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:

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 […]

Blaster, even with its minimal padding, is a comfortable bike saddle because it embeds all the concepts of our patented “Designed on Your Body” ergonomics. Comfortable bike saddle.

There are those who want the saddle not padded and those who want little padding.
For us each saddle is not a point of arrival but of departure. All our successful models are the basis for creating new saddles. Blaster is one example. It all started with some professional athletes using the Composit, a completely unpadded yet very comfortable saddle. It is well known that advanced cyclists are very sensitive to the reactions of their bikes. A padded saddle could affect this perception. And it is also known that advanced cyclists are very demanding, and with good reason considering the stresses to which they subject their bodies. So demanding as to ask for a slightly padded saddle, but not too much, and with the same technical characteristics as the Composit.

Each SMP saddle is like a tailored suit
We have created a customized prototype with the same hull as the Composit and the same sitting surface as the ischial tuberosities. The only difference? A light padding spread over the entire saddle. The field tests fully met expectations and the Blaster was born.

Choosing a saddle must respect the anatomy of your body
Riding the bike constantly and for many hours can lead to a series of problems that can vary depending on the age and time spent in the saddle. There are three points of contact with the bicycle: pedals, handlebar and saddle. The correct handlebar grip, the shoes and cleats positioned in the right place, the pedals, but also the padding of the shorts are not to be underestimated. But it is certainly the choice of the wrong saddle that can cause a series of issues for men ranging from prostatic inflammation to decreased genital sensitivity and even impotence. In women, however, the intensive use of the bicycle with a saddle that does not respect the anatomy can cause vaginitis and cystitis. In addition, continuous trauma of the pelvis on the saddle can cause compression of the pudendal nerve resulting in numbness of the genital area.

Our saddles put to the test by two scientific studies
One of our guiding values ​​in recent years has been research. All our saddles have been designed and developed with the contribution of athletes from different disciplines, but our vocation, constantly aimed at the well-being of the cyclist, has gone further. We asked a team of doctors, experts in cyclist pathologies, to carry out two scientific studies: the first on a male sample of cyclists, the second on a female sample.

Using special sensors, the pressure exerted on the genital area and its consequences were assessed on both samples of athletes. The result was clear and unequivocal: SMP saddles limit the crushing of the genitals, improving blood circulation. Better blood circulation is essential to protect the nervous and vascular structures and give more oxygenation to the soft parts. These studies have shown that the pressure at the perineal level is due more to the shape and geometry of the saddle rather than to the padding.

On the health side of cyclists, the peculiarity of the female anatomy must be considered. Disorders of the female genital area are sometimes more complex and different than male ones. It can range from common skin irritations caused by rubbing to folliculitis, nodules, temporary numbness of the clitoris, swelling of the labia majora up to epidermal infections. Indeed, cyclists have a harder time finding the right saddle for their needs. And also in this case, in addition to our patented ergonomics, the numerous models developed on indication and tests carried out with some professional athletes come to our aid.

An ergonomic saddle also improves your performance
When choosing a saddle, always remember that you can improve your performance. You can choose it according to your riding style: aggressive or resilient. The type of bike you use: racing, mtb, triathlon, gravel, e-bike. And also to the geometry of your bike. But the only choice that improves your performance is well-being and comfort, in other words ergonomics.

Blaster, even with its minimal padding, is a comfortable bike saddle because it embeds all the concepts of our patented “Designed on Your Body” ergonomics. Comfortable bike saddle. There are those who want the saddle not padded and those who want little padding.For us each saddle is not a point of arrival but of departure. […]

It will be an exciting end of the season for Selle SMP, thanks to important off-road partnerships.

Gravel and Cyclocross are very important market segments for the pioneer and leader in ergonomic saddles.

It starts on Sunday 16 October with Marca Bianca Gravel, an inclusive event, reserved for any type of bicycle that can tackle routes with dirt roads (gravel, cyclocross, mountain bikes, e-bikes, suitably rubberized road bicycles). It was born within the Gravel in the Land of Venice project, with the organizational and technical collaboration of Pedali di Marca, AMG Alta Marca Gravel and the logistical support of Montello a Tavola.

It then continues with the confirmation of the most important Cyclocross circuit in Italy, the Master Cross Selle SMP. Five tests, four of which international, which will attract the best interpreters of this discipline.

Here is the calendar:

Follow us on our social networks to stay tuned on these events and all the Selle SMP news:

Facebook

Instagram

Youtube

Website

It will be an exciting end of the season for Selle SMP, thanks to important off-road partnerships. Gravel and Cyclocross are very important market segments for the pioneer and leader in ergonomic saddles. It starts on Sunday 16 October with Marca Bianca Gravel, an inclusive event, reserved for any type of bicycle that can tackle […]

Alessandro Fabian, European Champion and several times Italian Triathlon Champion. He participated in the Olympic Games in London and Rio De Janeiro. A career in which Alessandro followed his Olympic spirit. Three Olympic four-year-olds, the last one affected by the Covid which complicated Alessandro's personal situation a lot, moving time forward.

And finally the new dimension of father, who has brought various things into play, like the transition from the Olympic Sprint to the half Ironman: “With long distances I feel like I'm young again, I had to look for a new balance because it changes a lot between the two disciplines: the rhythm, the materials ... in short, a completely different approach. A new challenge that gave me the right incentives to get back into the game ”.

Triathlon is often seen as a difficult sport

It seems complex because there are three disciplines, but in reality it’s all accessible. The problem can be swimming, especially for those who are new to this sport. I was lucky because I come from swimming, but I started late at 18. I had a team from Padua that helped me a lot at the beginning and above all the family that supported me.

Any advice you can give to young people who want to approach triathlon

If you are not very familiar with swimming, concentrate on this discipline because it’s the one that puts you most in difficulty in all types of competitions. Take it as a challenge to yourself and you will see that in the end even swimming becomes as fluid as running and cycling.

And above all a recommendation also to parents: the approach to triathlon must be pure fun, because it’s a very demanding sport and the workouts are intense and take time. The risk is, over the years, of accumulating too much fatigue and giving up everything. Furthermore, a good technique and a good group of close-knit guys who can grow together and be able to make the leap into professionalism are needed.

Some technical advice when starting to compete or even simply riding a bike for pure pleasure

Choosing your equipment carefully is very important. In particular, the saddle is essential, especially when riding over long distances. In the saddle you have to be comfortable otherwise you pedal unwillingly and numerous complications can arise. I have had several bad experiences with previous saddles. Thanks to the advice of the Selle SMP technicians, I arrived at the VT30C Gel almost immediately. It’s perfect for my wide sit bones, moreover it’s the right compromise: neither too dry nor too soft. Right from the start I had a great feeling with VT30C Gel.

Bike fitting, saddle setup, ... how important it is for the cyclist

I highly recommend it not only to those who compete, but also to those who ride for pure pleasure and do many kilometers. The adjustment of the bike and therefore also of the saddle to adapt it to your physical and functional needs is too important. I'll give an example, again based on my experience: when I started riding, my saddle was too inclined. After several experiences, only thanks to the bike fitter I was able to find the correct position, certainly gaining in performance and well-being.

Alessandro Fabian's next goals

The Italian half Ironman Championship scheduled in October in Puglia, where I expect to reach the podium.

Alessandro Fabian, European Champion and several times Italian Triathlon Champion. He participated in the Olympic Games in London and Rio De Janeiro. A career in which Alessandro followed his Olympic spirit. Three Olympic four-year-olds, the last one affected by the Covid which complicated Alessandro’s personal situation a lot, moving time forward. And finally the new […]

In the last months we have launched the new VT Gel series (VT30 Gel, VT30C Gel, VT20 Gel, VT30C Gel) which have been promptly tested by the most important Italian bike magazines:

MtbCult.it tried out the VT30C Gel, read the article

Bicidastrada.it reviewed the VT20C Gel, here you find the article

Cyclinside.it, also this magazine, which offers several technical tips about bikes, tested the VT20C Gel, here the article

In the last months we have launched the new VT Gel series (VT30 Gel, VT30C Gel, VT20 Gel, VT30C Gel) which have been promptly tested by the most important Italian bike magazines: MtbCult.it tried out the VT30C Gel, read the article Bicidastrada.it reviewed the VT20C Gel, here you find the article Cyclinside.it, also this magazine, […]

You have strayed from the usual routes to try new roads.

You have discovered the magical nature of dirt tracks, minor roads and being close to nature.

You have reached a state of mind that is less bound by constraints and preconceptions.

We have created the new VT Gel Series to meet the demands of off-road and long-distance cycling typical of Gravel. With Gel incorporated in the padding, the new VT Gel makes even the most difficult and demanding routes easier, and even more comfortable and durable.

Patented ergonomics

The comfort of the VT GEL range is ensured by the patented ergonomic features ‘Designed on Your Body’: a central channel, eagle-beak tip, geometric support surface, rear depression and tube rail design.

The comfort of Gel and excellent materials

Polyurethane Gel coupled with SSPU padding creates a perfect cushioning system to absorb the repeated stresses typical of Gravel.

Safety and quality are guaranteed by using the best materials for the structural elements of the saddle: high-modulus unidirectional carbon fibre, AISI 304 alloy and carbon-fibre reinforced nylon 12 for the shell and rail.

The SVT Velvet Touch cover ensures high resistance, even in the toughest conditions.

How to choose the right model

The VT Gel range consists of four new models:

VT20C Gel – short saddle with narrow surface. For sit bones width up to 12.5 cm

VT20 Gel – narrow surface. For sit bones width up to 12.5 cm

VT30C Gel - short saddle with wide surface. For sit bones width up to 12.6 cm

VT30 Gel – wide surface. For sit bones width up to 12.6 cm

You have strayed from the usual routes to try new roads. You have discovered the magical nature of dirt tracks, minor roads and being close to nature. You have reached a state of mind that is less bound by constraints and preconceptions. We have created the new VT Gel Series to meet the demands of […]

When we launch a new saddle, our priority is always rider's comfort and well-being.

So it was also with VT30C, the first model of the VT Series, apparently traditional but with all the ergonomic features patented by Selle SMP: the completely open central channel and the "eagle's beak" tip to favor the natural blood flow and avoid any compression to the private parts; the longest rail in the market to allow everyone to always find the right position in the saddle; the rear depression to protect the coccyx from impacts and kickbacks.

After two years from the presentation of VT30C and its great success all over the world, we expands VT Series with three new models: VT20, VT20C and VT30.

The goal is to provide more and more options to fit the body features and needs of each cyclist, just like a tailored suit.

VT20
142 mm wide, it is perfect for cyclists with a medium-narrow pelvis (sit bones width between 9 and 12.5 cm).

VT20C
Compact version of VT20, with a length of 255 mm.
VT20C is ideal for cyclists with a medium-narrow pelvis (sit bones width between 9 and 12.5 cm).

VT30
Wider version of VT20 (155 mm width), it is suitable for cyclists with a medium-wide pelvis (sit bones width between 12.6 and 15 cm).

Technology
Every detail is carefully studied: from the special padding in SSPU to the shell in Nylon 12 loaded with carbon fiber, passing through the special Velvet Touch cover and the rail in AISI 304 stainless steel tube Matt Black.

VT20, VT20C and VT30 are available with both AISI 304 steel tube or unidirectional carbon fiber rail.

Suggested use
All VT models are unisex and perfect for any type of use: road, mountain bike and gravel. In addition, the two compact saddles VT20C and VT30C are also ideal for triathlon.

Do you want to find your ideal model?

With Saddle Finder, you're done in seconds!

When we launch a new saddle, our priority is always rider’s comfort and well-being. So it was also with VT30C, the first model of the VT Series, apparently traditional but with all the ergonomic features patented by Selle SMP: the completely open central channel and the “eagle’s beak” tip to favor the natural blood flow […]

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:

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. […]