Technique

Test: Saddle SMP Glider

Details

Parent Category: Technique

Category: SMP

Published on Monday, 29 June 2009 08:49

Written by Luca Salvatelli

A saddle for Mtb, with a good seat and high comfort even after many hours

The Company

Selle SMP was founded in 1947 as a manufacturer of saddles. Today it is present in over 50 countries and is a major producer of original equipment for saddles. With the Patent SMP4BIKE has drawn a new route in the technique of bicycle saddles for entering the market of competitive cycling.

The range SMP

The range of saddles SMP is based on the entire patent SMP4BIKE and has developed a range of saddles for men and women, with hulls in nylon or carbon, various sizes and thicknesses. So to find the top model from Full Carbon weighs only 105 grams while the base model Plus, the most generous in size, weight of 360 grams. The differences between the various models relate to the dimensions of length and width, thickness inside, the material of the hull and the slide, therefore also varies the weight. The construction quality is the same as the SMP range is different in purpose and especially user and not for the quality of materials. The model Glider is a product intended to Mtb, equipped, and, size and thickness inside than other products, so as to better meet the riding position more upright than a road bike and a better absorption of shocks, frequent off-road. It is available in three versions: Glider, the model of the test, Glider Lady, for women and characterized by a greater width, and the Glider Carbon model, which reproduces the solutions of the model Glider with more carbon in the frame. A subdivision which is common to almost all the range in which each model is available in a version Carbon, lighter, Lady, suitable for women, and base.

The saddle on test: SMP Glider

The Glider model has a structure that combines the other SMP models, we find as the boat nylon 12 loaded with carbon fiber, the sled is made of stainless steel aisi 304, with various points of reference for the proper positioning and foam rubber padding. The upholstery is leather full grain, as on other models in the range. The length is 166 mm while the width is 136 mm. The stated weight is 260 grams. The colours available are black, yellow, red, blue and white. With our instrumentation, we found a weight of 279 grams. Recommend that the Carbon version has a claimed weight of 210 grams.

Road test

Saddle Glider has the same aesthetic impression of the other SMP products. Is unmistakable in its line, but also for its construction quality. We point out the words embroidered, the excellent achievement of the hull and implementation entirely Made in Italy. The particular shape of the nose of the saddle is designed to provide a flat base for efforts to be seated when you face long climbs and descents as an aid in providing greater control of the bike, but also to prevent accidental shock to the genitals off. The rear part raised avoids crushing of the coccyx and back quickly placed in the saddle, in addition to better absorb the shocks and blows. What characterizes this and other saddle SMP, however, is the large central opening that divides the two-seat, is very broad and has been designed to avoid any pression to anus, prostate, pudende vein, artery and vein deep dorsal the penis, scrotum and testicles. Mounting the saddle is easy and the long-drawn sleigh to help you find the right forward or backward even in the presence of frames not just with the best measures the athlete. The saddle should be positioned orizontal the land and its proper alignment is good to use a spirit level, as suggested by SMP, to be supported on the edge of the nose and rear. Then it is recommended to lower the nase even up to 20 millimeters in order to agree the saddle with the tuber ischiatic and high-assurance ischium. The adjustment is extremely important and avoids problems that there are intense adaptation. In this way the saddle take in its central portion, a concave, very different to the other saddles. In the saddle but do not feel any discomfort, indeed, this configuration helps to sit in the correct position for the benefit of a good pedalling efficiency. On the move continues to receive this positive aspect, which allows, with ease of it still remain in the saddle rather than wasting energy in search of precious place. The size width wider than other saddles SMP lighter, door to have a good support base, and are rapidly removed the soreness buttock. The shape of the nose and the surface of the coating, sliding and quality, let you go out riding with speed and tranquility, allowing you to immediately back into a seated position more ideal. Even moving back is great, because it quickly and still natural, although the tail facing up. The increased padding, again compared to other models SMP allows optimum absorption of disconnections and holes. The efficiency of the pedal is more than good, because the edge of the seat is smooth and flowing and would not with the inside of the thigh. You can then have an excellent pedalling efficiency, move quickly to the seat, forward, back or standing up. The conformation of his plan to support, however, is special and substantially holds steady the position, this is an advantage when travelling on land fast, uphill or downhill, because it is still sitting in the ideal. While the routes where you must move forward and back, the action is less natural than with a normal saddle. In such cases a minimum of adjustment, before the movement back again fast and fluid. It is the only real flaw of this saddle from mtb. By contrast, even after many hours of intense commitment not feel the least pain to the buttock it for the good support base, will the perineum and the private parts in general, a sign that the large central opening is really effective, the elimination of pressure exerted by the body and improving blood circulation.

The particulars

Conclusions

The SMP Glider saddle has detected a particular product, but very valid. Requires a period of adaptation because its conformation very different from the other door saddles to remain anchored to the saddle, good for pedalling efficiency, but in mtb is also important to move or get out of the saddle with speed, not the Glinder hinders these movements, but the first bike you can be embarrassed and make a greater effort to move in the saddle. After the adaptation period all natural back then, and appreciate the characteristics of this saddle, which also are common to much of the SMP. The saddle allows you to stay seated with absolute ease, and its conformation minimizes unwanted movements, hip glide well adhering to the frame and without interference, the wide opening discharge completely intimate part by pressure. All this translates into an excellent pedalling efficiency and comfort in a high even after several hours in the saddle. An obstacle is the price higher than the other saddles, which can not boast, but those characteristics.

Price

The list box is 180 Euro, this is no small thing, but this saddle is unique.

Is suitable for

Athlete: it is not a lightweight saddle, suitable for those seeking the comfort, in addition to benefits.
GF cyclists tourist: apart from the price, a saddle is perfect for those looking for a real decompression of the private parts, high performance and comfort even after many hours in the saddle.

Positive aspects

Real decompression perineal and genital
Confort
Efficiency of pedal
Easy to maintain the correct position in the saddle

Negative aspects

Price not available to everyone

For further informations:

Selle SMP
via Einstein, 5
35020 - Casalserugo (Pd) - Italy
tel. +39 049 643966
fax. +39 049 8740106
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.sellesmp.com