Ataraxy BSC, a new UK-based company, has introduced the world’s first “virtual axis bicycle seat.” This innovative seat moves with the rider’s leg movements to relieve pressure from the sit bones, enhancing comfort for cyclists of all levels.
Bicycle seats have long been a source of discomfort for many riders, often compared to medieval torture devices. The challenge lies in creating a seat that supports the rider’s weight while allowing free leg movement. Ataraxy BSC’s new seat, the vabsRider, addresses this issue with a unique design that splits the seat into two halves, each moving independently along an arc that conforms to the rider’s hip movement.
The term “Ataraxy” means tranquillity of mind, a fitting name for a product designed to make cycling more comfortable. The seat’s innovative design aims to transfer the rider’s weight from their hindquarters to their legs, potentially reducing the discomfort associated with long rides.
Key Features and Adjustability
The vabsRider boasts several distinctive features. It can be adjusted fore and aft to achieve the proper saddle position and rotated to ensure correct orientation. This adjustability is integrated into a special seatpost due to the unique way the seat slides on its rails. The seat can also be adjusted width-wise to ensure it is neither too wide nor too narrow, addressing common issues with traditional bicycle seats.
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The seat’s adjustability extends to height, angle, and width, allowing cyclists to customize their riding position for optimal comfort and performance. Set screws in the seat post system enable these adjustments, providing a tailored fit for each rider.
“The innovative split seat design allows for individual movement of the legs, rotating around the hip joints on an axis that is virtual to the seat. This dynamic and natural comfort rider makes the enjoyment of bike riding a true pleasure and brings the cycling experience to a whole new group of people,” explains the Ataraxy BSC website.
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The idea for the vabsRider originated with Australian engineer Robin Macan in 2016. Frustrated by the lack of comfortable bicycle seats, Macan teamed up with industrial designer Philippe Guichard to refine the concept. They later collaborated with the Melbourne-based Whistle Design Group to bring the idea to fruition through Macan’s startup, Ataraxy BSC.
The innovative split seat design allows each half of the seat to pivot independently, rotating around the hip joints on an axis that is virtual to the seat. This movement transfers pressure from the sit bones to the femurs, distributing the load more evenly and reducing pain during long rides.
Ataraxy BSC showcased the vabsRider at the 2024 Eurobike show, generating significant interest. However, the product is not yet in production, as the company is seeking investors to help bring it to market. Potential buyers can express their interest by contacting the company directly, although pricing and availability have yet to be determined.
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The introduction of the vabsRider marks a significant step forward in bicycle seat design, promising to enhance rider comfort and expand the appeal of cycling to a broader audience. The company’s emphasis on adjustability and innovative design is likely to attract cyclists who have struggled with discomfort in traditional seats.
While the concept of transferring weight from the sit bones to the femurs is intriguing, it raises questions about the potential stress on the rider’s legs. If the femurs are supporting more weight, will this make pedalling feel like ongoing deep-knee bends? Ataraxy BSC claims the design will not cause such issues, but real-world testing will be crucial to validate these claims.
The company plans to provide test samples once the seat is in production, and further evaluations will determine its practicality for long-term use. If successful, the vabsRider could set a new standard in bicycle seat design, offering a level of comfort previously unattainable.
Cycling is a low-impact workout with numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health and enhanced immune function. However, discomfort in the saddle has been a significant barrier for many enthusiasts. The vabsRider aims to eliminate this issue, making cycling a more enjoyable experience for all.
As Ataraxy BSC moves closer to bringing the vabsRider to market, the cycling community eagerly anticipates this innovative solution to a long-standing problem. With its potential to transform the riding experience, the vabsRider represents a major advancement in the pursuit of cycling comfort.
