This is the age of the e-bike. Since it was created, it appears that in recent years it is having the most success. E-bikes have been around for quite a while: the first patent dates back to 1895. Today, data indicate that the demand for e-bikes is increasing worldwide*. Not surprisingly, this year, the first edition of the Giro d'Italia-e bikes will take place,
which will see the participation of our women's team: Kilocal Selle SMP.
In addition, pedal-assisted e-bikes are developing. Many cyclists have different needs and are looking for different types of e-bike: city e-bikes, e-MTBs, trekking e-bikes…
E-bikes: Which one to choose? Let's try to make it clearer.
City e-bike: the e-bike was developed from this model. It is a pedal-assisted city e-bike, ideal for short or medium distances and city routes. It is perfect for covering distances in a relaxed way and for going to work without feeling too tired on arrival.
Trekking e-bike: this a bike designed for medium-long distances, bike tours and bike trips. The addition of an electric motor also allows less experienced cyclists to cover longer distances or go out with a group of friends whose pace is difficult to keep up with. It is ideal for enjoying your bike with no worries.
e-MTB: also in this case. an e-bike is perfect for increasing distances and for differences in altitude, going beyond your own capabilities. And much more: an e-MTB is also ideal for those who are experienced and want to use it to supplement their training, concentrate on descents or try new routes after riding a traditional pedal bike…
Racing e-bike: here we enter a field where speed and performance are much more important, however, racing e-bikes have been positively received by the market. These e-bikes are ideal for those who don't have the opportunity to train frequently, for those who are not accustomed to steep climbs but want to try and tackle them, or for those who see the road bike as a bike touring version for asphalted roads.
In short, an e-bike is certainly not for those who do not want to pedal. It is a vehicle for those who want to spend time outdoors, reduce the consumption of their car, explore distant places… in short, who want to fully enjoy their e-bike.
Now that you know how to choose an e-bike, read the following article about the ideal saddles for e-MTBs.
*Data from the latest Global E-bike Market Report by Mordor Intelligence.
This is the age of the e-bike. Since it was created, it appears that in recent years it is having the most success. E-bikes have been around for quite a while: the first patent dates back to 1895. Today, data indicate that the demand for e-bikes is increasing worldwide*. Not surprisingly, this year, the first […]
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 […]
The right saddle exists. It is neither a mirage nor a dream. It's just hard to find because it takes time and patience. But once you have found the right saddle, it rewards all your efforts because it will support you on every ride, increasing comfort and performance.
We have decided to make your search easier because we want you to ride without any worries and at peak strength. We are therefore developing 3 tools to help you find the right saddle. Just sit down for a few seconds, tell us how you use your bike and have your smartphone (tablet or computer) to hand with Internet connection.
It takes very little to simplify your search for the ideal saddle, doesn't it?
The right saddle exists. It is neither a mirage nor a dream. It’s just hard to find because it takes time and patience. But once you have found the right saddle, it rewards all your efforts because it will support you on every ride, increasing comfort and performance. We have decided to make your search […]
We like talking to riders, coaches and those who have been involved in the history of Italian cycling. Daniele Pontoni was a two-time world cyclocross champion, having taken part in the Olympic Games in Atlanta, and he is now a highly respected team manager. He is conscientious and competent, a real motivator for the DP66 Giant Selle SMP Rigoni di Asiago Paolo Leonardi Investimenti cyclocross team, which he manages with exceptional results. This is what he told us.
‘When I stopped being a rider, initially it was not easy for me to find a place in the cycling world. I had some expectations as a result of the many promises that had been made to me. Unfortunately, when you get off the pedestal, everyone forgets you...
I rolled up my sleeves and did various jobs, but not one was in the cycling world. In 2010, I opened a cycling school called Mont di Bike, connected with managing a holiday home. I then collaborated as the School Manager for Trentino Cross. In 2018, I started to form a cyclocross team that bears my initials and my year of birth. Excellent results were achieved right from the start: three titles in the Master Cross Selle SMP, two titles in the Italian Championship and one title in the Italian Team Championship. Davide Toneatti and Sara Casasola are two youngsters for whom I have high hopes. In a few years’ time, we will hear a great deal about Davide Toneatti. He will not only take part in cyclocross races and will become a great rider.
Today, cyclocross is becoming more popular, especially among youngsters. Parents prefer to send their children to tracks where there is no vehicular traffic. We only have to consider the rise in popularity of gravel bikes and MTB bikes. People shift from main roads to cycle paths, tracks and minor roads.’
We like talking to riders, coaches and those who have been involved in the history of Italian cycling. Daniele Pontoni was a two-time world cyclocross champion, having taken part in the Olympic Games in Atlanta, and he is now a highly respected team manager. He is conscientious and competent, a real motivator for the DP66 […]
Do you want to find out how to mount a seat on your bike without wasting time? This is the right article, but there's more. We suggest how you can do it and reveal some tips to ensure that mounting the seat is also a great way to invest your time. You will discover that with correct mounting you can be more comfortable, healthier and improve your performance.
Mounting the seat on your bike in 3 steps
1. Preparing the tools
You will need an Allen wrench/or a spanner depending on the type of screws that fix the seat to the seatpost and the latter to the frame. You will also need a torque wrench and some grease to hand.
2. Mounting the seat of your bike to the seatpost
Using the Allen wrench, unscrew the screw (or screws if there are two) of the seatpost clamps/hooks so that these elements are detached far enough in order to accommodate the seat frame. Insert the seat frame and adjust it. Seat adjustment is highly important so we will talk about it more in the articles to follow. Once the seat is in place, tighten the screws.
Tip: If the frame and seatpost of your bike are particularly delicate and light, we recommend using a torque wrench, calibrating it to the torque recommended by the manufacturer of the seatpost.
3. Insert the seatpost into the seat tube
Now we can focus on the screw that fixes the seatpost to the frame. Depending on the type of screw, use an Allen wrench or a spanner to loosen it. Insert the seatpost, position it according to your height and tighten the screw. It is also important to adjust the seat height of your bike to prevent any health problems and improve performance: we will discuss this further in future articles.
In the meantime, here is a quick tip to avoid making a mistake: adjust the seat height so that it reaches your hips. Get on your bike and place your heel on the right pedal. Turn the pedal back so that your leg is fully extended, following the line of the vertical tube of the frame. Once your leg is fully extended and you are perfectly seated on the seat, you have found the ideal height.
Tip: When to use grease. First of all, never put grease on the seat frame or on the seatpost clamps/hooks, as it is essential that, once the right position has been found on the seat, it remains firmly in place. Grease can be used to aid the insertion of the seatpost into the frame tube, but only if they are made of aluminium and steel respectively. If your bike is made of carbon, do not use grease but special pastes appropriate for this material, i.e. special anti-seizure/adhesive lubricants.
Mounting an MTB seat or racing bike seat is really important. If you can, request the assistance of the retailer who sold you the seat or, even better, ask an experienced biomechanic to do it. By following these tips, you will prevent any damage to your health, be more comfortable and want to ride even more.
Do you want to find out how to mount a seat on your bike without wasting time? This is the right article, but there’s more. We suggest how you can do it and reveal some tips to ensure that mounting the seat is also a great way to invest your time. You will discover that […]
In November, the latest issue of Mountain Bike Action was published that included a test on two Selle SMP products: F30 and F30c.
The rating given by Gian Paolo Galloni was 4 stars out of 5 and we are highly delighted. “The seat is exceptionally comfortable” and the new “attractive” design are two factors that convinced the journalist, who tested the two seats on the editorial staff's test bikes. Although more compact, the dimensions of the F30 and the F30c were not quite so appreciated. And this was precisely why we did not obtain the tough to achieve 5th star.
Maybe with the next seat! We certainly won't stop at the most constructive criticism, on the contrary! And we will bear this in mind when designing new Selle SMP seats.
In November, the latest issue of Mountain Bike Action was published that included a test on two Selle SMP products: F30 and F30c. The rating given by Gian Paolo Galloni was 4 stars out of 5 and we are highly delighted. “The seat is exceptionally comfortable” and the new “attractive” design are two factors that […]
We are cyclists. We love cycling, on roads and paths. As soon as the sun comes out, we go out cycling and if it is wet or windy, we go out just the same. A bike is about passion, fun and relaxation. When we are given the usual tie or classic pullover at Christmas, we smile and say thank you but… we would like something for cycling!
If you want to make an athlete or a bike lover happy, avoid the usual gifts. In this article, we suggest some gift ideas for cyclists and for a non-trivial Christmas.
First of all, choose something useful and connected with our passion for bikes. Whatever your budget, you can choose from a variety of accessories that can make any cyclist of any age happy.
If you don't what to spend so much, you can get a pair of sunglasses: maybe the cyclist already has a pair but an extra pair can be useful. Look for special frames or ask for suggestions as to the right lenses depending on the light along the cyclist's favourite routes.
If you know the cyclist well, then you can choose clothing as a gift. Choose the ideal fabric for a season or a favourite colour. A new helmet might be another idea, especially if you care about the cyclist's safety and want to convey a special message.
Do you have a slightly higher budget? Then you can get a GPS bike navigator, ideal for those who want to explore other destinations or reach new horizons.
If you want to get a Selle SMP product, think about bike accessories as gifts for cyclists. There's something for all budgets: bar tapes, the Fan-go mudguard or new wipes for taking care of saddles. If you are health-conscious and want the cyclist to return home with a smile, get an ergonomic saddle as a gift. Take the cyclist with you to a Selle SMP (SMP4test) store to find the ideal saddle and buy one.
There won't be the surprise of an interesting parcel to unwrap but it will be a pleasant surprise to discover how much more comfortable and high-performance an ergonomic Selle SMP saddle can be!
We are cyclists. We love cycling, on roads and paths. As soon as the sun comes out, we go out cycling and if it is wet or windy, we go out just the same. A bike is about passion, fun and relaxation. When we are given the usual tie or classic pullover at Christmas, we […]
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, […]
By choosing and mounting the right saddle, we take care of ourselves, so why not also take care of our saddle?
We have created the new 3-in-1 wipes to keep your saddle in the best condition over time.
Traces of mud are like a trophy after an exciting ride but it is not so much fun trying to remove them. Use wipes and your saddle will be as good as new in no time. And we can say “as good as new” because the wipes not only clean but also moisturise the surface of your saddle and creates a protective barrier against grease that could ruin it.
Our saddle accompanies us on all our adventures: let's give it the care it deserves.
By choosing and mounting the right saddle, we take care of ourselves, so why not also take care of our saddle? We have created the new 3-in-1 wipes to keep your saddle in the best condition over time. Traces of mud are like a trophy after an exciting ride but it is not so much […]