SPANK SADDLES (draft - WIP)

When developing the new line of SPANK Human Factor saddles, we had the primary goal to offer 4 variations, which may share certain aesthetics, but suit very different rider types and styles.

Everybody just wants to enjoy and get the most out of the ride.  One part of achieving that is your personal fitness and skills development. The second part is a bike dialed to your personal body type and ride style.  At SPANK INDUSTRIES, we call this THE HUMAN FACTOR.

SPIKE 160 / OOZY 220 / OOZY 280 SADDLES

THE BASE –

At the heart of the design, is the very distinctive base with its complex contours.  In short, we’ve shaped the base to reduce base material or create concave areas where we wanted to fill in with extra padding (the sit-bone and pelvic bone areas), and we’ve added material where we wanted to reinforce (the edges that suffer the most risk of impact, and then for your comfort, the rear where we wanted to offer you less flex and more support). 

In addition to these pressure zone contours and reinforced impact edges, the SPANK saddle base contours have also been designed to provide specific flex points in the areas of the saddle where we want you to benefit from an adaptive feel, rather than an unforgiving hard edge. 

COMOLDED CONSTRUCTION - This advanced molding technique is used to form the base, foam, and upper skin together without fold-overs, glues or staples.  It not only looks beautiful, but it allows extreme precision when planning the exact thickness and contour of padding in every area of the saddle. This means ultimate comfort with zero excess material or weight, enhanced durability, and none of that unsightly top layer peeling off or coming undone.

LOW FRICTION SYNTHETIC SKIN  - this contributes to the overall comfort and pedaling efficiency, while anti-slip textures in the sit bone areas ensure security and confidence in all types of weather. Spike 160 and Oozy 280 saddles also feature abrasion resistant material over impact zones to reduce damage from crashes.

RAILS have unique bends and mounting locations, to maximize rear tire clearance without the need for large cutouts or a swallow tail shape. Rails are constructed of tough hollow chromoly, balancing ultimate strength and light weight.

SIZE & FIT - Where most brands are racing toward the shortest and smallest saddles possible right now, we listened to our pros and made sure a 265mm length provides ample room for multiple riding positions, and ample girth in the nose section delivers a comfortable perch when climbing, and confidence when pinching the saddle between their knees. Research shows the vast majority of cyclists are best served by the 144mm width.

ADAPTIVE EDGES surround the perimeter of each saddle, conforming to the personal shape and movement of the rider, and preventing chafing in contact points.

NOMENCLATURE – As you have come to expect, SPANK’s Spike saddle is race inspired, where both Oozy models are aimed at blending All Mountain performance and comfort. The number reference in each model name, refers to the volume of padding in the upper section. Hence, the Spike 160 is the thinnest and firmest, and Oozy 280 has the thickest level of cushioning.

DIAL YOUR FIT

SPANK INDUSTRIES HUMAN FACTOR is focused on offering you the right fit, rather than simply promoting a particular product.  In terms of saddle selection, use the ergonomic descriptions below, combined with the intended discipline chart to identify the saddle design that best suits your body type and ride style.

SPIKE 160 was designed to service riders who prefer a low profile and relatively flat and minimal, race inspired shape. However, this is by no means your normal unforgiving race saddle. Virtually all our sponsored pro racers begged us to finally make a race saddle that was also comfortable enough for long training days. The Spike 160’s design is firm and stiff enough to ensure efficiency isn’t tapped, while remaining supportive and padded enough to damp bone jarring impacts, and a moderate recess acts to prevent discomfort and numbness. A sloping nose and anti-snag edges, facilitate safe, unimpeded freedom of movement in any direction.

OOZY 220 had a very different target in mind from the very beginning, and is arguably the most detailed of the 3 profiles. Its complex contour is designed to offer very secure and supportive rider positioning, with a kickback in the rear to support the lower back, and aid riders to drive pedal strokes from the powerful buttocks muscles. When moving forward on the saddle during steep climbs, it’s easy to find a second secure position which cradles you near the nose of the saddle. This curvy shape can actually make you feel like a better climber, and lower back pain diminishes noticeably. From XC to Enduro, and Gravel to E-MTB, riders who like a secure riding position and a lot of support, have found the Holy Grail in the Oozy 220.

OOZY 280 is the work horse of the trio. It features more ample padding throughout, and a deep, pronounced recess which relieves pressure on sensitive arteries and nerves during long days on the trail. The Oozy 280’s profile is relatively flat fore to aft, however side sections have higher radii than other models. This maximizes rider maneuverability left to right, and front to back, facilitating fast position changes. It also allows a natural rotation of the hip bones when pedaling, and natural feeling for aggressive riders who shift their body weight from side to side while steering. Although the Oozy 280 has the highest level padding, it remains firm enough to blend all day comfort with performance ride characteristics.

SPOON SNIFF SAM REYNOLDS EDITION

The Spoon Sniff saddle is the bad boy of the bunch, designed with Sam Reynolds, a living legend of Freeride, and true innovator in the sport.

SIZE & FIT: The Spoon Sniff’s overall size and shape is as compact as possible, while still fitting a wide range of riders, and providing a suitable nose section to comfortably pinch between the knees when it’s time to send it. The 135mm width and 245mm length is suitable for both adults and kids.

CONSTRUCTION - Ultra-tough Kevlar™ side panels improve durability in the “rub zones”, and provide protection from inevitable crashes. A textured super-grip vinyl upper was selected to deliver the highest possible level of security, no matter the condition. Oversized durable chromoly rails pair up with traditional seat posts, and complete a bombproof build. Durable saddle stitching ties the whole package together with a high end upholstered look.

The Spoon Sniff is comfortable and tough enough for your Freeride, Bike Park, Dirt Jump, or Pumptrack Bike, and equally well fitted to kids’ bikes that are sure to take a lot of abuse.