VT Gel saddles redefine comfort and performance for mountain biking (MTB). Thanks to an innovative design that combines high-quality materials and advanced technologies, these saddles offer exceptional support on any type of terrain. In this article, we'll explore the technical features that make VT Gel saddles an excellent choice for MTB enthusiasts.
Ergonomic Comfort
The first thing that sets VT Gel saddles apart is their ergonomic design, created to perfectly fit the cyclist's anatomical shapes. This feature ensures an even weight distribution, reducing contact points that can cause soreness and discomfort during long or intense rides. The gel integration in the saddle offers superior cushioning, absorbing shocks and vibrations from the terrain.
Integrated Gel Technology
The integrated gel is one of the key innovations of VT Gel saddles. This viscoelastic material efficiently absorbs impacts, reducing muscle fatigue and increasing overall comfort. Additionally, the gel helps maintain a stable temperature, preventing overheating during long summer rides.
Optimal Weight Distribution
Another important technical feature is weight distribution. VT Gel saddles are designed to evenly distribute the rider's weight, preventing specific pressure points. This is particularly useful for MTB cyclists who face uneven terrains and require constant support during movements.
High-Quality Materials
Durability is a crucial factor for any MTB saddle, and VT Gel does not disappoint. Made with resistant and lightweight materials, these saddles are built to withstand the toughest off-road conditions. The AISI 304 stainless steel or carbon structure adds robustness without compromising the overall weight of the bike.
Versatility on Any Terrain
VT Gel saddles are incredibly versatile and suitable for any type of MTB trail. Whether you're tackling challenging mountainous paths or long off-road adventures, these saddles offer the support and comfort needed to face any challenge.
VT Gel saddles by Selle SMP transform the riding experience for MTB enthusiasts, offering a perfect balance of comfort, support, and durability. Thanks to their advanced technology and ergonomic design, these saddles provide a complete solution for your off-road rides. If you want to feel the difference in every kilometer and on every terrain, VT Gel saddles are the right choice for you.
VT Gel saddles redefine comfort and performance for mountain biking (MTB). Thanks to an innovative design that combines high-quality materials and advanced technologies, these saddles offer exceptional support on any type of terrain. In this article, we’ll explore the technical features that make VT Gel saddles an excellent choice for MTB enthusiasts. Ergonomic Comfort The […]
Former German road cyclist André Greipel, known for his victories in seven stages at the Giro d'Italia, eleven at the Tour de France and four at the Vuelta a España, continues to have a great passion for cycling. Since 2023, Greipel has been the technical commissioner of the German national road team and, since this year, he’s the founder and manager of a new youth team: the Radsport Academy. For his daily rides, he chose our F20C s.i. saddle. We had the opportunity to ask him some questions to find out his impressions on using this saddle. Here's what he told us:
André, how would you describe the comfort of the F20C s.i. during long rides? Have you noticed improvements in your performance thanks to this saddle?
The saddle is always a specific and delicate topic. In this case it felt immediately comfortable also during long rides. In addition, the ergonomics of the F20C s.i. helped me to keep the correct position without slipping forward.
The F20C s.i. is designed to adapt to the cyclist's morphology. How does it fit to you and your pedaling style?
The shape of the saddle makes it always comfortable and it adapts very well to my body. Especially the shape of the nose minimises the pressure on delicate parts.
The saddle has high quality materials such as the carbon rail (or AISI 304 steel) and the carbon-reinforced nylon12 body. How important is the durability of the saddle for you and how does the F20C s.i. perform in this sense?
For every rider it is important that the saddle holds the original shape even after time and many rides. This is definitely the case of the F20C s.i. thanks to the carbon reinforced shell and carbon or Aisi 304 steel rail.
On what types of bikes have you used the F20C s.i. saddle? Road bike, gravel ride… How did you perform in each discipline?
I used the saddle on both road and Gravel bikes and even in cyclocross the F20C s.i. is really helpful and comfortable. Even in the most stressful situations, like jumping on the bike, the saddle performed great.
The F20C s.i. has no padding. How does this affect your feeling of control and stability during your rides?
At first sight the saddle seems hard but its ergonomics perfectly fits my body really well. Therefore I fell there‘s no need of padding.
Selle SMP’s rails are the longest on the market and thanks to this you can have maximum fore-aft adjustment range. How important it is for you to be able to adjust the saddle precisely and this feature helped you?
Bike fitting is always more important in cycling. Especially to get the position right to open up the hips, the long rails of SMP saddles are helping a lot to put the saddle as much as possible to the front, which is good for my specific position. These rails allow me to get over the bottom bracket for a good fluent pedal stroke.
Former German road cyclist André Greipel, known for his victories in seven stages at the Giro d’Italia, eleven at the Tour de France and four at the Vuelta a España, continues to have a great passion for cycling. Since 2023, Greipel has been the technical commissioner of the German national road team and, since this […]
The legendary André Greipel founded the Radsport Academy, an initiative that aims to discover and develop young cycling talent in Germany. The young cyclists of the Radsport Academy, with dedication and passion, are already making waves in the cycling world. And we are proud to be with them with our VT20C.
We had the opportunity to ask André some questions about the motivations that led him to this important project. Here are his answers:
André, what inspired you to create the team of young cyclists you have? What are your main goals with this project?
Support in cycling is really important, I am grateful that I have had always the best support in my career, especially when I was young…. that is my inspiration to give something back and help young talents to grow.
What resources and support do you provide to the young athletes on your team to help them grow both as athletes and as people?
They are getting everything what a bike rider needs… included helmets, shoes, complete bikes and of course Selle SMP saddles. I try to help the also with advices, when needed and asked.
How do your experiences as a professional cyclist influence the way you manage and coach your team?
Hard to say, especially nowadays a lot of young athletes get to know everything out of the internet. I am focused a lot about the basics as an athlete and more important as a human being.
What are your long-term plans for the team? Do you plan to expand the project or collaborate with other organizations?
Of course I would like to work in a long term plan and support them for a longer time. I would say to have a complete U 19 Bundesliga team would be a nice way for any athletes to make the next step into the amateur sport and hopefully also in a professional career.
How do you think your team can positively influence the local community and the cycling world in general?
It is a sign for any sport, politics and humanity…. we always should the young talents, no matter what sports we are doing.
Thank you André for your words and good luck to you and your team of young talents.
The legendary André Greipel founded the Radsport Academy, an initiative that aims to discover and develop young cycling talent in Germany. The young cyclists of the Radsport Academy, with dedication and passion, are already making waves in the cycling world. And we are proud to be with them with our VT20C. We had the opportunity […]
The F20C s.i. saddle represents a significant innovation in the cycling world: combining advanced ergonomics and high-quality materials, it provides exceptional comfort and performance
Ergonomic Design
The F20C s.i. is designed to fit the cyclist's morphology perfectly. The wide center channel and "eagle beak" tip are designed to prevent any pressure and numbness in sensitive areas. This design allows optimal weight distribution and thanks to this you can ride for hours without worrying about discomfort.
High Quality Materials
The saddle is available in two rails versions: AISI 304 stainless steel and unidirectional carbon fiber. Both versions offer light weight and resistance to mechanical stresses. The high-performance microfiber cover provides uncompromising durability and strength.
Suitable for different types of cycling
Whether you are with your MTB, road, triathlon, gravel, or cyclocross bike, the F20C s.i. is designed to fit you and your pedaling style perfectly. It is suitable for both muscle and electric bikes.
Benefits for the Cyclist
One of the most appreciated features of the F20C s.i. is the absence of padding, which allows you to maintain direct and responsive contact with your bike. A minimalist design that not only reduces the overall weight of the saddle, but also improves the feeling of control and stability while pedaling. This is especially beneficial for cyclists looking to push their limits in terms of speed and endurance.
Technical Specifications
- Dimensions: 250 mm long and 135 mm wide.
- Weight: 210 g with AISI 304 rail, 155 g with carbon frame rail.
- Use: Suitable for MTB, road, triathlon, gravel/cyclocross and time trial/track.
- Gender: Unisex, for cyclists with ischial bone width from 9.0 to 12.0 cm.
Conclusion
The F20C s.i. saddle is an excellent choice for cyclists who do not want to compromise between comfort and performance. With its ergonomic design, high-quality materials, and adaptability to different disciplines, this saddle is ready to take your cycling experience to the next level.
The F20C s.i. saddle represents a significant innovation in the cycling world: combining advanced ergonomics and high-quality materials, it provides exceptional comfort and performance Ergonomic Design The F20C s.i. is designed to fit the cyclist’s morphology perfectly. The wide center channel and “eagle beak” tip are designed to prevent any pressure and numbness in sensitive […]
The Giro d'Italia is one of the most prestigious and demanding races on the world cycling scene, and the VF Group Bardiani-CSF Faizanè Team comes to the start with a clear objective: to leave its mark with stage victories and a solid performance in the general ranking.
In its 42nd participation, the Green Team races with eight athletes ready to challenge the Italian roads, including dizzying climbs and breathtaking sprints. Among these, the name of Domenico Pozzovivo stands out, the captain designated to lead the team towards the coveted general classification.
But it's not just the toughness and determination of the athletes that makes the news; it is the choice of the bike set-up, and the F20C s.i. saddle captures attention. Our short saddle, innovative and without padding, was chosen for its unique characteristics that perfectly match the needs of runners.
Domenico Pozzovivo describes it as an extension of the body, capable of guaranteeing constant comfort and performance, thanks to the ideal width for ischial support and freedom of movement in different cycling situations. The reduced weight is another crucial factor for an athlete who has to face the long and steep climbs of the Giro. The F20C s.i., in fact, weighs 155 g thanks to a high modulus unidirectional carbon fiber frame. This material, in addition to reducing the overall weight of the saddle, is very resistant and allows for a smoother ride.
Giulio Pellizzari, young promise and prospect of the team, praises the saddle for its ergonomic design which seems modeled on his body, and for the lightness which is fundamental for a climber. The F20C s.i. proves to be the perfect ally for those that, like Pellizzari, demand maximum performance and support. The nylon 12 carbon reinforced shell saves weight and offers greater rigidity making the F20C s.i. one of our most responsive saddles.
The Giro d'Italia route will test the athletes with countless kilometers and challenging climbs, but the F20C s.i. saddle is ready to prove worth. Developed and tested in collaboration with the Green Team riders, this saddle promises to be a key factor in their success.
With such a revolutionary saddle, Team VF Group Bardiani-CSF Faizanè is ready to write a new chapter in the history of the Giro d'Italia. Good luck guys! Your journey will be long and full of challenges, but with the F20C s.i., you start one step ahead.
The Giro d’Italia is one of the most prestigious and demanding races on the world cycling scene, and the VF Group Bardiani-CSF Faizanè Team comes to the start with a clear objective: to leave its mark with stage victories and a solid performance in the general ranking. In its 42nd participation, the Green Team races […]
EVO, THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA
We had a challenge to meet: evolve without giving up the comfort and quality of Selle SMP. We've taken a step forward in innovation, incorporating cutting-edge design and technology to deliver an entirely new experience.
EVO defines a new standard of comfort and performance. Sinuous lines, minimal style and attention to detail come together in a saddle with a unique design that represents the perfect harmony between comfort and performance.
TOP PERFORMANCE
EVO has a new construction technology: the latest generation EVA padding foam offers excellent support and better absorbs shocks and vibrations, while at the same time allowing us to maintain a low specific weight making it one of the lightest saddles in our range.
The carbon fiber reinforced shell and AISI 304 or Carbon fiber rail guarantee extreme lightness and resistance to the hardest stresses.
The rear support stabilizes and supports the pelvis, preventing it from sliding backwards and reducing the strain on the arms. All this allows the cyclist to be more efficient and push harder uphill. In fact, according to our tests, the EVO saddle allows you to improve the average uphill power by 10% compared to traditional saddles.
The "eagle's beak" tip allows the cyclist to maintain ideal support and effective pedaling even in very advanced positions on the saddle especially in long flat stretches, when maximum speed and aerodynamics are sought, and the cyclist is led to move forward on the saddle.
ERGONOMICS AND COMFORT DESIGNED ON YOUR BODY
The large central channel, distributed along the entire length of the saddle, avoids any compression in the private parts and promotes optimal blood flow.
The two sitting areas modeled on the shape of the sit bones allow to find the natural sweet spot.
Extra-long rail for maximum saddle adjustment range.
FOR WHICH CYCLISTS
EVO is unisex, created for advanced and demanding cyclists who want to stand out and seek performance, lightness and quality without giving up on comfort.
The objective of our R&D office was to develop a saddle that embraced both comfort and design to satisfy even the most demanding cyclists.
WHICH VERSIONS
EVO is available in two versions: with minimal padding (EVO) and with intermediate padding (EVO PLUS). You can choose between these two versions, based on personal needs and preferences.
EVO is very light and suited for cyclists that love minimal saddles, while EVO PLUS is recommended for cyclists who, despite searching for a very technical product, look for a greater level of padding.
EVO and EVO PLUS are now available in the 140 mm wide version, ideal for cyclists with sit bones width between 90 and 120 mm.
EVO, THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA We had a challenge to meet: evolve without giving up the comfort and quality of Selle SMP. We’ve taken a step forward in innovation, incorporating cutting-edge design and technology to deliver an entirely new experience. EVO defines a new standard of comfort and performance. Sinuous lines, minimal style […]
The Mongolia Bike Challenge returns after a four-year stop due to the pandemic and Ukraine war. Many things have changed in these four years and the situation is certainly not the most optimistic for organizing such a particular event in the steppes of Chinggis Khan.
Willy Mulonia - organizer, tireless traveler and citizen of the world – knows it very well
It won't be easy to restart after four years. Many things have changed after the pandemic: the war in Ukraine, the increase in the cost of air tickets and inflation. It will be a challenge for the participants, but also for all of us who work to ensure that MBC continue. If it was easy then I wouldn't be the only one organizing it.
What has Willy done in these four years?
First of all I learned to build my resistance on the basis of resilience. And then, having so much free time, I went back to studying, earning a Master's Degree at the university. Also with Selle SMP, after 14 years, I have built a relationship of resilience. From the outside it looks like it's just a sponsor of the Mongolia Bike Challenge, but from the inside it's a family relationship. Selle SMP is more than a sponsor, we have grown together over these 14 years and we have both learned what resilience really is. We have also learned that our body is constantly changing and that we need a different saddle that adapts to our changes. This year, for example, I felt the need to increase the perception of comfort.
I have been using Selle SMP since 2006 and over the years I was able to appreciate different models. In each of my new trails, the choice of saddle has become a priority, especially when the journey lasts for days. Selle SMP recommended a GEL saddle to me. In this years I have used the F20, more linear and less shaped than the Dynamic I used before. The one I have now, which is VT20 GEL, is absolutely the perfect one for me now. I've used it in Alaska, Japan, the Atakama Desert and Patagonia and the GEL has never changed. And above all, it never gave me the feeling of cold when I rode in Alaska or hot when I rode in the desert. The saddle also helps me always find the perfect position on the bike. This is very important for my comfort, especially when I ride long distances in extreme conditions.
Do you have any expectations for this Mongolia Bike Challenge 2023, which we takes place from 11th to 20th August?
I'm curious to see people again, the environment I've built over the years and what has changed. These years I have also a new team partially renewed and in which there is also my son Lucas, who is twenty years old. It is the first time he joined me in my professional world which is also my passion. It was his initiative, I never insisted and obviously I'm happy about it. I just asked him the reasons that prompted him to participate and he gave them. It will be a totally new experience especially because I changed too, a lot in these years and I'm really curious to see how will this fantastic adventure continue.
The number 108 often appears in the images we see of the MBC, does it have any particular meaning?
Yes! It is a very important number in Buddhist philosophy and in Mongolia 70% of the population is Buddhist. It indicates completion of a cycle or full circle. It is often associated with meditation, prayer and the practice of chanting mantras. In our case it is the maximum number of participants that we have reached in different editions.
Selle SMP sent home a saddle to try out to all the participants of the Mongolia Bike Challenge: the VT20C GEL, like mine but the shorter version. Over 40% of those who received it at home will have it during the Mongolia Bike Challenge 2023
The Mongolia Bike Challenge returns after a four-year stop due to the pandemic and Ukraine war. Many things have changed in these four years and the situation is certainly not the most optimistic for organizing such a particular event in the steppes of Chinggis Khan. Willy Mulonia – organizer, tireless traveler and citizen of the […]
Urban Bike Messengers is the first bike courier company born in Italy, Milan. An example of what the green economy means. They make express deliveries in the city of Milan using cargo bikes and their service is totally zero impact. Their commitment is to guarantee a professional, fast service, attentive to environmental and corporate sustainability.
Green Partnership
At Selle SMP we care about the comfort and well-being of cyclists, and every day we are committed to creating ergonomic saddles to feel good on the bike. For us, the bicycle is the solution for a greener society, which is why we aim to cooperate more and more on sustainable mobility projects.
They are 21 messengers, they ride their bikes every day from 9 am to 6 pm and each of them rides up to 18.000 km a year and a couple of them already used Selle SMP. It was therefore necessary to start from here and from the physical characteristics of each messenger: height, weight and above all the width of their sit bones, also taking into account personal preferences in terms of saddle padding level. We identified two-three models to go into the testing step, which lasted about two months. The test results were very positive.
All the guys could find the right model for their needs and that made them feel good on their bikes throughout the day. And today all UBM messengers ride a Selle SMP.
To celebrate our collaboration you will find us, together with the messengers from UBM, at BAM! in Mantua, Saturday 9 June.
On Saturday morning the guys from UBM will leave Milan, with their cargo, to bring us our supply of Birra Impavida. Second partner with whom we decided to create this project during the event because he too care about the future of our environment.
We have a “message in a can” for you:
The right saddle is comfortable and makes you feel good! Come tu our stand, get a Birra Impavida and..let’s chat.
Urban Bike Messengers is the first bike courier company born in Italy, Milan. An example of what the green economy means. They make express deliveries in the city of Milan using cargo bikes and their service is totally zero impact. Their commitment is to guarantee a professional, fast service, attentive to environmental and corporate sustainability. […]
Push your limits, discover your new comfort zone
Are you competitive and demanding? Are you always looking for maximum performance and you want to feel good on the saddle?
With the new F20C s.i. and F30C s.i. short racing saddles you will reach the most ambitious goals!
The absence of padding eliminates any "filter" and connects you directly to the bike: you will have total control in every situation and will be able to express your full potential.
The patented Designed on Your Body ergonomics ensures great comfort and well-being:
- no numbness, tingling and problems in the private parts, thanks to the wide central channel and the "eagle's beak" tip that avoid any compression.
- no pain in the sit bones, welcomed naturally by the support areas modeled on your body, like a tailored suit.
- wide fore-aft saddle adjustment, thanks to the longest rail on the market.
Impactful design, high quality materials and 100% Made in Italy craftsmanship guarantee lightness, product durability and resistance to the toughest stresses.
The two models differ from each other only in width. F20C s.i. (135mm) is ideal for those with sit bones up to 115mm, F30C s.i. (150mm) for riders with wider sit bones.
Your body and your bike: power, resistance and technology connected to achieve maximum performance!
Push your limits, discover your new comfort zone Are you competitive and demanding? Are you always looking for maximum performance and you want to feel good on the saddle? With the new F20C s.i. and F30C s.i. short racing saddles you will reach the most ambitious goals! The absence of padding eliminates any “filter” and […]
The saddle is crucial to be comfortable and achieve maximum performance on the bike. The feeling between the athlete and the saddle must be total.
We went more in detail on these aspects with one of our off-road athletes, Nicolas Samparisi of the KTM Alchemist Brenta Brakes team, who explains the reasons that led him to use the F30 for cyclocross and F30C for Mtb.
F30 and F30C
Both saddles are born from our patented "Designed on Your Body" ergonomics and share the same unique features: the wide central channel avoids genital and prostatic compression, the "eagle's beak" tip guarantees maximum comfort when riding in a very low position. The rail, available in two versions - AISI 304 stainless steel tube and carbon fiber - allows a wide fore-and-aft saddle adjustment, thanks to its unmatched length.
The padding is minimal and made of foamed elastomer, a very flexible material with great elastic responsiveness.
The F30 and F30C are unisex and suggested for cyclists with sit bones width from 11.6 to 15 cm.
The difference between them is in the length: F30 has a standard length, F30C is its short version.
The field test with Nicolas Samparisi
“I've been using SMP saddles since 2009, following their developments over the years. Composit was my first model, but since the new F Series was created, I started riding on both F30 and F30C, which have been a real revolution for me.
In Cyclocross, a discipline where we move a lot on the saddle, I prefer a longer model especially in muddy conditions. On mostly wet and muddy terrain, the F30 gives me more thrust on the pedals, even on the tip of the saddle.
Another aspect to consider about the F30 are the two rear “flaps”, very useful when pedaling backwards and the saddle is wet: in this way backwards slipping is avoided. In the Mtb Marathon we ride for 5/6 hours, so comfort is the key factor in choosing the saddle, even more than in Cyclocross, where a race lasts about an hour.
For Cross Country and Marathon I use the F30C, the short version of the F30, which helps me a lot while riding off-the-saddle. Like F30, the F30C also gives a lot of freedom of movement on the pedals. As the sitting area is similar, the choice between them is very personal.
My advice to all bikers is: “When you are buying a saddle for your bike, both road and off-road, always put comfort first. Only on a comfortable saddle we can enjoy the ride and get the best performance!”
The saddle is crucial to be comfortable and achieve maximum performance on the bike. The feeling between the athlete and the saddle must be total. We went more in detail on these aspects with one of our off-road athletes, Nicolas Samparisi of the KTM Alchemist Brenta Brakes team, who explains the reasons that led him […]