Bicyclists and horseback riders have something in common: During the course of riding, their bodies undergo highly focused pressure on the crotch, an area of the body that is not designed for such. Horseback riders can mitigate the pressure somewhat by using their thighs to squeeze the horse's torso, an option not available to cyclists.
If you look at the seats on scooters or touring motorcycles, you'll find the design vastly different than that of a bicycle seat. There's more padding and the bulk of the pressure is moved to the buttocks, as the riders needen't be placed to pump rotating pedals.
A company called Laterelle believes they've solved the bicycle seat problem with their eponymous product, which can be fitted to standard bicycles and features a carefully calculated, more ergonomic shape. "There is no contact AT ALL with the rider's central crotch area, removing all the unhealthy pressure and discomfort suffered with rounded, pear-shaped 'saddles,'" the company writes. A wider rear section provides more lateral support, while the pommel has been lowered and the mid-section cut at a downward angle to remove chafing.
Laterelle's seats come in three sizes ranging from a 13-ounce Sports version, a 28-ounce version for cruising, and a 15-ounce in-betweener.
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