Triathlon saddles are a strange bird. Built to somehow provide comfort for 112 miles of sitting on the nose of your saddle while staying in the most aerodynamic position possible, tri saddles are quite different from those that you would find on a standard road bike. One of the biggest design debates for the tri market lately has been whether or not to include a nose on the saddle as illustrated by ISM’s popular seats. Specialized’ answer to that quandary arrives in the form of their new Sitero triathlon saddle – with a nose.
Designed with the intention of improving blood flow, reducing pressure, and opening the rider’s hip angle, the Sitero looks to be a solid addition to the Body Geometry line of saddles.
Using their typical data derived from pressure mapping and input from medical doctors, engineers, and their pro athletes, Specialized found that most nose-less saddles still introduced more pressure on the front of the saddle than the Sit Zone on the Sitero. Supposedly, by matching the angle of the Pubic Rami, the Sitero will provide appropriate support while in the aero position. While the Sitero and other tri saddles use the Pubic Rami for support, conversely standard road saddles usually rely on the Ischial Tuberosities or your sit bones to support your weight. Since the sit bones are no longer supporting the rider, their position can be more aerodynamic with the pelvis rotated forward for better power and more comfort.
Due to the tapered design of the Sitero, Specialized claims that there is not need for different saddle widths since the rider can adjust their seating position to the most comfortable width. The Sitero’s sit zone is indicated by the perforation on the non-slip cover to hold your butt in place for the next 112 miles.
Since it is a tri saddle after all, the Sitero will include the Tri-Pod which allows for one water bottle cage to be added to the back of the saddle. When the Tri-Pod isn’t in use, the saddle features a hook on the back of the saddle for racking the bike in transition – which is quicker to un-rack the bike than using the front of the saddle to support the bike, though this is still an option with the Sitero thanks to the fact that it has a nose.
Siteros will be available in Pro and Expert models with the Pro offered in black with carbon rails for $225, and the Expert in white & black with Ti rails for $175.
