10 Things You Should Know About Joyseat
In this article, you'll discover how Joyseat works, why it outperforms regular bike saddles, and how we use 3D printing and a special algorithm to create custom cycling saddles. Learn the 10 reasons why the Joyseat custom 3D-printed bike saddle surpasses normal, off-the-shelf bike seats.
1) Every Joyseat is Unique
We don't make bike saddles in bulk. We craft custom cycling saddles using 3D printing technology. This ensures that your Joyseat fits perfectly, saving you from the endless quest of finding the right saddle. Nothing is worse than realizing the saddle you just bought from a store doesn't fit. We've all been there, too wide, too narrow, too hard, too soft – just uncomfortable. Not with Joyseat. It's tailored to your individual riding characteristics and the width of your sit bones, which we determine using our specially developed Smiling Butt Kit measurement set. Our sophisticated JoyFit Algorithm processes your data and designs the final shape of the bike seat, which we then manufacture, just for you. And to make it truly yours, we add the inscription of your choice on it.
2) Saddle Designed by Algorithm
The best parametric designers have developed our JoyFit Algorithm that translates your personal data like weight, height, riding position, and flexibility, along with the information from your butt imprint, into the final design of your bike saddle. Thanks to computer scripting and AI learning, we can eliminate human error, resulting in incredibly precise designs. But we didn't stop just there and we keep continuously improving our algorithm.
3) Joyseat with Your Signature
We have no idea what your favorite color is, so we give you a choice. Choose the bike saddle insert color and choose a short message for the inner side of the saddle. That way, you can be sure that nobody else in the world will have the same bike saddle as you.
4) Unique 3D Printing Technology
We're not the only ones making bike seats with 3D printing technology, but we are the only ones manufacturing them custom-made using HP's Multi Jet Fusion 3D printers. The upper part of the saddle, the part that comes in contact with your rear, is printed by our German partner using industrial 3D printers and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a special powder-based polymer supplied by BASF. Unlike other competitors whose flexible structure is created using liquid polymer and cured with UV light, we make our flexible structure from powdered polymer with even distribution of infrared light and heat in the printing chambers. In practice, this means we can print various saddle shapes and details with a precision of 0.22 millimeters. That's why your Joyseat will fit you like a glove.
5) Comfortable Flexible 3D-Printed Surface
Comfort and relief, that's the key. Unlike other off-the-shelf saddles, each cell (voxel) in our flexible structure has adjustable parameters in multiple directions. It creates a special suspension system. The cyclist is not "sunk" into the bike seat like in a traditional one, but feels the energy rebound from pedaling. It's like "micro-springs" working with you and giving energy back. But don't worry; you won't feel like you're bouncing on a trampoline. With conventional saddles, the foam compresses with increasing mileage, significantly reducing comfort. But with Joyseat, you can ride for hours without worries. It remains just as effective. Last but not least, compared to other off-the-shelf 3D-printed bike saddles, we don't use liquid but a powdered elastomer, making our structure's strength greater and more durable.
6) Joyseat Lasts Significantly Longer Than Foam Bike Saddles
A custom-made bicycle saddle is an investment that pays off. Not only will you avoid the trial-and-error method of finding the right cycling saddle, but you'll also get a saddle that will last you from season to season. Ordinary foam saddles are sometimes replaced by professional racers after just 6,000 kilometers because they sag.
That's not a concern with Joyseat. Our unique patented flexible structure, made with industrial 3D printing using thermoplastic polyurethane, ensures the saddle retains its shape and properties. How do we know? We thoroughly test it with professional cyclists like Daniel Turek (currently one of the leaders of the Czech continental UCI team, ATT Investments), who has already ridden over 30,000 km on the saddle. Daniel is very happy with it, and as he says, it's the only bike saddle that doesn't leave his rear sore even after 25 hours of cycling per week. Joyseat is used not only by ATT Investments Pro Cycling Team but also by the Slovak continental UCI team, RRK Group Pierre Baguette Benzinol.
7) Replaceable and Recyclable 3D-Printed Padding
TPU padding lasts significantly longer than regular saddles. Additionally, if you happen to damage it in an accident, we can provide a padding replacement and keep the existing carbon part. The damaged padding can be recycled. We care about the sustainability of our production, which is why we value our short supply chains.
8) Carbon Ensures Strength and Rigidity of the Saddle
Aviation, automotive, space exploration, custom-made bike saddles. What do they have in common? Carbon. Ideal for industries requiring materials with high strength and low weight. Working with carbon is complex and requires expertise, but the advantage is that it allows the production of small batch series. The downside is that it involves a lot of manual work that can't be easily automated.
At Posedla, we make the bike saddle's shell and rails from carbon. The complete production takes place manually at our factory in Varnsdorf. Carbon rails are now a standard, but you must ensure you have the right seatpost clamp, especially for atypical solutions (integrated and aero seatposts – more on that in our seatpost article). Why is that? To provide sufficient strength to carbon rails, manufacturers had to change their original size from a round 7 mm diameter to an oval 7x9 mm when transitioning from steel alloy to carbon.
Just as we pay attention to every detail when producing carbon parts, you also need to exercise caution when mounting the saddle to the seatpost clamp. You must follow the recommended tightening torque of 6 Nm. Over-tightening could damage the rails. If you have a bike with carbon components that you frequently change, you probably have a "torque wrench" at home, which makes everything easy. If the bike seat still slips at the recommended tightening torque of 6 Nm (which can happen with certain seatpost clamps attached from the sides), carefully tighten it slightly more and check if the seat is not moving again.
Joyseat consists of carbon rails and a carbon shell. The weight of the carbon parts ranges from 90 to 95 grams (depending on the width). Add the weight of the TPU padding: 80-115 grams depending on width, stiffness, and other parameters, and you have a saddle weighing 170-210 grams. Saddle weight is not our priority; we focus on comfort. Nevertheless, Joyseat is definitely going to satisfy a handful of weight weenies.
9) No Unnecessary Pressure
Pressure on performance, tire pressure, pressure on soft tissues. Cycling involves various pressures, and some are not beneficial. We developed the saddle to prevent cyclists, both men and women, from exerting excessive pressure on soft tissues. Nobody wants discomfort in the rear, crotch, or tailbone from cycling. "No pressure zone" helps maintain proper blood flow in the sitting area, preventing the sensation of numbness and uncomfortable pressure on the sit bones.
