Description
The LITE 209 model is the ideal seat for intensive training or free time cycling. It uses the structure of the
Forma model joined with comfortable padding (+++).
The patented features by Selle SMP, such as the completely free central channel, the original eagle-beak nose and the raised rear give these models an interesting aerodynamic touch.
The Lite 209 model has foamed elastomer padding where the ischial tuberosities and rear rest. This differentiated padding gives you additional comfort for your long rides.
The Lite 209 model is particularly suited for all those who want the maximum comfort of a seat with average width, and it is particularly ideal for people with a medium-wide pelvis (see Selle SMP Saddle Selection Table for sizing infomation).
It is covered in real leather in the black versions and Lorica microfiber in the colored versions.
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SADDLE
For the majority of cyclists
choosing a high performance seat, fit for their personal needs and able
to prevent disturbances, is perhaps the most complicated passage in
defining the technical equipment of the bicycle, therefore finding a
compromise is often the norm. Let’s analyze the various elements at play
and the possible solutions in order to provide the cyclist with
practical assistance.
The crucial importance of the seat among all
bicycle components is due to the particular function persistently
carried out on a very complex anatomical part from the point of view of
bones and particularly rich in circulatory vessels. Furthermore, the
physical-skeletal conformation of the pelvis bone and the musculature
around it, like every other physical characteristic, is unique and
specific for each individual (not even twins are absolutely identical).
Even if anthropometric statistical studies have enabled identifying
“classes” of pelvic width, within them the morphological variability of
the various structures is quite limited.
Analyzing the pelvis
structure and its interaction with the seat surface shows that the bone
complex involved in sitting is the iliac bone, consisting of the
ischium, ilium and pubic bones. The lower-back part of the iliac bone is
characterized by an ischial tuberosity, which, together with the
superior ramus of the ischium, bears the weight of the body in the
normal sitting position.
Let’s
take a look at the photos. They illustrate the ideal position of a
pelvis on the seat: the area where the majority of the cyclist’s weight
rests is the ischial tuberosities and the superior ramus of the ischium.
The resting surface is therefore a few square centimeters in
which there are bones, muscles, tendons and cartilage. During a normal
bicycle ride these organs and structures are subjected to stress from
prolonged compression and traumas from impact.
Stress from
prolonged compression: its extent depends on the shape of the seat, how
it interacts with the morphology of the pelvis and the type of padding
it has.
Traumas from impact: impact and danger are directly
correlated with the absorption capacity of the padding, with the shape
of the seat and the way it interacts with the pelvis.
Riding
on a well-paved flat road leads the cyclist to constantly sit on the
seat and a consequent prevalence of compression stress. On the contrary,
riding a mountain bike on a rough and uneven trail, characterized by
frequent sprints and technical descents leads to even violent impact and
sitting less on the seat.
For these reasons Selle SMP
recommends more padded saddles for off-road cycling (ex. BMX,
cross-country, free ride, downhill, all mountain, etc.) and for all
those specialties that involve jumps and stunts (street, urban, trial,
etc.). In reality, according to our experts, using a SMP seat with at
least light padding is in any case always advisable. SMP seats with
padding are on average more comfortable and better absorb the roughness
of the terrain, more effectively protecting the cyclist from the risk of
micro traumas caused by the terrain and asphalt, both off and on road.
Apart
from the type of cycling, numerous other factors must be considered
when choosing the right seat. The athlete’s physical morphology, height,
the interaxis/width of the ischial tuberosities, age, weight, pelvis
conformation, which by correlating pants size to weight and height can
be defined as narrow or normal or wide.
SMP4BIKE: DESIGNED ON YOUR BODY
Ergonomics
is a science that studies the interaction between individuals and
technologies. The quality of the relationship between the user and the
means used is determined by the ergonomic level. The most important
requisites that determine this level is safety, followed by
adaptability, usability, comfort, pleasantness, comprehensibility, etc.
The objective of ergonomics is to analyze the effects of technology on
people, in terms of health, performance and behaviour. Ergonomics is a
preventive discipline, with the purpose of studying how to avoid
damaging effects.
In order to create the SMP4BIKE range we set a fundamental objective:
- Reduce
pressure on the perineum and the consequent pressing of neuro-vascular
structures in order to decrease the incidence of genitourinary problems
and disorders in cyclists.
To pursue this objective we
set further goals: our saddles must have an innovative design and top
quality. Research and development activities led to defining exclusive
patents
with regard to shape, curvature and the dimensions of the various parts
that make up the saddle.
All models are characterized by common and exclusive features of SMP4BIKE production:
1.
The nose of the saddle: the characteristic "beak" shape has been
designed to provide a flat base for strain when sitting, for example
when facing long uphill climbs and as help in descents, offering greater
bike control using the thighs. Furthermore, the most important thing is
that testicles are not pressed upward.
2. The central channel:
its unusual dimensions permit the rectum, prostrate, pudendal vein, the
dorsal vein and artery of the penis, scrotum and testicles, the vulva
and clitoris to not undergo any pressure.
3. Cyclist's sitting
position: body weight is divided between the rear and the lower part of
the ischial tuberosities. The position is favoured by the back profile
shaped in such a way to avoid pressure on the coccyx when riding on
rough roads.
4. The length of the bars/frame: it permits any
cyclist to find the correct position on the saddle, making installation
particularly simple and efficacious on practically any frame/saddle
support combination.
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