The history of the bicycle saddle

We have the ingenious discovery of an Englishman named Brook to thank for today’s bicycle saddle. After his horse died, he had to resort to a bicycle. The seat was so uncomfortable that he create a new shape and covered it with leather. That was in 1866. Just four years later, due to the invention of the penny-farthing bicycle, the further development of the bicycle saddle picked up pace. First, a pear-shaped metal plate was covered with leather and padded with horsehair or another material. The saddle was fastened with two screws and nuts on the spring and secured with a wood wedge. In the course of development, a perfected saddle suspension was added and also the shape of the saddles and padding changed. With the introduction of the diamond frame in 1880, the bicycle slowly but surely received the shape we are familiar with today. However, the parallel running development of bicycle and saddle was long from being over. Even today, scientists are still working on useful and comfortable versions. However, in the end, the bicycle saddle has the task of getting the cyclist safety and comfortably to the destination. Since the bicycle has various uses today, the saddle shape is an important criteria.

Note: previous bicycle saddles were hardly developed further. The surface was tinkered around with a little and here and there people tried to make the classic saddle shape more comfortable with simple foam or with gel inserts. On the COMFORT LINE pages, you will find completely new saddles constructions and materials that meet the newest requirements!

Infos regarding various saddle shapes

The so-called city-bike for daily use and short distances, e.g. to work, is constructed more comfortably suitable for every day use than for sports. Here, a saddle is necessary that promotes a straight sitting position and stays stable in shape. The surface should be water repellent and durable. A steel reinforced saddle frame and an elastomer shock absorption should be standard.

Those who prefer longer or more athletic cycling tours should fall back on a touring bike or mountain bike that is equipped with a respectively comfortable saddle. Here, a slender saddle shape is recommended, which can e varied based on the sex and athletic level of the cyclist. Therefore, a 3 component gel insert for painless sitting, even for long distances, is meaningful. A microfibre surface is breathable and water repelling; the new high-tech material is durable and breathable.

A slim, tautly padded saddle is preferred by racing cyclists or even by extreme mountainbikers. Also here, there are various variations, however comfort and health should always remain in the foreground. Prostate, pubis and posterior bones must be relieved! The saddle frame should be light and durable. The surface material should be breathable and water repellent.

 

sit comfortably while cycling

The “optimal” saddle shape is dependent on how you ride, the sitting position of the cyclists and the interaction between man/machine (= fit of cyclist’s build to the geometry of the bicycle) and is essentially determined by the personal feeling of the cyclist, i.e. you can measure a lot, but every “backside” feels different and has its own personal muscle structure and ability to sit, i.e. there is no universal seat solution!

  • there is only the matching saddle for the individual needs!
  • that means “try – test – feel good”

Optimal means that the cyclists should have fun while cycling and go about his/her activities without any health impairments because we have long known that cycling is healthy, fun and can make you happy. Balanced physical activity, as when cycling, release feel-good hormones. Almost the all muscles are supplied with blood and oxygen. The heart is trained, the lungs are better supplied with blood and the metabolism is stimulated. Stomach, legs, buttocks and the back muscles are strengthened without stressing the joints.

80% of all bicyclists have pain

Ideally, the person and bicycle harmonise as a unity that is distinguished by a pain free and uniform movement. However, in most cases, this ideal situation is not achieved. Scientists see the reason for this situation as an incorrect sitting position. The predominant portion of the body weight is held through sitting on the saddle. If unfavourable leverage ratios are present, backaches, overloading of joints and tendons, as well as circulation problems (also in the genital area) occur after a short amount of time. This requires particular attention. The fine weave of nerves can be damaged by the incorrect saddle.  A large portion of men have a loss of feeling and erection impairments after a cycling tour. An ergonomic saddle with a nose is meaningful – as most special saddle models of the COMFORT LINE have been conceptualised.

Also, the inclination angle of the saddle and the pressure on the thighs can be distinctly reduced by the right seat position and an ergonomic shaped saddle. Cross seat saddles or saddles with a divided seat shell provide for a balanced distribution of pressure due to their shape and shock absorbing compression seat insets. Analysis and tests document a distinct improvement of pressure distribution, impairment of the perineal structure (genital area), as well as measurable energy savings of the active muscles in comparison to conventional saddle constructions. Professional advice can always be obtained from a versed retailer who goes out of his/her war to explain the technical possibilities to his/her customers.

With the right equipment, the step in the pedal is athletic fun and that possibly without the familiar displeasure while sitting!

Note: ask us – we are glad to advise you!

Where should you buy your saddle

COMFORT LINE offers the widest assortment of seat solutions that is available on the market. It is also possibly interesting to know that in the past years, many standard productions have been moved to Asia. There are just a few saddle suppliers who still manufacture in Europe or just in Germany. Only a few are in the position to develop and manufacture special saddles in meaningful quantities, but “thank goodness” there are still a few even if the price is naturally a bit higher, but for that, really appropriate seat solutions can be offered. “Made in Europe” is the benchmark here! The COMFORT LINE saddle models are all developed and tested in Germany. For the most part, the components are produced in Germany and the bordering European neighbouring countries.

 

A trip to your specialist dealer is inevitable. There you receive detailed advice, can test saddles and the saddles are professionally mounted and adjusted because the angle and position are fine tuning and just a few millimetres can make a difference in how you feel. And to relieve your concern when purchasing, we would like to make you aware our the COMFORT LINE seat solution 4-week test guarantee!

Tips for the saddle selection

Incidentally: think about your home trainer or ergometer. Here, the topic, such as cycling out in nature, is illustrated!

Certain points can be important when purchasing a saddle – and these can be overseen easily. Experience shows that these often are not sufficiently observed:

  •  the softness of the utilised saddle material does not determine if it is comfortable
  • unusual saddle shapes sometimes require an adjustment phase and courage to try another form less during a ride because no one sees “what” one is sitting on
  • riding without hands is harder on a saddle without a nose, but that isn’t really allowed anyway
  • don’t test and break in a saddle with a “ride around the block” Test several kilometres and longer distances
  •  observe the optimal adjustment of the personal geometry – appropriate for your bicycle Take your time. If uncomfortable, adjust the saddle backward or forward. Mind the inclination and angle and the right height adjustment
  • seat position – leg length – peda
  • saddle distance – handlebars
  • height difference between saddle and handlebars

In some circumstances, the geometry of the bicycle is not appropriate for the personal body dimensions (that is why there are many frame sizes), various distances to the handlebars, etc. I.e. it can be difficult to find the optimal sitting position if the geometry is not correct. In some cases, e.g. a saddle with various adjustment possibilities or adapter for height adjustment or an adjustment of the handlebar position can help!

Take consideration of the individual body dimensions with the explained “geometry”. In spite of the same body length, legs, arms and torso may have very varying lengths and have different requirements of the “geometry” of the bicycle. Many bicycle retailers are specialised in the measurement of geometry and individual consultations.

Seat positions and saddle setting

 

  • depending on the seat position, the ratio between the load “posterior – arms – legs” changes
  • and the ratio of the load to the hips, strain on the vertebrae ad the tail bone
  • the saddle alone does not determine if the seat position is comfortable – the bicycle geometry should be appropriate for the build of the body
  • optimal performance and use of energy is connected with the fact that the sitting position utilises all of the muscle groups
  • you should provide for a distribution of strength and thus, balances loads
  • the more bent the sitting position, the more the genitals and nerves are strained – you can counteract this using a saddle without a nose
  • the straighter the sitting position, the more strain there is to the backside, the vertebrae and the posterior. The tail bone comes more into play – it can be supported better with a larger seat surface and thus, a better weight distribution.
  • it is a misconception that an upright position is the ideal way of sitting!

 

-> the “fine tuning” of the seat setting is very important; often, just a few millimetres can make the difference between “suffering and joy”. This applies to the inclination angle, the height and the distance between saddle and handlebars. Take time for the fine tuning!

-> exact designs and explanations can be in the next point under “information links to other websites”

General information about Comfort Line saddles

More than 45 million Germans practice it regularly! It is the Number One popular sport – cycling. Cycling is environmentally-friendly and promotes health. Cycling is fun -if you are sitting comfortably! For the key to perfect enjoyment of the bicycle is the correct saddle with comfort factor. Comfort Line offers specialised solutions for a problem-free and comfortable ride on cycles and exercise bicycles. A topic which up to now has not received sufficient attention.

We have seen that, despite technological innovations and medical know-how, the cycle saddle has been hardly altered at all for the comfort of the cyclist.

Some attempt has been made to change the surface slightly, make the polyurethane foam somewhat softer and use gel inserts to make the saddle a bit more comfortable. None of this has really helped cyclists and they continue to develop a sore posterior. Or there is chafing or the legs go to sleep.

Meanwhile racing cyclists, mountain and hobby bikers have a choice of more than 50 models of saddles.

With its slight angle of inclination and the integral suspension system, the Anatomic saddle offers optimum shock absorbance in every terrain. The anatomically-designed seat shell and ergonomic shape make sitting comfortable and relieve pressure on the prostate gland, pubic bone and ischium.

The relax XXL Model promises to be particularly comfortable. It is designed both for people for whom comfort is of prime concern and for cyclists with a higher body weight of up to 150 kilos. The wide seating surface and the anatomically-shaped deepening bring relief to the sensitive perineal region and pressure is distributed comfortably over the whole width of the back of the seat.

The Relax 2 Model has two separate bearing surfaces, which relieve pressure on the coccyx, perineum and spinal column. Their size also ensures optimum weight distribution. Because the saddle does not curve upwards at the front, it does not cause bruising or adverse effects on the health of the genital and seating area.

Because of their individual approach Comfort Line saddles are becoming more important especially in preventative medicine and in physiotherapeutic and orthopaedic technology.

Using the saddles at present on the market causes many cyclists to develop health problems. Problems such as chafing marks, muscle cramps, problem with the spinal column or spinal discs. Erectile dysfunctions and even impotence can often be traced to cycling on badly-designed saddles. With Comfort Line products we are achieving outstanding results in our everyday work with patients with the most diverse problems and requirements. And now the Comfort Line Special Saddles can be obtained by every patient in every pharmacy in Germany by means of the German PIP Code. This is certain to lead to close, excellent cooperation with Comfort Line in research and development.

The most recent Comfort Line models also stem from this cooperation…

The two-part seating area of the “Wings” Line is a mobile system, which adapts to the natural pedalling action of the cyclist. In this way, it ensures optimum circulation in the genital area, reduces unpleasant saddle pressure and feelings of numbness. Pressure on the prostate gland, pubic bone and ischial bones is relieved and at the same time the spinal discs are mobilised.

The “relax IQ” model has been longest in the development phase. Many experts have been working for years on this saddle. The result is the most intelligent and comfortable saddle of all time! This revolutionary setting system is based on bionics technology, in which sequences of movements are borrowed from Nature and translated into innovative technology.

The appearance, structure and sequence of movements of the “relax IQ” are modelled on the human spinal column and the bodily structure of the ray. As a result it adjusts from the knee via hips, pelvis and lumbar vertebrae exactly to the cyclist’s sequence of movements and relieves the pressure on all the problem zones. A saddle with the best shock absorbency characteristics on every terrain, which as a result offers an indescribably comfortable seat and absolute comfort.

All the products and systems are characterised by development in practical situations and testing under actual conditions in cooperation with experts from the most diverse specialisms. As a result Comfort Line products have progressed in the last 10 years from being an insider’s tip to become an international trademark.

My lad and I cycle with Black Mamba Carbon saddles from Comfort Line on the bike and the racing cycle. They are extremely light, flexible and superbly comfortable. They are also extremely stable. We cycle about 10,000 to 15,000 km during the year. We take part in mountain bike marathons, the Ischgl Ironbike event, road races, 12-hour races and the Trans Germany. Since we are mindful of every gram of weight on the bike, we have already tried many different saddles, with the result that we have spent a lot of money, without finding the right saddle. At some stage we came across Comfort Line Carbon saddles and thought, “Let’s try these and see if they will do.” And the fact is, we have cycled some 10,000 km on them and they are still working well. And as I said, they are superbly comfortable. So, we can only recommend Comfort Line saddles, for with the Black Mamba Warranty they offer you fantastic after sales service which makes it even better sense to buy these saddles.

In selected, qualified specialist retail outlets you can personally test the fit of the various shapes of saddle and find the ideal saddle for you. Comfort Line specialist dealers and partners will give individual, competent advice in the shop.

Daily we are asked: how do I go about finding the right saddle? To find out which saddle is the right model for you as an individual, it is essential to seek advice. We realise, of course, that that is not achieved with a quick visit to a specialist retailer. It is only after cycling considerable distances on your own cycle and in your personal posture that you can be sure that the chosen model is the right one for you. And so, for this very reason we offer a 4 week test and comfort guarantee. No-one should need to worry that they have bought a saddle for the nth time and it was a waste of money yet again. To date we have always succeeded in matching the correct saddle to each cyclist.

Be the next customer to benefit from individual advice from a Comfort Line specialist retailer near you. Comfort Line – your partner for problem-free cycling!

Make cycling a real pleasure once more!

informative links: (just in German language)

  • ADFC (Allgemeiner Dt. Fahrradclub e.V.) Fachausschuss Technik “richtig Sitzen”  mehr …
  • Wikipedia  mehr …
  • Sport Uni Köln, Prof. Dr. Ingo Froböse, welcher Sattel paßt zu mir  mehr …
  • Trekkingbike “Das moderne Fahrradmagazin”
  • ……………….  Platz nehmen, niemand muss schlecht sitzen  mehr …
  • ……………….  Die richtige Sitzposition, Spaß statt Schmerzen  mehr …
  • ……………….  Rückenschule, Ergonomie Tipps  mehr …
  • ……………….  Der richtige Tritt, Trettechnik  mehr …
  • ……………….  Gesund Radfahren, Rad, Paßform, Training, Ernährung  mehr …
  • zum Thema Gesundheit: Urologie Prostata etc.
  • ……………….   medizinische Erkenntnisse “nasenfreie Sättel”  mehr …
  • ……………….   Anatomie der Prostata  mehr …
  • ……………….   PSA Werte  mehr …
  • ……………….   Hodenentzündung  mehr …
  • ……………….   Durchblutung Penis & Klitoris  mehr …
  • ……………….   Ärztezeitung: Nervenläsionen – Gefahr im Fahrradsattel – wenn Sex zur Nervensache wird  mehr …