If it is true that the short saddles they have given new life to the category and expanded the choice, technically it is It is important to keep some factors in mind during assembly.. We talked about it with Prologue and with Ronny Baron (mechanic of the Team Bahrain-Victorious).
Change the form, not the substance
There are some factors to keep in mind, because thethe goal is to have optimal efficiency when looking for performance. This is valid for the amateur and is a factor of primary importance for the professional, who spends his days on the bicycle. short saddles are different in shape, but some biomechanical concepts bring them closer to traditional ones. What does a mechanic do when he mounts a short saddle? He takes into account of three factors: height, inclination and setback, values that are taken from the “old” saddle and are changed “only” when receiving indications from the athlete and/or the team's biomechanics.
Ronny, do the pros use short saddles?
Short saddles are widely used by the pros, they are appreciated not only for time trial bikes, where even more specific models are used, but also for “normal” bicycles. Anyone who started using a short saddle never looked back. Then it's always right to consider the different shapes, widths, and preferences of each athlete, as well as the materials that come from sponsors. To give you an example: we have Prologue and a good part of the athletes use it Scratch M5, someone opted for the Dimension.
A rider switches from a traditional saddle to a short one. What are the key steps?
The first step is the anatomical point, parallel to the height. It is obtained by identifying the point where the saddle is 7 centimeters wide, let's say between 7 and 8 centimeters. This is a reference from which to start when evaluating the setback and height. Regardless, We mechanics have the references of the rider and the biomechanic, who pass us the sheets with the required measurements."
We also take up a previous publication which offers interesting insights into the evolution and evaluation of saddle height.
And then what?
In second place the correct setback and the right inclination are evaluated. The anatomical point is a precise reference, common to both short and traditional saddlesThe calculation of the setback starts right from the anatomical point. I can tell you that There is no precise rule, a single number that can work for everyone. The rider's sensitivity and biomechanical evaluations play a primary role.
Want to give an example?
Considering a sort of third step, or the inclination, is It's rare to see pros using perfectly level saddles. and horizontal. The theory would have it this way, but the majority of riders use a2° inclination. There are external variables must be taken into consideration: the wind, the quality of the asphalt, how you pedal uphill and much more. Things that don't exist in static evaluation. There is a tendency to eliminate the onset of saddle problems, but still without exaggerating with the lowering. An excessively inclined saddle leads to sliding towards the front and this is counterproductiveShort saddles are not exempt from this evaluation. One aspect I want to highlight is the presence of the CPC on the saddles that we have in stock and that It allowed some athletes to further unload the prostate area, without negatively impacting forward sliding.
Are any adjustments made after the initial placement?
It always depends on the sensitivity of the athlete. I can tell you that the final position, the last one to consider, is determined by the road. Any adjustments are usually minimal, almost negligible, unless there are other issues. The final test is always done on the road.
In conclusion
Correct assembly and saddle positioning, with its canons and subjectivity of the athlete, They affect general posture, the pressure created in the perineal area, the joints and, of course, the expression of performance. Not only that, because A suboptimal seat has a negative impact by causing tension in the lumbar region, a crucial point for the thrust phases.
Finally, Ronny Baron added:«Beyond the initial position, it is necessary to pay attention to the loss of thickness and shape of the saddle, which can occur over time. Sometimes it can be a matter of just one millimeter, in other occasions the significant decrease negatively affects the session. I would add that with Prologo we are really lucky, because the equipment supplied to the riders is long-lasting, an advantage for them and also for us mechanics".
