SELLE ROYAL SUPPORT CYCLISTS
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Countries/Saddles/Cyclists Supporting cyclists across the globe we see that people are increasingly embracing a cycling life. A smart choice, we feel, because riding a bicycle is an enriching experience and leads to a new kind of happiness. Come with us as we meet six individuals from London to Shanghai, each telling us their unique story of riding with Selle Royal every day.
Accompanied by photographer Tuomo Manninen, actor Elena Leeve offers a first-hand look at the stunningly rich countryside surrounding Helsinki. Featuring a Selle Royal Lookin Saddle.
Roles are reversed as Helena Karlsson captures husband and photographer Frank Herholdt giving us a look at his life in their home city of London. Frank enjoys the comfort of a Selle Royal Ergogel™ Saddle.
London San Francisco With photographer Chris Milliman in tow, San Francisco based Community Planner Neal Patel tells the story of his mission to fight for the right to ride. Neal uses a Selle Royal Urban Saddle.
Helsinki Munich Photographer Stefan Braun reveals why riding her bicycle through the Munich streets opens a new dimension for location scout Malaika Krüger. Malaika prefers a Selle Royal Premium Saddle.
Shanghai Documented by photographer Daniele Mattioli, the Chinese musician and jazz talent Feng Yucheng gives us a glimpse at his vibrant life in Shanghai. Feng rides daily on his Selle Royal Classic Saddle.
Designer Alex Miles follows her friend Emma Grubb on a morning ride along Sydney’s beautiful eastern coastline. Naturally, her choice is Selle Royal’s Respiro saddle.
Sydney
A natural balance Taking time out from a hectic schedule, Sydney dentist Emma Grubb is getting back to nature. Photographed by Alex Miles.
Every morning Emma gets her vitamin fix with a traditional Australian breakfast of vegemite toast and tea.
Franco-anglo adventurer Emma Grubb is Bondi’s busiest dentist, swing-dancer, runner, swimmer and all round dynamo. Emma travelled to Australia in 2001 and was immediately seduced by Sydney’s laid-back outdoor lifestyle and natural beauty. Eight years on and she’s a Bondi local. When she’s not hiking in the Tasmanian wilderness or caring for cavities at one of Sydney’s top dental practices, she can be found at 6am riding south towards Malabar along one of Australia’s most celebrated and beautiful coastlines.
The ride along Sydney’s eastern coastline is very popular with locals and visitors alike. But get up early enough and the views are yours alone.
On returning to Bondi the day is warming up and Emma takes a dip (between the flags of course!) to cool off. Bondi is one of Australia’s most iconic beaches and the home of winter swimming club The Icebergs as well as the City to Surf marathon.
Off - road and cycling through a scrub of banksias, and native grass towards Malabar Headland, the stress of a hectic life is left behind. From here it’s the Pacific Ocean and wide blue sky. The perfect place to whale watch, contemplate and plan the day ahead.
The stunning Malabar Headland stretches from Maroubra Beach to Little Bay and has a rich ecological, cultural and military heritage. Its dramatic sandstone cliffs and coastal bushland provide a place for meditation and a natural tonic for a busy life. Emma rides a Respiro Saddle
For London based photographer Frank Herholdt, riding his bicycle is much more than just a mode of transportation. Photographed by Helena Karlsson.
Swinging London
True devotion - Frank is serious about his bike. When not in use, it’s neatly stored in a special place amidst his favourite photographs and prestigious awards.
A native to Cape Town and having grown up during South Africa’s darkest times, Frank Herholdt rebelled at a young age and enrolled at art school against his parents wishes. In the 80’s, he learned the ropes of the business as an assistant to many big name photographers before his own career took off. With his job, he has travelled the world and worked for clients ranging from international corporations to small charities. Frank now lives with his wife Helena Karlsson and their two young sons in a converted pub in Shoreditch, London, an area full of creative minds.
At a very young age Frank discovered his love for interesting images. Now, hopefully, the next generation will have the same passion.
For Frank, even the most important meetings take place in a casual atmosphere. The restaurants and pubs in the Shoreditch neighbourhood are far more interesting than an office meeting room.
Just like this test shoot for a new campaign at Shoreditch Park, a photographer’s job is quite demanding on body and mind. Frank embraces the challenging nature of his profession - “you never do the same thing twice”, he says.
Frank Herholdt wouldn’t dream of leaving life on the wild side behind him. He manages to balance a busy schedule and still finds time to spend with his family. Regularly, Frank gives lectures to photography students at his studio/apartment. When he has spare time, Frank charges his batteries by taking a ride through the streets of London on his bike.
A special Saturday treat at Broadway Market. Spending time with his children is something Frank can’t get enough of. Besides, when riding a bike through the packed streets of London, the city is yours to discover. Frank rides an Ergogel™ saddle
Scene Change Finnish actor Elena Leeve on tour around Helsinki. Photographed by Tuomo Manninen.
Only about 20 kilometres from Helsinki, the virtually untouched beauty of Nuuksio National Park is the perfect place to get away from it all.
The name Elena Leeve is becoming more and more well known in the Scandinavian movie and theatre industry. At the young age of 26, Elena can already look back at a long list of movie and TV productions in which she was cast. She’s also the two-time winner of the Jussi Award, the main national film award of Finland. When Elena needs a change of scenery, she jumps on her bike and explores the vast landscapes of her homeland - her favorite escape.
Although Scandinavian summers are short, the hillsides are quickly covered with a thick green blanket of vegetation. Still, it’s a good idea to bring along a jacket and a cup of coffee, just in case...
A clearing on the banks of one of Finland’s numerous lakes invite Elena to take a short break. Places like these give her the chance to reflect and regain mental strength.
An actor since she was a child and a lifelong cyling enthusiast, it was coincidentally her role in the film, Cyclomania, which brought her some of her finest performance reviews. The 2001 Finnish film tells the story of two young men, possessed with training for a cycling competition and their relationship to Oona, Elena’s character, as the protagonist of this emotionally charged drama - perhaps a small twist of fate?
Elena enjoys a cup of coffee (a favourite Finnish activity) while waiting to catch the ferry to Suomenlinna Island, a heavily fortified island and former Swedish stronghold from the 18th century. There she’ll attend rehearsals for her current project “Siniväriset”, playing at the well known open air Summer Theatre.
Reality is waiting for Elena, where a lengthy make-up session gives her the time she needs to mentally prepare for her role in the latest play of her theatre troupe, Q - Teatteri. Elena rides a Lookin saddle
San Francisco Days Community Planner Neal Patel on a mission for the right to ride. Photographed by Chris Millimann.
Every new day brings the potential to do great things. With that in mind, Neal prepares himself for his work, promoting bicycles for transportation in San Francisco.
For 29 year old Neal Patel of San Francisco, the question was not if he would help change how cities work, but when and how. Luckily, he’s found his calling as Community Planner at the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBC). After studying Public Health in college, Neal was an HIV prevention volunteer through the Peace Corps in Madagascar. His interests have always been tied to making a difference and working with a community, working actively on improving standards and creating better places to live. Neal began to think about the current transportation challenges in America, and after discovering his enthusiasm for bicycles he knew he had to get involved and help spread bicycling: a simple solution to many complicated problems.
The work of a Community Planner is very diverse. Whether he’s fighting to improve road conditions for cyclists, or building support for a new bike lane, the results have a direct impact on the public, making Neal’s job very rewarding.
When asked about the benefits of cycling, Neal has the answers ready. “Besides reducing pollution when used instead of a car, bikes promote self-expression, they create equality and can even form communities.�
On Neal’s desk in the SFBC office, flyers for upcoming campaigns need his attention. Organizing members and fighting for political change takes time and can be tedious but the rewards are worth the effort when a new bicycle lane is won for San Francisco’s crowded inner city streets.
The recently - approved San Francisco Bike Plan will greatly expand the bike network and nearly double the miles of bike lanes in San Francisco. This will be a big boon to all current and future cyclists and the City as a whole. Neal rides an Urban saddle
When Neal Patel moved to San Francisco in 2006, he quickly fell in love with the bicycle for transportation. Through his work first as a volunteer and now as a staff member of the SFBC, he knows that one way to spread his passion is simply to get more people riding every day. “While San Francisco rates among the top five US bicycle-friendly cities, we are still light years from enjoying the livable streets that define many European cities, and still face challenges in transforming our streets�. Politics and public perception is shifting though, and Neal loves creating and improving the streets of San Francisco for all who use them.
A look into the fast paced life of location scout Malaika Kr端ger in Munich. Photographed by Stefan Braun.
The bank job
Malaika’s two children Naima and Pablo are great helpers in the kitchen and often provide their mom with new ideas for her graphic design projects.
For 41 year old, Swiss born Malaika KrĂźger, the task of finding the right location for television, photography or event productions in and around Munich is a challenge she cannot resist. In addition to running her own creative business, Malaika, a graphic and fashion design graduate, has been a location scout for over three years. She has discovered that her bicycle is the ultimate secret weapon when it comes to finding just the right place.
For Malaika, riding her bike is the perfect way to maintain the balance between work and leisure. When hunting for new locations, she not only discovers hidden pockets of Munich, but also gets to spend precious moments with her two children.
Malaika combines breakfast with an on-site meeting for a TV production. The authentic charm of Cafe Tambosi’s sun-flooded garden is irresistible to many producers. It also holds the title of the oldest Italian cafe in Munich.
Recently a unique project, Urban Art, was searching for a particularly unusual venue. Malaika found this oversized high security bank vault in the building of the former Landes Zentralbank near the English Garden in Munich.
“I love to do my job by bike” admits Malaika Krüger. “Because of it, I can explore even the most hidden locations”. She often meets new people while scouting - perfect for networking!
The many facets of Malaika’s work and her role as mother keep her very busy. Her involvement in organizing the Urban Art project was one of her larger jobs. In total, over 30 people were needed on staff to provide the right mood and create the inspiring surroundings for the event. Projects like these are demanding, yet, Malaika enjoys her job tremendously, especially the direct contact with other creative people.
As part of the Urban Art project, “Kunst im Tresor”, over 35 international artists displayed their drawings, pictures, toys and virtual artwork at the bank’s vault. Ten artists even performed their art live on oversized canvases for all to experience. Malaika rides a Premium saddle
Shanghai Soul A smooth sound from a dynamic country. Feng Yucheng, the Chinese Chet Baker, photographed by Daniele Mattioli.
Playing long nights in the jazz clubs of Shanghai means that most days begin rather late for Feng. Still, when the music moves you, there’s little time for sleep.
When thinking about jazz, China isn’t the first country that comes to mind. Feng Yucheng, a very gifted young man and his trumpet, are determined to change this. Feng was born in 1978 in the province of Sichuan. Hoping to give his son a better future, his father introduced him at a young age to classical music. It turns out, this was Feng’s ticket to a life he could only dream of.
Like any large city, Shanghai is a busy place. Both safe and practical in one, the bicycle is the perfect mode of transportation to get through the crowded streets. Best of all, you can even park inside your apartment.
On his way to the radio station, where Feng is host of a very popular music program, it’s not uncommon for him to stop and try out some of his new tunes.
At 18, jazz entered Feng’s life when a Chinese pianist handed him a CD by Miles Davis by the title “Kind of Blue”. After hearing it just once, Feng knew right away, that jazz was the sound for him. Over the years, Feng has made a name for himself by playing in clubs and at countless international jazz festivals right next to legends like Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove and Marcus Miller. Nowadays, Feng is busy with jam sessions or composing his own arrangements, mixing sounds of different styles and cultures, creating the unique sound of Dub.
Although Feng has reached international fame, he enjoys nothing more than taking a tour of his town, getting inspired by the rhythm of the streets.
Modern and traditional China meet at People’s Square. It’s a place constantly teeming with hoards of people from around the world where one can feel the nearly overpowering pulse of chinese cities firsthand. Feng rides a Classic saddle
Riding in comfort since 1956 In 1956, Riccardo Bigolin, chairman of the company, founded Selle Royal. Our history is one of original design and radical innovation, and growth from a small workshop to a major industry, which is today a world leader in the manufacture of bicycle saddles. A comfortable saddle is one of the most important components in defining a comfortable bicycle. For over 50 years we have been dedicating time and resources, together with our partners across the globe, to give you the best possible ride. That’s truly supporting cyclists‌
Saddles for Men and Women are different
Riding Position for Different Cyclists
Men and women are really different. Our bodies are different and the genital area in particular is very male and female dedicated!
One of Selle Royal’s most important design parameters is the riding position. This has a big influence on how the sit bones and other intimate parts of the body contact the saddle. It’s these contact points that must be addressed with specific saddle designs. Selle Royal has categorized 4 riding positions to address these important contact areas: Sport, Athletic, Moderate and Relaxed.
A man’s arteries and nerves run parallel into the penis, maintaining an average distance apart of 30-35 mm. Selle Royal’s anatomical saddles for men feature a wide pressure relief area on the saddle to accommodate this. Men’s saddles are built to accommodate sit bone widths of between 100 and 136 mm in width. This means that the average sit bone width for men is 118 mm and that saddles for men are generally narrower than saddles for women.
SPORT 15º
The Sport rider typically sits on the saddle with a 15 degree spine angle. This position places the sit bones on the front of the saddle.
MEN
ATHLETIC 30º
WOMEN
Selle Royal’s anatomical saddles for women feature a narrower more “V” shaped pressure relief area that accommodates this difference between men and women. Women’s saddles generally are built to accommodate sit bones which are slightly wider and measure between 112 and 148 mm. This means that women’s saddles are also normally wider than saddles for men. Selle Royal’s anatomical saddles are built to accommodate the fundamental differences between the sexes.
MODERATE 60º
RELAXED 90º
The Athletic rider typically sits on the saddle with a 30 degree spine angle. This more upright position moves the weight distribution and sit bone area farther back on a saddle.
The Moderate rider typically sits on the saddle with a 60 degree spine angle. This position continues to move the rider’s weight and sit bones farther back on a wider saddle.
The Relaxed rider typically sits upright with a 90 degree spine angle. This position places +60% of the riders weight directly over the rear of the saddle.
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saddles for different cyclists
Respiro is our top line dedicated to the more demanding cyclist. It features the innovative Cool Cover and a Ventilation Channel which also relieves pressure from the genital area, whilst preventing sweating.
Ergogel™ is a range of anatomical saddles with Royalgel™ and our patented twin-flex base. The range features 4 designs that accommodate your riding style as well as the anatomic differences between men and women.
The latest generation of Lookin saddles combine 2 comfort features: the innovative Cool Cover and Royalgel™. These saddles address the cyclist looking for the greatest level of gel comfort.
Urban is a line of saddles for easy use in the city. Strength and durability are guaranteed by the Strengtex cover and the 8 mm rail.
Premium saddles are made using the innovative Royal Vacuum Light System. This proprietary production technology enables the saddle to be: 100% sealed, up to 20% lighter and more comfortable.
Classic saddles are mostly available with Royalgel™, an exclusive polyurethane gel delivering a superior level of comfort. That’s real comfort in economy class!
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2 Stop sweating! Air ventilation channel with a breathable cover. When riding for a long period of time or leaving your saddle in the sun, a saddle can start to dramatically increase in temperature. Rising above the rider’s skin temperature, the saddle creates an unpleasant feeling of perspiration and discomfort. Eventually this discomfort can cause pain. Respiro, meaning to breathe in Italian, avoids this by keeping the saddle up to 25% cooler thanks to the cool microtex cover and the ventilation channel. These breathable saddles have been specifically designed to help you enjoy your longer rides. 1. VENTILATION CHANNEL keeps you cool 2. COOLCOVER up to 25°C cooler in sunlight 3. ANATOMICAL DESIGN for men 4. ANATOMICAL DESIGN for women 5. ICS integrated clip system
Respiro saddles available for Man and Woman in Sport, Athletic, Moderate and Relaxed version.
Scientifically tested. Dedicated relief with the twin-flex™ on the genital area. Ergogel™ is a line of anatomically designed saddles delivering a gender specific solution to men and women, considering the anatomical differences and the cyclist’s style of riding. Ergogel™ men’s saddles feature a 35 mm wide central depression, which relieves the pressure from the prostate and reduces the compression of pudendal arteries and nerves, optimizing the blood flow to the penis and eliminating feelings of numbness. Ergogel™ women’s saddles feature a narrower depression, which avoids the compression of the tissue at the centre of the saddle. Ergogel™ saddles have all been individually designed to maximize ergonomic relief. 1. ANATOMICAL DESIGN for men 2. ANATOMICAL DESIGN for women 3. ROYALGEL™ improved pressure distribution for maximum comfort 4. RVL 100% sealed, up to 20% lighter extra comfort 5. ICS integrated clip system Ergogel saddles available for Man and Woman in Sport, Athletic, Moderate and Relaxed version.
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4 Visible light gel. A smooth even surface for total gel pressure relief. The new Lookin saddles combine 2 new comfort features: the innovative cool cover, which keeps the saddle cover up to 25°C cooler in the sun, and Royalgel™. Laboratory tests prove that our new cool cover can keep the saddle’s temperature 25°C lower, reducing the unpleasant feeling of sitting on a hot surface. Scientific tests prove that Royalgel™ reduces pressure on the prostate, pubis and sit bone areas by up to 80%.
Indestructible! A strong and robust comfort saddle for inner city use. Urban saddles feature Strengtex, a strong saddle cover, addressing the need for a robust and longer lasting product. The Urban range of saddles uses the innovative Royal Vacuum Light System. This proprietary production technology enables the saddle to be: 100% sealed, up to 20% lighter and even more comfortable. Urban, the perfect saddle for every day use in the city.
That’s maximum gel comfort, guaranteed. 1. COOLCOVER up to 25°c cooler in sunlight 2. ROYALGEL™ improved pressure distribution for maximum comfort 3. RVL 100% sealed, up to 20% lighter extra comfort 4. ICS integrated clip system
Lookin saddles available for Man and Woman in Sport, Athletic, Moderate and Relaxed version.
1. ICS integrated clip system 2. STRENGTEX robust cover for heavy duty 3. 8MM RAIL
Urban saddles available for Man and Woman in Sport, Athletic, Moderate and Relaxed version.
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6 Extra Soft! A comfortably shaped soft gel saddle. Premium Selle Royal saddles use the innovative Royal Vacuum Light System. This proprietary production technology enables the saddle to be: 100% sealed, up to 20% lighter and more comfortable. The softest gel saddle available from Selle Royal. 1. ROYALGEL™ improved pressure distribution for maximum comfort 2. RVL 100% sealed, up to 20% lighter extra comfort 3. ICS integrated clip system
Premium saddles available for Man and Woman in Sport, Athletic, Moderate and Relaxed version.
Great value! An affordable Royalgel™ saddle. Most of these saddles are padded with Royalgel™, an exclusive polyurethane gel delivering a superior level of comfort through the reduction of peak pressures in the delicate areas by up to 40%. Great comfort at an affordable price. 1. ROYALGEL™ improved pressure distribution for maximum comfort 2. ICS integrated clip system
Classic saddles available for Man and Woman in Sport, Athletic, Moderate and Relaxed version.
Royalgel™
Integrated Clip System - I.C.S.
The superior comfort of Selle Royal’s saddles is the result of long studies and research. Selle Royal’s comfortable bicycle saddles are mostly padded with Royalgel™, a polyurethane matrix gel, patented by Bayer in Germany and exclusively licensed to Selle Royal. With a comfortable bike seat padded with Royalgel™ there is a 40% reduction of peak pressure compared to any other bike seat, so that the prostate or pubis area is less compressed.
SR Saddle are all equipped with I.C.S., a proprietary clip system integrated in the saddle base for the easy attachment, of a blinking light or a saddle bag. Technology that makes sense!
Royalgel™ absorbs shocks better than ordinary foam padding materials and other gels products, which means that shocks disappear inside the Royalgel™ padding and aren’t transferred to the cyclist’s body. BLINKING LIGHT
SADDLE BAG
Selle Royal Spa Via Vittorio Emanuele, 119 36050 Pozzoleone (VI) Italy Ph. +39 0444 461100 Fax +39 0444 462025 mail@selleroyal.com www.selleroyal.com