Some things just keep on giving in the world of cycling technology, and one of those things in recent months has been strange saddles. This week we’ve seen not one, but two rather ‘different’ bike seats, and as always we’ve got plenty more tech news to tell you about. Let’s dive right in and see what this derriere-massaging saddle is all about, and then…
Massage your way to rear comfort on the bike with the crazy Awnyor bicycle seat
Following on the heels (or butt?) of the curious-looking backrest Saddlespur, the cheese-inspired Mornera and the “prostate-friendly” Aeroelastic AE, comes the very unconventional Awnyor saddle/thing you sit on that we’ve spotted on AliExpress of all places .
It’s described as a “breakaway bike saddle, long-distance saddle, widened and enlarged balance noseless saddle, comfortable and healthy saddle”… maybe that bit of cycling word salad was written purely for SEO purposes, so let’s try to decode it as best we can.
Awnyor seems to believe that the static nature of a traditional saddle will compress the hip bone in a fixed position for long periods of time. The brand’s solution is a saddle that has a slight rotation and “can simultaneously produce a massage effect on the hip muscles.”
Essentially this saddle consists of rails with angle adjustments, and these contain the foam-like two pads that can be tilted separately. The design is very similar to another saddle called ‘Spongy Wonder’ – which like the Awnyor saddle is noseless and thus aims to eliminate pressure on the perineal and prostate areas. But what the Spongy Wonder lacks are the adjustment options of the Awnyor.
Awnyor says it dried a variety of materials for the saddle and then apparently settled with polymer thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Based on my research, this is a plastic that is used all around us, such as toothbrushes, dog chew toys and the handles of garden tools. It is easily moldable and therefore the pads could be shaped in different ways – there are three shapes to choose from. And with that, Awnyor goes so far as to say that this “saddle has completely solved the disadvantages of traditional saddles.”
The price? A shade over £60 50% off at the time of writing according to AliExpress. We’re so intrigued that we may have to add to cart and give it a try, so we’ll hopefully report back soon…
View the saddle here
Weird saddles pt.2: What about “the world’s first bicycle seat with virtual axle”?
The other saddle we found with some interesting tilt features is from Ataraxy – an Australian brand that claims its ‘vabsRider’ saddle is ‘the world’s first virtual axle bicycle seat’. It shares some similarities with the above AliExpress special with its two-piece construction, but has a more traditional, long nose. Well, technically two noses.
That’s because the entire USP of this saddle is its split seat design, which “allows individual movement of the legs, rotating around the hip joints on an axis that is virtual to the seat.” So essentially, each side of the saddle moves and tilts with your legs as you pedal. The video below may be the best to show the move in action.
This product isn’t quite on the market yet, but Ataraxy says it will be “in the coming months” – and the brand will be at the Eurobike show in about a month’s time… so we’ll be giving the saddle a taste there!
Read more about the Ataraxy here
Xpedo launches new Sonik SPD-SL compatible pedals
After only having Look-compatible pedals in its range until now, Xpedo has just released the Sonik that uses the Shimano SPD-SL platform. This is after the unveiling of the Sonik Omni road pedal at Sea Otter earlier this year.
With a carbon injection molded body and three sealed bearings, the new pedals will likely cater to those who prefer the Shimano SPD-SL system but want a more budget-friendly performance pedal than Shimano itself currently offers. We say probably because we don’t have prices yet, but media samples will be shipping soon so we’ll hopefully find out and have a few for review in the coming weeks.
The pedals come with a choice of titanium or cromoly spindles, and each pair will come with two sets of cleats when they go on general sale later this summer.
Specialized introduces the Foundation Collection clothing line
Specialized has introduced the Foundation Collection to its clothing line, designed for road and gravel cyclists looking for high performance and comfort. The collection has a semi-formal fit and, according to the brand, offers relaxed riding positions and unrestricted freedom of movement, regardless of body type.
The collection uses more than 90% recycled fabrics and other key features include breathable, mid-weight jersey fabric, supportive suspenders and detailed finishes such as elastic hems and reflective stripes. The range sits below the more performance-oriented Prime range for roads and gravel and is also priced at a more wallet-friendly level; the jerseys retail for £60 and the bib shorts for £85, with options for both men and women in different colours.
Read more here
Zwift unveils the Grade – a new indoor climbing challenge and FTP test combined
Enthusiastic Zwifters who still have their membership after last month’s price increases will soon be able to tackle a brand new climb called ‘the Grade’ in Watopia. The brutal-sounding, 3.5 kilometer long climb will be introduced on the virtual cycling platform between June 11 and 13.
However, the Grade is not just a climb, it also doubles as a FTP (Functional Threshold Power) test, showing your new FTP at the top. Zwift believes the climb offers a less intimidating alternative to traditional FTP tests (which, if you’ve ever done one, are brutal), with the average watt visible on the screen and the climb divided into 10 segments, similar to Alpe du Zwift.
In addition to the Grade, Zwift’s latest expansion also includes eight freeride routes and two ZRacing routes.
Read more here
DT Swiss releases new carbon gravel wheels and sticks with hook rims
DT Swiss has unveiled its latest GRC DICUT wheels, featuring lightweight 30mm and 50mm carbon rims designed for gravel riding, whether adventuring or racing. The wheels are both hooked, as you’d expect from the brand that has a long history of saying it doesn’t necessarily buy into the claimed benefits of hookless designs…
Hooked vs. Hookless Rims: Which is Best for You?
Our friends at off.road.cc have reviewed these wheels in detail, so click here to read all the specs.
Italian superbike brand Ducati launches the Futa All Road electric gravel bike
Ducati, the Italian superbike and adventure motorcycle brand, says the new Futa All Road is aimed at gravel cyclists who value the auxiliary engine. Costing over £6,500, this bike has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from an e-gravel bike. off.road.cc has also looked at all the details of this, and you can read them here.
You can now buy ENVE SES 4.5 LTD wheels with special Giro d’Italia / Pocagar decals
ENVE has dropped some special decals for its SES 4.5 wheels, celebrating the “achievements of Tadej Pogacar’s Maglia Rosa and the challenges of the Giro d’Italia”.
Pog rode the SES 4.5 to all his road wins, and you can now buy a set from ENVE for around £2,230.
Read more here
Dynaplug introduces 15g Micro Racer for connecting tubeless tires
Dynaplug has released the Micro Racer and says it is the lightest and fastest tool for connecting tubeless tires.
It weighs just 15 grams and is almost half the size of the brand’s Racer Pro. It is made of aluminum and features Twin Tube technology, which means you have two plugs ready to insert into the tubes.
The retail price is $49.99 (about £39) and that includes the two plugs, while replacements cost £12.99 for a set of five.
Read more here
The Tour de France 2024 and Pro Cycling Manager 2024 games are now available
If you like cycling games, French game studio Nacon has released two new ones: Tour de France 2024 and Pro Cycling Manager 2024.
Tour de France 2024 is the official game of the iconic race, where players can race against rivals and aim for the prestigious yellow jersey. It has an online multiplayer mode, where you can race against global opponents. Players can form teams from more than 900 professional cyclists to participate in various races.
Pro Cycling Manager 2024, on the other hand, is a management simulator that challenges players to lead their team to victory in top cycling events. Responsibilities include managing sponsorships, building a team and overseeing budgets, similar to a cycling football manager.
Both games are available via the Steam Store. And of course you’ll also want to check your road.cc Fantasy Cycling scores between races!
Read more here
Stay up to date with the rest of the week’s tech news:
– Do you like Colnago’s new Tour de France bike? It will cost you £20,000
– Roval says the new Rapide CLX II team is “the fastest racing wheelset in the world.”
– Lore Cycle introduces ‘world’s most advanced racing cycling shoe’
– Ineos Grenadiers race new Pinarello Dogma in Dauphiné
– Trek’s new road bike: what is it and what do we know so far?
– SRAM wipes the board and Hammerhead does it again: road.cc Featured updated with 14 products