Body Geometry products are scientifically developed ... - Specialized

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Additional independent studies were done by Mountain Bike Germany based on the new blood flow measurement techniques, showing a wide array of saddles measured against each other. FURTHER TESTING In May 2004, Dr. Minkow conducted supplemental tests in the more aggressive 30° “racing” or “aero” (rider with hands on the dropped part of a road bar, equivalent to an extreme XC MTB racing) position. Previous studies had found this position restricted blood flow significantly more than the neutral (on the brake hoods) position. BG | 3 WWW.SPECIALIZED.COM/BODYGEOMETRY In addition, five different racing and/or anatomic-type saddles were chosen and a test rider cycled for seven minutes in the aero or race position. The results were as follows: Saddle Brand and Model Stabilized Blood Flow Value BG Avitar (2005 road racing model) 54% Selle San Marco Aspid 35% Selle Italia Flite 25% Selle Italia SLK 25% Selle Italia SLR 9% We now have a far more complete view of effectiveness, thanks to these new testing methods. As a result, Body Geometry saddles address all aspects of ergonomics, by accounting for not just perceived comfort, but also scientifically-documented men's and women's-specific pressure relief requirements. Additionally, Body Geometry saddles do so without forcing a rider to compromise their personal requisite levels of saddle performance: BG technology and benefits are available in models to suit recreational riders and professional racers alike.
DESIGN ASPECTS COMFORT MATERIALS The most obvious and most common method of achieving comfortable saddle designs is the careful use of different materials. However, addressing comfort issues by simply increasing the amount of padding is rarely effective, and sometimes can even be detrimental to comfort and safety. In fact, in January 2004, in Drs. Sommer and Minkow's first presentation of their blood flow laboratory protocol to journalists, Body Gometry saddles were compared to even thickly padded saddles, and it was found that the softest, most padded saddles restricted blood flow more than any other type of saddle. Every Specialized Body Geometry saddle utilizes unique blends of multidensity foams and, strategically located gel pads, and advanced composite bases engineered to have specific levels of flex to suit the saddle. Optimal use of each of these materials aids comfort and can contribute to the design of an ergonomic saddle, but materials alone are insufficient - the design itself must be ergonomic, and the materials must be utilized to support that design. WIDTH Men and women who ride bicycles are all different sizes. When sitting on the bicycle, the pelvic sit bones (ischial tuberosities) contact the saddle. As the rider's pelvic width increases, the rider generally needs a wider saddle. Likewise if the pelvis is narrower, the saddle that the rider feels comfortable may be narrower. However, the dimension of the pelvic bones has absolutely no relationship to the dimensions of the rider (Height, weight, etc.). The only way to understand the pelvic width and therefore determine the correct width saddle to ride is to measure the ischial tuberosities. This is done with a special measuring tool developed by Carl Bird of Specialized. Riding position for both men and women also plays a factor. The more aerodynamic a riders position, the narrower the pelvic contact, since the pelvic bones are in the shape of a triangle with the wider part in the rear. Men's and Women's saddles created by Specialized now come in different widths so that riders can choose the most comfortable as well as the most medically safe saddle for their needs. WIDTH TESTING During blood flow testing, varying the width of the saddles created differing percentage of blood flow for male cyclists. Theoretically this is due to the difference in width of the pelvic bones: when comparing similar body types and sizes, women's sit bones are typically 1 cm wider than men's. With wider pelvic bone separation, the distance between the ischial tuberosities (sit bones) increases, requiring a wider saddle for support. If a rider with wider sit bones sits on a narrow saddle, the rider is not well supported and the saddle pushes up into the pelvis, compressing the internal pudendal arteries which lie in Alcock's canal against the pelvic wall. During women's testing, saddle widths changed the pressure map as well as the maximum pressure felt by the rider. Women with wider sit bones had less pressure with a wider saddle even though the central cutout and window remained identical. PRESSURE RELIEF With respect to the pressure saddles create, and the designs that can alleviate this pressure, men and women both have very unique requirements. Male cyclists have been shown to have an increased incidence of Erectile Dysfunction as a result of riding, something that's been shown to be true in hundreds of studies since 1984. The ED has been associated with constriction of the Internal Pudendal arteries in the region of Alcock's Canal, attached to the pubic bones of the pelvis. Female cyclists have been shown to have pain, numbness, urinary, and sexual problems as a result of riding. This is thought to be the result of both constrictions of the arteries (just as with male cyclists), as well as direct perineal pressure from the bicycle saddle. WWW.SPECIALIZED.COM/BODYGEOMETRY BG | 4
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