One saddle does not fit all. Like shoes, they come in different sizes, shapes and styles. The longer you ride your bike, the more important your saddle becomes and it may be one of the most important pieces you consider. If you’re not comfortable, you won’t want to ride your bike as much. Then there is the whole *eh hem* “I got issues” factor.
Check out what 3 West came up with, that might pump you up (literally) for your next ride, and one of the more unique concepts we’ve seen with the on-the-fly adjustable FlexCy… nose dropper?
3 West
The last thing you want to experience on a long ride is pain or your bits making like Linkin Park and going numb. So many factors play into this but what if a saddle allowed you to customize it’s ergonomics just enough to suit your needs? This is what 3 West came up with.
In an extreme need, you have up to a massive 3/4 inch drop from where your sit bones go. By using the included pump, you can adjust the height of the “active surface” to right where you need it. There have been other similar “stepped” saddle designs but none that are adjustable that we know of. Though it is a bit odd looking, check out the video below of how it works. It might be worth considering.
The pump only needs to be pumped a maximum of 6 times and is also used to let air out.
FlexCy
Another odd unique design is the FlexCy saddle system which has a lever that allows you to adjust the angle of the saddle while riding. They claim it allows you to adjust it to relieve pressure in the perineal area as well as improve climbing performance. To keep weight down, it has a carbon post with a pretty fragile looking seat cap.
The saddle can be tilted down as much as 10° and up as much as 3°. While this seems far fetched, (and frankly quite silly), I can see this possibly putting a rider in a more optimal position during steep climbs while seated. I don’t see how tilting it up past the starting point would help in any situation but being able to adjust the saddle a little every half hour or so might improve your overall comfort level towards the end of your ride. According to their “clinical tests by Government Authorities” the saddle adjustment actually results in a lower heart rate and lower muscle fatigue during climbing. Interesting.
The FlexCy has an infinite amount of adjustment within its range. No word on weight. Are nose droppers the future of saddle ergonomics?
