When riding there are actually only three different body parts touch the bike: the hands, the bottom and the feet. Together they define how comfortable and efficient you ride on the bike.
Comparing the general riding position during the history one will notice that the grandfathers of the Tour de France were rather riding on larger bikes in a more upright position while today's riders are sitting in their bikes slicing in a low profile through the air. These changes have technically been possible with the switch from steel to carbon fiber, a very versatile material first applied on a larger scale in the aerospace industry. This martial has high stiffness, high tensile strength, low weight, high chemical resistance, high temperature tolerance and low thermal expansion. I can be layered in different directions and shapes to address complex requirements. Outstanding examples of the possibilities of carbon fiber in the bike industry are today's triathlon bikes with design features unthinkable only until a few years ago.
Approaching my 60s I am clearly not a young racer anymore but I am still tinkering about my efficiency and comfort on the bike. When German time trialist Tony Martin switched from Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step to Team Katusha-Alpecin he lost his dominance because the new bike did not fit as well. It was very efficient but not comfortable enough so he lost precious time. A designer must address both issues.
On my mountain bike I had a hard and narrow
race seat which I mounted on my road bike. But because of the lower profile of
my riding position I’ve experienced some numbness in my contact area of the
saddle and felt very uncomfortable on longer rides. Two years ago I’ve trained
with an American and an Australian for an upcoming triathlon. Before the ride
and run training I’ve checked out their bikes and notice that the both used
triathlon saddles with a ‘split nose’. I’ve discussed with them the saddles and
had only positive feedback. Returning home I’ve found a cheap copy of the
design with I’ve purchased online.
After mounting it on my bike my ‘narrow’
pelvis and consequently ‘narrow’ bottom felt immediately much more comfortable
even on longer rides. My sit bones are riding ‘on’ and the saddles is not ‘between’ them which might, together with the cushioning, the secret of my comfort. With
the comfort comes confidence, with confidence comes speed.
The other secret of my triathlon saddle is a
small but important rise of the profile of the saddle. In racing position I am
sitting on the split nose in a forward position. When I want or need more power
to push the pedals I move my buttocks slightly backwards into a higher position. I
have the same possibilities, I can decide and change between a more forward or
backward position, during climbs.
When adjusting a saddle it must be in done with the hands (handlebars) and the legs (pedals) in mind. Generally every triathlon
saddle moves the body forward; to take full advantage of the lower position the
rider should ‘slam the stem’, put the stem and consequently the handlebar into
a lower aero position. Some riders prefer to mount the saddle in an angle (‘nose
down’); for me this position does not offer enough support from the saddle.
Switching from my former narrow road bike
saddle to the wider split nose triathlon saddle offers me a much more comfortable
and pleasant bike experience. I can can choose several positions during the
ride, have the freedom to move and can find the most comfortable and efficient
position for each section of the road. I am more than willing to take the weight penalty of around 150
grams compared to my previous narrow saddle.
I encourage everyone to think about tinkering
with different saddle shapes, materials and positions or even a bike fit; the time
and money investing in a proper position may be very worthwhile.
Please ride carefully!
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