German ergonomics specialist Ergon is launching four triathlon saddles that are claimed to help make triathletes faster thanks to a ‘Power Position system’.
The Koblenz-based Ergon team — in collaboration with Olympic and three-time IRONMAN World Champion Jan Frodeno, and two-time IRONMAN European Champion Laura Philipp — has developed the SR Tri Series with its Power Position system, which divides athletes into two types of sitting positions – ‘Front’ and ‘Mid’.
According to Ergon, the physiological advantages of the power position are immediately noticeable – less muscle fatigue and better performance, not only on the bike, but also on the run.
“Thanks to the Ergon SR Tri Men Mid, I can consistently push harder in the aero position, while minimizing fatigue so that I have a better transition to running,” said elite athlete Jan Frodeno.
Simon Schumacher, Head of Ergonomics at Ergon, said “Pressure reduction in the genital area is extremely difficult to achieve for both men and women, as the contact points between rider and saddle are much smaller and more intense in the aero position, which significantly increases the pressure on the sensitive areas in the crotch.
“We designed the SR Tri with a flattened nose to allow athletes to make tiny movements while in the aero position. This allows riders to vary the distribution of pressure over longer riding durations, which reduces muscle fatigue – including in the lower back area.
“This, in turn, allows triathletes to ride longer in the aero position without pain and better mobility once up and running after transition two.”
Power Position system
The SR Tri Men Front and SR Tri Women Front are specially crafted for riders who significantly tilt their pelvis forward – with a flatter back – placing more pressure on the front seating area. The SR Tri Front saddle has a wider and shorter saddle nose – with saddle nose widths of 54mm and 53mm for women and men, respectively – giving the saddle a noticeable V-shape.
The SR Tri Mid saddles, on the other hand, are designed for athletes who tilt their pelvis forward less. They will have more of a rounded lower back and position their weight on the middle seating area of the saddle. The SR Men Mid and Women saddles have a slightly narrower and longer nose, allowing riders more freedom of movement.
Ergonomics is both a foundation and a top priority in research and development at Ergon. Therefore, the SR Tri saddles are ergonomically adapted to the male and female anatomy, which creates a benefit for the rider, especially for a more aggressive upper body position and a tilted pelvis.
Long-distance comfort
The Ergon SR Tri has a pressure relieving Orthopedic Comfort Foam for maximum long-distance comfort. SR Tri Men and SR Tri Women models incorporate unique shapes, specific Orthopedic Comfort Foam densities, and cut-out channels that create homogenous pressure distribution and help to reduce genital numbness.
The SR Tri Women Front and Mid models both incorporate 3D printed inserts in the forward area of the relief channel. This enhances the nose area with a lightweight, softer, secondary supportive material.
This also allows female athletes, who have a more sensitive forward pubic area, to maintain the aero position more consistently over the duration of an iron-distance event.
The compact saddle shapes, specially adapted to triathlon use, allow the legs improved ergonomics when pedalling. In addition, the large muscle groups of the back and legs can tire less quickly. This benefits triathletes not only when cycling, but also when transitioning to the run.
SR Tri Men and SR Tri Women saddles have an MSRP of US$249.95, €249,95, £224,99
