Struggle with saddle discomfort? A lot of cyclists do. Finding the right saddle can be a nightmare, there are just so many shapes and sizes to choose from. Here’s another saddle to add to your list if you’re on the search for the answer to your comfort prayers.
- The best cycling saddles — your buyer's guide to seats
US company 3 West Designed used Kickstarter last year to get funding for its Reprieve saddle, which is successfully managed, and now it is going into production, and will be available from December. The saddle will cost $185 and has a target weight of 290g.
The Reprieve has an odd looking shape. The nose of the saddle has a 3/4in drop from the rear of the saddle, and there’s something a little strange going on in the nose that we haven’t seen anywhere else before.
It’s the Active Surface, an adjustable air bladder that stretches from the middle of the saddle to the nose. The air bladder is designed to avoid sensitive areas being pressed against a hard surface.The aid bladder is adjustable, you can add or remove air using a valve underneath the saddle.
Meanwhile, the rear of the saddle, the part that the sit bones are in contact with, is firm to provide support during pedalling. “The shape allows the sit bones to absorb the majority of your weight. It also allows the perineal area to keep its shape, touching nothing until the sit bones rest on the saddle,” says the company.
It's certainly a strange looking saddle, but we'd be willing to give it a go because, you never know, it might just work.
The company offers a 30-day money back guarantee so you can at least try it safe in the knowledge that should you not get on with it, you can return it. Interested? Head over to www.3westdesign.com/ for more info.
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5 comments
Picked this saddle up over the summer. It rocks. Bout time someone figured saddles out - probably get another for my tri bike - thx for revewing. Hopefully they'll come out witha synthetic cover in the future?
Campag did a pneumatic saddle years ago, plus one for trying.
... No.
Betteridges Law of Headlines, David come on.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betteridge%27s_law_of_headlines
Me too!
I read this and immediately think of a whoopie cushion...