YOUR PErFECT FIT. All-New Giant Performance Saddles
GIANT SADDLE TECHNOLOGY As one of the three key contact points between rider and bike, your saddle plays a critical role in any riding experience. Giant’s newest line of performance saddles uses our Dynamic Cycling Fit concept to produce tailor-made comfort and fit for your body, your position and your riding style. Every Giant Contact SLR and Contact SL model is available in three different options based on the unique shape and angle of a rider’s pelvis while riding. Once a rider’s natural pelvic contact condition is determined, a precisely engineered saddle with strategically placed pressure-relief contact zones can be chosen.
YOUR PERFECT FIT.
Tested and raced at the pro level by the Rabobank Development Team on the road, and the Giant Factory Off-Road Team for enduro, downhill and XC, the all-new Giant Contact SLR and Contact SL saddles introduce new technologies to provide optimal performance through superior fit and comfort.
Dynamic Cycling Fit
Contact SLR and Contact SL saddles are engineered for maximum performance and fit while in motion. Instead of targeting fit and comfort goals for a static state (sitting), we used advanced engineering and testing methodologies to create shapes and pressure-relief zones that function best during a dynamic state (riding and pedaling).
Pelvic Contact Conditions
Through our Dynamic Cycling Fit concept, Giant created three different fit options for each Contact SLR and Contact SL saddle based on the rider’s natural pelvic contact condition while riding: Forward, Neutral and Upright. A simple, easy-to-use saddle selection process can identify this condition to help you choose one that is perfect for you.
FORWARD CONTACT CONDITION When the rider’s natural pelvic contact condition is in a more forward position, the pelvic bone is rotated and pressure is focused farther forward, toward the center of the saddle. In this case, pressure occurs in a more concentrated area.
NEUTRAL CONTACT CONDITION When the rider’s natural pelvic contact condition is in a neutral position, the pelvic bone is rotated and pressure is focused more toward the center of the saddle. In this case pressure occurs in a more central area allowing pressure to be dispersed over a larger zone.
UPRIGHT CONTACT CONDITION When the rider’s natural pelvic contact condition is in a more upright position, the pelvic bone is rotated and pressure is focused further toward the rear of the saddle. In this case the pressure is spread into two main areas of contact.
Particle Flow Technology
A tailor-made feel is now possible through Particle Flow Technology™. Free-flowing particles are inserted into two separate pockets within the saddle structure. The particles mold to the rider’s unique pelvic contact condition, reducing pressure points by more than 20 percent and distributing pressure across a broader contact area. The result is optimal performance through superior comfort and support. PARTICLE FLOW The free flowing particles allow the foam to conform uniquely to the rider’s body and reduce the pressure points that cause pain and discomfort.
TRADITIONAL FOAM Traditional foam can only flex a certain amount, thus reducing the contact area with the rider and increasing focused area of pressure.
OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE Contact SLR/SL Saddles Recognizing the importance of proper saddle fit, Giant created a program that considers the unique and variable conditions of a cyclist’s connection to the saddle while riding. We call this philosophy Dynamic Cycling Fit. Whatever type of riding you prefer, you can enjoy the comfort of a saddle that feels like it was made just for you.
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Forward
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Neutral
Upright
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Neutral
Upright
Saddle technology 1
Dynamic Shapes
Giant performance saddles are available in three shapes: Forward, Neutral and Upright. These three shapes are the result of the Dynamic Cycling Fit philosophy to fit each rider’s unique pelvic contact condition.
2 Particle Flow Technology™
ree-flowing particles are inserted into two separate pockets within the saddle structure that mold to F each rider’s unique pelvic contact condition. This reduces pressure points by more than 20 percent and distributes pressure across a broader contact area.
3 Pressure Relief Channel
Each contact condition shape features a shape-specific channel that reduces pressure on the perineum and improves overall blood circulation for better comfort during long days in the saddle.
4 Optimized Support
Contact SLR saddles feature a lightweight carbon base connected to 9mm full-carbon rails. Contact SL saddles feature a lightweight composite base with 7mm SST hollow stainless steel rails.
5 MICROFIBER Comfort Wrap
All Giant performance saddles feature high-density foam padding that covers the Particle Flow Technology pockets with durable vacuum formed microfiber material.
6 Abrasion Resistance
Lightweight nylon material at three key wear points—on the two tail edges and the nose of the saddle—protects the saddle from getting scuffed, damaged or worn.
Giant Saddle Selection Process Our saddle selection process uses a special fitting tool to determine a rider’s pelvic contact condition. With the help of a Giant retail technician, it’s easy to find the perfect fit for optimized saddle comfort and performance.
Here’s how it works:
STEP 1 RIDER PREPARATION Start by wearing pants or shorts that are made with thin, unobtrusive materials. Remove your phone, wallet and other objects from your pockets before starting the fit process.
STEP 2 REFERENCE MEASUREMENT A Giant retail technician will use a gauge to establish the location of the 80mm wide section of the saddle that’s currently on your bike. Your saddle height and handlebar reach from that 80mm wide section will be used in STEP 3.
STEP 3 FITTING TOOL SETUP The saddle fitting tool is set up on your bike using the saddle height and handlebar measurements obtained in STEP 2, and then adjusted so that it is level and parallel to the ground.
NOTE: If the fitting process is being performed on a Giant RightRide Simulator, the technician will set the geometry to be exactly the same as your bike’s geometry.
STEP 4 DYNAMIC MEASUREMENT Sit in your natural riding position and pedal at about 50-70 rpm on a trainer for at least two minutes. The technician will ensure that you maintain your natural riding position to get the most accurate impression of your pelvic contact condition.
STEP 5 FITTING TOOL DISMOUNT After sufficient riding time (minimum of two minutes), stop and stand straight up on your pedals, trying to minimize any fore or aft movement on the saddle fitting tool. Your contact impression will be left on the tool.
STEP 7 TEST RIDE A Giant test saddle will be installed on your bike so you can take it for a short test ride outside or on a trainer to ensure proper fit.
STEP 6 IMPRESSION EVALUATION The technician will evaluate the pattern of your pelvic impression on the fitting tool and identify the appropriate contact condition. With this information, the proper saddle can be chosen.
DYNAMIC SADDLE IMPRESSION EVALUATION Evaluating the pattern of a rider’s dynamic impression on the saddle fitting tool is critical to identifying natural Pelvic Contact Condition and finding the correct saddle.
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saddle Fitting Tool zone
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Neutral
Pelvic Contact Condition result is Forward if one or both of the following zones are visible:
Pelvic Contact Condition result is Neutral if one or both of the following zones are visible:
– Zone 4 – Zones 1 & 2
– Zones 1, 2 and 3 – Zones 2 & 3 (slight)
Upright Pelvic Contact Condition result is Upright if the following zones are visible: – Zones 2 & 3
CONTACT SLR PERFORMANCE SADDLE PERFORMING YOUR BEST REQUIRES PUTTING IN THE MILES. DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED WITH OUR UNIQUE DYNAMIC CYCLING FIT PHILOSOPHY, AND FEATURING PARTICLE FLOW TECHNOLOGY PLUS LIGHTWEIGHT CARBON RAILS, CONTACT SLR FITS YOUR BODY AND RIDING STYLE SO YOU CAN RIDE STRONGER AND LONGER.
Forward
Neutral
Upright
INTENDED USE
KEY PERFORMANCE FACTORS
Performance or competitively oriented rider seeking a durable, lightweight, supportive saddle that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or visual appeal. This rider expects top performance from their products.
• Dynamic Cycling Fit / Pelvic Contact Condition selection process • Shapes designed to provide optimal support • Particle Flow allows saddle shape to best match the rider’s contact condition
FEATURES
TECHNOLOGIES
• D CF saddle selection process— simple, comprehensive, visual results in 10 minutes or less showing exactly how a rider contacts the saddle and which shape is best • High performance material specification • Vacuum formed strong, durable high-quality microfiber cover • Lightweight foam fill • Strategically placed Particle Flow Technology • Carbon Composite base material • Carbon Fiber Rails • Contact Conditions: Forward, Neutral and Upright • Colors: Black/White, White/Black, Black/Blue • Weight: 180g • SRP: USD $225
Dynamic Cycling Fit™ (DCF) Particle Flow Technology™ Carbon Fiber Rail
CONTACT SL PERFORMANCE SADDLE ENDLESS CLIMBS, ROUGH ROADS, LONG DAYS IN THE SADDLE. WHETHER YOU’RE RACING, TRAINING, OR RIDING FOR FUN AND FITNESS, HAVING THE RIGHT SADDLE CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOUR RIDE. THE CONTACT SL FEATURES GIANT’S DYNAMIC CYCLING FIT AND PARTICLE FLOW TECHNOLOGY—SO YOU STAY COMFORTABLE FROM START TO FINISH.
Forward
Neutral
Upright
INTENDED USE
KEY PERFORMANCE FACTORS
Performance or competitively oriented rider seeking a durable, lightweight, supportive saddle that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or visual appeal. This rider expects top performance from their products.
• Dynamic Cycling Fit / Pelvic Contact Condition selection process • Shapes designed to provide optimal support • Particle Flow allows saddle shape to best match the rider’s contact condition
FEATURES
TECHNOLOGIES
• DCF simple, comprehensive saddle selection process—visual results in 10 minutes or less showing exactly how a rider contacts the saddle and which shape is best • High performance material specification • Vacuum formed strong, durable high-quality microfiber cover • Lightweight foam fill • Strategically placed Particle Flow Technology • Composite base material • SST™ lightweight tubular metallic rails • Contact Conditions: Forward, Neutral and Upright • Colors: Black/White, White/Black • Weight: 210g • SRP: USD $110
Dynamic Cycling Fit™ (DCF) Particle Flow Technology™ SST™ Rails
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