Custom Bike Saddle: An Investment that Pays Off
Whether you cycle a lot or just occasionally, the state of your sitting area is likely the most common concern you have. Is your backside sore? How long can you endure the saddle discomfort? No wonder. Finding a suitable saddle is a significant challenge for a considerable number of cyclists. That's where Joyseat comes in, to solve the question of how to choose the right bike seat and eliminate your issues with saddle soreness, pressure points, and chafing. How can we be so confident? Well, let's begin with a little bike fitting theory.
A cyclist's body touches the bike at three key points: hands (handlebars), feet (pedals), and butt (saddle). These contact points are also referred to as the "touchpoints”. Among them, the saddle is undeniably the most substantial contact point. In these areas, the cyclist is protected only by a thin layer of lycra and padding in their cycling shorts, leading to constant friction and strain. The consequences of prolonged contact can even lead some cyclists to the operating table, which can be mitigated by using creams designed for this purpose, choosing the right cycling bib shorts, and, most importantly, the saddle. And here's the stumbling block.
A Revolution in Bike Saddle Manufacturing
How do you navigate through hundreds of saddles with different widths, lengths, shapes, and hardness levels to find the one that won't turn a 100km ride into a severe torture session? The journey can be long and, let's admit it, quite painful. During many multi-day bikepacking adventures, we ourselves wrestled with the question of finding a saddle that wouldn't torment our behinds after a few hours of riding. We would cool down our contact points in the river and contemplate whether we should try a different sport altogether.
Eventually, we had a bright idea: let's make custom saddles instead. And it was the right decision. We discovered that the perfect bike saddle does exist; it's just different for each individual. Therefore, we decided to turn the manufacturing and purchasing process around. Instead of having cyclists search among endless saddle options, it's more efficient to produce one saddle for each cyclist, precisely tailored to their needs and preferences. Only then can we make a bike seat that truly fits everyone. Only then can we eliminate the trial-and-error approach, which can cost a lot of money.
Tested by Extreme Cyclists
When you think about it, it makes perfect sense. Every rider needs a saddle with different levels of firmness, width, or curvature. Some even require asymmetrical designs. We have developed a method to create a bicycle saddle for each individual that won't hinder them even during rides spanning several hundred kilometers. That's why we are proud to count many ultra cyclists among our satisfied customers.
Butt Imprint, 5-minute Configuration, and a Sophisticated Algorithm
The Joyseat saddle consists of two parts: a patented lattice structure created through 3D printing on industrial-grade 3D printers and a carbon shell with rails, handcrafted in the town of Varnsdorf in North Bohemia.
The thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) padding, the flexible structure, offers great comfort and remarkable durability. For example, professional cyclist Daniel Turek has ridden over 30,000 km on his saddle without any change in its functional properties.
Now, let's get to the most important part: how do we determine the exact parameters for your one and only unique saddle? It's simple. At least from the customer's perspective. In reality, it's a complex and sophisticated process. Once you place your order, we will mail you the Smiling Butt Kit – a measurement set with impression foam. It's a similar kind of foam used for making custom orthopedic shoe inserts. You'll sit on the measurement kit while wearing snug-fitting underwear, take photos of the impression following the instructions, and upload the pictures to the configurator on our website. Additionally, you'll answer a few important questions about your body, flexibility, cycling style, and yearly mileage.
Your "work" ends there, and our specially designed JoyFit Algorithm takes over. It will create a 3D model of your bike saddle based on the 2D photos and the information you provided. Each parameter in the configurator is equally important, and together they influence the final shape of the saddle. It's a complex combination that results in practically infinite possible saddle variations.
Joyseat is for Enthusiasts, Pros, Road Cyclists, MTB, and Gravel Riders
Joyseat is not only for aggressive performance cyclists. Thanks to the variability enabled by 3D printing, we can produce a suitable bike seat for practically everyone – from professionals to enthusiasts and even e-bike lovers. Joyseat offers great comfort to anyone spending two hours or more in the saddle during a ride. The only exception is time trial specialists, as we don't yet offer specific saddles for them. Otherwise, you can install Joyseat on road bikes, mountain bikes, gravel bikes, and e-bikes.
Custom Means Unique
From the imprint of your butt, we can deduce crucial information, such as the width of your sit bones, which determines the saddle's width. We also adjust the padding thickness, overall stiffness, stiffness in different zones, and longitudinal and transverse curvature. You set each parameter through your answers in the configurator.
• Saddle Shape – Curvature
Your bike type, riding style, and flexibility influence the saddle's curvature. More aggressive bike geometries and riding styles call for flatter saddles. The more flexible you are, the flatter saddle you'll need.
• Stiffness
Your yearly mileage, age, and weight affect how firm your saddle should be. The more you ride, the stiffer the padding should be. Older and lighter riders might prefer softer padding.
• Padding Thickness
This parameter is influenced, among other things, by your age. Junior riders will have thinner padding, while older riders will have thicker padding. If you ride an e-bike, the padding layer will be slightly thicker.
• Saddle Width
The width of the saddle is determined by the imprint of your sit bones and the information about your riding style. The wider the sit bones width and the more recreational the style, the wider the saddle.
• Color and Signature
You can choose the color of the saddle insert and add a personalized message inside. These features make your saddle truly your own.
The result of your inputs can be an aggressive racing bike seat for performance cyclists or a comfortable throne for e-bike enthusiasts, and everything in between. It all depends on your needs and your butt.
