While a full carbon saddle may not be for everyone, if you have the buns of steel to accommodate one, it can provide a unique sense of comfort.
As a rider who suffered immeasurably from chafing in the past, needless to say, I tried virtually every brand of chamois cream and embrocation along the way, rising to the level of carnival grease in a desperate attempt to soothe my undercarriage to no avail.
After all attempts failed, I began experimenting with different saddle shapes and materials.
To make a long story short, I ultimately arrived at a full carbon saddle as a way of trying to reduce the amount of friction between my love-making tackle and the bike seat.
I must admit however, the initial transition from a padded saddle to one with no more cushioning than a railroad spike, was not an easy one. However, over time my beef cakes began to develop an endurance for a carbon saddle, and at one point it actually became quite comfortable.
That was nigh-on to twenty years ago. And, until this day, I’m still riding a full carbon saddle. And, yes the elevator still goes to the top floor. 🙄
Every once and awhile though, I’ll revisit a padded saddle. However, it isn’t long before my undercarriage revolts, and I quickly retreat back to my coveted carbon slab.
On the style side of things, I must admit how I admire the way the carbon saddle looks on my bike, and how it serves to shave-off quite a bit of weight as well.
I equally enjoy the reaction of other riders, who when they see it, inevitably ask the question – “how do you ride that thing”? – to which I often respond, “quite dedicatedly thank you”.
There aren’t a lot of full carbon saddles available on the market. But, if you have the will (and the buns of steel as I said), every now and then a new model emerges.
The most recent comes from the little-known German brand Beast Composites, who among a number of slick looking carbon cockpit pieces, offers a full carbon saddle called the Pure, which weighs in at an astonishingly light 87g.
In addition to its super lightweight, the Pure looks to have the requisite amount of seating area and shape to support a wide-range of arses, as compared to other carbon saddles that can posses somewhat sharp edges and narrow contours.
Also, for those who place equal importance on style, the Pure is available in both a UD carbon finish, as well as an exposed weave and color-infused pattern.
Lastly, Beast Components won a prestigious Design and Innovation Award for its Pure full carbon saddle this year, which leads me to believe that I’m not the only cyclist with cheeks of iron.
Beast Components
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