Italian biking parts model Prologo has launched a brand new model of its Scratch M5 PAS saddle, preserving the form already trusted by professionals equivalent to Jonas Vingegaard, Egan Bernal, Sepp Kuss, and Romain Bardet.
Whereas the geometry stays unchanged, the principle replace lies within the saddle’s 3D printed cowl, developed to enhance consolation and strain distribution with out altering match.
Named Scratch M5 PAS 3DMSS, the brand new mannequin maintains its compact 250 x 140 mm profile and continues to make use of an injected long-fibre carbon base. This materials is a typical throughout Prologo’s efficiency line, valued for its stability of low weight, rigidity, and compliance.
Manufacturing method for Scratch M5 PAS 3DMSS
For this model, the Italian model has used 3D printing to provide the higher floor. In response to BikeRumor, Prologo’s Multi Sector System (MSS) was mixed with digital mild projection, oxygen-permeable optics, and engineering-grade resins. Doing so enabled exact structural variation throughout the saddle floor, though the 3D printer model has not been disclosed.
In response to CyclingWeekly, the 3D printed floor follows the MSS structure, dividing the saddle into three foremost zones: entrance, heart, and rear. Every zone is constructed from two layers with various geometries and densities to higher assist totally different areas of the rider’s physique.
The rear is formed to stabilize the sit bones throughout energy efforts. The middle goals to alleviate strain on softer tissues. Towards the entrance, the construction helps riders who shift ahead throughout climbs or sprints.
Improvement of the structure was knowledgeable by strain mapping by way of Prologo’s MyOwn becoming system. Knowledge collected from each skilled and novice cyclists helped form how every zone of the saddle responds throughout totally different phases of pedaling.
A central channel, referred to as the Perineal Space System (PAS), stays a part of the design. It’s meant to scale back numbness by relieving strain by way of the middle and bettering blood stream over longer rides.
The Italian firm has made two rail choices accessible. Weighing 176 g, the lighter model options Nack rails created from carbon fiber bolstered with Kevlar and aluminum filaments. The second model, utilizing mild alloy Tirox rails, weighs 209 g. Retail pricing is about at €390 and €290 respectively, with availability anticipated from Could.
3D printing comfy cycle saddles
Whether or not a newbie or an expert, each bicycle owner is aware of the significance of getting a cushty saddle. And with 3D printing, this has turn into more and more doable.
In 2022, US-based biking gear producer Fizik launched the Argo Adaptive, its novel 3D printed short-nose saddle, on the Sea Otter biking present. Produced utilizing Carbon’s Digital Gentle Synthesis (DLS) 3D printing know-how, the saddle featured a tuned lattice cushioning designed to enhance consolation and rider stability.
The Argo Adaptive adopted the sooner Antares Adaptive mannequin and continued Fizik’s partnership with Carbon beneath its ‘Ideas’ innovation initiative. Supplied in 140mm and 150mm widths, the saddle was made accessible in two variations: the carbon-railed R1 and the metal alloy-railed R3, which on the time had been priced at $299 and $259 respectively.
One yr earlier than that, German design agency DQBD used Stratasys’ launched H350 3D printer, powered by Selective Absorption Fusion (SAF) know-how, to provide absolutely personalised biking saddles. The SAM saddle featured a semi-rigid, 3D printed PA11 backbone and a thermoformed seat pad, personalized utilizing rider-specific strain mapping information.
By adopting Stratasys’ SAF know-how, DQBD lowered manufacturing prices by as much as £22,000 and lower lead occasions from six months to 10 days in comparison with conventional injection molding. The glue-less meeting additionally allowed for simpler recycling, whereas providing riders enhanced consolation, assist, and lowered fatigue.
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Featured picture reveals the Scratch M5 PAS 3DMSS saddle. Photograph through Prologo.
