There have been no significant changes to bicycle saddle technology since the 1960s, with most models conforming to a standardized principle: rails – saddle shell – padding – cover. The disadvantage of this construction is that the saddle shell has a dual role: it bears the load of the cyclist and is simultaneously the seat shell, being the substructure for the padding. This results in a stiff seat shell, which restricts seating comfort.
Ergon’s research team decided to focus on this aspect in particular. This led to the development of the revolutionary TwinShell technology, with an ergonomic core. Two shells function in isolation from each other in a sandwich construction, held in a floating arrangement by a high-performance elastomer damper made of Infinergy, an expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) developed by BASF.
The lower, supporting shell performs a load-bearing function while the upper, flexible seat shell supports the padding.
This design principle not only increases comfort but also allows for an entirely new form of pedalling ergonomics. As a result of isolating the seat shell from the supporting shell, the saddle follows the natural pedalling movements in all directions. This has the advantage of systematically combining optimized pressure distribution across the sit bones, efficient pedalling ergonomics, excellent vibration damping and active back protection for the first time.
The Ergon core is made of Infinergy. This innovative material is setting new standards in relation to damping and suspension due to thousands of light and highly elastic foam particles. The high elasticity optimizes the damping of pressure in the seat area. As soon as the pressure impulse has passed, the foam springs back into its old shape. The material retains this property even under continuous load.
Read more: BASF, Ergon modernise the bicycle saddle
There have been no significant changes to bicycle saddle technology since the 1960s, with most models conforming to a standardized principle: rails – saddle shell – padding – cover. The disadvantage of this construction is that the saddle shell has a dual role: it bears the load of the cyclist and is simultaneously the seat shell, being the substructure for the padding. This results in a stiff seat shell, which restricts seating comfort.
Ergon’s research team decided to focus on this aspect in particular. This led to the development of the revolutionary TwinShell technology, with an ergonomic core. Two shells function in isolation from each other in a sandwich construction, held in a floating arrangement by a high-performance elastomer damper made of Infinergy, an expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) developed by BASF.
The lower, supporting shell performs a load-bearing function while the upper, flexible seat shell supports the padding.
This design principle not only increases comfort but also allows for an entirely new form of pedalling ergonomics. As a result of isolating the seat shell from the supporting shell, the saddle follows the natural pedalling movements in all directions. This has the advantage of systematically combining optimized pressure distribution across the sit bones, efficient pedalling ergonomics, excellent vibration damping and active back protection for the first time.
The Ergon core is made of Infinergy. This innovative material is setting new standards in relation to damping and suspension due to thousands of light and highly elastic foam particles. The high elasticity optimizes the damping of pressure in the seat area. As soon as the pressure impulse has passed, the foam springs back into its old shape. The material retains this property even under continuous load.
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