Saddle pressure distribution in cycling: comparison among saddles of different design and materials

This study compared saddle pressure distribution patterns in a group of experienced cyclists riding their own bicycle mounting different saddle models. Two traditional flat surface saddles incorporating different shock-absorbent materials in the perineal area and two innovative saddles with a hole in the perineal area were evaluated. The T-Scan system was utilised to measure the saddle pressure distribution. Each subject showed an individual pressure distribution pattern when using the same saddle. The use of the different saddles resulted in same significant changes in the saddle pressure amplitude and distribution pattern in all the subjects examined. In general, the flat surfaced saddles showed a more uniform pressure distribution with less pressure on the anterior part and more on the posterior part compared with the saddle with a perineal hole. KEY WORDS: piezoresistive sensors, pressure distribution, road cycling. INTRODUCTION: When riding a bicycle, the cyclist distributes his body weight and the inertial forces arising from the movement of his body mass to the pedals, the handlebar and the saddle. In competitive road and mountain bike cycling, about 40 % of the body weight loads the saddle, which offers about 200 cm 2 of support to that load. Due to anatomica