Backpack packed, playlist ready, time to hit the road. Bike touring isn’t just travel — it’s freedom, discovery, and a new way of experiencing the world. Whether you’re climbing alpine passes or cruising along quiet rivers, one thing matters above all: comfort. That’s why so many riders choose our TRK saddle, designed for those who want to enjoy every mile without compromise.
Why TRK is made for touring
Spending hours in the saddle means your seat needs to work with you, not against you. Our TRK Medium and TRK Large models are designed to offer real support on every kind of ride:
- Wide, ergonomic shape that helps distribute weight and relieve pressure
- High-density padding for better shock absorption, even on rough terrain
- Our central cut-out feature to reduce pressure on sensitive areas
- Two sizes to match different body types and riding preferences
TRK is perfect for trekking bikes, city bikes, and e-bikes. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just love long, comfortable rides, TRK has your back literally.
Before you ride: a quick checklist
Planning a bike trip? Here are a few essentials to keep in mind:
- Bike check-up: brakes, gears, tires — better safe than sorry
- Choose the right saddle: comfort starts here. TRK helps you enjoy the ride without un necessary stops
- Flexible route: GPS is great, but leave space for spontaneous detours — the best stories often come from the unexpected
- Pack light: water, technical gear, energy snacks, sunscreen. Keep it simple
- Train a little: even a few longer rides before your trip can help build stamina
Need inspiration? Here are some of Europe’s best bike routes
| Route | Vibes |
| Danube Cycle Path | Peaceful river views and relaxed riding |
| Via Francigena | Villages, history, and nature waiting to be explored |
| Castelli della Loira | Culture, vineyards, and scenic roads |
| Alpe Adria Radweg | From the Alps to the Adriatic, pure variety |
| Cammino di Santiago | A legendary path, with a spiritual twist |
| Wild Atlantic Way | Ireland’s dramatic coast and wide open skies |
| Mozart Radweg | Lakes, landscapes and classical inspiration |
| Ciclabile della Parenzana | From Trieste to Poreč, tunnels, viaducts and Istrian charm |
Comfort makes all the difference When you’re on a bike for hours, your saddle becomes your best ally. That’s why more and more cyclists choose Selle SMP TRK — for real comfort, real distance, and real adventure.
The ride truly begins when you feel good in the saddle. With TRK, every mile is something to enjoy
Backpack packed, playlist ready, time to hit the road. Bike touring isn’t just travel — it’s freedom, discovery, and a new way of experiencing the world. Whether you’re climbing alpine passes or cruising along quiet rivers, one thing matters above all: comfort. That’s why so many riders choose our TRK saddle, designed for those who […]
Why a specific saddle line? What are our needs when riding an e-bike?
Riding an electric bicycle, even for long distances, requires less effort thanks to the help of the engine. However the weight of our body is less supported by the push of the legs on the pedals and weighs more on the saddle.
The position on an e-bike is much less subject to the changes in position and weight shifts often necessary on the traditional bike. For example, on the electric bike there is no need to get up on the pedals often to overcome demanding stretches or to relaunch the thrust. In this way the pressure on the genitals and perineal area is almost never relieved.
Furthermore - as a recent study by the University of Zurich – on average we ride an e-bike for more hours a week than traditional bicycles.
These factors increase the most common issues to the genitals and perineal area, such as numbness, tingling and pain, for both men and women.
The exclusive Selle SMP ergonomics, applied to the E-BIKE Concept range, relieves pressure from the genitals and perineal area. The special geometries of differentiated density padding and the additional Gel layer reduce the pressure on the sit bones by 30%.
The result is great comfort and well-being for all the electric bike lovers.
The new matt black Velvet Touch cover guarantees great durability and resistance.
Our new range of saddles covers all types of use and consists of 4 models: E-CITY, E-TRK, E-SPORT Medium and E-SPORT Large.
Let's see in detail the new E-BIKE Concept models:
E-CITY: saddle with large shapes and generous padding, it’s perfect for traditional and folding electric city bikes, where the position is comfortable and the weight of the body rests mainly on the sit bones.
E-SPORT: model developed for mountain bikes, road and gravel bikes, where our position is more reclined, with a significant forward rotation of the pelvis and less load on the sit bones.
E-SPORT is available in two different widths, E-SPORT Medium and E-SPORT Large, to match all physical configurations.
E-TRK: the most versatile saddle in the E-BIKE Concept range. Designed for tourism and trekking, E-TRK balances comfort and performance and is an excellent choice for any type of bike.
The E-BIKE Concept range has all the ergonomic features patented by Selle SMP:
- the fully open channel and the typical "eagle's beak" tip avoids genital and perineal compression for a natural blood flow.
- the length of the rail allows maximum fore-aft saddle adjustment and its geometry helps a more stable position in the saddle, increasing pedaling efficiency and reducing waste of energy.
- the raised rear helps to keep the right position in the saddle, especially in the accelerations typical of the electric bike and when facing steep slopes. The ergonomic design protects the coccyx from shocks and trauma.
Why a specific saddle line? What are our needs when riding an e-bike? Riding an electric bicycle, even for long distances, requires less effort thanks to the help of the engine. However the weight of our body is less supported by the push of the legs on the pedals and weighs more on the saddle. […]
Riding your bike to work and, perhaps, arriving a little more tired but certainly happier.
Getting on your bike to spend a Sunday or a public holiday cycling along a river bank, a forest trail or to get to the sea or a lake.
These ways of enjoying cycling are becoming increasingly popular in this 'new normality' caused by the pandemic.
In the previous article, we saw how mobility in cities has changed since the start of the current health emergency. In this article, we see how the bike is considered a new means of transport for people living outside towns and cities.
To comply with regulations regarding the health and safety of everyone, we have limited or cancelled trips abroad and minimised or avoided all opportunities to be near others, even on an everyday basis, for example when using public transport.
It is precisely in these minor changes that the bike revolution has taken hold. Such changes have surprised no one but, instead, have made us consider a bike as more than just a means of transport.
You don't need to be a professional or keen cyclist to rediscover the pleasure of cycling. You can use it to get to work and to get around for small errands. A bike, whether it is a mountain bike, a gravel bike or a city bike, is also ideal for short or long trips to rediscover the most beautiful places in our country.
As long as you comply with regulations, there is no limit to where you can go. Distance is not a problem if you have the right bike and, above all, the ideal saddle for your body. Only then can you ride for kilometres without pain, soreness or discomfort. A saddle adapts to you, and it does so because its design is unique. All Selle SMP saddles have a special patented shape, which does not obstruct blood flow and ensures superior comfort.
We have four saddles designed for trekking,bike touringand everyday use.
TRK Medium and TRK Large are two ideal saddles for such uses, which differ in size. Depending on the width of your ischial bones (which you can easily measure by watching this tutorial or using the in-store Selle SMP Stool), you can choose the one that best suits your body. The comfortable padding and velvety SVT Touch cover also provide unprecedented comfort.
For those looking for extra softness, TRK Medium Gel and TRK Large Gel by Selle SMP are ideal. The gel follows your body movements, adapting to your every shape.
Do you want to make sure you choose the right saddle? Try our Saddle Finder or download the Selle SMP app.
Riding your bike to work and, perhaps, arriving a little more tired but certainly happier. Getting on your bike to spend a Sunday or a public holiday cycling along a river bank, a forest trail or to get to the sea or a lake. These ways of enjoying cycling are becoming increasingly popular in this […]
The year 2020 has made us change our habits, the way we live and also the way we move around the city. In particular, there has been a huge increase in alternative vehicles to avoid close contact, which is inevitable on public transport.
Some vehicles are relatively new, such as the scooter, while others are timeless classics. Here, we are clearly referring to the city bike.
A city bike lets you get around with the utmost safety in the face of the Coronavirus. Moreover, it is healthy, fun, economical and sustainable. Let's take a closer look at these aspects:
- You can get outdoors and away from other people on a bike;
- Cycling is good exercise that helps us keep healthy longer, especially when done on a daily basis;
- A bike has fewer restrictions and getting around the city is easier and faster;
- The city bike is environmentally friendly because it does not pollute, lasts for many years and is recyclable;
- A bike is economical. Once you have bought a city bike, it takes you anywhere you want without you having to pay fares. It also requires very little maintenance;
- A bike can be used all year round.
So there are no more excuses for leaving your bike at home when you are out and about in the city. Regardless of the distances covered, a city bike is the best and most comfortable choice, especially if you choose the right saddle for a city bike.
Martin Touring Medium and Martin Touring Large saddles are specifically designed for city use and for preserving a cyclist’s well-being by guaranteeing unbeatable comfort. This is due to the patented ergonomic design of Selle SMP saddles, which prevent any compression of the perineal area, and to the self-modelling Gel layer that adapts to the shape of the cyclist’s body.
Would you like to find out right now which model in the Martin Touring range is ideal for you? Do it with our exclusive Saddle Finder in just a few quick and easy steps!
The year 2020 has made us change our habits, the way we live and also the way we move around the city. In particular, there has been a huge increase in alternative vehicles to avoid close contact, which is inevitable on public transport. Some vehicles are relatively new, such as the scooter, while others are […]
All Selle SMP saddles are comfortable and safe. Every day, we strive to give our saddles these features. So when we discovered the existence of fake Selle SMP saddles, we immediately took action to limit this phenomenon.
A bitter discovery at the trade fair in Taipei
It all began at the 2014 Taipei Cycle trade fair in Taipei. We discovered the first fake saddles at the stand of a Chinese company. Since then, many fake saddles have started to appear, not only at trade fairs but also on many Internet and e-commerce websites. Some of them are very well-known worldwide, whereas others are linked to local organisations in different countries around the world.
Fake Selle SMP Full Carbon: the most copied model
Most of the fake products on the market are reproductions of our Full Carbon model, the SMP saddle entirely made of carbon fibre and one of our most top products.
The saddle is not only lightweight but also designed down to the smallest detail in order to guarantee maximum physical and mechanical resistance for all cyclists, regardless of their body weight. It also undergoes many tests and its design is patented. This is why we can say that the Selle SMP Full Carbon saddle is comfortable and safe, like all our saddles.
How we have tackled the problem
Starting with these essential values and with the determination that sets us apart, we immediately decided to tackle the problem, in two different ways:
- Investigations and legal action in China: we tracked down the producers of fake saddles and launched a lawsuit against them, which we won, both in the first instance and on appeal.
- Online monitoring and crackdown: we started screening all sales platforms worldwide to identify fake products on sale. Then we destroyed every single advert selling fake products.
A question of safety
We also carried out many tests: both in-company and with the help of certified external bodies. We checked the difference between the performance of our original SMP Full Carbon and that of the Chinese company. The results showed completely different levels of stress resistance, clearly in favour of Selle SMP saddles.
It is therefore not a question of protecting our reputation with you cyclists. It’s about your safety, protecting you from the risk of buying low-quality products that put your safety at risk.
We have also received complaints from cyclists who are unaware that they purchased fake Full Carbon saddles, which proved to be of poor quality and broke.
The outcome of the battle against fake Selle SMP Saddles
Since 2014, we have destroyed more than 10,000 adverts for fake saddles on e-commerce websites worldwide. We can therefore say that the phenomenon has been significantly reduced. Of course, fakes are still being sold despite the fact that we have made a huge commitment and effort.
There is just one reason why we haven’t stopped battling against fake saddles, but it’s an important one. Forgery harms everyone: you as cyclists, us as a brand and everyone involved in the distribution chain. We will always be taking action to protect you and ourselves from this phenomenon.
All Selle SMP saddles are comfortable and safe. Every day, we strive to give our saddles these features. So when we discovered the existence of fake Selle SMP saddles, we immediately took action to limit this phenomenon. A bitter discovery at the trade fair in Taipei It all began at the 2014 Taipei Cycle trade […]
Bike roller training is not like training out of the home: we know that well. Cycling sessions are shorter and more frequent (but you still spend much time on your bike) and the position on the saddle is fixed. Because, let's face it, we really missed our bike during these months of quarantine. Even if many of us have relied on using rollers and the luckiest ones have been able to "toil" in the open air, it's certainly not like getting on your bike and covering kilometres in complete freedom.
Nevertheless, we, like you, never give up and we pedalled at home. Many of you have asked us which saddle is best for training on your bike at home. The answer is the Gel saddle.
Selle SMP Gel saddles have a layer of Gel that covers the entire surface of the saddle: practically the entire support area is covered by the Gel. This special technology makes our saddles special and helps to reduce the pressure on contact points by 30%. In a word: comfort. If we add to this the fact that all our saddles are ergonomic, then we can say that they provide total wellbeing.
In addition, the Selle SMP Gel saddle is self-modelling. This means that it follows your body, adapting to the position you take. Yes, it is true that the position when training is more fixed, but there are always micro-movements involved. This is also an advantage if you want to use the Gel saddle for routes away from home and for conventional training as well.
For bike roller training, we recommend Well saddles. There are three models: Well S Gel, Well Gel and Well M1 Gel. The difference lies in the ergonomic shape of the saddle, which adapts to your pelvis according to the width of your ischial bones. To find out which model is perfect for you, we recommend you try our Saddle Finder app. It is available on our website and also for Android and iOS.
Like all our saddles, the Well models are unisex. You can also use them on both MTB and racing bikes. Of course, they are also ideal for bike training at home or outdoors. Perhaps that is why Well saddles are among the most popular Selle SMP models?
Bike roller training is not like training out of the home: we know that well. Cycling sessions are shorter and more frequent (but you still spend much time on your bike) and the position on the saddle is fixed. Because, let’s face it, we really missed our bike during these months of quarantine. Even if […]
Many of you ask us why Selle SMP saddles are so comfortable.
Because they are designed to fit your body.
But how can they be designed to fit the body of every cyclist?
That's simple: because they are designed with extra special care.
In this article, we will explain exactly what this care involves. All Selle SMP saddles are designed with the fundamental contribution of cyclists. You, to be exact.
Before the launch of any saddle, unseen, yet constant and fundamental work is involved.
Creating the prototype: the saddle takes shape.
The prototype is the ready-to-test saddle, created according to our patented ergonomic design. To achieve this design, we have carried out various experiments and we have talked about it in this article on prostate saddles that work.
In short, the prototype is a saddle designed in much detail to adapt to the human body in order to eliminate any discomfort and pain for cyclists. And this is where you bike enthusiasts come into play.
The field test: get ready to pedal!
Once the prototype has been finalised, we ask professional cyclists, teams and amateurs to test it, even over many kilometres. The prototype then starts to do its work: it is mounted on bikes and tested on roads, paths and circuits. Naturally, we also do in-house tests on it: we are not always in the production unit or in our offices. As soon as we can, we take our bikes and test them again and again. Until we are satisfied.
This is the most important stage in creating our saddles. The tests carried out by cyclists provide us with empirical data, sensations, opinions, suggestions, advice and even criticism. The goal is always the same but it is not trivial at all: to create a comfortable saddle. That's why we are willing to receive any kind of feedback.
This has been the case for every one of our saddles: from the very first Pro to the latest F20 and Vt30C. Cyclists have tested them and given us excellent suggestions for improving the prototype even further. And so, we get to the final stage.
Finishing: meticulous attention to every detail
This is the stage when we collect valuable contributions from you cyclists and use them to develop the new saddle. We are talking about refinements. For example, if necessary, we change the dimensions using millimetre precision. Or we change a material that has not lived up to our expectations. Everything must be perfect so that the saddles are really comfortable.
At the end of this essential work, we no longer talk about a prototype but a product ready to be launched.
So, the saddle is ready: ready to pass any test, to stand up to any situation and, above all, support you cyclists without letting you feel any tingling or discomfort. So comfortable that you won't notice you have it!
Many of you ask us why Selle SMP saddles are so comfortable.Because they are designed to fit your body.But how can they be designed to fit the body of every cyclist?That’s simple: because they are designed with extra special care. In this article, we will explain exactly what this care involves. All Selle SMP saddles […]
The value of research
The first value that guides us is research. All Selle SMP saddles have been made by researching, designing and performing tests. There was a time when all this was not enough for us. We wanted more, we wanted the performance of our saddles to be checked by doctors who deal with the disorders of cyclists. We wanted to find the answer to the question: “Does the prostate saddle work?”
The real purpose of the prostate saddle
As we have already written in the blog, the term “prostate saddle” is not entirely correct because this type of saddle is not created only to solve problems connected with the prostate but all disorders that affect cyclists. The most common are pain in the penis or vagina, or numb areas or small lesions, however, other problems are related to sexual activity and fertility, the urinary tract, veins and arteries, and nerves.
Here, we are also talking about a prostate saddle referring to a saddle designed to protect the genital area, also known as the perineal area. We all have a perineal area: it is the area where the blood vessels and nerves of the genital organs are found, as well as the prostate (a gland). That’s why compressing this area can cause pain and various problems. And this is why we need to measure the blood flow in this area. The question is: What type of saddle least impedes blood circulation?
Scientific study
To find out if a so-called prostate saddle is able to do this, we further tested Selle SMP saddles, which are precisely created to relieve pain in the perineal area. Four doctors conducted a scientific study with the following aim: to find out which saddle leaves the blood free to circulate, thus reducing compression of the vagina and penis.
How the experiment was performed
The experiment involved 29 cyclists who used one of Selle SMP saddles, designed specifically to reduce compression in the perineal area. To understand the state of blood circulation, a sensor was placed on the cyclist’s penis. Thanks to accurate tools and the non-invasive method, the doctors wanted to understand how and to what extent the shape and the characteristics of the saddle influence blood circulation. Pain and tingling are caused by compression of the perineal area, which hinders blood flow.
Results of the scientific study
The results were clear and unquestionable. In both the stationary measurement and the pedaling measurement, our saddle maintained a greater blood flow, which means that the penis and the vagina receive more oxygen, leading to wellbeing and comfort for the cyclist. Thanks to the scientific data obtained, the four doctors have drawn the following conclusion: our saddle limits compression of the genitals, improving blood circulation.
All Selle SMP saddles have been designed to the millimetre and it is precisely the shape that makes all the difference. The shape adapts to the areas that support the pelvis so that the saddle follows the shape of the body. This is why we talk about a prostate saddle, even if the more correct term would be an ergonomic saddle.
Publication of the results
The purposes of the research, the experiment and the results have been published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, the medical journal of the International Society for Sexual Medicine, the international body that promotes research into various issues related to sexuality. If you would like to learn more about this topic, please read the scientific article here.
We care about your wellbeing
We are the only saddle manufacturer to have participated in a scientific study published in an internationally respected and renowned scientific journal. However, we did not take part in order to say that we are better than others.
We wanted to participate in this study to demonstrate that our prostate saddle works and to confirm that we are a reliable company. We want to show you that we can deliver on our promises: to increase the wellbeing of you cyclists. So that every ride is an enjoyable one.
The value of research The first value that guides us is research. All Selle SMP saddles have been made by researching, designing and performing tests. There was a time when all this was not enough for us. We wanted more, we wanted the performance of our saddles to be checked by doctors who deal with […]
Which is the best saddle? For us, it has to be the saddle “designed on your body”, the one that surprises you with a never-before-experienced comfort and that fits perfectly to your body. Starting today, finding the right saddle just got easier with the new Selle SMP application for Android and iOS.
Selle SMP offers a huge range of models so that every cyclist can be sure of finding a perfect match. What is more: all our saddles are carefully designed for different disciplines or bicycles. To make your choice easier, we have developed the Selle SMP app to help you choose the right model for you. And it only takes a few seconds!
How the Selle SMP application works
The app saddle finder will ask you for some information. This is essential if the system is to choose the right saddle for you. For example, you are asked how frequently you go cycling, what type of bicycle you own and how you use it. Depending on your answers, the app adapts and employs and algorithm to ask for additional information in order to give you a precise response.
Once all the data has been entered, the software will show you the recommended saddle. Easy! And quick!
The next step is to try the saddle out at one of our retailers to see if it really is the right choice for you. Trying it is the only way to be sure.
Choose your best mtb saddle for racing bicycles and other disciplines
To help you choose professional SMP saddles more accurately too, we have factored in an even more specific item of data: the sit bone measurement. The distance between these bones is a far more precise measurement of the pelvis shape and simple trouser size. By knowing the exact conformation of your body and the surface area on which it will be resting, the search for the best saddle can yield even more accurate results. The “designed on your body” saddle is not a dream; it really exists!
Taking your sit bone measurement to choose your saddle
You can measure the distance between these bones in two ways:
1. head into one of our retailers and have it done using the S-Tool. This is a special tool (available as a stool or tablet) that takes your sit bone measurement. Merely sit in the right position and in a few seconds you’ll have the measurement; or
2. measure at home, using a piece of flexible cardboard, a pencil, a ruler and a table.
For more precise instructions, watch the tutorial video.
Click here to download the Selle SMP app onto your smartphone or tablet: iOS - Android
If you prefer to use a computer, the “Saddle Finder” is also available here.
Which is the best saddle? For us, it has to be the saddle “designed on your body”, the one that surprises you with a never-before-experienced comfort and that fits perfectly to your body. Starting today, finding the right saddle just got easier with the new Selle SMP application for Android and iOS. Selle SMP offers […]
When the days get shorter and temperatures lower, we are highly tempted to put our bike aside. But if we have the right equipment, we can continue to go cycling even in winter.
Bikes in winter: the right clothing
When we go out cycling in cold weather, the parts to protect are primarily the head, neck, hands and feet. At minimum temperatures, the heat loss through these sensitive parts can reach up to 70%, therefore we need to take special care by wearing gloves and a headband or beret that must be made of technical fabric. A tip: never try to save money on these accessories. Clothing, including underwear, not only keeps our body warm but also needs to be breathable to keep it dry. Another basic rule: never keep wet clothes on. You risk getting hypothermia.
Bike accessories for winter
Our bike (racing bike, MTB or e-bike) must also be equipped for winter.
Safety first: we can use winter tyres. And don’t forget your lights because the days may be grey and foggy, or we may be delayed for some reason while darkness creeps in.
Finally, to keep the lower part of the back dry, we can add mudguards that protect us from water and dirt raised from the ground.
Those who have a Selle SMP saddle can use FAN-GO, the mudguard designed to protect the perineum and the lower part of the back from mud and splashes caused by the wheel. No tools are required to mount it. It is removable, light and easy to carry, so it can be used when necessary.
Training on your bike in winter is good for your health
In winter, our immune system is often weaker: this is physiological, since we are not perfect machines. Unfortunately, this is also the time when we are most susceptible to the viruses around us in winter. Cycling at low temperatures can be of great help to us because we encourage our body to adapt to the cold and thus create natural defences.
Food also plays a key role for those who do sport in winter. We will discuss this in one of our future articles.
When the days get shorter and temperatures lower, we are highly tempted to put our bike aside. But if we have the right equipment, we can continue to go cycling even in winter. Bikes in winter: the right clothing When we go out cycling in cold weather, the parts to protect are primarily the head, […]