FAQ's:
Q.
How should I install the new BiSaddle coverings?
A.
BiSaddle® Covering Installation |
The surfaces need to be removed from the frame to replace the coverings.
You may want to mark the surface positioning on the frame. The coverings
are different, left from right, and most easily distinguished by
the seam on one side of the elastic on the bottom. The seam is meant
to be on the inside/non-leg-side of the surfaces.
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Step
1. Find a matching covering and surface side. Pull the covering
over the nose of the surface as shown in the picture below
left.
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| Step
2. Stretch the fabric up the inside/non-leg-side of the surface
as shown in the picture above right. |
Step
3. The fabric can now be stretched over the back lip and pulled
around to place the seam about 1/4 inch below the ridge as in below
left.
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| Step
4. Fabric should be spread out to the edges on the bottom
to where the loop of elastic looks like the picture above right. |
Q.
What are the surfaces like?
A.
Support surfaces of the BiSaddle® bicycle saddle
consist of three portions:
a hard inner shape-forming material, a cushioning surface material that
is
either an engineered visco-elastic elastomer or a visco-elastic foam
compound and a material covering to increase durability. The hardness/durometer
of the cushioning surface material is
similar to that of gum eraser. For the elastomer material, it is tested
on the nose of the surfaces to be within 15-19 on the Shore A scale
and for the foam between 14-15, if you know what that means.
The
surfaces are designed to provide individually adjustable portions that
are contoured to support the bones on the bottom of the pelvic girdle
and the closely associated muscle mass.
Q.
What are the shims
for?
A.
We have learned
that the relative heights of the bones at the bottom of the pelvis
(the legs of the V) may differ, or an individual may
have an anomalous bump. The shims let the rider shim the height of
the front and/or the back of the surfaces. We suggest that you shim
the side that is not giving you the problem. The inventor shims the
back of the left surface on his saddle.
Q.
How does not having a horn affect riding?
A.
Our saddle is designed to be between your legs like the standard saddle
design, but the bench saddles do not provide this. This gives the
rider basic balancing of the bike through the saddle. The standard
saddle provides increased control by wedging up into the V formed
by the ischiopubic rami bones called the perineum which is what causes
the medical concerns. The BiSaddle® forces
the rider to spread their weight evenly across better weight-bearing
areas of the pelvic girdle.
Q.
Why are the bolts and the pin in the cleat so long?
A.
They are that long to work with the optional shims and still provide
enough thread and pin depth. Those riders that don't use the shims
can ride in comfort knowing that their bolts shouldn't fall out before
they discover they are loose.
Q.
What types of riders will this saddle probably not work for?
A.
The jury is still out on whether the design is an advantage or an impediment
to the various types of racing riders (the current weight is certainly
an impediment except as a healthy training saddle). Aggressive downhill
mountain bikers will find that placing themselves behind the saddle
(over the back wheel) is an initial challenge. Riders need to be
motivated to work through the process of "fitting" this
saddle to themselves and their bicycle in order for the design to
work for them. But it is worthwhile if you want to eliminate long
term damage to sensitive soft tissue, nerves and arteries/veins.
Q.
How much does the saddle weigh?
A.
Visco-elastic elastomer surfaces
21.9
oz / 621 g
Visco-elastic foam surfaces
14.2
oz / 402 g
Steel
frame
10.1
oz / 285 g
Aluminum
frame
4.7 oz / 133
g
(There
is a $25 restocking charge on the aluminum frame.)
Q.
Is the BiSaddle involved in any scientific studies?
A.
BiSaddle & Science.
Q.
I'm a female, and if my saddle is adjusted all the way to the innermost
slot positions in the front (surfaces touching) and at various angles
in the back, it still is not comfortable. What do I do now?
A.
The suggested positions for the front of the surfaces for women are just
starting points. Everybody's bone structure is different and so are
muscles, nerves and areas of sensitivity. One woman who enjoys the
saddle has the surfaces one quarter inch apart in front and only
a one inch gap between the surfaces in back. She says that the front
position eliminates pressure on sensitive areas and, at the angle
specified, the surfaces best "cup my bones while still not putting
any pressure on my soft tissue".
Q.
It's not a seat?
A.
This is the BiSaddle® "saddle" and
not a "seat" because it is believed that the word saddle connotes
riding while seat means more like sitting. It comes down to calling it
what it is, a saddle. It is designed to support a rider engaged in the
process of pedaling. Your legs need to be free to rotate in a smooth,
highly repetitive manner. When the saddle is mounted on a bicycle, as
opposed to an exercise machine, it also provides a balance and pivot
point for the rider.
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