Health – pedalnorth

TIME Scylon – the most comfortable high-performance road bike in the world

Pedalnorth Website — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:30:00 +0000

Can a race bike be the most
comfortable bike too

The TIME SCYLON can... find out why

Nadezhda Pavlova

Breaking the Myth

Why my race bike is also my most comfortable bike

by Nadezhda Pavlova, Editor in Chief

Former international and world-class triathlete, Nadezhda Pavlova knows about performance bikes. After all, she is also a UCI AG rainbow jersey winner in the Gran Fondo TT arena. Riding the TIME Scylon for nearly a year now, it’s been a revelation in how it blends performance with comfort.

For a long time, I believed the same thing most riders do: race bikes are fast, aggressive… and uncomfortable. Yes, they’re perfect for short races, but not for long mountain days or gran Fondo days out in the mountains. Days on the bike that I love to ride and challenge myself on. That changed when I started riding my Scylon frame. I hadn’t expected it to be exactly as it was – I hadn’t ridden a TIME before, so it was all new experiences for me, on every ride and on every climb.

After more than 6,000 kilometers on the same bike — across numerous alpine passes in Switzerland France and Italy; on rough roads, and long endurance rides, I’m thankfully able to say this with all honesty and a sense of personal delight: performance and comfort don’t have to be opposites. Trust me, riding up the Tourmalet isn’t something that you want to experience on a uncomfortable bike! Speed may be your friend – but comfort is paramount to performance!

TIME know this, which is why they spend so much time – pardon the pun – researching and engineering their unrivalled carbon bike frames. Yes, deep in the heart of Europe, this iconic brand have been busy, innovating with and creating unique frames that remain strong and light and responsive. Bike frames that allow comfort and performance in equal measure – but with unrivaled quality.

Feeling ‘at one’ with your bike

Ultimately, for me personally, I wanted a bike that could handle everything I do: the long climbs, fast descents, extensive travel, content creation, and yes, some racing. From the first rides, what surprised me most about the new Scylon wasn’t the speed, but the ride feel. The bike felt stable and precise, yet smooth over imperfect asphalt. It moved with me and allowed me to ride it, rather than the bike dictating. After five or six hours in the saddle, I wasn’t fighting the bike — I still felt in control and confident. That’s when the “race bikes are uncomfortable” myth started to fall apart for me.

A big part of that feeling comes from how TIME build their frames. Instead of traditional carbon layups, they uses a Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) process. In simple terms, this means that their specially woven carbon fibre socks are formed into a frame, then placed into a mold, heated to phenomenal temperatures and resin is injected under pressure, creating very consistent layers with fewer air gaps. The result isn’t just a lighter frame — it’s a more predictable one, and a lighter and stronger frameset. You feel it on the road as a balanced mix of stiffness and vibration control. On long climbs, the bike responds immediately when you push. On rough descents, it stays calm and planted instead of nervous or harsh. And, in the alps, there are lots of rough descents!

Yes, after 6,000 km, this difference becomes even clearer. The frame still feels as stiff and precise as it did on day one. No strange noises, no loss of confidence, no “tired” feeling in the structure. I’ve taken it on mountain passes like Tourmalet and Furka, flown with it multiple times, packed it into bike box, and ridden it in very different climates. That durability gives a special kind of freedom: you stop worrying about the bike and start focusing on the ride.

The best carbon bike frame in the world… I think so!

And so, the key thing is this: what I’ve learned over this season is that comfort isn’t about soft geometry or relaxed performance. It’s about how the frame manages the multitude of forces and impact factors that we throw at it. How it transfers power without beating you up. A truly good race bike doesn’t punish you; instead, it supports you, and that’s exactly what I feel on my Scylon.

So yes, it’s fast. Yes, it’s built for performance. But it’s also the bike I trust for six-hour days, long training blocks, and technical descents. For me, that’s the real definition of a modern race bike: not just something that wins sprints, but something that makes you want to keep riding longer and further. A bike that encourages you to explore your limits, and which matches the criteria that they design engineers looked to achieve when they created the new Scylon model, using techniques more at home in areospace or the motor industry. TIME like to be different though, and their Scylon certainly is. It responds to you and it rides in comfort, allowing you to focus on the ride.

Breaking the myth wasn’t something I planned. It just happened, one mountain pass and one long ride at a time — on a bike that proved that speed and comfort can live in the same frame. A frame that now feels a part of me on those testing alpine climbs, and which will remain as my riding companion – long into the future!

Time Scylon – a bike built for truth

Pedalnorth Website — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 17:41:25 +0000

Training is time
for truth

Nadezhda Pavlova

let's go home

The TIME Scylon

A High-Performance Carbon Road Bike Built for Truth

Nadezhda Pavlova, Editor in Chief

At heart I’m still an athlete. Whilst I tend to travel and ride mainly for leisure and experiences these days, I still train and I still enter selected events. The right kit is important to me, and that starts with the right bike. I still accept that there’s no hiding place when training – especially on the bike. It’s a battle both physically and mentally, and you need the support that the right bike brings to the game.

Riding the TIME Scylon makes you aware of that truth. This is a precision-engineered carbon road bike. Direct. Honest. Responsive. It doesn’t hide fatigue. It doesn’t soften laziness. When you are strong, it feels alive — sharp, fast, almost impatient. When you are not, it reminds you. It reflects exactly what you bring to it. There is something philosophical in that. The bike doesn’t judge. It simply responds to and amplifies your effort. On powerful days, climbs unfold with rhythm and control. The road feels smooth. The gradient becomes a challenge instead of a threat.

On harder days, when doubt creeps in, every acceleration feels louder. Every change in gradient feels personal. The difference isn’t the bike – it’s the rider. It’s about pressing pause and refocusing, and working in unison with mind, body and bike. It’s about putting in the hidden efforts and keeping your head down and spirits up.

Consistency Over Peak Power

Cycling culture celebrates peak power numbers and race results

However, nobody celebrates the 47th steady endurance ride of the season. Nobody applauds the disciplined recovery spin. Nobody tracks how many times you chose sleep over scrolling, water over wine, long-term growth over short-term comfort. What is where progress lives. Showing up when no one is watching. For me, my Scylon becomes part of that process — not just a machine, but my companion in disciplined training. The hum of high-speed carbon wheels. The stability on technical descents. The precision handling when fatigue sets in. It doesn’t promise comfort. It rewards commitment. It becomes so much a part of me that we talk and we share each moment.

More Than Watts – What Performance Really Means

In racing, the numbers matter. Performance metrics matter. Results are recorded and rankings are published. But elite cycling performance is built long before race day; built on those early morning rides, on those solo climbs, in sessions that felt average but were necessary, and in the decision to try again after a disappointing day. More than watts, cycling builds an identity, and it shows who you are when training is hard. who you are when you ride alone, who you are when improvement feels slow.

Fitness rises and falls across seasons and progress is often haphazard, not linear. Ultimately, life is not linear – but resilience to it is cumulative. Consistency compounds, and riding — again and again — is what ultimately creates strength. Not just in your legs, but also in the mind and in the rider – in me.

Spring has finally arrived and I can now start to relax the mental aspects of winter training and enjoy the riding again, with the sun beating down on me and the views opening up, as I choose the European passes to ride: the Dolomites, the Alps, and maybe the Pyrenees too. All the performance that has been hard won over winter will begin to pay dividends, and I’ll ride in harmony with my Scylon – that friend that stayed with me over the hard early morning rides of winter.

Italy is planned, as is Switzerland and France, riding with friends and making new ones as we cycle into new adventures together. I have events and races in mid-March and into April – and then the obligatory trip and events in Italy in summer – I’ll be bsy and the training will hopefully pay off. It’s harder for women athletes, as we always have to prove ourselves as such –we are constantly judged, misjudged and taken for granted, based on nothing more than ignorance and aesthetic. And so yes, I want to train hard and I want to constantly prove who I am – an athlete… Nadezhda Pavlova , so try to keep up!

I’m looking forward to the travelling and to the races; and I’m enjoying the regular rides into the hills close to home here in Barcelona. Yes, now is the time to create cycling memories, not watts. Training is over, and now is the time to ride!

Nadezhda is a global brand ambassador for Jelenew Women’s Cycle Clothing, and also for TIME Bicycles and for Bryton Electronics. As an internationally qualified triathlon coach and former world-level triathlete, she can also be contacted online training plans, to help you on your own training journey.

Choosing a triathlon bike

Pedalnorth Website — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 11:52:48 +0000

CHOOSING A TRIATHLON BIKE

Nadezhda Pavlova, Editor in Chief

WHAT KIND OF BIKE DO YOU NEED IN TRIATHLON.

There is a lot to think about in triathlon for beginners, three sports to master, the fitness levels needed to finish a race, the mental pressure and so on. However, equipment is also important, and while the right swimwear and running shoes are crucial, the biggest investment for most new to triathlon is the bike. With that in mind, knowing how to choose your triathlon bike can not only save you from an expensive mistake, but help make the triathlon more enjoyable in that first race.

TYPES OF BIKE

The first question that is faced when choosing a triathlon bike is the kind of bike to use. Walk into any cycle shop and there is a huge choice of road bikes at almost every budget, they are easy to find, and look almost the same as the dedicated triathlon bikes, so it is not surprising that beginners wonder if road bikes are a good choice.
However, while they often look quite similar, a road bike is subtly different from a triathlon/time trial bike in several ways. Those differences are crucial to your triathlon performance, but it is important to understand why.

A road bike has a shorter top tube and different frame angles, placing you in a more upright position on the bike while slightly compromising power delivery too, to achieve a more comfortable position for long distance riding. The triathlon/time trial bike forces the rider to stretch out further, lowering the body for a more streamlined position and maximizing the power extracted from the full leg extension during the pedaling motion.

Which type should you get? The answer here depends on what you want to do. If you plan on doing one or several triathlon races per year, then a triathlon bike makes sense. If you maybe want to train for a triathlon for beginners as a way to get fit, with no plans for more, then perhaps a road bike is the best option, as it is more suited to a regular fitness regime. The road bike will not get the maximum performance from your body in a triathlon race, but it will do the job when you need it to for sporadic race entries.

What you shouldn’t do is compromise. Splitting your budget to buy both types of bike usually ends up with two mediocre bikes. Get one good bike, whichever is most suitable, a good road bike will always perform better than a mediocre triathlon bike.
Assuming that you are aiming to compete in several triathlons in the future, the triathlon/time trial bike is the best option, but now what? With so many to choose from, you are no nearer to knowing how to choose your triathlon bike.

CHOOSING YOUR TRIATHLON BIKE

With a choice of materials, manufacturers, cost, size and shape, it can be daunting for triathlon beginners to know where to start. While your budget will be the biggest influence on the level of bike you end up with, the first thing to look for within your budget is the fit of the bike.

In general, you want a bike that feels comfortable, some bikes may put you in a more stretched position that improves aerodynamics and pedaling, but if it is too much of a stretch and feels uncomfortable, it can compromise your race overall, so always choose the one that feels right.

For the rest of the bike, there is so much choice, different frame materials from aluminum to carbon, choice of wheels, gear sets and so on. This is where knowing how to choose your triathlon bike matters, as it can save you a lot of money in the long run.

The key is to get the best frame you can afford with your initial bike purchase. An aluminum framed bike with the very best accessories can cost as much as a carbon framed bike with more modest wheelset, gears and so on. However, while it may be tempting to go for the bike with the latest and greatest components, the best buy would be the superior carbon framed option.

This is because you can replace everything on the bike over time, but the core frame will stay the same. Buying the best frame will give you a loner life for the purchase. You can add in new components when you feel necessary, while maintaining the advantages of that carbon frame throughout.

SADDLES

A word on saddles, a relatively cheap component, they are also one of the biggest contributors to comfort during triathlon for beginners. If the saddle fitted to your new bike feels uncomfortable, swap it. Its just a couple of bolts, and with a wide choice of male and female specific options easily available, there is no excuse for continuing on with a badly fitting saddle today.

CONCLUSION

There are two crucial things to think of when learning how to choose your triathlon bike, quality and fit. Find a bike that fits comfortably, and then get the best quality version of that frame you can afford. While it is nice to have the very best components attached to the frame, these can be changed over time, so always choose frame quality over componentry, for long lasting performance and enjoyment from your new triathlon bike.

CONTACT NADEZHDA - TRIATHLON COACH

Click here for online triathlon training programmes with Nadezhda

Defining Cycling Culture and Style

Pedalnorth Website — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 15:03:05 +0000

Cycling Culture & Style

The changing face of cycling

Cycling culture and style

Understanding the changing face of cycling

Cycling culture is difficult to define, as there are so many facets to the global cycling community. And, as cycling has developed, particularly in recent years, it’s becoming harder to pin down what cycling culture and style means. In truth, it’s a tapestry of cycling types and styles, all woven together – often loosely – and yet all sharing one central them: seeking adventure and sharing a spirit for life. Whether your cycling lifestyle involves a short spin around town, taking in the coffee stop on the Chicago boardwalk; or a gravel biking epic across the white roads of Tuscany, we’re all part of that global village of cyclists. In truth, the greatest display of modern cycling culture is probably that seen daily within the Netherlands, and nearby in Belgium, where families exist with cycling as a way of life, a way of transport, a way of leisure and of sport. Elsewhere, we tend to add little bits and call ourselves cycling nations… but, are we really?

Pedalnorth always tries to be as organic as possible, evolving with the changing cycling scene – to be representative at least, of a few elements within the tapestry of the global cycling culture. In terms of our own cycling culture and style, this year we’ve taken on new writers from road racing, cyclocross, bikepacking and gravel biking, mountain biking and leisure cycling, and increased our women’s cycling blog area, to better represent the too frequently under-represented area of women’s cycling. We believe that cycling of all genres can sit together on one portal, and that our platform can provide relevant and interesting cycling lifestyle themes, such as our ‘Yoga for cyclists’ project with Diane Vilarem, alongside the bikepacking expeditions that Scott Cornish enjoys and once wrote about for us. We’re constantly reviewing what cycling culture and lifestyle means to us and to our readership. If it involves people having the best time on a bike, then it’s a good starting point for us.

Style too, evolves and changes within cycling as often as High Street fashions. It’s false and unrepresentative to try and focus solely on the urban centres, as London cycling culture can often have little in common with the club rider from the Yorkshire Dales. Converseley, cycling in any single geographical area or genre isn’t a full and accurate representation of cycling culture either – it’s merely a brief glimpse of a particular element.

The role of the cycling industry

A case in point is the recent issues surrounding the iconic Rapha brand within the global cycling culture scene. Whilst this iconic brand took off in London and the south of the U.K., it unfortunately never really made the same impact in the tough and rugged conditions of the northern National Park areas, where riders were more frequently seen in the Italian brands such as Castelli and Ale, or more reasonably priced and stylish home-grown brands. Ultimately, a jersey that costs up to £300 must do something special when the rain is hitting you and the wind is literally tearing at your face.Rapha do make excellent products. However, that special style element isn’t always going to be the tapestry of choice for all riders. In terms of the local bike shop too, they have to purchase multiple jerseys in varying sizes just to sell the size that fits you. Culture and style can come with a price tag.

And, when the sun has retreated and the cold weather warriors come out to play on the cyclocross race circuit, a £300 jersey just won’t cut it through the mud-strewn courses of Flanders and elsewhere. You need spiked shoes and the heart of a lion to climb the off-camber slopes and descend into the unknown of bike handling gymnastics. No, cyclocross refuses to take prisoners, and that expensive jersey will look just as dark and dirty as one half the price, when the battle is over. Cycling culture isn’t about Instagram poseurs looking aimlessly up into the air and pointing their cycling shoe toes like a somewhat ridiculous trainee catwalk model – men and women. Yes, I’ve seen some utterly ludicrous images of men on bikes, doing their best to look cool and striking the same overly-false and caraicature style pose on every image, in hope that some frankly limited thinking marketing exec will send them a few more jerseys to wear just once, as they continue with their inane act, producing unrepresentative and soulless images of modern social media cycling.

The best photographic representations of cycling culture often come from activity and motion, and those online images that seem to have movement within them. That may be a group of cyclists in the Netherlands using bikes as part of daily life; or it may be a group of friends tackling a climb together in the Yorkshire Dales. It may even be that group of friends at the cafe, or simply smiling naturally together on a ride out. However, social media has distorted the thinking of marketing agencies who confuse voyeurism with promotional success on Instagram in particular, as too often we see those aimless images of cycling statues.

Social media – in too many ways – skews our impression of what cycling culture and style is. Unfortunately, brands have frequently become drunk on it, as they continually throw out samples to aesthetic clothes horses who represent nothing more than their own egos, on an all-to-familiar journey towards false fame and hidden loneliness as just another forgotten Z-lister. This isn’t cycling culture, nor a sub-culture strand of cycling – it’s simply a sad reflection on modern life, where the influencer culture has become badly mixed in with that smaller group of genuinely talented and skilled marketeers within the online and social media world, who truly want to inspire, to encourage and to ride into adventure. And yet, their value and the culture that they portray has become diluted as the cycling industry wrongly aligns them with the pouting mannequins who look aimlessly into an empty sky.

Yes, good content that accurately reflects cycling culture and style costs money, because it costs good writers and good media creators time and effort to produce the content. Content that includes an abundance of knowledge, skill and familiarity with the truth of what cycling culture and lifestyle is… or could be. We need to press pause on the static pouting poseurs and mannequins – men and women – and start valuing those who want to inspire and encourage that spirit of adventure, and not simply influence through a false aesthetic that adds to the distortion of cycling culture and which ultimately harms the bottom line for already struggling cycling brands, desperate to find the pot of gold at the end of the culture rainbow.

The role of clubs in defining cycling culture

Cycling clubs have always been the bedrock of U.K. cycling culture, and indeed, cycling culture throughout the global village. Clubs such as Otley CC in Yorkshire, continue to produce world class riders such as Lizzie Deignan and Tom Pidcock, whilst the nearby town of Ilkley, surrounded by steep hills, has the largest cycling club in the U.K., enabling riders of all ages and all levels to find a group to ride with and to learn about the magic ingredients of cycling culture – the tea and cake stops, the quick bike fixes, and how to improve your performance on the bike as you serve your apprenticeship in the club cycling peloton.

It’s the same in Italy, Spain and France, too – and other European countries – which have a far richer and more vibrant cycling club foundation than the U.K… Clubs form the pattern of their cycling sport agendas, and help to support thriving race series’, feeding the higher tier clubs and teams that in turn feed the UCI with a conveyor belt of world class riders. Belgium is a testing ground for many young riders, who use the country as a base as they begin their journey, with the cold winds of Flanders testing them on winter training rides.

Technology and cycling culture

The online world and the cloud now have its own version of an international cycling culture and lifestyle, as apps such as Zwift, Whoosh, Rouvy and Wahoo allow cyclists around the world to easily interact and race each other from the comfort of their homes. Add to this the rise of gravel biking and those seeking off-road adventures and exploration, as people seek something different, to escape from chaotic and crazy society and world that too frequently seems to be filled with economic woes, wars and environmental destruction. Yes, joining in with the global cycling culture and finding your fix on 2-wheels can be therapeutic – both physically and mentally – adding to the changing face of the global cycling culture.

E-bikes have enabled far more people to enter our global cycling culture. Whether it’s simply a means to extend adventure, add to the adrenaline or for health reasons, E-Bikes are now a common site at trail centres and mountain venues, bringing a new cohort into the outdoors. In the main, pedal assist motors simply allow people to enjoy that aspect of cycling that adds something positive to our lives, and we all need to embrace and accept this new form of cycling culture. Festivals such as the U.K. ‘Ard Rock Endura’ at Swaledale have become the Glastonbury of off-road cycling, attracting riders from across the world, and with E-Bikes easily outnumbering traditional bikes.

No, it’s not always the big trade shows, and certainly not aesthetic and style orientated shows such as Rouleur Live that provide consumers with the best cycling shows in the world. It’s the absolute awesomeness of events such as ‘Ard Rock, Dirty Reiver (gravel), Roc d’Azure and L’Ardéchoise, a large, annual amateur cycling event held in the Ardèche department of France, and bigger than the Tour de France for participation community. These are the events that truly define our varied and simply beautiful global cycling culture. Not the fading menu of old fashioned trade shows, or the over-priced and over-inflated brand fests tucked away in cities, without even a defined cycle parking area, and which simply provides a very small and very expensive stage for the industry peacocks to show off their expensive feathers.

Modern cycling consumers want interactivity and particular vibe. EuroBike is developing this at its Frankfurt venue, but has a way to go still. Consumers want inclusion and action and bikes that can be seen to offer that adventure that so many cyclists are now seeking – at every price point. The aesthetic based trade events simply fail on every level to truly represent the average cyclist who still uses the average bike shop, and who still wants to pay a reasonable price.

Style versus substance

Style is always difficult to define, and it forms a central theme in cycling culture. Back in the day, cycling style was focused for many around their club kit and how they reflected their participation and membership of a defined group. In more modern times, cycling style has been more expressive and exciting, with brands such as Ale, Beihler SYN, Rosti, MAAP, Attaquer, and of course Rapha, redefining what cycling culture, community and style ought to be.

It’s easy to say that the price of jersey isn’t relevant, because it is. There is an invisible price-cap for many peoplle – and yet they still expect style and comfort and performance. Frankly, charging upwards of £250 for a short sleeved cycling jersey is obscene for most cyclists. It’s not supposed to be an iconic item of wearable art. They want a jersey to keep them warm, keep the sun at bay, hold off the wind and look smart as they tackle that tough climb or ride the rolling hills into the valley. Cycling culture is a social thing, a sporting lifestyle… not a competition to display your position in societies economic hierarchy. Let’s leave that to the golf clubs.

In terms of women’s cycling culture, the old-fashioned attitude of ‘Pink it and shrink it’ is no longer acceptable, as brands such as DS Pro and Jelenew have set new standards that balance performance, technicity, comfort, and feminine style in equal measure. Women are finally being allowed to look and feel like women on a bike – whilst sexism does still exist in many areas, including within the professional ranks, where the UCI has only recently grasped the issues. Cycling culture is accepting that women are built differently – funny really, when you consider that they haven’t just evolved with their own particluar form and requirements! The patriarchy has simply taken too long to accept that they might just have been wrong. Women have always been able to hold their own on a bike. However, how many bike shops have you been in and seen only two or three women’s jerseys on sale, whilst there are rows and rows of jerseys for me! Frankly, it’s a disgusting display of openly being sexist and failing to market towards a growing base of cyclists with a disposal income and a willingness to buy cycling products designed specifically for their needs – women!

Personal choice versus chasing personal fame

Ultimately, cycling culture is whatever we want it to be. I love riding with my cousin to the tea rooms at Jervaulx Abbey, returning along the 2014 TdF route. I also like nightriding across the technical trails and hills of Wharfdale on my mountain bike or sharing a city ride with my son in London. Colleagues here at Pedalnorth likewise mix up their riding; with Kristi riding road for a pro team in the summer and changing to cyclocross in the winter. Alex rides mountain bike as a pro in Romania and yet took to the Stelvio recently, along with Teo – albeit then descending the off-road alternative!

And then there is Nadezhda – a bundle of electricity and energy. Nobody here defines the spirit of cycling more, as she travels the world ,seeking new cycling challenges; climbing the Tourmalet not once but twice – 2 days running – before heading to Italy and riding in the early morning darkness, simply to see the sunrise from the top of the Stelvio. That for me is cycling culture. It reminds me of climbing trips in my youth, when we would travel in the early hours, hiking in to the mountains as dawn came, so that we could climb alongside the sunrise and feel the warmth on us as we ascended. Those magical moments are what define cycling culture, and style how we prepare and how we cloth ourselves in a way that outwardly displays our own indiviual spirit and personality. Cycling culture is defined by that seemingly endless stream of young cyclists in the Netherlands, making their way to school. It’s their parents on the cycle commute into work or into town to shop and socialise. It’s Nol Van Loon on a multi-stage gravel adventure on the Silk, Road. It’s Tudor Oprea in Romania, creating the TRIADA festival for off-road riders of all ages and abilities. It’s the Sunday morning club ride to the cafe, or the Thursday night mountain bike ride across the Yorkshire Dales with friends.

Cycling culture is ultimately up to you

Cycling culture is simply that spirit that lives within each of us – once we accept it and set ourselves free in pursuit of adventure! It’s not about the poseur on a bike that’s more expensive than their ability requires, and nor is it solely about the commuter on their £300 bicycle shaped object, wrapped against the morning cold on their way to work. It’s all of these and more, and cycling culture will continue to evolve and change, as new styles enter the global cycling community. Nobody owns it or has a more important place in our culture than anyone else.

Quite simply, cycling culture belongs to you, and it’s yours to define, as you ride in any way and in any direction you choose. It’s a revolution that will never end, and it’s simply quite beautiful, as independent spirits continue to take to 2-wheels and set themselves free.

Pedalnorth.com – where cycling culture & style lives in freedom

Read Our Blogs

Libertas – tackling gender based violence in Romania

Pedalnorth Website — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 08:32:18 +0000

Libertas

Ride Beyond Silence

Empowering Women
through Cycling

Tackling GBV
in Romania

‘Libertas’ – A cycling community for women in Romania

‘Ride Beyond Silence’ – Tackling Gender based violence & femicide in Romania

Teo Sabina

‘Libertas’ is a simple but hopefully powerful idea, to help in the battle to reduce gender based violence, femicides and coercive behaviour against women in Romania, through the development of a women’s cycling club and a positive community where women can feel empowered, supported and find the space and confidence to ride beyond the silence of their suffering.

Whilst we all live in a modern and supposedly equal world, women in communities all over the globe still suffer in silence, with unacceptable levels of gender based violence, femicides and domestic violence. Here in Romania, gender based violence against women is a problem that is only now being addressed, and which still a long way to go in supporting women and addressing the wider problem within society – that Romanian women are not property and that they can and should be supported through the hidden turmoil they too often suffer at the hands of men.

‘Libertas’ is the Roman Goddess of Freedom & Liberty, and is also Latin for ‘Freedom’, and this project aims to offer all Romanian women a route towards freedom, and a supportive community where they can ride beyond the silence in the company of others, knowing that they can be strong and will be supported on their journey to empowerment.

The ‘Libertas – Ride beyond silence’ project will create a wide geographic cycling programme for women of all ages to meet, ride, gain confidence and to feel supported, as we help them to gain the necessary confidence to take control once more and to change their lives in a positive way. Gender based violence isn’t simply about the physical aspect, either; the mental health aspect through control and coercive behaviour can be traumatic.

Initially, our team based in Romania, plan to set up a series of Libertas rides for women at Sibiu in Transylvania. Hopefully, the success of these rides will inspire others in Romania to set up their own Libertas rides for women.

As the project develops, we want to work in partnership with other national organisations, such as National Cycling Federation of Romania, and the Romanian Police, so that together, we can develop and signpost women to the right organisations and structures that can offer support to women who suffer gender based violence in our society, and give them a feeling of community and empowerment to report their situation safely – to find their own ‘Libertas!’

Coming in 2026 – a community cycling club for women in Romania!

‘Libertas – Ride beyond silence ‘

Gender based violence in Romania

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant issue in Romania – and elsewhere unfortunately – with statistics showing high prevalence rates for both physical and sexual violence. While Romania has improved its legislative framework and implemented strategies like the National Strategy for Preventing and Combating Sexual Violence, challenges remain in implementation and changing social attitudes. The country has ratified the Istanbul Convention, and efforts are underway to strengthen the justice system’s response to GBV, including a focus on multidisciplinary collaboration and data collection.

Romania is now tackling gender-based violence (GBV) by implementing focused policies and establishing support structures like the National Agency for Equal Opportunities which created 10 centers for survivors of sexual violence. However, there is still so much more that can be done.

Whilst some efforts are underway to improve law enforcement and judicial responses through training, too many challenges remain in implementation, data collection, and changing societal attitudes. This is where we can all help to force the speed of change and to educate our communities and say the femicides and gender based violence is no longer acceptable – in silence or in any way! It is time for change – time for ‘Libertas’ – and our rides beyond silence will help in bringing a positive element to those women who are quietly looking for help and support.

The Libertas goals for feminine freedom

The ‘Libertas’ gender based violence project has the following initial goals:

To create a women’s cycling club across Romania that becomes a safe and empowering environment for women to come together and form friendships that develop their confidence;
To set up a series of monthly venues for women only cycling rides, led by qualified ride leaders;
To work with relevant organisations that can support women who are currently suffering gender based violence, risk of femicide or coercive behaviour, and to help to promote their work, and increase the support for vulnerable women;
To build a greater awareness of femicides and gender based violence across Romania, and to help educate people in the right way;
To work with others to reduce the instances of women suffering femicides and gender based violence and coercive behaviour in our communities.

ALEG can only deliver its expert help with your support. Why not donate and help women to get the services they need – DONATE TO ALEG HERE

Libertas locations for 2026

As we work with partners to develop this project, we will be setting up a series of monthly ‘Libertas – Ride beyond silence’ rides initially at Sibiu in Transylvania, before hopefully growing the project in other locations across Romania. The idea is to create a feeling of community, where women can join the Libertas Community Cycling Club and ride in a positive and welcoming atmosphere, free from pressure and the untold pain and tears of gender based violence – and with the liberty to let themselves enjoy the company of others without fear of judgement or violence.

Libertas is about creating an environment that empowers women in Romania – and elsewhere – to build confidence and to feel protected and free from the gender based violence and hurtful environments that continue to harm too many women in Romania and around the world. Maybe if this project is successful in Transylvania and Romania, it can work elsewhere – time will tell. From acorns, oak trees grow!

If you’d like to help us and to set up an informal Libertas women’s cycling ride, then let us know!

Survivor support and empowerment

Rebuilding confidence: Learning to cycle can be a powerful experience for survivors, helping them to feel a sense of accomplishment, independence, and pride after a traumatic experience.

Therapeutic benefits: Cycling can provide a sense of freedom and a healthy outlet for stress. It offers a chance to get out of the house, socialize, and reconnect with joy and fun.

Social connection: Group rides and projects in refuges provide a way for survivors to bond with others and build community in a safe and supportive environment.

Empowerment: For some, mastering cycling represents taking back control over their bodies and lives. This can be a step toward regaining a sense of personal power and confidence that may have been lost during an abusive relationship.

Join us at ‘Libertas’ and help us to help women to ride beyond the silence of domestic and family violence. Let’s change small worlds for the better, and in doing so change to world for those women at risk in their everyday lives.

Growing ‘Libertas’ as a global initiative

As spring 2026 arrives, we will start the initial programme of our ‘Libertas – Ride beyond silence’ women’s cycling rides, based at Sibiu, and will be publishing details here on the Pedalnorth website and on social media.

If you would like more details, or would like to start a Libertas ride where you live, and wherever you are in the world, then simply message us here at Pedalnorth. Let’s work together to tackle this important issue and to support women who suffer in silence, in all corners of the world.

A.L.E.G. is a non-governmental organization active since 2004 in the field of preventing and combating violence against women and promoting gender equality.

You can access lots of useful information on the A.L.E.G website about finding help for gender based violence in Romania. CLICK HERE to visit their website

Don’t suffer in silence – you are stronger and more powerful than you imagine. Ride beyond the silence of suffering with Libertas!

ALEG can only deliver its expert help with your support. Why not donate and help women to get the services they need – DONATE TO ALEG HERE

Elite Arion Rollers

Pedalnorth Website — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 20:43:27 +0000

Elite ARION Rollers

Pre-race warm-ups and winter core work

I’m still quite new to the race world of cycling. I entered my very first race six years ago – just out of curiosity. I was deeply passionate about cycling and wanted to see what a competition actually felt like. Fast forward six years, and I’m now racing at elite level and proudly hold the title of National Vice-Champion in the Romanian XCM Marathon. I was also lucky enough to be chosen to race for the national road team, in the recent Tour of Romania – a real honour and surprise for me.

It has been, and still is, a long and challenging journey. Looking back at where I started and seeing how far I’ve come, I can only feel grateful and proud. However, there’s no rest and I have to be on tip top form when the racing begins – and, that means having the right equipment to help me. At home, I have a superb indoor setup from Elite. However, on race day, I need something more flexible.

Pre-race warm up kit

I still remember how, in the early days, I used to watch the top riders warming up before the start. They weren’t just pedaling casually – they had these devices where they mounted their bikes and spun endlessly, almost like little… hamsters. I was amazed at how they managed to stay balanced and how ready they were to launch into the race as soon as the start signal was given.
And now, after six years, thanks to my position as a writer and editor at Pedalnorth.com, and our relationship with world-leading brand, Elite; I can finally warm up like the pros pre-race, with the Elite ARION roller – making my pre-race routine more efficient and effective.

So, what is a roller?

Parabolic rollers guide your wheel towards the middle for balance and good control. Magnetic resistance and a simple adjustment on the side of the rollers provide 3 levels of hill-type work. Parabolic rollers, 85mm in the middle, 100mm at the sides aid balance, by helping you to ride central and to improve your pedal action as you get better and staying central. The roller surface is made from smooth, anti-static plastic that reduces noise and tire wear, too.

It may look like a simple device, but it’s absolutely crucial when it comes to performance, safety, and reliability. There’s more to than meets the eye; and the design has been developed more than you’d think. It takes some battering from all of those warm-up routines.

Yes, the Elite ARION roller is lightweight yet sturdy, offering excellent stability and a natural ride feel. Along with the Misuro B+ sensor, it transforms into a complete indoor training partner whenever the weather keeps you from going outside. Slotting easily into the side of the roller unit, the Misuro B+ reads data based on the type of home trainer being used. I can pair it up with the ‘My E-Training Software, and it turns your Elite ARION roller session into an advanced digital instrument that displays and manages fundamental training data. This has been useful in ensuring that I don’t over-cook things pre-race.

Light and portable for flexibility

One really great aspect of the Elite Arion rollers is the practicality and ease of transport. Being light and easy to carry, it is quickly foldable with a single movement, reducing storage space by up to 50% when not in use, and tucks neatly into the car alongside race kit and bikes.

Riding mainly mountain bike, but also training on the road, I like that the ARION is compatible with both road and MTB wheels. The ARION’s front roller can be adjusted in 10 different positions, ensuring perfect alignment with your bike’s frame – voila!

Riding with balance

Thankfully, I have a strong core from racing; however, the rollers will help you to improve your core, whilst helping with your cycling balance. It can be intimidating at first though – ‘will I fall’ is the obvious question! Thankfully though, it’s easy to pick up the technique, and you can practice at home by putting the Elite AXION in a doorway and testing it out. This way, with your elbows out, you can use the close proximity of the door frame for reassurance.

Once you’ve gained confidence, you’ll be riding the rollers freely like a pro.

Whether at home or trackside, Elite ARION is the perfect partner for warm-ups – preparing your body to perform at its very best when the race begins. It’s also a great short training session in itself, with the music playing, just to pedal away freely at home. Riding the AXION is a great way to develop your pedal technique and efficiency. The smoother your technique, the more in the centre of the roller you stay!

As we head into winter here in Romania, and the snow starts to fill the mountain roads, I’ll be retreating indoors more and more; and whilst the fixed bike set-up will be taking the strain, my Elite ARION Mag rollers will be helping out too, ensuring that I work my core and balance on the bike too! Riding the rollers is something that all cyclists can benefit from – from Elite racers to those beginning and who simply want to improve balance and core strength on the bike.

The ARION Mag rollers from Elite are ideal for everyone, and will last you for a long time, helping you to be the better cyclist to tackle those personal cycling challenges. Now, isn’t that what we all are aiming for!

Read Our Blogs

Elite Avanti Smart Trainer first look

Pedalnorth Website — Tue, 06 May 2025 15:11:29 +0000

Getting back to training

with Alex Sabin

ELITE AVANTI – SMART TRAINER
First look at this new Smart Trainer from Italy

by Alex Sabin

I remember the first more “serious” year of training on the bike. It was the end of 2019 and after a summer in which I participated in a few mountain biking competitions here in Romania, the “bug” was already starting to catch me. I was not a naturally competitive person, as I always liked to pedal to explore, to visit new places, and to get there by my own strength. I was born in the hills that lie at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains in Romania, and so exploring the vast and beautiful landscapes was a part of me – of who I am. Cycling was for me a means to find my way about the world and to find adventure!

However, after only a few initial mountain bike competitions, I started to like this feeling as well. I begin to think ‘hey, this is kind of cool, too!’ Yes, the feeling of fighting with yourself, challenging yourself and adapting to the various conditions and to the mountains and… to train for your dream – the dream of winning! Yes, training is essential and because winter was coming too, it was important for me to continue my training. So, my coach, George, gave me his trainer – my very first. An Elite FORCE, which I found again in recent days, after 6 years. When I look at what has happened and what I’ve achieved in those 6 years, it was kind of nice.

Now, 6 years later, and after many km, both outside on the roads and trails and in the virtual world of interactive trainers, I can already look back at many places on the podium. After more or less pleasant moments, there’s only one thing that has remained constant for me – indoor and Elite training. Yes, Elite is a brand that means something to me. It’s been with me at various times along my short journey to date.

Getting ‘smart’ with Elite interactivity

Thankfully, starting this year, I have the chance to test and train again on Elite devices, and I’m more than excited about it. Yes, as a writer and editor here at Pedalnorth, and as a recognized mountain bike racer here in Romania, I’ve been sent a new Elite indoor cycling set-up to try out long term and to see how their latest AVANTI smart trainer can benefit a cyclist and mountain bike racer like me.

Arriving recently and being quickly unboxed, the first thing I notice is the simplicity of the device and how intuitive it is to install. Simple and efficient; things that are increasingly rare lately in other devices. It’s a good start and a big “well done” to Elite. We’d all rather be riding than struggling with instructions!

The AVANTI trainer from Elite comes with all the necessary adapters too, and you can mount both your road racing bike or your mountain bike. Hey, one bike is never enough – remember that! In my case, I chose to install my mountain bike, because my main event is the mountain bike marathon and I prefer to get used to the position and feeling on the mountain bike. Being able to do so and to work on many aspects of my training is vital, and thankfully the AVANTI trainer from Elite is spot on.

Indoor training for outdoor results

Indoor training for me was also the best way to recover from my opponents in the competition. There are 5-6 years difference between me and the rest. It took a lot of drive and determination, discipline and passion. I had some catching up to do. Indoor training is very beneficial, and not just for me, because everything happens in a controlled environment. The pedalling is constant and training plans can go very smoothly. I can focus on small details such as pedal action, watts and stamina, and the AVANTI replicates the hills for me, up to 18% and it has a built-in power meter too. Everything I need to replicate the riding in the nearby hills! In addition to this, at least in the winter period, safety also intervenes. On snow, wet roads, on those tricky winter days of rain and snow, it’s not that much fun. Add to this the dangers and the indoor trainer is a vital tool for me. In addition, if you ever have the feeling that time passes too quickly…. Try cycling for at least an hour indoors – you’ll soon know what I mean!

Indoor workouts have gained more and more popularity and so have virtual tour apps. There are so many options to choose from, and thankfully the Elite AVANTI smart trainer works with them all – the choice is up to you. Through these applications you connect with blue-tooth to your chosen Elite devices and you can have an outdoor experience in a virtual environment – voila! The AVANTI works with Zwift, Trainer Road and a host of other applications, as well as their own My E-Training by Elite, which has some great videos of well-known road climbs and other routes.

I’ll be honest, though. I wasn’t a fan of virtual tour apps initially. They are for me, more old-fashioned. I just prefer to listen to music, podcast or watch something light while pedalling away! However, thankfully the Elite AVANTI set-up came with some additional devices that I think bode well. In this case, the Elite STERZO SMART, which is a front wheel lock that allows you to steer the front wheel left and right, thus imitating pedalling outside and adding some interest to proceedings.

Elite by name, Elite by nature!

Yes, Elite as a world-leading indoor interactive trainer brand comes to the rescue with a complete setup to make indoor training just right, at a very high level. Whether you are a simple amateur or a professional rider, the AVANTI and the STERZO is a great indoor cycling option for you. ELITE ZONA is also part of the Elite ecosystem and came for me to test, alongside the AVANTI. Elite ZONA is a controller that gives you full control over your workout and training plan, without using apps or software. You get control over a bunch of modes; workouts based on power zones, w/kg, mechanical resistance and pre-programmed settings. It’s also easily installed anywhere on the handlebars or bicycle frame. I’ll be writing about the Elite ZONA in more detail, in a future blog.

For now though, there are no more excuses – it’s time to ride!

You recall how I was telling you at the beginning, that one of the things I really love about the Elite Avanti smart trainer is its manoeuvrability. For a person who travels quite often, divided between several places; a lightweight, manoeuvrable and simple to carry device is essential for me. I can also take it to races in the car, using it for warm-up and post-race. Yes, in a short space of time, I have discovered that the new Elite Avanti is my best friend. Very easy to pack and to store, and easy to setup and control my training with. Again, there are no more excuses. Regardless of whether you are away or not, the Avanti makes cycling and training easy. The smart trainer is your friend for life

I’ll be writing more about training on the Elite system, how easy I find out through the racing season and how it helps me develop my performance. For now, though, thank you Elite and Pedalnorth.com for the opportunity to work with such an awesome brand. It feels incredible to return to the Elite ecosystem, and to see how it can help me to develop as pro mountain bike racer, at home and abroad, racing my mountain bike in the epic mountains of Romania!

Visit the Elite website

Click Here

Read Our Blogs

Empowering Resilience in Young Cyclists

Pedalnorth Website — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 18:09:53 +0000

Empowering Resilience in Young Cyclists: Lessons from Women in Cycling

Nadezhda Pavlova, Editor in Chief

Cycling is more than just a sport, it’s a powerful journey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. For young athletes, especially girls, embracing cycling can foster essential life skills that extend far beyond the bike. As we explore the resilience built through cycling, we can inspire the next generation to take on challenges with confidence and determination.

One of the most valuable lessons that cycling teaches is the importance of perseverance. Many women cyclists understand that the road can be bumpy—literally and figuratively. From learning to ride to facing unexpected obstacles, each challenge presents an opportunity to grow. For instance, a young cyclist might experience falls or mishaps during training. Instead of seeing these as failures, they can be reframed as stepping stones to mastery. Each time they get back on the bike, they build not just physical strength, but also mental fortitude.

Empowering yourself

Cycling requires quick reflexes and adaptability, skills that can be honed through practice and experience. Young cyclists learn to navigate changing terrains, avoid obstacles, and respond to unpredictable situations. This adaptability is crucial, as it translates into everyday life, teaching kids to stay calm and think critically under pressure. As the saying goes, “Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.” Cycling teaches us resilience—every climb, every mile, every push through the pain makes us stronger. Remember: the ride might hurt now, but the reward lasts forever.

Trust is another significant component of cycling, particularly when training in groups. Young cyclists must rely on their peers and themselves, learning the importance of collaboration and communication. Riding with others fosters a sense of community and encourages girls to support one another, breaking down barriers and building confidence. They learn to trust their instincts and make decisions in real-time, which is an invaluable skill both on and off the bike.

The empowerment that comes from cycling is profound. As girls push their limits and embrace new challenges, they cultivate a sense of self-efficacy. They discover that they are capable of more than they initially thought, whether it’s climbing a steep hill or completing a long-distance ride. This empowerment lays the foundation for a lifetime of resilience and courage, encouraging them to tackle future obstacles with a positive mindset.

Becoming your best version

Furthermore, cycling promotes physical health and well-being, contributing to improved self-esteem. Young cyclists experience the joy of setting goals and achieving them, fostering a sense of accomplishment. This physical activity also enhances mental clarity and emotional regulation, making it an excellent outlet for stress relief. One in four people will experience a mental health problem each year, according to many studies. Building a strong foundation for yourself through exercise, meditation, and cycling. These activities help not only cope but even thrive, and cycling has helped get even stronger, both mentally and physically.

As we encourage kids, especially girls, to take up cycling, we must highlight the endless possibilities it offers. It’s a sport that can be enjoyed individually or as part of a team, allowing for social connections and personal growth. Cycling can be a lifelong pursuit, promoting wellness, adventure, and resilience at every stage of life.

The lessons learned through cycling are invaluable for young women. By embracing challenges, fostering trust, and cultivating resilience, cycling can empower the next generation of female athletes. As they ride, they’ll not only build skills on two wheels but also the confidence to navigate life’s many paths.

SQLab Saddles for Prostate Problems and Back Pain

Pedalnorth Website — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 16:29:46 +0000

SQlab Cycling Technology – Saddles for special circumstances

The SQlab active-saddle technology

by Robert Thorpe & Til Drobisch (SQLab)

Now that we’ve got you sitting relatively comfortably on your new SQLab step saddle, we want to talk with you about those medical issues which some cyclists unfortunately have, and which can benefit from even more detailed technical thinking from those clever people at SQlab. Their ‘active saddle’ technology was designed to aid cyclists with back pain caused from spinal issues and other factors. The technology enables a physiologically correct co-movement of the pelvis and thus prevents discomfort in the lower back.

It’s worth understanding that, in addition to 24 cranial nerves, humans have 62 other spinal nerves. More than half of all spinal nerves pass through or past the pelvis. This can bring on those significant pain issues that we mentioned in our earlier saddles blog with SQlab. However, all these nerves within the spinal area can after trauma, or simply due to our lifestyle, cause us back pain that is debilitating. Add to this the movement of a bike, and you’ve got a serious pain problem that needs a solution. With Tobias’ own history of spinal injury, this has always been an issue that SQlab wanted to look at and to find a solution to help riders.

In essence, the solution was a new way of constructing a saddle so that it became more than simply a support system for sit bones. After lots of research and testing, the ‘active saddle’ technology was borne.

SQlab’s ‘active saddle’ technology enables the pelvis to move laterally while riding, reducing strain on the lower spine, pelvis, and hips, and relieving the discs and facet joints. This added movement, whilst controlling the stability of the sit bones, makes cycling more comfortable and helps prevent back pain. Let’s look briefly at this in detail.

The active – Technology

The active saddle concept incorporates a unique technology that allows the saddle to tilt and move slightly as the rider shifts their weight, and it moves in just the right way to compensate for that rider motion. This movement helps to reduce pressure on sensitive areas, improve stability, and promote a more natural riding posture. Movement is important for the spinal column, as it allows the spine to flex naturally. The metabolism of the intervertebral discs within the spinal column functions via movement (loading and unloading) – for example when walking… or cycling. On the other hand, constant one-sided pressure, such as that caused by sitting motionless for long periods, has a disruptive effect. That disruptive effect is felt as pain and it can be severe. Importantly, as you’ve already measured yourself and now have the right width of SQlab saddle and are benefitting from their step-saddle design, you have the correct stable base for your own unique sit bones, meaning that ‘active saddle’ technology is one more element to help your now correctly fitted saddle to give you the ultimate in cycling comfort.

Preventing Back Pain

By allowing this gentle and controlled movement, whilst maintaining the stability of your sit bones, the saddle promotes a more ergonomic posture, which can help alleviate tension and pain in the lower back. The dynamic motion also supports the natural curvature of the spine, reducing the risk of strain during rides. It relieves those important spinal discs, as the slight movement of the saddle helps to distribute pressure evenly across the sitting bones and minimizes stress on the spinal discs. This relief can be crucial during longer commutes, longer rides and general cycling. Since its development in 2010, SQlab have introduced this technology across their range of saddles.

Active saddle technology can help sporty cyclists too. In terms of these performance-orientated riders, the active saddle technology helps to reduce back pain on those longer and arduous days on the bike, riding into the hills.

The active system works, because the rails are attached to the centre of the saddle shell, allowing the base of the saddle to flex, when pressure (coming from the body weight) is applied. The flex in the sportive models can be altered by using elastomers with different damping properties (white: soft, grey: medium-soft, black: hard), so depending on body weight you can use the elastomer that allows the correct amount of flex.

The comfort saddles don´t have an elastomer, they have a switch function, which allows even more movement if the switch is turned 90°, but they already come with more flex, because they are focused more on comfort and pain reduction, than the sporty models.

Prostate saddles by SQlab

One other area of bike saddles that we wanted to explore, due in no small part to my own health related issues, is cycling with prostate issues. We won’t suffer you with the details of this potentially serious condition, suffice to say that thankfully, SQlab have researched this and created a specific saddle to help to alleviate discomfort for riders with prostate issues. The prostate sits at the area of the pubic arch, and when enlarged can adversely affect cyclists who are using an incorrectly fitted saddles. Many cyclists have significant issues due to saddle problems and an enlarged prostate. It can lead to you needing medical consultation, and so we’d always recommend speaking to your doctor if you believe that you fall into this category.

Thankfully though, with the correct medical intervention and support, and the right saddle – from SQlab in this case – you can ride pain free and without your enlarged prostate being an issue. Fundamentally, it is essential to reduce the pressure on the prostate to a maximum, and the prostate specific saddle from SQlab does just this!

Removing the pressure and creating comfort

After a prostate operation or in the case of frequent prostate inflammations, it is crucial that the saddle does not exert pressure on the sensitive perineal area. The SQlab saddle models 621 M-D active, 602 M-D active and 610 M-D active provide the best possible relief in the perineal area and are recommended after prostate surgery. Instead of the trademark double-step shape, they only have one higher elevated step, which leads to higher pressure relief on the saddle nose and the perineal area, which includes the prostate.

The SQlab M-D Line stands for maximum relief of sensitive areas and so the 602 M-D® active 2.1 offers the optimal pressure distribution according to medical criteria for trekking and touring bikes. The relief of the perineal area is with 80% very large and usually also sufficient for an age-related, enlarged prostate.

The 602 M-D active 2.1 also gets an improved, lighter saddle shell, an increased adjustment range and the completely newly developed technology for the Comfort active system, which is now adjustable via a switch function. New models from SQlab are also integrated threads for the connection of bags. The new 602 M-D offers more comfort with the same relief and a slightly narrower saddle nose, meaning that every aspect of your medical needs is catered for, leaving you to ride in comfort.

In the next blog, Til and I will be talking about the next contact point for cyclists – handlebars – and the associated issues that need to be overcome. For now, though, we’ve hopefully given you a better understanding of the importance of getting a correctly fitted saddle, and, how using a well-researched and well-engineered brand such as SQlab can benefit your general health as well as your cycling lifestyle.

Visit the SQlab Website

Effective ergonomics and choosing the correct bike saddle

Pedalnorth Website — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 17:00:57 +0000

Effective Ergonomics in Cycling & Finding Your Fit

Improving bike saddle comfort – with SQlab

by Robert Thorpe & Til Drobisch

In terms of the three main contact points for cyclists, the saddle is probably the most important to get right – albeit that they all matter. Most of us spend a lot of time seated – at home, at work and when cycling. Making sure that your bike saddle is comfortable and that it is the correct saddle for you, is more important than we usually give it credit for. It’s important to ask yourself the question: ‘am I sitting comfortably?’ After all, you’ve maybe spent a great deal of money on your bike, and in too many cases the saddle was probably – and incorrectly – low on the list of priorities. Yes, get it wrong and it will cause you pain, discomfort and maybe even some long-term health issues.

Ergonomics in cycling is important; in fact, it’s critical if we are to fully appreciate how our own unique body interacts with our own individual bicycle. Whether you are a simple leisure cyclist or commuter, or a keen racer or an adventure cyclist, we guarantee that you’ll spend time seated on that all-important saddle; and we can guarantee that if it doesn’t fit you properly or isn’t designed around your own body shape and requirements, then you’ll be feeling the pain in all the wrong places.

Thankfully, SQlab from Munich, deep in Bavaria and Germany, have been looking at cycling ergonomics since their inception over 20 years ago. The comfort and health benefits of getting the right saddle fit are critical to their way of thinking; which is why I recently spent a whole afternoon listening to and talking with Til from their technical team. It was enlightening to learn about how each of us use the bike saddle, how we need to use it and how to ensure that our bike saddle is the best possible fit for our own unique body. There’s a science to it, and Til and the team at SQlab have been studying it for over 20 years, developing saddles that are at the top of the curve in terms of innovation and excellence and support to riders of all shapes and sizes.

When we look properly at saddles and finding the right bike saddle for riders, there’s a whole lot of information for us to take in; which is why this blog is the first in a new series that we’ll be writing this year, in partnership with our friends such as Til at with SQlab. This first blog rightly focuses solely on the process measuring and fitting the best bike saddle for you, and why this is important. It covers the issues that can arise, how they can arise and how they will affect you as a cyclist – and so, if you’re sitting comfortably, we’ll begin.

Pelvis

The perineal area must be relieved.
The sit bones are made for sitting!

Don’t saddle yourself with long-term pain

There are some key aspects to think about when saddles don’t work as intended. A cheap saddle or an incorrectly fitted saddle on your bike can lead to neck pain and pain in your hands, as you shift weight around and those important nerves are pinched between the pelvis bones. If most of your contact with the saddle is with the sensitive parts of the pelvic area – those soft tissue points between the pelvic arch – then things are going to get very uncomfortable very soon indeed. SQlab founder, Tobias started to think about how he and other riders were getting pressure from perineal and to sit bones, after his own experiences and a serious accident some years ago, where he crashed and broke vertebra. It required a whole new style of thinking for him, and the ideas that now form SQlab were borne.

In effect, what happens when you sit on a badly fitted saddle is that your pelvic sit bones don’t take the pressure that they are designed for. Instead, to narrow a saddle creates discomfort at the pubic bones and increases the pressure on the perineal area where lots of tissues and nerves exist. The pressure put down onto the saddle by our bodies, needs to be matched for the different sit bone widths we each have, so that the saddle gives pressure only at the pubic bones. Initially, this may feel uncomfortable as the sit bones adjust the feeling. However, after only a short time it feels natural and aids your cycling and general health. This is how Til and the people at SQlab developed their ‘sit fit system’, and it ensures that you, the cyclist, have the best possible way of finding the saddle that fits your own unique needs. Best of all, it’s a simple and easy to understand system, and one that makes perfect sense.

Getting the measure of saddle comfort

There are 3 stages to getting the measurement for the saddle, and whilst pressure mapping is used by many, SQlab have shown that their own technique is generally more accurate, whilst also being quite simple. It’s based on those all-important sit bones and how they protrude and can mark a sheet a paper – yes, that simple! You can visit an SQLab fit partner, or you can get their home fit kit and carry this out home yourself.

For home users, or on a measuring stool with the nub plate on top at your local dealer, sit with your back upright on a stool with the SQlab measuring paper, placed on the stool and pull yourself towards the stool with both hands.

Measure the sit bone distance from center to center and add the value for the respective sitting position (taken from the sheet in the home measurement kit). SQlab add a value to the measurement, based on how upright you sit. This then gives you the right fit saddle.

Select a saddle from the SQlab range, based on your individual cycling discipline and in the correct width.

By doing the measurement this way, only the sit bones point through and make the necessary indication on the sheet. It is quite interesting to learn from Til, that dependent on the cycling discipline you normally ride, the saddle size needs change slightly to take this positioning into consideration. It’s due to the pelvis rotating further forward and using the narrower part of the sit bones in a stretched position and the wider part of the sit bones in an upright position plus having more of the buttocks on the saddle the more upright I am, which needs more support. For example:

Triathletes tend to stretch out forwards extensively;

Road racers stretch out, but not as much;

Other riders are classed between being moderate, slightly bent or upright – this usually being city cyclists.

Getting the measure of saddle comfort

Select a saddle from the SQlab range, based on your individual cycling discipline and in the correct width.

Triathletes tend to stretch out forwards extensively;

Road racers stretch out, but not as much;

Other riders are classed between being moderate, slightly bent or upright – this usually being city cyclists.

Unisex Saddles

The anatomy of men and women is obviously different. For the male anatomy, they have steeper upward pubic bones. Females have a lower pubic arch, although to a large extent, the pubic arch doesn’t really matter, as pressure is correctly placed on the sit bone and not pubic arch, when the saddle is correctly measured and fitted. Yes, different problems arise from men to women; however, they can be solved by the same saddle. Most female specific saddles – from brands other than SQlab – simply constructed to be wider and softer, which is nonsense. It takes us back to that old phrase: ‘pink it and shrink it.’ They deserve better.

Getting the saddle width wrong and the pressure and power goes to the pubic arch area, instead of on those important sit bones. Using the measure technique from SQlab ensures that the correct width of saddle creates space between the pubic arch/soft tissue and the saddle and relives the problem. When you first use that correctly fitted saddle, the sit bone feeling against saddle may be strange. However, this passes in a short time. It’s difficult to show to people, as riders often press onto saddle and think that it’s hard and they feel the sit bones – and ironically, they don’t want to feel sit bones – even for that short time.

Myth of the soft saddle

Soft saddles are only suitable for short distances and up to a maximum of 45 minutes! Muscle and tendon attachments are irritated by soft pads, due to shear forces that occur. Sit bones get used to the load, albeit that the sit bones on a soft saddle are not properly looked after. It´s not really the movement in the pelvis that causes problems, more the shear forces and friction on the sit bone itself, which leads to irritation of the bone and tendons. Plus, the sit bone sinking into the soft material leads to higher pressure in the perineal area because the sit bone is lower than the middle part of the saddle.

We need to get used to hard surface and a hard saddle, as we don’t usually sit on hard surfaces. Our chairs and sofa at home are soft and we like to sink into it. However, on a bike we are moving whilst seated and we need our sit bones to remain stable. Thankfully, once we get used to the hard saddle surface, it’s super comfortable. A soft saddle, conversely, as explained, will not give you that all-important sit bone support, leading to your pelvis being mobile on the saddle and pain being felt after a few minutes riding, and those health issues that we mentioned earlier being caused.

Coccyx pain and saddle shape

This is an issue mainly in female riders. It can move further to the inside. We don’t want the coccyx encountering the saddle at all, and the shape of the saddle is critical to this – alongside the width, of course – because if the sit bones are next to the saddle, the coccyx will be closer to the saddle than if the sit bones are on top of the saddle.

Male riders tend to get numbness due to a higher pubic bone. The soft tissue in the centre of the pelvic area has 2 important nerves in the middle. Having the wrong saddle width places your seated position in this zone and gives this numbness. Taking time to correctly choose your saddle will take your seated position away from this nerve are and place you on those sit bones.

Saddle fitting needs to include the front tilt and the surface of the saddle – curved or flat – as well as the front nose are. A poor tilt of the front of the saddle, even by 1 degree, can make a huge difference. Once you the saddle the width correctly known, the next thing to look at is the tilt. You can test the tilt difference in small degrees and assess how your seated position feels between each small incremental change.

Pressure on the saddle fitting and shape (conventional saddles)

For women, the saddle nose on a conventional saddle can tilt upwards slightly or have a straight cut shape. This leads to pressure for women on the pubic arch. Using the SQlab step saddle system, the lowered saddle frontal area works by reducing the pressure on the pubic arch. It gives the correct pressure distribution and frees up the pelvic area, leading to a more comfortable ride.

Numbness, especially for men, can be caused when a conventional saddle shape has too much pressure on the perineal area. Focusing again on the SQlab step saddle design, the pressure is distributed according to medical analysis, freeing up… yes, the pelvic area and focusing the weighting on those sit bones – voila!

Saddle shape and the Step Saddle

The SQ Lab step saddle concept has been developed with medical experts, measuring oxygen supply in the glands, using various saddles and shapes. What SQ Lab found was that ‘gap’ saddles can cause more dangerous pressure peaks on the inside – especially for women, due to the low pubic bone. There can also be aa weakness around the edges of the gap, causing the saddle to curve upwards slightly, and leading to pressure being incorrectly applied in that important pelvic arch area.

When SQlab examined the ‘wavy’ saddle concept, the results were really interesting. The curve reduces the area available for the sit bones and the curved area can also interfere with the wrong areas of the pelvis, causing discomfort and potentially causing nerve pain and other associated problems elsewhere on the body – which we’ll cover in future blogs with SQLab.

Dealing with the unique SQlab ‘Step saddle concept’, it gave far better results in research, which is why it is the chosen design for all SQlab saddles. Fundamentally, the built in lower frontal area of the saddle allows for a better sitting position for our shape and for our sit bone stability, without interfering with other pelvic areas. It gave far fewer problems for more cyclists – and that’s what we all want on the bike. Finally, for now, let’s look at how saddle shape and structure affect the pressure points and those important sit bones and how they are positioned on the saddle.

Pressure distribution

Let’s look at the various saddles on the market, against the SQlab step saddle.

Regular saddle – High pressure in the perineal area and prostate.

Gel saddle – Pressure in the perineal area, increasing with longer riding. Gel moves upwards!

Cut-out saddle – Dangerous pressure peaks in nerves and vessels -good values in blood flow tests.

Step saddle – Pressure distribution according to medical criteria and saddle with a stepped structure, designed to fit more naturally and to give stability to the sit bones and to reduce contact areas elsewhere in the pelvic regions. High scores in blood circulation tests

Hopefully, you now understand why we’ve gone into so much detail about saddle shape, width, fitting and structure. That seemingly simple accessory to the bike is more important than you thought, and it’s important that you get it right. Getting properly fitted for a saddle can form part of an overall bike fit, or you can utilise the SQ Lab home measuring kit – available from their website.

In the next blog, I’ll be writing about prostate saddles and the new SQlab ‘Active Saddle Technology’, which enables a physiologically correct co-movement of the pelvis and thus prevents discomfort in the lower back. For now, though, off you go and get yourself measured for a more comfortable and healthier cycling future.

Road Step Saddle

Gravel Step Saddle

MTB Step Saddle

The next blog talks about the SQlab active saddle technology and saddles to help with prostate problems. Clink the link HERE to read it.

For more information about the SQlab step saddle concept:

Visit the SQlab website

Read Our Blogs

Health – pedalnorth

TIME Scylon – the most comfortable high-performance road bike in the world

Breaking the Myth

Why my race bike is also my most comfortable bike

by Nadezhda Pavlova, Editor in Chief

Feeling ‘at one’ with your bike

The best carbon bike frame in the world… I think so!

Related Content

Time Scylon – a bike built for truth

The TIME Scylon

A High-Performance Carbon Road Bike Built for Truth

Nadezhda Pavlova, Editor in Chief

Consistency Over Peak Power

Cycling culture celebrates peak power numbers and race results

More Than Watts – What Performance Really Means

Related Content

Choosing a triathlon bike

CHOOSING A TRIATHLON BIKE

WHAT KIND OF BIKE DO YOU NEED IN TRIATHLON.

Related Content

Defining Cycling Culture and Style

Cycling culture and style

Understanding the changing face of cycling

The role of the cycling industry

The role of clubs in defining cycling culture

Technology and cycling culture

Style versus substance

Personal choice versus chasing personal fame

Cycling culture is ultimately up to you

Pedalnorth.com – where cycling culture & style lives in freedom

Related Content

Libertas – tackling gender based violence in Romania

‘Libertas’ – A cycling community for women in Romania

‘Ride Beyond Silence’ – Tackling Gender based violence & femicide in Romania

Teo Sabina

Coming in 2026 – a community cycling club for women in Romania!

‘Libertas – Ride beyond silence ‘

Gender based violence in Romania

The Libertas goals for feminine freedom

ALEG can only deliver its expert help with your support. Why not donate and help women to get the services they need – DONATE TO ALEG HERE

Libertas locations for 2026

Survivor support and empowerment

Growing ‘Libertas’ as a global initiative

ALEG can only deliver its expert help with your support. Why not donate and help women to get the services they need – DONATE TO ALEG HERE

Related Content

Elite Arion Rollers

Elite ARION Rollers

Pre-race warm-ups and winter core work

Pre-race warm up kit

So, what is a roller?

Light and portable for flexibility

Riding with balance

Related Content

Elite Avanti Smart Trainer first look

ELITE AVANTI – SMART TRAINER First look at this new Smart Trainer from Italy

by Alex Sabin

Getting ‘smart’ with Elite interactivity

Indoor training for outdoor results

Elite by name, Elite by nature!

Click Here

Related Content

Empowering Resilience in Young Cyclists

Empowering Resilience in Young Cyclists: Lessons from Women in Cycling

Nadezhda Pavlova, Editor in Chief

Empowering yourself

Becoming your best version

Related Content

SQLab Saddles for Prostate Problems and Back Pain

SQlab Cycling Technology – Saddles for special circumstances

The SQlab active-saddle technology

by Robert Thorpe & Til Drobisch (SQLab)

The active – Technology

Preventing Back Pain

Prostate saddles by SQlab

Removing the pressure and creating comfort

Related Content

Effective ergonomics and choosing the correct bike saddle

Effective Ergonomics in Cycling & Finding Your Fit

Improving bike saddle comfort – with SQlab

Pelvis

ELITE AVANTI – SMART TRAINER
First look at this new Smart Trainer from Italy

The perineal area must be relieved.
The sit bones are made for sitting!