Anatomical Features and Medical Benefits

Mechanics of Cycling and the Saddle

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Research & Development

The Goals

  • Understand the fundamentals of anatomy, physiology, and bicycle saddle design.
  • Understand the interface of the opposing compound, complex curves of the semi-rigid saddle and the pelvic basin region soft, vulnerable tissues and boney points

The Findings

  • For the male cyclist, compression on the vulnerable scrotal and internal pudendal vessels and nerves and those delicate vessels intertwined with the dependent spermatic cord creates pressure on and interrupts blood flow through them. The outcome is numbness in the genitals, tenderness and bruising in the surrounding soft tissues and exposed boney points and risk of impotence and sterility. Not only that, but extended time on a poor bike saddle can result in irritation of the prostate and chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
  • For the female cyclist, pressure on the poorly protected external genitalia and exposed boney points create or result in painful contusions. The SA slot and laminate configuration was developed in order to provide essential anatomic relief and flexible resilient support to male and female anatomy.

Male & Female Riders

Pelvic Floor & Sit Bone Related Issues

Contrary to its name, the anatomic pelvic floor region is a relatively weak structure. It is not designed to withstand extremes of weight bearing nor does it shield the neurovascular structures within the dependent aspects of the pelvic basin.

The SA saddle provides an essential of central pressure relief, it is able to flex superiorly and inferiorly independently on the left and right sides and provide internal/external rotation in synchrony with the rider’s pedaling actions, sparing him/her progressive insult or permanent injury. These are also great bike saddles for prostate relief. When it comes to the medical benefits of an anatomical bike saddle, Selle Anatomica saddles are the proven to be effective.

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Male Riders

Veins of the Right Half of the Male Pelvis

Compression on the vulnerable scrotal and internal pudendal vessels and nerves and those delicate vessels intertwined with the dependent spermatic cord creates pressure on and interrupts blood flow through them.

The outcome is:

  • Numbness in the genitals
  • Tenderness and bruising of soft tissues & exposed boney point
  • Risk of impotence and sterility

Female Riders

Median Sagittal Section of Female Pelvis

Pressure on the poorly protected external genitalia and exposed boney points create or result in painful contusions.

The SA Solution

Flexible fenders • Central pressure relief • Superiorly and inferiorly flexing Immediate comfort • Adjustable saddle tension

There are many benefits of anatomical bike saddles from Selle Anatomica. The flexible fenders of the SA saddle provide essential, additional surface support area that spreads the weight bearing load throughout an anterior to posterior- transverse triangular band through the pelvic floor. Traditional saddle design and construction methods typically convey localized, limited zones of contact to two posterior and one anterior region on the saddle.

Contrary to its name, the anatomic pelvic floor region is a relatively weak structure. It is not designed to withstand extremes of weight bearing nor does it shield the neurovascular structures within the dependent aspects of the pelvic basin. The SA saddle provides an essential of central pressure relief, it is able to flex superiorly and inferiorly independently on the left and right sides and provide internal/external rotation in synchrony with the rider’s pedaling actions, sparing him/her progressive insult or permanent injury. SA saddles are also helpful bike saddles for prostate relief.

Conclusions and Claims

  • There are known and well documented medical issues associated with riding bicycles for prolonged periods of time
  • Selle Anatomica, in conjunction with a physician, conducted research in riding mechanics, medical issues associated with riding, saddle design, and innovative design features that can minimize or eliminate saddle discomfort due to riding mechanics
  • Selle Anatomica tested various saddle configurations in order to evaluate performance based on features and benefits of anatomical bike saddles
  • Ideal embodiments were successfully tested against known medical issues
  • A US Patent was sought and awarded concerning the design features of the saddle (geometry, laminate design, rail configuration)

Anatomically Designed for Comfort

The original Selle Anatomica saddle was designed based on our uncomfortable experiences on traditional leather bike saddles. In search of a solution to discomfort, we decided to conduct our own research into the medical issues associated with leather bicycle seats.

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