Recently we received from 3D-printed bicycle saddles and compared conventional models with the 3D versions from various manufacturers. We also presented various concepts there. Similar to Fizik, Posedla also offers a customised 3D printed bicycle saddle.
Background: The Posedla company
Posedla was founded by two passionate cyclists who had a vision of the perfect bicycle saddle. The Czech start-up produces 3D-printed, customised saddles that are tailored to the individual needs of cyclists. At Posedla, the measurement is based on a type of foam cushion on which the imprint is later visible. The manufacturer then uses this image to produce the customised saddle.
In a nutshell: Production of the Posedla Joyseat 2.0
The Posedla Joyseat is produced entirely in Europe. The 3D-printed upholstery is manufactured in Germany and the carbon parts are handmade in the Czech Republic. The grid structure, i.e. the upper part, is made of recyclable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), printed on an industrial 3D printer.
The colour detail is made from recyclable polyamide 12 and the carbon base, which includes the rails and shell, is handmade from Toray carbon fibre. The mix of unidirectional and twill weave is used to achieve perfect stiffness and resilience, says Posedla.
The order: Individuality comes first
The Posedla Joyseat is designed to be fun, as the name suggests, and Posedla prioritises individuality and the best possible fit. Because the fun of cycling quickly fades when sitting causes pain.
Posedla uses an Ar**** impression as the basis for the customised saddle. After ordering, the imprint set is sent to your home by post. Once you sit on it, the imprint is photographed using a smartphone and sent to Posedla together with a few details about your riding style and personal preferences - this is done using a form on the manufacturer's website.
This includes, for example, answering the following questions: Which bike will be used? How long does the average tour take? Approximately how many kilometres are ridden per year? In addition, there is information on age, height and weight. In this way, the saddle should be optimally adapted to the riding style and fulfil the rider's requirements.
Then it's time to wait. After around 6 weeks, the customised saddle arrives by post and can be fitted to the bike. BIKE has gone through the process. Our practical test shows whether the Joyseat was convincing
The Posedla Joyseat 2.0 in the BIKE test
After a few weeks of production and waiting time, the saddle arrived at the editorial office. Posedla delivers the Joyseat in plastic-free packaging and the box also contains a data sheet showing the most important key figures and dimensions of the saddle as well as the rider's individual data. The saddle has a high-quality feel and is neatly finished. The carbon plate is well bonded to the upper material. A nice detail: you can place customised lettering on the inside.
After an initial hands-on test, the Joyseat was then mounted and tested on a Cube Nuroad gravel bike belonging to our editor. After riding around 200 kilometres, we found that the saddle fits and relieves the sensitive areas very well. This is also shown by the pressure film measurement in the laboratory. Here you can clearly see that the pressure is limited to the sit bones and other areas are well relieved. The recess in the centre of the saddle also contributes to this.
This speaks in favour of a good fit, but the material is comparatively hard. We have specified an average riding time of 2 to 4 hours. The saddle was commissioned for road/gravel bikes, which is reflected in the end product in the slightly downwardly curved saddle nose for a more sporty riding position. However, if you want to ride more comfortably, you tend to slide forwards a little.
Posedla tries to customise the saddle to personal preferences as much as possible by providing additional information. This works well in this case, although details such as annual kilometres or duration of the tour are very vague and can sometimes vary greatly. If you want to get a saddle that is as balanced as possible, you should choose a good middle ground and not go to extremes in terms of riding position or area of use.
Posedla Joyseat 2.0 customised saddle: Conclusion
The Posedla Joyseat 2.0 impressed in the BIKE test with its good fit, which is sufficiently customised to the rider and personal specifications. The saddle feels high-quality. The production of the mould using the Smiling Butt Kit is uncomplicated and the ordering process is very individual and simple. Only the price of 490 euros for the Smiling Butt Kit plus 3D saddle production is quite high. Comparable saddles in the right saddle width are available for significantly less money, but are not customised. Fizik's One2One concept also offers customised saddles, costing between 459 and 499 euros.
+ individual customisation options, good workmanship, good fit
- high price, upper material somewhat hard
Maik Schröder
Editor
