the very first Pro to the latest F20 and Vt30C. Cyclists have tested them and given us excellent suggestions for improving the prototype even further. And so, we get to the final stage.
Finishing: meticulous attention to every detail
This is the stage when we collect valuable contributions from you cyclists and use them to develop the new saddle. We are talking about refinements. For example, if necessary, we change the dimensions using millimetre precision. Or we change a material that has not lived up to our expectations. Everything must be perfect so that the saddles are really comfortable.
At the end of this essential work, we no longer talk about a prototype but a product ready to be launched.
So, the saddle is ready: ready to pass any test, to stand up to any situation and, above all, support you cyclists without letting you feel any tingling or discomfort. So comfortable that you won't notice you have it!
Many of you ask us why Selle SMP saddles are so comfortable.Because they are designed to fit your body.But how can they be designed to fit the body of every cyclist?That’s simple: because they are designed with extra special care. In this article, we will explain exactly what this care involves. All Selle SMP saddles […]
The last few months have been important: not only for the addition of 5 new saddles (F20, F20C, VT30C, Well S and Well S Gel) but also for the reviews and tests published by two prestigious bike magazines: PianetaMountainBike.it and Bicidastrada.it
Pianeta MTB tested our F30 saddle: you can read the article or watch the video below.
The same magazine also talked about one of our latest saddles: the VT30C Here's the article.
Bicidastrada.it also reviewed this saddle in one of its latest articles and published a video about the VT30C. Here is the link:
The last few months have been important: not only for the addition of 5 new saddles (F20, F20C, VT30C, Well S and Well S Gel) but also for the reviews and tests published by two prestigious bike magazines: PianetaMountainBike.it and Bicidastrada.it Pianeta MTB tested our F30 saddle: you can read the article or watch the […]
With that upward moustache, Gosse van der Meer looks like a cyclist from bygone days, those who rode bikes with a front wheel much larger than the rear one. But Gosse is a 21st century cyclist who approaches all cyclocross races with a smile and the right attitude!
We interviewed him on his return from races in China, while still sitting on his Selle SMP Blaster saddle: this is what he told us.
How is this season going?
For the second year, I am no longer part of a team and I feel very different. I feel fitter because I have focused on training, according to my times and my methods, without necessarily being already exhausted before the most important races, which has happened in the past. I have invested in myself and feel able to do more.
Tell us about your trip to the United States.
The trip to America was simply fantastic! Taking part in races in the US is very different in terms of everything that happens before and after a race. Interesting amateur races and important music festivals are held. I also met many amazing people and cycled along some of the most beautiful MTB routes I have ever covered!
What about telling us something about the races in China?
Taking part in races in China is very different! Travelling times are very long. I had to do a three-day trip between one race and another. And who likes sitting in a bus for such a long time?
No one, that's for sure! And what do you think about at these times?
I try to rest as much as possible, but the most important thing is to stay happy: to keep having fun and not get annoyed. This is my great strength: to always be happy and positive!
And we can see that: you are always smiling in your photos! You never seem to be tired or disappointed. With this philosophy of yours, what would you recommend to youngsters who want to do cyclocross?
My advice is: have fun! It doesn't matter if you fall (when training, you don't get hurt if you know how to fall). Ride your cyclocross bike as much as you can and challenge yourself. Start with very small routes and try to spend as much time as possible on them. In this way, you will become skilled on your bike. You will learn to tackle bends well and get to know your bike.
To be honest, I don't remember how many times I fall every season: when training, I just try to push myself beyond my limits and get to know them in order to try and overcome them!
Continued…
With that upward moustache, Gosse van der Meer looks like a cyclist from bygone days, those who rode bikes with a front wheel much larger than the rear one. But Gosse is a 21st century cyclist who approaches all cyclocross races with a smile and the right attitude! We interviewed him on his return from […]
Gravel bikes are faithful companions for those who, as soon as the see the asphalt, turn into the first white road they see. They are also the faithful companions for those who see countless opportunities for fun and another epic bike ride along that white road. We have mentioned gravel bikes often in this article, but now we want to go beyond. We want to know the best type of saddle for a gravel bike.
So this saddle must be:
- comfortable;
- padded;
- easily adjustable.
Let's take a closer look at the features.
If you have a gravel bike, you spend more time on the saddle so, first and foremost, it must be comfortable. The saddle must adapt to your body (and not the opposite) and you mustn't experience any pain or discomfort, not even during the last kilometre of your ride.
The saddle must be padded to ensure extra comfort. You can choose the amount of padding depending on how you feel when on the saddle and on the type of terrain you are going to tackle. The important thing is that you feel good: only in this way will your legs turn well.
Saddles for gravel bikes must be easily adjustable. A saddle is easily adjustable when the tube frame is long because it makes finding the right position easier.
Which Selle SMP saddle is best suited to gravel bikes?
All our saddles are comfortable and easily adjustable, and many are padded, so we could say that almost all of them can be used on these bikes. But we can recommend some saddles more than others and one of these is the VT30C.
The patented ergonomic design of this saddle is designed to eliminate any pain, discomfort and numbness, even for you who cover kilometres on white roads. The design is new (like that of the F range) and allows you to freely move on the saddle: it is ideal for those who have a gravel bike. Furthermore, its compact design also makes rotating the pelvis easier.
With its matt black Velvet Touch coating and Matt Look frame, the VT30C is a cool saddle, but believe this: it can't wait to get dirty. You know that white roads mean mud and dust. The VT30C is made of materials selected for their resistance. They are safe and ready for anything.
And now that you know how the saddle for your gravel bike should be, mount it on your bike and set off: to conquer unexplored white roads!
Gravel bikes are faithful companions for those who, as soon as the see the asphalt, turn into the first white road they see. They are also the faithful companions for those who see countless opportunities for fun and another epic bike ride along that white road. We have mentioned gravel bikes often in this article, […]
At Eurobike 2019, the Well S model by Selle SMP is joining the Well model to complement our offer of saddles designed for those who are new to the cycling world and aim to increase the number of rides and the number of kilometres covered. In short, with this saddle things get serious!
How to choose our Well saddles.
The new Well S saddle differs from the Well model in its measurements. To understand which of the two saddles can best adapt to your body, we recommend that you measure the distance between your ischial bones. It's easy and you can do it at home or at a store by following this video tutorial:
• Choose the Well S saddle if the distance between your ischial bones ranges from 9 to 11.4 cm.
• Choose the Well saddle if your measurement exceeds 11.5 cm.
These two saddles are ideal for men and women. They can also be mounted on racing bikes and MTBs.
Even more comfortable
The Well and Well S saddles have been designed to ensure maximum comfort. The design of Selle SMP saddles (patented since 2004) guarantees the right blood flow and therefore reduced compression. The outcome is that any pain, discomfort and numbness is eliminated. In short, these saddles are really comfortable.
But there's more! Just like the Well saddle, the Well S is also available in a Gel version. The Gel provides a feeling of superior comfort thanks to its main feature: it adapts to your position on the saddle. When you move, the Gel adjusts to the points where you need increased comfort.
Always safe
The materials used for the carbon-fibre reinforced Nylon 12 shell and the AISI 304 stainless steel frame have been carefully selected to ensure safety on all routes, ride after ride. Moreover, the Well S is also made in Italy by craftsmen at Selle SMP.
At Eurobike 2019, the Well S model by Selle SMP is joining the Well model to complement our offer of saddles designed for those who are new to the cycling world and aim to increase the number of rides and the number of kilometres covered. In short, with this saddle things get serious! How to […]
The VT30C is one of the four new Selle SMP saddles presented at Eurobike 2019. This saddle needs to be seen and touched. Its strong point is its new matt black Velvet Touch coating. This light and silky material is surprisingly different. Velvet Touch is a detail of the cool style of the VT30C model along with its Matt Look frame, also available in a dark colour. In short, this is a trendy saddle, one that does not allow you to go unnoticed.
Every detail of this saddle has been given meticulous attention, adding character to your bike.
The VT30C is not just about aesthetic appeal. It has the same design as the F range, a new patented design that combines the backward/forward movement on the saddle with the ergonomic shape that has always set us apart. You are free to move on the saddle with the same comfort as any of our other saddles. Comfort is ensured by the ergonomic design of the Selle SMP saddle, designed to prevent any pain, discomfort and numbness. This is achieved thanks to a meticulously designed shape that improves blood flow in the perineal and genital area.
Moreover, the VT30C saddle allows more intuitive adjustment thanks to its new design.
Every detail of this saddle has been carefully chosen: from its special SSPU padding to the carbon-fibre reinforced Nylon 12 shell and its AISI 304 stainless steel frame. Each detail has been chosen to ensure maximum safety and comfort.
Who does the VT30C suit?
This new saddle is ideal for men and women. It is also perfect for all types of use: racing bikes, MTBs, gravel bikes, cyclocross bikes and e-bikes. Furthermore, its compact shape also makes it ideal for triathlons.
The VT30C is one of the four new Selle SMP saddles presented at Eurobike 2019. This saddle needs to be seen and touched. Its strong point is its new matt black Velvet Touch coating. This light and silky material is surprisingly different. Velvet Touch is a detail of the cool style of the VT30C model […]
Last year, we presented the F30 and F30c for the first time and this year, at Eurobike 2019, we introduced the new F20 and F20c saddles. We never stop at Selle SMP!
The new patented ergonomic design
The saddles in the F range feature a design that is different to that of other Selle SMP saddles. However, the most discerning of you will already know that they are not totally different. This patented design was created specifically for cyclists who want maximum freedom of movement on the saddle, with no restrictions to forward and backward movements. This special design is ergonomic, ensuring the comfort that has always been a hallmark of Selle SMP saddles. Such comfort is due to its shapes that have been designed with millimetre precision in order to improve blood flow in the perineal and genital area. In this way, any pain, discomfort and numbness disappear and you can perform at your best.
How to choose the right saddle in the F range
To help you purchase a saddle in this range, we recommend that you first take your ischial bone measurement (you can follow this video tutorial).
When you have this measurement, you can choose a saddle while bearing in mind that:
• The F20 and F20c models adapt to your body if your ischial bone measurement is between 9 and 11.5 cm.
• The F30 and F30c models adapt to your body if your ischial bone measurement is from 11.5 cm upwards.
Another difference to consider: the compact version. The F30c and F20c are shorter than the F30 and F20.
Some other good reasons for choosing them
• Like the F30 and F30c models, the F20 and F20c also adapt to men and women.
• You can mount these saddles on: racing bikes, MTBs, cyclocross bikes, e-bikes and gravel bikes. We recommend our compact versions for triathlons: the F20c and F30c.
• These saddles are handmade by Selle SMP craftsmen at our headquarters in the province of Padua.
• The materials used are meticulously selected and they are "Made in Italy". Your safety and comfort are highly important to us.
Last year, we presented the F30 and F30c for the first time and this year, at Eurobike 2019, we introduced the new F20 and F20c saddles. We never stop at Selle SMP! The new patented ergonomic designThe saddles in the F range feature a design that is different to that of other Selle SMP saddles. […]
A bike represents freedom and discovery. We want all of you to be free to cycle along roads and paths, achieving new goals and discovering new places.
When we write "everyone", we mean everyone. We don't like limits because, like you, we love freedom and discovery. That's why we make Selle SMP saddles for all cyclists: whatever your weight, you can always get on one of our saddles and ride safely. Yes, even if you have chosen a carbon saddle.
Our lightest saddles are made of carbon. Full Carbon and Full Carbon Lite are made entirely of carbon and weigh 130g. Carbon and Carbon Lite have a carbon hull and an AISI 304 stainless steel frame weighing between 175 and 200g, depending on the colour.
Could we make carbon saddles even lighter? The answer is, "Yes, we could", but we don't because even though we love lightness, we cannot neglect safety.
The hulls of Selle SMP carbon saddles consist of 5 layers: 4 are made of carbon fibre and 1 is made of Kevlar. The number of these layers has been designed with extreme precision. 5 layers provide the perfect balance of lightness and safety.
By removing a layer, we could make them even lighter. We could make carbon saddles that weigh 70/90g, but then they would not be safe for everyone. Those with a heavy build would not be able to buy a saddle like this: heavy stress would risk breaking it, so it would not be safe. And besides, who would want to check their weight before buying a saddle? And who would want to realise only after buying a saddle that they have chosen one that is not safe to sit on? That's not what we want. Everyone should be able to ride in complete safety and everyone deserves a lightweight responsive saddle, with attractive lines and made with the ergonomic design of Selle SMP.
We don't want to set limits to your freedom or to your desire to ride your bike. We want to offer you comfortable, light and safe support on every bike ride. We want to be with you when you achieve new goals with your Selle SMP carbon saddle.
A bike represents freedom and discovery. We want all of you to be free to cycle along roads and paths, achieving new goals and discovering new places.When we write “everyone”, we mean everyone. We don’t like limits because, like you, we love freedom and discovery. That’s why we make Selle SMP saddles for all cyclists: […]
Anna Barrero is tough. Her words express her endless energy, which allows her to tackle bikepacking and the most important challenges. These include the one where she was a front-runner last year during the Tour de France. Together with other cyclists, Anna cycled along the same stages of the Tour but a day earlier in order to prove that women can also take part in the Tour de France. In short, Anna is not lacking in willpower.
It is a strength that accompanies her on the many bike trips she undertakes. In this interview, we ask Anna about the penultimate trip, which took her along the northern coast of Spain to Cabo Finisterra and then back along the Cammino de Santiago de Compostela (the Way of St. James).
Hi Anna, how are you?
A little tired. 😅
Who wouldn't be? Tell us about your penultimate trip.
I cycled from 1st to 20th May. I covered 2,000 km and 30,000 m of positive climbs along single-track mountain trails.
Tell us something about it in particular.
Here is a tip for everyone: never trust all water! I had some gastrointestinal problems because of the water I drank. I had to stop in the middle of the route, like Dumoulin during the Giro d’Italia 2017. 😅
What other advice do you feel you need to give to those who want to set off on a bike trip?
First of all, travel as light as possible. Don't take things that "might be useful to me...". Bikepacking means feeling free and minimalist.
Secondly, take a bike that adapts to the right position for you and make sure you have the right saddle, otherwise what is supposed to be a fun trip may turn into a painful and uncomfortable one.
Tell us about your saddle and how it feels.
The saddle I used is the Dynamic, the same saddle I used for the Tour de France route. It fits my body perfectly, so much so that I never had any problems (which were my main concern on the repeated long rides over many days).
What are your plans for the coming months?
I intend to go on many more bike trips. I will be reporting them on behalf of a company. In this way, by publishing online photos, the routes and a description, other people will be able to enjoy them too.
Anna has recently concluded a bikepacking trip in the Pyrenees, a 3-day round trip in the Aigüestortes National Park. She had the support of our Dynamic saddle also on this trip, and that makes us proud. It was a fantastic route, with views that “make you want to take flight” and unimaginable encounters with friendly cows and horses. As she herself writes: “That is what life is all about.”
Anna Barrero is tough. Her words express her endless energy, which allows her to tackle bikepacking and the most important challenges. These include the one where she was a front-runner last year during the Tour de France. Together with other cyclists, Anna cycled along the same stages of the Tour but a day earlier in […]
Geoffrey Bruyère lives in Paris and, with Benoît Wojtenka, is the founder of BonneGueule.fr, a clothing brand and one of the major men's fashion websites in France.
In early May, Geoffrey left on a bike trip from Paris along the Cammino de Santiago de Compostela (The Way of St. James), with the desire to cycle and reach important goals and extraordinary countries. We also accompanied him on this adventure, with our TRK Medium Gel saddle. Geoffrey wrote that he was a thousand times more comfortable than on any other saddle he had ever tried, “A big thumbs up for this saddle, which has proven to be a thousand times more comfortable than anything I’ve ever tested before.”
Despite the comfortable saddle and excellent equipment, things didn't go as expected. Unfortunately, due to a problem with his knee, Geoffrey had to stop at Valence d’Agen.
He was extremely disappointed but his words reveal a great desire to try again. Moreover, Geoffrey managed to appreciate the positive aspects of his 400-kilometre mini-trip, describing it in three articles on his blog:
Leaving for Cammino de Santiago
An account of the bike trip as far as Valence d’Agen
Geoffrey’s equipment
Come on Geoffrey, we can't wait to support you on your next bike trip!
Geoffrey Bruyère lives in Paris and, with Benoît Wojtenka, is the founder of BonneGueule.fr, a clothing brand and one of the major men’s fashion websites in France. In early May, Geoffrey left on a bike trip from Paris along the Cammino de Santiago de Compostela (The Way of St. James), with the desire to cycle […]