Conventional designs rely on ‘sit bones and a nose’ to support a large proportion of the rider’s weight. Any pressure on the perineum is too much pressure.
With advance in medical technology, we have greater understanding of how we are affected. A great deal of research has been conducted on the effects of cycling on riders, with a focus on the saddle – the weakest link in an otherwise healthful and joyful activity.
Numerous studies link the use of traditional saddles with even long-term damage to areas involving the perineum, which were not evolved to take a human’s bodyweight, or up to 7x bodyweight riding over potholes, kerbs, speed bumps.
Riders are beginning to be more open with problems caused by saddles, more aware of the health effects that have been tolerated for so long.