Daniel Carruthers  News Page

Albabici, Nalini and SMP are pleased to announce their sponsorship of cyclist Daniel Carruthers of Team Hansaton Hearing Systems.  Daniel Carruthers is hearing impaired and has represented New Zealand at the World Deaf Cycling Championships.  He is an accomplished cyclist in both road cycling and MTB events. Daniel is the 2004 Quest for Excellence scholarship recipient awarded by the NZ Foundation for the Deaf and Deaf Association NZ to further post-graduate education.

Albabici provides Daniel Carruthers with Nalini Grand Prix shoes (White/Black), Nalini Mia shoes (Red/White), the SMP Composit saddle (Black), and the SMP Glider saddle (White).

".........I was supplied with a nice looking  Composite saddle that is shown here in the picture and had this mounted in conjunction with a bike-fit and raced on during the US racing season and when I represented New Zealand at the Deaflympics. I was amazed at how snug it felt during my first race. When I was on the rivet, I was able to slide forward into a position that is more conducive to power riding. SMP claim that the beak of the saddle nose is “designed to supply a flat base for efforts when sitting for long climbs that have to be faced and as a help in downhill slopes, offering greater thigh control of the bicycle”. When you actually try this saddle out, you will realize that the claims by Selle SMP have a very solid foundation with their award-winning design and function.

The Composite saddle has no padding, only has thin leather covering, and one would think this would add to the discomfort. However my experience with this saddle, provided it is fitted correctly, is that it is very comfortable. Since my conversion to SMP, I have not experienced any numbness during training due to the central channel of the saddle. This area is big enough to slide your whole hand through. The rationale behind this is that it “prevents crushing of the anus, prostate, vanae pudendae, deep dorsal vein and artery of the penis, scrotum and testicles in men, and the labia majora and minora and the clitoris, in women”.  You can investigate for yourself and see the difference if you are still searching for that perfect saddle for long rides and racing........"