If you haven't made up your mind about buying a telescopic seatpost, then this is the right article for you. Many cyclists say that having one is essential, but are you sure that it can really change your life? Let's take a look!

What it is and what it is for
The MTB telescopic seatpost raises and lowers the height of your saddle thanks to a button or a lever on the handlebar (remote controlled). The lever, mechanically operated by a classic steel cable, is easy to install and fitted inside the frame for greater aesthetic appeal.
A telescopic seatpost is used to increase safety on technical descents, since the body moves into a lower position further back, without the saddle restricting movements. This lowers the centre of gravity, improving stability along fast single tracks, on tight bends and for jumps and drops. Without the saddle between your legs, you have much more freedom of movement. With this type of seatpost, you can also choose longer and more ergonomic saddles because the encumbrance factor in the off-saddle position is much less important.

Ideal for sharp descents and worth considering if you are looking for lightness
One problem is certainly its weight: the lightest products weigh over 400 grammes.
If you do enduro, all-mountain or downhill rides, or love fast descents along long technical stretches, you certainly won’t worry about the weight but rather the functionality and security of being able to adjust the saddle automatically.
It is different for those who do cross-country rides, where extreme downhill stretches are short and always alternated with short but intense climbs. You always need to pedal and it is not so essential to lower the saddle, especially when it increases the weight of the bike.
Maintenance is essential for all: where mud is involved, for example, this type of seatpost may sometimes have difficulty in returning to its position. It is very important to check it and use a lubricant.

These seatposts are ideal when tackling demanding descents, on highly technical marathon and cross-country routes and on very steep downhill stretches.

If you think that this accessory can change your life and you want to buy one, you should know that Selle SMP saddles can be combined with all MTB telescopic seatposts. But before you buy one, we recommend checking with your local mechanic.

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If you haven’t made up your mind about buying a telescopic seatpost, then this is the right article for you. Many cyclists say that having one is essential, but are you sure that it can really change your life? Let’s take a look! What it is and what it is forThe MTB telescopic seatpost raises […]

Have you read our tips on how to choose an e-bike and have you decided to buy an electric MTB? Then you need a really comfortable saddle, possibly an ergonomic one that adapts to the way you will use your new bike.

Do you want to tackle longer routes? Then you will need a very comfortable saddle.
On an e-bike, you can really go beyond your limits, but only with the right saddle. The ideal one is an e-bike saddle that adapts to your body. Only in this way will you be able to spend much more time on your bike without pain or discomfort, enjoying every moment of your bike trip. This applies to all of you: athletes, amateurs and cyclists of all levels.

Do you want to put aside your traditional pedal bike for an electric mountain bike ? Then you will need a saddle with a special shape.
The thrust of an electric motor is very different to your muscle effort. That's why we recommend a saddle with a raised rear that prevents you from sliding backwards. On a steep climb, for example, you will even more appreciate a saddle that supports you.
Furthermore, with a pedal bike you have to stand on the pedals to push harder, whereas with an electric MTB you can be assisted and remain seated on the saddle. This means that you can spend more time on the saddle than before, and comfort is really important.
For all these reasons, we recommend an ergonomic saddle.

Do you want to use an e-bike to boost your training for riding your pedal bike? Then you will need a professional MTB saddle.
With MTB e-bikes, you can tackle the same routes that you cover on a pedal bike. You will encounter technical stretches and you will find yourself in off-saddle positions that require experience. You will need a saddle that never gets in the way but facilitates movement. If you are often in a low position, choose an angled-tip saddle, whereas if you want the utmost freedom of movement, choose a flat yet ergonomic saddle.

Do you want to buy the right saddle for your electric MTB? Then take a look at our saddles: their comfort is due to their ergonomic shape and as you can read here, there is a scientific article that proves they are comfortable.

To find the ideal saddle, use the Saddle Finder.

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Have you read our tips on how to choose an e-bike and have you decided to buy an electric MTB? Then you need a really comfortable saddle, possibly an ergonomic one that adapts to the way you will use your new bike. Do you want to tackle longer routes? Then you will need a very […]

Antonella Gentile left on 18 April. She had everything she needed on her bike for the bike trip, lasting about 8 months, with Japan as the destination. Antonella had plenty of adrenaline, curiosity and the desire to ride.

It is nothing new to her to explore faraway places on a bike. In 2017, she left Barletta to cycle to North Cape, and in 2018 she cycled all around Italy in 60 stages.

This new experience will take her to Japan and this time we are happy to accompany her with our Well M1 Gel saddle. Antonella took a ferry from Bari to Dubrovnik and then started her bike trip in Croatia. She is going to ride through Croatia and then most of Eastern Europe (Slovenia, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia). When she arrives in Tallinn, she is going to catch a train to St. Petersburg and then continue along the Trans-Siberian route, the stretch that goes from Russia to China, and then to Beijing. She intends to visit several cities in China and then go to Japan, where she is going to spend three months visiting the country.

What inspired her to go to Japan is not only her love of cycling and of this country but also her desire to support African women who travel for miles to collect water. With the funds raised during her bike trip, Antonella will be supporting a project by Amref, whose goal is to build water wells in Africa.

Follow Antonella's adventure with us on the Facebook page entitled "My bike trips in Italy and the world" or follow our social channels, where we will be posting some pictures that Antonella is going to send directly to us.

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Antonella Gentile left on 18 April. She had everything she needed on her bike for the bike trip, lasting about 8 months, with Japan as the destination. Antonella had plenty of adrenaline, curiosity and the desire to ride. It is nothing new to her to explore faraway places on a bike. In 2017, she left […]

Seventeen women, all from the women's cycling world, will be riding along the roads of the Giro d’Italia race on e-bikes fitted with our saddles.

The Kilocal - Selle SMP team will be competing with more than 9 teams in the Giro E, an event that will take place along part of the route of the 18 stages of the Giro d’Italia 2019 race, on the same days.

The Kilocal - Selle SMP team will include athletes from various disciplines such as the triathlon, MTB racing and fixed-gear racing, as well as women from the cycling journalism world. Former world champions Edita Pučinskaitė, Regina Schleicher and Diana Žiliūtė will also be participating in the race. Not to mention Anna Mei, who holds the record for 1,000 kilometres without ever getting off the bike; Fabiana Luperini, 5-time winner of the Giro d’Italia race and 3-time winner of the Tour de France; Giorgia Fraiegari, the youngest and already the fixed-gear world champion. The Giro E race therefore promises to be really exciting!

The Baldini cousins, Piergiovanni and Angelo, owners of Tuscan Sport the company that organises cycling tours, are the brains behind the idea and team project: "When organising our cycling tours, we have noticed a high demand for e-bikes, especially from women who have the opportunity, in this way, to follow their partner who uses a traditional pedal bike. All this has encouraged us to promote an awareness of e-bikes and their usefulness in the women's cycling world."

To learn more, you can read the interview with the Baldini cousins on Giro E.

For all updates on the Kilocal - Selle SMP team and on the Giro E race, follow us on our social channels.

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Seventeen women, all from the women’s cycling world, will be riding along the roads of the Giro d’Italia race on e-bikes fitted with our saddles. The Kilocal – Selle SMP team will be competing with more than 9 teams in the Giro E, an event that will take place along part of the route of […]

Bikerumor.com has published a review of our Avant saddle. For those who don't know it, Bikerumor.com is a blog with many technical tips about bikes. Here, you can find novelties, technologies and the most useful detailed information: a valuable resource for all cyclists.

In this space, you can also find our Avant. We really appreciated the article for its frankness and positive rating. It talks about an “unusual look” for Avant, but also “great comfort”. At the end of the 6-month test period, Greg Kopecky (the author of the article) wrote: “It was an experience: you start, ride and forget about it”. We like to think that during the test-period months, Greg had some incredible experiences on his bike. He had no pain to remind him that he had been on the saddle for hours and he enjoyed every moment of those bike trips.

Here, you can read the full review of the Selle SMP Avant on Bikerumor.com.

Here, you can see the Avant technical data sheet.

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Bikerumor.com has published a review of our Avant saddle. For those who don’t know it, Bikerumor.com is a blog with many technical tips about bikes. Here, you can find novelties, technologies and the most useful detailed information: a valuable resource for all cyclists. In this space, you can also find our Avant. We really appreciated […]

This is the age of the e-bike. Since it was created, it appears that in recent years it is having the most success. E-bikes have been around for quite a while: the first patent dates back to 1895. Today, data indicate that the demand for e-bikes is increasing worldwide*. Not surprisingly, this year, the first edition of the Giro d'Italia-e bikes will take place,
which will see the participation of our women's team: Kilocal Selle SMP.
In addition, pedal-assisted e-bikes are developing. Many cyclists have different needs and are looking for different types of e-bike: city e-bikes, e-MTBs, trekking e-bikes…

E-bikes: Which one to choose? Let's try to make it clearer.

City e-bike: the e-bike was developed from this model. It is a pedal-assisted city e-bike, ideal for short or medium distances and city routes. It is perfect for covering distances in a relaxed way and for going to work without feeling too tired on arrival.

Trekking e-bike: this a bike designed for medium-long distances, bike tours and bike trips. The addition of an electric motor also allows less experienced cyclists to cover longer distances or go out with a group of friends whose pace is difficult to keep up with. It is ideal for enjoying your bike with no worries.

e-MTB: also in this case. an e-bike is perfect for increasing distances and for differences in altitude, going beyond your own capabilities. And much more: an e-MTB is also ideal for those who are experienced and want to use it to supplement their training, concentrate on descents or try new routes after riding a traditional pedal bike…

Racing e-bike: here we enter a field where speed and performance are much more important, however, racing e-bikes have been positively received by the market. These e-bikes are ideal for those who don't have the opportunity to train frequently, for those who are not accustomed to steep climbs but want to try and tackle them, or for those who see the road bike as a bike touring version for asphalted roads.

In short, an e-bike is certainly not for those who do not want to pedal. It is a vehicle for those who want to spend time outdoors, reduce the consumption of their car, explore distant places… in short, who want to fully enjoy their e-bike.
Now that you know how to choose an e-bike, read the following article about the ideal saddles for e-MTBs.

*Data from the latest Global E-bike Market Report by Mordor Intelligence.

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This is the age of the e-bike. Since it was created, it appears that in recent years it is having the most success. E-bikes have been around for quite a while: the first patent dates back to 1895. Today, data indicate that the demand for e-bikes is increasing worldwide*. Not surprisingly, this year, the first […]

The value of research
The first value that guides us is research. All Selle SMP saddles have been made by researching, designing and performing tests. There was a time when all this was not enough for us. We wanted more, we wanted the performance of our saddles to be checked by doctors who deal with the disorders of cyclists. We wanted to find the answer to the question: “Does the prostate saddle work?”

The real purpose of the prostate saddle
As we have already written in the blog, the term “prostate saddle” is not entirely correct because this type of saddle is not created only to solve problems connected with the prostate but all disorders that affect cyclists. The most common are pain in the penis or vagina, or numb areas or small lesions, however, other problems are related to sexual activity and fertility, the urinary tract, veins and arteries, and nerves.
Here, we are also talking about a prostate saddle referring to a saddle designed to protect the genital area, also known as the perineal area. We all have a perineal area: it is the area where the blood vessels and nerves of the genital organs are found, as well as the prostate (a gland). That’s why compressing this area can cause pain and various problems. And this is why we need to measure the blood flow in this area. The question is: What type of saddle least impedes blood circulation?

Scientific study
To find out if a so-called prostate saddle is able to do this, we further tested Selle SMP saddles, which are precisely created to relieve pain in the perineal area. Four doctors conducted a scientific study with the following aim: to find out which saddle leaves the blood free to circulate, thus reducing compression of the vagina and penis.

How the experiment was performed
The experiment involved 29 cyclists who used one of Selle SMP saddles, designed specifically to reduce compression in the perineal area. To understand the state of blood circulation, a sensor was placed on the cyclist’s penis. Thanks to accurate tools and the non-invasive method, the doctors wanted to understand how and to what extent the shape and the characteristics of the saddle influence blood circulation. Pain and tingling are caused by compression of the perineal area, which hinders blood flow.

Results of the scientific study
The results were clear and unquestionable. In both the stationary measurement and the pedaling measurement, our saddle maintained a greater blood flow, which means that the penis and the vagina receive more oxygen, leading to wellbeing and comfort for the cyclist. Thanks to the scientific data obtained, the four doctors have drawn the following conclusion: our saddle limits compression of the genitals, improving blood circulation.
All Selle SMP saddles have been designed to the millimetre and it is precisely the shape that makes all the difference. The shape adapts to the areas that support the pelvis so that the saddle follows the shape of the body. This is why we talk about a prostate saddle, even if the more correct term would be an ergonomic saddle.

Publication of the results
The purposes of the research, the experiment and the results have been published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, the medical journal of the International Society for Sexual Medicine, the international body that promotes research into various issues related to sexuality. If you would like to learn more about this topic, please read the scientific article here.

We care about your wellbeing
We are the only saddle manufacturer to have participated in a scientific study published in an internationally respected and renowned scientific journal. However, we did not take part in order to say that we are better than others.
We wanted to participate in this study to demonstrate that our prostate saddle works and to confirm that we are a reliable company. We want to show you that we can deliver on our promises: to increase the wellbeing of you cyclists. So that every ride is an enjoyable one.

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The value of research The first value that guides us is research. All Selle SMP saddles have been made by researching, designing and performing tests. There was a time when all this was not enough for us. We wanted more, we wanted the performance of our saddles to be checked by doctors who deal with […]

Which is the best saddle? For us, it has to be the saddle “designed on your body”, the one that surprises you with a never-before-experienced comfort and that fits perfectly to your body. Starting today, finding the right saddle just got easier with the new Selle SMP application for Android and iOS.
Selle SMP offers a huge range of models so that every cyclist can be sure of finding a perfect match. What is more: all our saddles are carefully designed for different disciplines or bicycles. To make your choice easier, we have developed the Selle SMP app to help you choose the right model for you. And it only takes a few seconds!

How the Selle SMP application works
The app saddle finder will ask you for some information. This is essential if the system is to choose the right saddle for you. For example, you are asked how frequently you go cycling, what type of bicycle you own and how you use it. Depending on your answers, the app adapts and employs and algorithm to ask for additional information in order to give you a precise response.
Once all the data has been entered, the software will show you the recommended saddle. Easy! And quick!
The next step is to try the saddle out at one of our retailers to see if it really is the right choice for you. Trying it is the only way to be sure.

Choose your best mtb saddle for racing bicycles and other disciplines
To help you choose professional SMP saddles more accurately too, we have factored in an even more specific item of data: the sit bone measurement. The distance between these bones is a far more precise measurement of the pelvis shape and simple trouser size. By knowing the exact conformation of your body and the surface area on which it will be resting, the search for the best saddle can yield even more accurate results. The “designed on your body” saddle is not a dream; it really exists!

Taking your sit bone measurement to choose your saddle
You can measure the distance between these bones in two ways:
1. head into one of our retailers and have it done using the S-Tool. This is a special tool (available as a stool or tablet) that takes your sit bone measurement. Merely sit in the right position and in a few seconds you’ll have the measurement; or
2. measure at home, using a piece of flexible cardboard, a pencil, a ruler and a table.
For more precise instructions, watch the tutorial video.

Click here to download the Selle SMP app onto your smartphone or tablet: iOS - Android
If you prefer to use a computer, the “Saddle Finder” is also available here.

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Which is the best saddle? For us, it has to be the saddle “designed on your body”, the one that surprises you with a never-before-experienced comfort and that fits perfectly to your body. Starting today, finding the right saddle just got easier with the new Selle SMP application for Android and iOS. Selle SMP offers […]

The right saddle exists. It is neither a mirage nor a dream. It's just hard to find because it takes time and patience. But once you have found the right saddle, it rewards all your efforts because it will support you on every ride, increasing comfort and performance.
We have decided to make your search easier because we want you to ride without any worries and at peak strength. We are therefore developing 3 tools to help you find the right saddle. Just sit down for a few seconds, tell us how you use your bike and have your smartphone (tablet or computer) to hand with Internet connection.
It takes very little to simplify your search for the ideal saddle, doesn't it?

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The right saddle exists. It is neither a mirage nor a dream. It’s just hard to find because it takes time and patience. But once you have found the right saddle, it rewards all your efforts because it will support you on every ride, increasing comfort and performance. We have decided to make your search […]

We like talking to riders, coaches and those who have been involved in the history of Italian cycling. Daniele Pontoni was a two-time world cyclocross champion, having taken part in the Olympic Games in Atlanta, and he is now a highly respected team manager. He is conscientious and competent, a real motivator for the DP66 Giant Selle SMP Rigoni di Asiago Paolo Leonardi Investimenti cyclocross team, which he manages with exceptional results. This is what he told us.

‘When I stopped being a rider, initially it was not easy for me to find a place in the cycling world. I had some expectations as a result of the many promises that had been made to me. Unfortunately, when you get off the pedestal, everyone forgets you...

I rolled up my sleeves and did various jobs, but not one was in the cycling world. In 2010, I opened a cycling school called Mont di Bike, connected with managing a holiday home. I then collaborated as the School Manager for Trentino Cross. In 2018, I started to form a cyclocross team that bears my initials and my year of birth. Excellent results were achieved right from the start: three titles in the Master Cross Selle SMP, two titles in the Italian Championship and one title in the Italian Team Championship. Davide Toneatti and Sara Casasola are two youngsters for whom I have high hopes. In a few years’ time, we will hear a great deal about Davide Toneatti. He will not only take part in cyclocross races and will become a great rider.

Today, cyclocross is becoming more popular, especially among youngsters. Parents prefer to send their children to tracks where there is no vehicular traffic. We only have to consider the rise in popularity of gravel bikes and MTB bikes. People shift from main roads to cycle paths, tracks and minor roads.’

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We like talking to riders, coaches and those who have been involved in the history of Italian cycling. Daniele Pontoni was a two-time world cyclocross champion, having taken part in the Olympic Games in Atlanta, and he is now a highly respected team manager. He is conscientious and competent, a real motivator for the DP66 […]