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Triathlon Bike Fit Part II - Saddle Selection |
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Bike fit begins with the saddle. If you're not comfortable in the saddle, the remainder of the fit cannot be precise because you will continue to compensate for the discomfort. There are three pressure points that connect to the saddle; two in the back (of your butt) and one in the front. On a road bike, most of the pressure is on the rear two pressure points. As you roll forward into the triathlon or aero position, pressure is transferred from the rear pressure points to the single front pressure point. A triathlon bike is made to spend 80% or more in the aero position which means your saddle needs account for the additional pressure placed toward the front of the saddle. As mentioned in the previous article, if you're not spending 80% of your time in the aero position, you're not maximizing your investment. The following is a list of the most popular and most effective saddles on the market. I'm sure one of these saddles will solve any saddle discomfort out there. If not, fear not as there is a saddle for every butt. |
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Terry TRI Butterfly Saddle
Ladies first. The Terry TRI Butterfly takes one of the best-fitting womens saddles on the market and adds gel padding and a more resilient cover. Just like the Butterfly, this saddle is perfect for a woman looking for a cutout and ample padding, but still at a low weight; 310g
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Profile Design Tri Stryke Saddle
The Profile Tri Stryke was designed specifically for triathletes. With a cushiony front end, its very comfortable wile in the aero position. Features include Triathlon specific design, Transition rack friendly with areas on both the front and rear that make it easier to rack your bike Cut-away with vents for comfort and easier moisture transfer after the swim Additional padding for all day comfort Ti rails Lycra cover on front section for comfort and softness. Weight 285g
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Fizik Arione Tri2 Carbon
For those of you who prefer a road like feel, Fizik makes various triathlon saddles in the Arione and Vitesse modles. These models are more narrow and shallow allowing the thighs to glides alloong whta they call the Glide Thigh Black suede. Rail Braided carbon 7x9mm Weight 189gr. The Arione Tri 2 braided Carbon merges carbon Wing Flex™ which originated on the Arione, the carbon Twin Flex™ of the Aliante and now braided technology Additional nose padding for increased comfort. Seamless nose cover design for smooth transitions to the front of the saddle.
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SELLE ITALIA SLR T1 TRIATHLON
The renowned SLR base added a padded gel nose to attract the triathlon and time trial market. It has a carbon shell and kevelar rear area to ensure greater durability. Vanox tubular titanium rails. Good combination features and ultra light weight;205 grams. Features include carbon shell, padding fashioned from EVA and featherweight rails, oversized SLR shape designed (good for Triathlon/Time trial use) with carbon insert at rear and a oversized drop nose at front. Tubular Vanox rails. The design greatly reduces discomfort that can result with time spoent in a lower forward time trial position. Anatomic groove. Widened nose section with additional padding.
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ISM Adamo Century Saddle
In just four years, ISM has been the saddle of choice for Olympians, Ironman Triathlon Athletes, Professional European Bike Racers, and Weekend Warriors. The saddle with the fastet growing fan base is the ISM Adamo Century Saddle. The saddles are patented unisex models and remove pressure off the pudendal nerve and arteries in both male and female riders for un-paralleled comfort. Not cheap but well worth the dollars.
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Selle SMP Series
Selle SMP provides a seres of foward thinking saddles that will resolve any fitting problem other saddles cannot. However, be prepared to pay through the nose. See (http://www.sellesmp-bicyclesaddles.com/2_products.php) for a selection of Selle SMP saddles. They provide protection for your blood profusion while retaining high levels of comfort in an ultra light weight competition saddle. Ride for longer, in more comfort and with better blood flow in the top of the range competition saddle from Selle SMP.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 06 September 2009 )
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