eTPU on the bike
eTPU revolutionizes seating comfort while cycling
In sports, particle foams have a wide range of possible applications. The elastic eTPU in the bicycle saddle, for example, provides back-friendly cushioning and, as a tire for scooters or scooters, for resistant, long-lasting locomotion. But also as sports equipment for gymnastics or rehab in form of balls or fascia rolls, eTPU shows its individual strengths. In addition, particle foams in sports, bicycle or mountaineering helmets as well as in joint protectors offer reliable protection against impact damage.
A very successful application for eTPU particle foams are the back-friendly, full-surface cushioning and movement-supporting “core” bicycle saddles of the Ergon brand. The saddle is still the number one problem zone. Nearly all cyclists know the manifold seating problems on long and short bike tours. Anatomically, the complaints often differ between men and women. Feelings of numbness, pressure and back pain often reduce the riding pleasure considerably.
Revolutionary design principle
The solution is an innovative bicycle saddle with an ergonomic core made of eTPU – embedded in a revolutionary new construction principle. This relieves the back, effectively dampens unevenness as well as shocks and prevents the well-known seat complaints. The saddle adapts to the rider´s movements and provides a completely new riding experience. The bicycle ergonomics specialist Ergon from Koblenz (sales via RTi Sports GmbH) developed the concept for this innovative product in cooperation with the Schaumaplast Group, BASF, the mould maker T. Michel Formenbau GmbH & Co. KG and the German Sport University Cologne.
The innovative Infinergy® material from BASF with its many, very light and highly elastic foam particles is ideal for damping and suspension. As with the Boost shoe, the eTPU saddle core returns to its old shape extremely quickly – and remains much more durable than conventional damping materials, even under extreme long-term stress.
The bicycle core made of eTPU is produced at Schaumaplast Nossen GmbH, Gewerbestraße 10, 01683 Nossen, Germany, on machines from Kurtz GmbH. The technology can be found in all Ergon core saddles for touring (ST Core), city (SC Core), mountain bike (SMC Core) and e-mountain bike (SM E-Mountain Core).