Why Are Cyclists Switching to This Strange-Looking Bike Seat? The Surprising Reason
The Agony of Long Rides: Is There Really a Solution?
Ever finished a day on the road or gravel bike and wondered if you’ll ever sit again without wincing? You’re not alone. Saddle soreness and back pain are so common during extended rides that they’re almost a rite of passage. Even with an ironclad physique, pain doesn’t discriminate. Riders have felt these aches firsthand, notably during an electric bike journey from Paris to Dieppe lasting two days. Whether you’re blazing down the tarmac like a Tour de France contender or breezing along dusty gravel trails, that discomfort tends to creep in – and sometimes, it never leaves.
A Quirky Invention: Meet the SaddleSpur
Tired of grimacing through every ride, John Downing decided to take matters into his own, er, saddle. In 2016, Downing filed the first patents for what would eventually become the SaddleSpur, a project that caught the keen eyes over at Bikerumor. In 2022, Downing and his saddle attempted a leap onto the market via Kickstarter. The world, however, seemed unready, or perhaps its collective posterior was too numb to respond – the campaign didn’t succeed.
Yet, perseverance wins. Fast forward a year, and the SaddleSpur is no longer just a quirky drawing or patent filing – it’s a real, purchasable product. One look and you’ll notice it’s anything but ordinary. Its defining feature? A rear support ‘spur’ designed to transform both comfort and cycling performance. This support point at the back isn’t there for looks; it’s engineered to make distance riding less punishing and to help you unleash more power with every pedal stroke.
Comfort and Performance: The Promise of Relief
The SaddleSpur’s most touted property is its ability to reduce those persistent pains in your lower back and backside. By offering a natural contact point for your body, it shifts the way pressure is applied and aims to ease chronic discomfort. As a bonus, whenever you need to sit upright and relieve pressure during a long ride, the SaddleSpur is designed to give solid support. Anyone familiar with aggressive road or gravel cycling positions knows fatigue isn’t just inevitable—it usually shows up early and stays late.
But comfort isn’t all it’s pitching. According to its official information, the SaddleSpur might even dial up your performance. The reasoning? Pressing the lower back against its rear spur enables the rider to recruit more strength in each pedal stroke, harnessing better support for more effective power delivery. Every cyclist dreams of squeezing out just that little extra watt, right?
- Lower back and seat pain relief via natural body support
- Better upright support to rest during long rides
- Potential for increased pedaling power by bracing against the spur
However, before you toss your old saddle in the bin, there’s a reality check from Bikerumor: the SaddleSpur’s unique design may restrict a rider’s ability to shift their weight backward, which some cyclists rely on for balance or aerodynamic positioning, particularly on descents. So, it’s not a magic bullet for everyone—and no, it won’t help you suddenly drop your riding buddies on technical downhills.
Specs, Price, and the Waiting Game
All this innovation comes carefully packaged: the SaddleSpur measures 130 mm wide and 236 mm long. It’s made to fit standard seatposts thanks to compliance with ISO-4210-9 (not a Harry Potter spell, just a certification), and features polyurethane padding atop a flexible base for added comfort. The total weight? 310 grams. Not exactly featherlight, but who counts grams when your rear end is happy?
Thinking of giving it a spin? The SaddleSpur is available from the official brand website. The price tag: 125 pounds sterling (or about 143 euros at current rates, plus shipping, and, as always, your patience). There’s no official delivery date on the horizon, so you might want to keep your trusty old saddle in rotation for now. And, of course, first-hand testing will determine whether it really lives up to its bold promises.
Bottom line: If agony on two wheels is cramping your style, this odd-looking saddle might just be worth a try. But as with any innovation—especially in cycling—there’s no substitute for real-world experience. Maybe, just maybe, your next ride will end with a smile instead of a grimace.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
