I’ve been coping with saddle discomfort for some time now. In response to bike fitters and strategies for selecting a motorbike saddle, I’ve tried many saddles that ought to match me, however they by no means felt proper.
Not too long ago, I got here throughout the Joyseat saddle. It is a 3D-printed saddle that Posedla makes straight based mostly on the imprint of your butt. But it surely’s one of the crucial costly saddles available on the market.
So, is it price it?
KEY TAKEAWAY
After a number of dozen hours of using outside and on the coach, I’ve to verify that the Joyseat has improved my using consolation. It doesn’t push me in my non-public elements, even in a extra aggressive using place. Nevertheless, I like to recommend tilting its nostril a bit greater than a traditional saddle. I additionally wish to spotlight Posedla’s buyer assist and its money-back assure.
However, I discovered it a little bit disappointing that the saddle has a too-wide nostril that causes rubbing with my thighs. As a result of mesh construction, it’s additionally extra maintenance-intensive than common saddles, however provided that you experience, say, MTB or gravel. In street biking, there may be typically no such danger of getting soiled. Lastly, there’s a longer supply time as a result of distinctive manufacturing course of.
Proceed studying for more information.
Posedla Joyseat Abstract
Under, I record the professionals and cons of the Posedla Joyseat I discovered through the use.
Joyseat Professionals
Doesn’t put strain on intimate events
Wonderful buyer assist
Totally {custom} made
Comparatively light-weight (170-210g)
Customizable shade and textual content
Good unboxing expertise
100% satisfaction assure and crash substitute
Posedla’s distinctive communication and content material (podcasts)
Joyseat Cons
Dearer than non-3D-printed saddles
Low weight restrict (100 kg [220 lbs])
Longer supply time in comparison with mass-produced saddles
Extra difficult washing from mud as a result of mesh construction
Tends to harden in low temperatures
Non-slip materials could trigger elevated friction between the pores and skin and chamois
Too broad nostril
How Does the Order Course of Work?
Right here is the abstract of my order. Please keep in mind that I reside within the Czech Republic from the place Posedla ships their orders, so supply occasions to different international locations will in all probability take longer:
20 Oct 2023 9:05: I positioned an order.
20 Oct 2023 9:09: I obtained the monitoring quantity and an e mail explaining the subsequent steps.
20 Oct 2023 21:11: I obtained an e mail concerning the butt imprint.
23 Oct 2023 10:43: I obtained an e mail from the supply firm that they’ve obtained the package deal.
24 Oct 2023 10:49: I obtained the Smiling Butt Equipment.
25 Oct 2023 11:23: I completed my Butt imprint and submitted all additional information.
26 Oct 2023 8:00: Posedla confirmed my imprint and began the manufacturing course of.
30 Nov 2023 9:35: Joyseat is on its approach.
4 Dec 2023 12:40: I obtained the Joyseat (after 5 weeks).
My Expertise with Posedla Joyseat
I’ve used the Joyseat saddle on my street bike, each outside and indoors. Earlier than that, my predominant saddle was Specialised Energy Comp, which I’d estimate was about 80% match.
I’ve tried saddles just like the Prologo Dimension, Selle SMP Dynamic, and lots of Chinese language carbon saddles. Though I assumed lots of them would match, after some time, they nonetheless began to trigger me important discomfort.
The Joyseat is a {custom} saddle, so nothing like that ought to occur. The saddle displays the width of your pelvic bones, using fashion, weight, and so forth. You’ll study extra within the FAQ. Nevertheless, risking over $500 is simply not one thing anybody desires to do. That’s why I recognize Posedla’s money-back assure. You’ll be able to watch the next video from the manufacturing course of, which is surprisingly labor-intensive.
I’ve to confess that I like Posedla’s advertising and marketing communication (particularly in Czech, the place they use catchy expressions and phrases). The unboxing itself can be instance.
In addition to the unique field, I additionally just like the printed details about my saddle and the signature of the worker who made the saddle. It’s an expertise, appropriately with such an costly product. Watch the next video for more information.
My first ever experience on a Joyseat was indoors, throughout a Zwift race lasting about an hour. I have to admit, the consolation was not what I dreamed of. Nevertheless, this was not too shocking as I set the saddle in the identical place because the final one, which is sort of totally different in form.
I contacted Posedla to ask for extra particulars concerning the saddle and likewise requested them for advisable settings. They instructed me that their prospects favor having the nostril tilted down. I adopted this advice, and it helped. The saddle felt extra snug, particularly in an aero place. I additionally began utilizing the Gymrail Momentum X1 rocker plate, so I skilled extra consolation than ever earlier than.
But, the saddle nonetheless didn’t really feel 100% proper when using outdoors. So, I experimented with its place. I tilted the nostril much more and moved the saddle about 5mm ahead. It took some time earlier than I acquired used to it. I’ve a idea on why. All my earlier saddles had a slippery floor, so my butt might freely slide on the saddle. However Joyseat has an anti-slip floor, which can trigger extra friction between the chamois and the pores and skin. This manifests itself for me when using on tough roads and with out chamois cream.
One of the vital fascinating issues about Joyseat is that the padding is tough in several elements. For instance, the again of the saddle is tougher than the entrance. The identical goes for the factors the place the pelvic bones relaxation. Remember that as a result of materials used, the saddle will probably be tougher in chilly temperatures than, for instance, through the summer season.
I rode the saddle primarily outside through the winter, and it felt tougher than it wanted to be. I’m curious to see the way it softens in hotter temperatures (I’ll replace this assessment accordingly).
I recognize the massive sufficient gap within the saddle so it doesn’t press on my intimate elements. That is particularly vital for me when using in an aero using place on flats. Though loads of prostate-friendly bike saddles exist, not all have a well-shaped and sufficiently big reduction channel. Keep in mind, nevertheless, that too giant a gap may cause chilly wind to blow by in winter. It might subsequently be advisable to fill it with, e.g., cardboard or an ass saver.
I additionally can not overlook to touch upon the nostril width. It’s too broad for me, which implies that my thighs rub in opposition to it, which might injury the shorts. Fortunately, Posedla has already launched an up to date model referred to as Joyseat 2.0, which has a narrower nostril, however extra about it later.
Despite the fact that I’ve Joyseat on a street bike, the place there may be virtually no danger of getting soiled as in mountain biking, I can’t fail to say the upkeep. The mesh construction implies that if, for instance, mud will get into it, it is going to be tougher to clean than a daily saddle. However when you’re utilizing, say, an ass saver or fenders, you don’t have anything to fret about.
However the largest elephant within the room is the excessive value of the Joyseat in comparison with customary saddles, which normally price half as a lot. Nevertheless, as with every product, it is dependent upon what you’re evaluating it to. For instance, the 3D S-Works Energy with Mirror is $450, and the Fizik Vento Argo 00 Adaptive is $399. These saddles are mass-produced and usually are not custom-made. So, if we contemplate that they’re mass-produced in a lot bigger portions, the Joyseat not appears so costly.
Moreover, we’ve got to rely the environmental side. Due to Joyseat, there isn’t a have to manufacture as many saddles as a result of discovering the correct one is usually a trial-and-error course of. I additionally wish to spotlight the additional issues that Posedla does, just like the podcasts. These have been in Czech since, however I’d guess they’ll at the least be retitled sooner or later.
Posedla Joyseat 1.0 vs. 2.0: How They Differ?
On 26/2/2024, Posedla launched an up to date model of Joyseat referred to as Joyseat 2.0. I additionally obtained this saddle as a part of my assessment. Nevertheless, it was not custom-made based mostly on my butt imprint. It was only a check saddle.
The Joyseat 2.0 has a modified form. Its nostril is shorter and narrower, which ought to tackle thigh friction. It’s also a number of grams lighter and, in keeping with Posedla, ought to be much more snug.
I can affirm from expertise that the shorter and narrower nostril matches me higher. Nevertheless, on condition that it is a check saddle, this one doesn’t fairly match me. See the comparability photos under.
Posedla Joyseat FAQ
Conclusion
As a result of excessive value of the saddle, I had excessive expectations. It was truthfully not love at first sight, however I acquired used to it. I’ve additionally spoken to a number of high-profile athletes, and so they all reward the Joyseat. Most preferred it instantly. Some acquired used to it like I did.
I additionally tried its second technology (2.0), and I imagine that as a result of narrower nostril if it had been custom-made for me, it will undoubtedly match higher than the primary one.
Joyseat 1.0 is just not excellent, although. For me, its largest downside is the elevated hardness at low temperatures and too broad a nostril. Fortunately, the Joyseat 2.0 has an improved form, together with a narrower nostril, fixing the nose-thighs rubbing.
Primarily based on my expertise, I can suggest Joyseat to everybody who spends lengthy hours on the bike, struggles with saddle discomfort, and may’t discover the correct saddle. And if, by any likelihood, the saddle doesn’t fit your needs, Posedla affords a money-back assure. I additionally wish to spotlight Posedla’s skilled method and artistic communication.
The product for this assessment was kindly supplied by the producer. This didn’t affect my total verdict or my opinion concerning the product.