The word “art” has always defined all the activities aimed at expressing and bringing out human talent in all its forms. Painting, sculpture, music, cinema, dance and more have filled our lives since time immemorial, sublimating everyday life through works loaded with beauty and meaning.
But the human genius, constantly looking for new forms of expression, has soon discovered that any activity can be turned into art, even those that combine intellectual and physical skills. This has led to the creation of sports that turn into real performances, each time different and unrepeatable; little-known but equally fascinating, artistic cycling is one of them.
Created among circus artists back in 1888 as a way to show off their skills, artistic cycling had its first men's world championship in 1956 (the first female championship came only in 1970) and is still very popular among indoor cycling enthusiasts.
Particularly popular in Germany, with more than 10,000 active licenses for practising this sport, artistic cycling can be compared to skating and artistic gymnastics. As in other sports, athletes perform exercises and acrobatics in front of a jury that judges every aspect of their performance; the only difference is that theseathletes are riding on a bicycle!
In singles or in pairs, these true two-wheel artists ride on fixed-gear bikes, demonstrating great concentration, balance and courage. Six minutes of stunning routines and exercises of increasing difficulty performed to background music, showing the undisputed skills of athletes, as well as the high potential of bicycles themselves. Not just a way to move faster, not just a lifestyle promoting health and environmental sustainability, not just a sport requiring effort and speed; cycling can also be a beautiful form art that combines the fine movements of dance and the strength of exercise to create spectacular masterpieces.
The next world championship of artistic cycling will be on November 24 to 26 in Dorbnbirn, Austria, at the borders with Switzerland and Germany; the programme is available on the UCI website.
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FAQ
Which saddle should I choose?
The first thing to know before choosing your saddle is to define your Riding Position.
Riding Position refers to the inclination of your back when seated on your bicycle and holding the grips.
Selle Royal has identified three Riding Positions that cover the majority of riders:
Inclination of 45 ° -> Athletic riding position
Inclination of 60 ° -> Moderate riding position
Inclination of 90 ° -> Relaxed riding position
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What width of saddle is best for me?
The second step in choosing a saddle for its ergonomics is measurement of the distance between the ischial bones (Ischial Variation).
In the Scientia range of saddles, we have identified 3 sizes to cover the majority of riders:
Which is more comfortable - a saddle with Foam Matrix, Slow Fit Foam, Royalgel or 3D Skin Gel?
Each saddle padding is designed for different types of use. Foam Matrix is the standard comfort that we offer, with its open cell structure that confers increased elasticity and breathability. If you are a short-travel cyclist, we suggest the immediate comfort of Slow Fit Foam, the memory foam that holds itself to rider’s body. For average, all-around bicycle travel, Royalgel and 3D Skin Gel provide reliable comfort thanks to their tridimensional gel structure that reduce pressure peaks by up to 40%.
FAQ
Which saddle is recommended for those who suffering problems in the genital area?
Generally, for those who are suffering problems in the genital area, we recommend saddles featuring our patented Royalgel or 3D Skin Gel padding for reduction of peak pressures up to 40%.
In addition, the choice can be directed towards products that feature a central channel, such as the Central Reservoir found in our Scientia saddles, the Ventilation Channel in Respiro saddles, and the pronounced central channel in the Ellipse models.
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What is the difference between biconical springs and elastomers?
Biconical springs achieve their classic look thanks to two springs that move in a complementary way to offer good suspension. Elastomers, thanks to their horizontal and vertical action, absorb unexpected shocks during the ride.
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From what materials are your saddles made?
Selle Royal products, from a chemical and mechanical point of view, are tested to the strictest European and American standards. For more information on specific products, please contact our product department.
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How do I install my Selle Royal saddle?
Carefully read the section on proper saddle installation here. Or view this video.
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How do I clean the saddle? What precautions should I take?
We suggest cleaning the saddle with mild soap and water. To keep it protected from bad weather, use a cover when possible.
For leather saddles do not use water to clean, we suggest instead product specific for use with leather. After you purchase a Selle Royal product, please read the User Manual carefully and follow the instructions for correct product cleaning and maintenance.
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Where can I buy Selle Royal products?
Selle Royal products can be purchased online or at a Selle Royal dealer. To find the dealer near you, use the Store Finder found on the Selle Royal website.
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Yes, all Selle Royal products have a warranty of 24 months from the date of purchase. If you bought it from a Selle Royal dealer, you may return your product to the place of purchase together with your receipt for replacement.
To return articles purchased at www.selleroyal.com, contact our customer service.
For more information about our warranty, click here.
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