The most scientifically tested saddle on the market
Why Selle SMP is my favorite saddle as a bike fitter:
As cyclists we deal with a lot of pain and are good at pushing through the pain. But what pain should we be pushing the rough is the question. The untold truth is that a lot of our customers deal with perineal pain (Front pelvis pressure), numbness, saddle sores, and prostate problems. All of which is not normal and should not be normalised in any way.
"Saddle Pressure or Pelvis Dysfunction?"
Selle SMP did their own studies into these untold truths and created an ergonomically shaped saddle that cradles the pelvis and minimises the flow-on effects of sitting on an alien device we call a saddle. In the two "The Journal of Sexual Medicine (Male)" and "The Journal of Sexual Medicine(Female)" studies were carried out on 35 professional athletes by subjecting them to experimental tests to discover the effects of different types of shaped saddles on health, comfort, well-being and performance. The study's results reinforced the effectiveness of the SMP saddles design in preserving the well-being and health of cyclists, ensuring the absence of compression on soft tissue in females riders and increasing the blood flow in male riders.
"SMP push research linking pelvic shapes and compression issues as a major design criterion of their range."
What makes Selle SMP different:
1. Cut-out: The wide cut-out design is patented by Selle SMP, it results in no compression in the perineal and prostate areas which can result in genital numbness and tingling. This also protects nerve and vascular structure, in turn increasing blood flow. This is in both females and male cyclists. 2. Nose: The beak-shaped nose creates a flat base when riding in the saddle, better comfort in an aero position, and no genital compression. 3. Padding or lack of: Maximum pelvis support and stabilisation, reduced articular instability. Which is also designed to protect the coccyx.
The results that have been found with pressure mapping:
At the Performance BikeFit Studio you can book in for a Saddle Pressure Mapping Session or a Performance BikeFit which will involve some pressure mapping during the session. We use a technology developed by Velometrik, which allows us to see the pressure on a saddle while a rider is cycling. This can determine pressure hot spots (saddle sores), instability (left and right), and articular instability (back and forth). What has been found is that SMP saddles have some of the best, if not the best pressure mapping and pressure distribution of all saddles on the market. This is due to the way the SMP saddle shape cradles the pelvis which stops unnecessary movements and motion on the saddle. Being unstable on a saddle is a catalyst for saddle pain due to friction and unsymmetrical motion. The general feedback from customers who have had previous pressure issues and saddle sores. Come back with positive experiences with Selle SMP and some are life changing.
Is a Selle SMP saddle right for you?
There are many different models of Selle SMP and it is very easy to get lost in the range. We have constructed a somewhat basic chart below, in which we can determine the correct models to try during a fitting. This is based on a rider’s waist size and body position on the bike.
Unfortunately, this can be very hard for a rider to self determine. This is the main down fall of Selle SMP because riders have tried using their Saddle chart but ended up on the wrong saddle.
These are a few main reasons to consider trying SMP:
Do you find yourself moving back and forth on your saddle?
Experiencing saddle sores?
Struggling with perineal (front of the pelvis) pressure?
Overloading your sit bones of your pelvis?
Finding it hard to rotate your pelvis to get into a lower more aerodynamic position?
If what we have covered in this article speaks out to you and you would like to try an SMP saddle, please don't hesitate to get hold of us at Performance BikeFit for a Saddle Fitting as Performance BikeFit is now an official Selle SMP Saddle Testing Center
Many Athletes have used Performance BikeFit to improve their cycling position. Whether you are a veteran or new to the sport, Performance BikeFit can help you improve your position and improve your enjoyment of cycling indoors and Out.
© 2023 Performance BikeFit
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