Struggle with saddle discomfort? A lot of cyclists do. Finding the right saddle can be a nightmare, there are just so many shapes and sizes to choose from. Here’s another saddle to add to your list if you’re on the search for the answer to your comfort prayers.
- The best cycling saddles — your buyer's guide to seats
US company 3 West Designed used Kickstarter last year to get funding for its Reprieve saddle, which is successfully managed, and now it is going into production, and will be available from December. The saddle will cost $185 and has a target weight of 290g.
The Reprieve has an odd looking shape. The nose of the saddle has a 3/4in drop from the rear of the saddle, and there’s something a little strange going on in the nose that we haven’t seen anywhere else before.
It’s the Active Surface, an adjustable air bladder that stretches from the middle of the saddle to the nose. The air bladder is designed to avoid sensitive areas being pressed against a hard surface.The aid bladder is adjustable, you can add or remove air using a valve underneath the saddle.
Meanwhile, the rear of the saddle, the part that the sit bones are in contact with, is firm to provide support during pedalling. “The shape allows the sit bones to absorb the majority of your weight. It also allows the perineal area to keep its shape, touching nothing until the sit bones rest on the saddle,” says the company.
It's certainly a strange looking saddle, but we'd be willing to give it a go because, you never know, it might just work.
The company offers a 30-day money back guarantee so you can at least try it safe in the knowledge that should you not get on with it, you can return it. Interested? Head over to www.3westdesign.com/ for more info.
David has worked on the road.cc tech team since July 2012. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds.