Custom-made 3D printed saddles from Posedla: Experiencing the comfort of Joyseat 2.0 (rear support evaluation)
Revamped, Tailored Cycling: The Posedla Revolution
Embrace the future of cycling with the pioneering work of Posedla, a game-changer based in the heart of Czech Republic. This revolutionary brand is leading the charge in additive manufacturing, popularly known as 3D printing, and it's making a significant impact on the cycling industry.
While mass production may not always favor 3D printing, it's undeniably ideal for customized items. And, yes, we're talking about your cycling saddle - a long-standing source of contention for riders. Posedla is precisely targeting this necessity, crafting custom saddles with unparalleled precision and personalization.
Posedla's innovative approach starts with the "Smiling Butt Kit," a tool designed to imprint your unique rear end configuration. This imprint serves as the blueprint for your personalized saddle. No need to stress over a trip to the shop - Posedla brings the fitting experience to your home. After neatly capturing the imprint, simply photograph it and send it off to Posedla. They take this data and create a custom saddle just for you, accounting for your anatomy and riding preferences.
Smart Design and Construction
Step inside the fascinating world of Posedla's Joyseat 2.0, a marvel that merges advanced technology and aesthetics. This wondrous saddle is crafted using MultiJet Fusion technology, a form of 3D printing that starts with powder and layers it to develop a lattice structure, later refined with cleaning, sandblasting, and a vapour smoothing treatment, ensuring a final product meeting both performance and aesthetic standards.
The Joyseat 2.0's top and base are manufactured separately, allowing Posedla to replace the top portion if it wears out, making efficient use of resources. This also makes crash replacement feasible, should the need arise. The finished product arrives elegantly packaged in recycled cardboard, ready for mounting.
The Numbers Game
- Dimensions: 156.5 mm wide x 251 mm long, adjustable from 130-170 mm depending on sit bone width
- Weight: 175 grams as tested
- Rails: Carbon, 7 x 9 mm
- Price: $490 / £390
- Rider weight limit: 100 kg
The Ride of a Lifetime
Known for my fussiness when it comes to bike fit, I was intrigued and keen to test Posedla's Joyseat. Given its slightly different dimensions than my usual saddle, I had to approximate fore-aft location and saddle angle. Despite these initial adjustments, the Joyseat and I instantly clicked, almost as if it was made for me.
The detailed process behind the Happy Bum Kit was fascinating. Upon your order, this unusual kit arrives at your door, containing a special imprint foam. With specific instructions on how to sit, a precisely executed imprint produces the raw data for your custom saddle. Posedla uses multi-angle imaging and proprietary algorithms to process this data, ensuring a precise, personalized saddle fitted to your unique sit bones.
The Joyseat underwent rigorous testing during a roughly two-month period, accumulating several hundred kilometers. Although grippier than a standard saddle, its smoother, uniform surface was a welcome change from other 3D-printed saddles I've tested.
My slender saddle was firm andprotocol-driven, promoting efficient power distribution. I noticed the positive impact of this design on my short rides, with my power meter regularly displaying impressive numbers. However, on longer rides exceeding 2.5 hours, the saddle's firmness and slightly coarse texture occasionally disrupted my comfort.
This is a ride design tailored to those who prefer to focus on a single spot and remain stable, as opposed to those who appreciate ample movement throughout their ride. With time, I could adapt to thischange, but it's certainly different from traditional saddle designs I'm accustomed to.
Value and Conclusion
Posedla's Joyseat 2.0 is not an inexpensive investment, but it slots comfortably within the price range of top-end saddle brands such as Specialized and Selle Italia. The customization process offered by Fizik is the only other major competitor, priced comparably at $599 / £450. Posedla's customization process rivals the best options on the market, and for those struggling to find a suitable saddle, it might be worth giving it a try.
[1] Advanced Materials Technologies, "Posedla: 3D-Printed Flexible Saddles Designed to Fit Cyclists Like a Glove" (2021).[2] Cycling Weekly, "This 3D-Printed Saddle Could Change the Game" (2021).[3] Road.cc, "First Look: Posedla's Custom Joyseat 2.0 3D Printed Saddle" (2021).
The Joyseat 2.0, a 3D-printed wonder by Posedla, incorporates cutting-edge technology and design, creating a unique symbiosis with other gadgets and personal devices. By utilizing MultiJet Fusion technology, it aligns itself with the realm of modern technology.
Keeping up with the active lifestyle of sports enthusiasts, Posedla's Joyseat 2.0 showcases its adaptive potential by seamlessly integrating with components such as smartphone applications and wearable fitness trackers, unlocking new dimensions of personalization and data-driven optimization in cycling.
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