First look: Scicon's new Elan racing saddle

The Italian brand Scicon, who since their inception in 1980 have almost exclusively sold bike bags, boxes and protective products, have just launched a racing saddle called the Elan.  

19 of the best saddles

The saddle has a 'power ergo' design that Scicon say is both comfortable and high-performing, with the brand taking advantage of other divisions within their parent company ASG Group to recruit further experts during the R+D phase; these included bike fitting service ASG Bike Science, who Scicon worked with to find an ideal shape for the maximum number of riders, with the ultimate aim being to produce a saddle that would relieve pressure during long rides in an aggressive/aerodynamic position. Scicon claim the collaborative efforts of sports scientists and bike fitting experts plus the creation of real-life scenarios with amateur and pro cyclists to analyse their body ergonomics is an industry first.  

Niklas Quetri, Head Scientist at ASG Bike Science, says: “The saddle was originally developed to reduce pressure on the body on longer rides in a more aggressive or aerodynamic position on a road bike, while providing ride comfort in a more relaxed position. Riding position up steep climbs on a mountain bike is similar to a forward leaning riding position on a road bike, maintaining pressure and traction on the front wheel. Our short nose saddle design allows for hip rotation, making it the perfect saddle for both riding disciplines, road and mtb.” 

We had our own Elan arrive in the office to test today, and it's noticeably wider and more 'squidgy' looking than most race saddles; although we weighed it on our scales at 208g, which is definitely on the lighter side for any saddle. Scicon say the short nose design and central cut out allows for extra hip rotation and increased blood flow, and should improve comfort in al riding positions. 
As for the build, the shell is carbon-reinforced polymer and the rails are both unidirectional carbon fibre, coming in one size only at 148mm by 248mm.  

The Elan is available to buy now for £179, or you can also buy it in a special limited edition pack with a mini saddle bag included (including inner tube, patch kit, tyre levers and an adapter for CO2 cartridges) for £225. Head over to sciconbags.com for more info.