Ergonomics is a science that studies the interaction between individuals and technologies. The quality of the relationship between the user and the means used is determined by the ergonomic level. The most important requisites that determine this level is safety, followed by adaptability, usability, comfort, pleasantness, comprehensibility, etc. The objective of ergonomics is to analyze the effects of technology on people, in terms of health, performance and behaviour.

Ergonomics is a preventive discipline, with the purpose of studying how to avoid damaging effects.

In order to create the SMP4BIKE range we set a fundamental objective:

• Reduce pressure on the perineum and the consequent pressing of neuro-vascular structures in order to decrease the incidence of genitourinary problems and disorders in cyclists.

To pursue this objective we set further goals: our saddles must have an innovative design and top quality.

Research and development activities led to defining exclusive patents with regard to shape, curvature and the dimensions of the various parts that make up the saddle.

All models are characterized by common and exclusive features of SMP4BIKE production:

• The nose of the saddle: the characteristic "beak" shape has been designed to provide a flat base for strain when sitting, for example when facing long uphill climbs and as help in descents, offering greater bike control using the thighs. Furthermore, the most important thing is that testicles are not pressed upward.

• The central channel: its unusual dimensions permit the rectum, prostrate, pudendal vein, the dorsal vein and artery of the penis, scrotum and testicles, the vulva and clitoris to not undergo any pressure.

• Cyclist's sitting position: body weight is divided between the rear and the lower part of the ischial tuberosities. The position is favoured by the back profile shaped in such a way to avoid pressure on the coccyx when riding on rough roads.

• The length of the bars/frame: it permits any cyclist to find the correct position on the saddle, making installation particularly simple and efficacious on practically any frame/saddle support combination.

NEW 2011

 Selle SMP ... is creating more new models for 2011 !!

For 2011 the SMP4BIKE range gets even vaster with new models to meet the needs of the multitude of cyclists worldwide, who appreciate and increasingly use the patented features of Selle SMP, such as the completely free central channel, the original eagle-beak nose and the elevation of the rear, giving these models an interesting streamline touch and high performance, which together with exceptional comfort and unique aeration, confirm “designed on your body”..

 We always feel the need to improve our inventions, in order to give everyone the ideal seat. We are not talking about utopia, but about reality. We are now able to offer a range of seats starting from children who are approaching the world of cycling to the most demanding professional. For 2011 we have created the FULL CARBON LITE (119 g – body and frame in carbon fiber), dedicated to those who want the lightest weight possible and comfortable seating, CHRONO (199 g – frame in Aisi 304 stainless steel tube), ideal for time trials (complies with UCI regulation sizes), DYNAMIC CRB (205 g - Carbon Rail frame, long carbon fiber) and DYNAMIC (260 g – frame in Aisi 304 stainless steel tube). The two “Dynamic” models are also available in the Lady version.

Selle SMP cannot obviously ignore current market trends as far as aesthetics is concerned: CARBON LITE WHITE (175 g – frame in Aisi 304 stainless steel tube), the lightness of carbon in white.

We need to make future champions grow to reach their top performance, starting from the first time they pedal a race bike or MTB, therefore Selle SMP has come up with the LITE JUNIOR model (225 g – frame in Aisi 304 stainless steel tube) designed for their specific needs.

SELLE SMP is the only producer in the world that can boast being certified for the DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF SEATS FOR BICYCLES ENTIRELY MADE IN ITALY.

 The latest goal was reached in July 2009: Selle SMP is the first seat producer in Italy to receive ISO 9001 certification for the “Design and production of seats for bicycles entirely made in Italy”.

SMP seats can be recognized by the Italian flag on the back, they stand out for their tapered shape designed to improve performance by increasing blood circulation in the legs.

The central channel of the seat is an unusual feature due to its dimensions: almost a hand can pass and it assures not compressing the rectum, prostrate, pudendal vein, the dorsal vein and artery of the penis, scrotum and testicles, as well as the labia minora and majora and clitoris for women.

The central channel also permits natural aeration.

Air can also freely circulate around the genital area and this prevents the unpleasant sensation of heat or the typical irritation and chafing from friction with the seat.

A cyclist’s backside and the lower part of the pelvic bone (ischial tuberosities) rest on a SMP4BIKE seat and this position is favored by the shape of its rear, which, apart from avoiding compressing the coccyx on rough terrain, it also permits cushioned forward and backward movements of the rear when required by the terrain, also for those who take part in extreme cycling competitions with long pants.

Users were the ones who pointed out how the patented features of Selle SMP, such as the original beak nose on the saddle, designed to not compress genitalia and to provide a flat base, are particularly valid, above all when facing long uphill climbs and they also help during descents. They enable greater control through the thighs, also when moving on the front part, and are easy to ride even in tough conditions.

The length of the frame permits the broadest regulation currently on the market for moving the seat forward and backward with regard to the handlebars, making it particularly easy to fit on any frame/rod combination of the seat.

SMP4BIKE seats are the pioneers of a new way of conceiving bicycle seats.

The prestigious American scientific journal, “Journal of Sexual Medicine”, published the results of research comparing different race bike seats, which demonstrated that the particular ergonomic shape of the SELLE SMP limits “compression on the pelvic base structures” to a minimum, thus protecting blood perfusion on soft tissue while increasing flow to vessels in the legs.

The SMP4BIKE 2011 models

Full Carbon (105 g), Full Carbon Lite (119 g), Carbon, Carbon White and Carbon Color (165 g), Carbon Lite and Carbon Lite White (175 g), Composit CRB (Carbon Rail 150 g), Composit (200 g), Forma CRB (Carbon Rail 170 g), Forma (230 g), Chrono (199 g), are the solution for those who want maximum lightness combined with exceptional comfort.

Evolution, Dynamic, Stratos, Lite 209, Glider, Avant, Pro, Plus and Lite Junior are supplied with elastomer padding in the only places the ischial tuberosities and gluteus rest on.

The nine models differ in width and padding thickness in order to offer the ideal solution according to the build and gender of the cyclist.

Evolution has minimal padding and is therefore particularly suited for very thin cyclists with a narrow pelvis. Lite209 joins all the particular features of this range of seats.

Excellent options, such as padding and dimensions, between the Evolution and Lite209 models are Stratos, Dynamic and Glider.

The classic Avant, Pro and Plus are characterized by a wider body than the previous models and by an “integral” padding for those who want maximum comfort.

Instead, for children there is the new Lite Junior, with smaller sizes and maximum comfort.

The following models are also available with a CRB frame (Carbon Rail, long carbon fiber):

Full Carbon, Full Carbon Lite, Composit, Forma, Evolution, Dynamic, Stratos, Lite 209, Glider, Avant and Pro.

To meet the needs of an ever increasing number of women cyclists, who have always appreciated the unique features of Selle SMP and in particular the natural aeration and lack of compression, the 2011 SMP4BIKE range also presents Lady versions in white and black with pink embroidery, in the following models and also in the CRB versions (Carbon Rail, long carbon fiber): Composit, Forma, Evolution, Dynamic, Stratos, Lite 209, Glider, Avant, Pro, and Plus