Nov 21, 2009
Like most males, discussing erectile dysfunction is a no-go zone, so when the opportunity knocked to test ride the Selle SMP Evolution saddle I immediately jumped. Selle SMP’s Evolution stands out immediately with the gaping chasm running the length of the saddle to reduce pressure on areas south. But does it work? The unusual design is intended to “prevent the pelvic organs and genitals getting squashed and rubbed, and at the same time increase the blood flow to the leg muscles,” according to Selle SMP. The cut away through the middle of the saddle, while not a new concept on its own, is a standout feature of this saddle simply by virtue of the scale of the cut away; you can quite literally get most of your hand through. Another nice feature of the saddle is the sloped shape of the back of the saddle which has been designed to spread the load on the saddle between the pelvis and buttocks.
So how did it ride? Given that it is designed to be sat on for an extended period of time, I strapped it on for a couple of 3 hour road rides. The general shape worked quite well both in and out of the saddle, offering stable and comfortable seated positions and not getting in the way when standing. The slightly longer nose helped on descents offering a bit more control over the bike through the thighs. The sloping tail of the saddle allowed seamless entry and exit off the back of the bike when the terrain demanded it. Mountain bike riders in baggy shorts will also appreciate the drop nose on this saddle as it guides your pants back onto the bike with the rest of you, no more snags.
As for the ergonomic claims? The saddle did almost everything it claimed it would, there was little or no pressure on the soft tissue between my legs while riding which was really easy to appreciate after a couple of hours on the bike. The characteristic numbness that accompanies long rides seemed conspicuously absent while on the Evolution. The nose dropped away at the front creating space to climb more comfortably although climbing on the nose of the saddle was out of the question as the length mean that you were just too far forward to climb efficiently.
There was a noticeable reduction in shock to my tail bone, but how could there not be with the great chasm built through the saddle?
Overall the saddle performed as the manufacturers claimed, it cut out the numbness and discomfort that goes with long rides, and kept the sleek shape needed to perform as a racing saddle. It offered plenty of control and room to move around the bike, while offering a design that is user friendly to riders in both Lycra shorts and baggies. If you can get past the looks of this saddle, it has plenty to offer the cyclist intent on long sessions on the bike.
To test ride the Evolution contact the team at Ride ‘n Style
Ride ‘n Style
Ph: 08 9284 2451
585 Stirling Hwy
Cottesloe WA 6017
Australia
