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Dial in fit on any perch with new WTB Saddle Fit System at your LBS

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wtb padloc saddle fit trail boss 3 (17)

First introduced to the industry last fall at Eurobike, WTB has a new Saddle Fit System that slides over any saddle to measure how your sit bones actually bear your weight on the bike. The simple molded plastic device sits on top of your existing or new saddle like a cover and when you sit on its viscio-elastic gel you’ll leave an impression how your body contacts the saddle. Armed with that information you and your Local Bike Shop staff can make a more informed decision on what saddle will be best for you. Unlike other systems that you are likely to find in a shop with a specific gel-topped saddle or even just a box you sit on in the shop, the new WTB system will let you sit on your own bike and saddle setup to get some more real world feedback on your actual saddle fit. Get some more details after the break…

WTB_Saddle-Fit-System_Saddle-Fit-PlatformThe Saddle Fit System is designed to be used with WTB’s existing Test Ride Kit, serving a shop setup to get you on the right seat for you. Having the viscio-elastic gel on top of your own saddle, it can also help identify any issues with fore-aft positioning or saddle tilt adjustment. Combined with a simple metric ruler to get a better sense of what width saddle you’ll be most comfortable riding. While WTB of course developed the setup to get you on one of their saddles, it will be equally useful when setting up any other saddle as well.

WTB_Saddle-Fit-System_Saddle-Fit-Chart

The gel-topped platform had not made its way out to many dealers since we first saw it at Eurobike, but it seems like it is readily available to WTB retailer shops worldwide now, so ask your friendly neighborhood LBS about it now.

WTB.com

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Ryan S.
Ryan S.
7 years ago

After breaking my 2nd fizik, I’ve been rotating my one WTB saddle between my bikes while deciding which WTB to get to replace the fiziks. Timing for this is perfect for me. Such a simple tool too.

myke2241
myke2241
7 years ago
Reply to  Ryan S.

What Fizik saddle(s) did you break. I Fizik mounted on my fully rigid mtb bike for a few years and have had zero issues. I ride mostly in the saddle as well.

Ryan S.
Ryan S.
7 years ago
Reply to  myke2241

Both were Gobi’s, broke the rail on one and popped them out of the nose on the second. As much as I liked the saddles, breaking one mid-ride is impossible to be prepared for and can ruin a trip/ride. I’m 190lbs and ride fully rigid SS.

myke2241
myke2241
7 years ago
Reply to  Ryan S.

That is strange. I’m 10lbs heavier then you. The only difference is I own the 00 all carbon Fizik saddles on my bikes. My mtb has a Antares 00 and it has been amazing. Bought a second one last year.

WTB has some really nice seats for the money!

Necromancer
7 years ago
Reply to  Ryan S.

that’s funny, I have broken two wtb saddles, and have mostly fizik saddles now

Ryan S.
Ryan S.
7 years ago
Reply to  Necromancer

Both of my fizik issues have been rail oriented, sucks because I really like the saddles.

Veganpotter
Veganpotter
7 years ago

(deleted)

JBikes
JBikes
7 years ago
Reply to  Veganpotter

My thoughts exactly.
I’ve done blood flow analysis and pressure mapping for disabled patients in a lab environment. That platform will grossly affect the way you sit on a saddle and its data will be largely meaningless.

My guess is that WTB realizes that someone will be more likely to fit and try their saddle with this tool, effective or not, that without it. Why buy a “dumb” saddle when you can buy one that is supported by some “scientific tool”. Genius marketing call.

Kyle Velocity
7 years ago

Ugh…Hope that thing comes with a large box of rubber gloves. Also, who would want the same person analyzing your private area as your rear derailleur?

Veganpotter
Veganpotter
7 years ago
Reply to  Kyle Velocity

Ideally, you’re dealing with a fitter and not a mechanic. That said, I doubt any good fitter can’t adjust your rear derailleur adequately. Sure, maybe some can’t build you a really nice wheelset but lots of good mechanics aren’t building wheels anyway.

J
J
7 years ago

Whatever came of Trek’s version of this. I saw it only once, where it was touted as being part of the total fit system they created.

I don’t have an opinion about the veracity of the system’s effectiveness, but absolutely agree on the marketing genius “behind” it…

Chader09
Chader09
7 years ago
Reply to  J

The digital saddle pressure mapper?

It is available to all Trek dealers. We have one and use it for every fit session. We even offer a “saddle selection” fit that focuses on just testing and selecting a saddle.

It works amazingly well and so quick compared to the mount, sit, test on a trainer, get feedback, & repeat method. I can usually see any issues as quickly or even before the rider.

It’s great for saddle selection and setup, but is also useful in the remainder of the fit to see how front end changes affect saddle weight distribution.

Not a cheap investment, but a hugely valuable tool IMHO.

J
J
7 years ago
Reply to  Chader09

Nice. I remember it at Trek world a few years back. Seemed really good. Glad it’s be formally released.

Craig
Craig
7 years ago

Even if it only slightly helps someone get a better saddle. A more comfortable rider is likely to ride more and therefore spend more. Any “fitting”/”sales” tool is great in my opinion.

We used to use a fit/sales system called Body Scanning. As a fitting system it was average at best and sometimes quite inaccurate once you saw someone posture on the bike, but man did we sell a lot of bikes because of it. We virtually stopped offering test rides (which I’ve never been in favour of anyway), which saved a lot of time, (and money with riders not coming back with glass cuts in the tyres from city centre streets). The sales process went from the Body Scanner, to checking out 2 bikes with a tape measure for size (which was more for show than anything, just to validate to the customer what the Body Scanner said in regard to what bike was best), then straight onto the indoor trainer for a fit fine tuning. Sale done, happy customer.

Dan
Dan
7 years ago

this is simply doing the same thing as the specialized bg gel measuring device been doing for the last 10 years? you sit on it…your sit bones leave an imprint…they measure the width of your sit bones and viola, grab a saddle with that measurement. It’s a very impersonal tool. I’m not sure why everyone is overthinking this.

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