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Inside Fi'zi:k Saddles test lab
By Tim Maloney, European editor
Fi'zi:k Saddles invited Cyclingnews to a special, behind-closed-doors test of a new prototype saddle at the Centro di Bioingegneria of Fondazione Don Gnocchi in Milano, where Gilberto Simoni of Team Saeco-Longoni Sport was in the LAMS (Sports Movement Analysis Lab) testing the new Fi'zi:k proto.
Massimo Fregonese, Fi'zi:k's marketing manager explained the testing process to Cyclingnews.
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Cyclingnews: What is the objective of this research?
Massimo Fregonese: Our testing has a dual purpose; first of all, we want to find out the right shape for our saddle; the right fit for the rider's body and we are using Gilberto Simoni for this. Secondly, we want to find out which specific shape is the best one for pro riders. So we are testing a new Fi'zi:k prototype today, measuring fit and pressure distribution so we can see if we're going in the right direction with this prototype. Today's tests with Simoni are really the second step in our product development process.
CN: Where did your process begin?
MF: First of all, we use CAD/CAM design to develop a 3D model on the computer screen, and this gets translated into the classic wooden mould that is the actual basis for the saddle. Then we do the kind of tests we have today; measuring the fit and pressure distribution and finally there is the third step is the actual road testing.
After the Giro d'Italia, we'll give Simoni and some other riders prototypes to try on the road.
CN: So you don't just give a saddle to a rider and say 'go off and race'?
MF: Not at all; this is a mutual collaboration process; a continual cooperation via discussion and feedback to find the best saddle.
CN: Is that an approach that you developed just for Fi'zi:k?
MF: We started this development process several years ago and now we use it not only for Fi'zi:k, but also for our comfort saddles from Selle Royal and Look-In.
CN: What have the results been so far?
MF: Well, our Fi'zi:k Aliante has been a big success for us and this was the first saddle that was developed with this biomechanical approach.
CN: Kind of like footwear development?
MF: We use a sensor that measures the pressure on a small surface; there are a lot of sensors concentrated in a small area and this dynamic testing shows us a lot of interesting things; you can see the pressure changing according to how hard the rider is or isn't pedaling, or where the rider is sitting on the saddle.
After our chat with Mr. Fregonese, we managed to grab a few moments with Saeco-Longoni Sport's Gilberto Simoni after his saddle testing.
CN: Well. how did your testing go?
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GS: It was pretty interesting; with the technical evolution of the bicycle, this type of testing can bring more comfort to anyone who rides a bike... thats really important, above all for a professional rider because of all the time we spend on the bike
CN: So you are not riding Milano-San Remo on Saturday?
GS: No, I've been training a bit... I went to try out a few of the Giro d'Italia stages; the ones I could. On Monday, I'll start my season in the (Volta de) Catalana so from now to the Giro d'Italia I'll be racing all the time.
CN: Did you read our interview with you? How was it?
GS: Benissimo! You did a good job.
CN: So now you are a regular reader of Cyclingews?
GS: (Laughs) Yeah, when I have time... it's the best source of information for pro cyclists.
CN: How is your mom these days?
GS: She's fine; she doesn't see me much these days with all my training.
CN: And Satie? (Mrs Simoni's adventurous budgie who has full run of the Simoni house.)
GS: He's okay; now that spring has arrived maybe he'll try to fly away!
Simoni then flew himself, off for another test, a VO2 test this time, while Fi'zi:k ushered Cyclingnews out of the lab and locked the doors for more tests on top secret prototypes for 2003 and beyond.
