A radical new design from SaddleSpur could have you on the edge of your seat

SaddleSpur, a British startup company, has revealed a novel saddle design that promises to secure riders very snugly to their bike. The brand claims that its revolutionary new saddle has the potential to offer improved comfort, performance, and efficiency, and they've conducted tests to prove it.

The dominating feature of the saddle is the spur that protrudes upwards from the rear of the saddle. This spur has been designed to secure the pelvis in a fixed position, which the brand says increases the efficiency of power delivery.

Despite how it might appear at first glance, the spur rests behind the rider, much like a backrest.

• Read more: Saddle angle - have we got it all wrong?

To show the benefit of the new saddle, SaddleSpur has partnered with scientists from the Cambridge Centre for Sport & Exercise Sciences of Anglia Ruskin University to conduct real-world testing. This saw 16 riders complete two 10-mile time trials, one with a regular saddle and one with the SaddleSpur.

There was a measurable improvement in times when using the SaddleSpur (around 11 seconds), and the team from SaddleSpur suggest that it was on the steeper sections of the course that the riders made up the extra time. Those conducting the tests, meanwhile, were aware that external factors such as course familiarity and improved pacing could have influenced the results.

© SaddleSpur

The spur gets its strength from the saddle rails that travel up its length

The SaddleSpur is available to order, but the first saddles will only be shipped out later this month. Therefore, we are yet to see how well this design might fare in the real world. It's hard to see how a cyclist who rides towards the nose of their saddle could benefit from the design.

Even if it does make you faster, it would take a brave cyclist to fit one to their bike. There's no denying that it would draw sideways glances on a Sunday club run.

• Read more: How to choose a road bike saddle

Another consideration is the potential hazard of having a large spur sticking directly upwards in the event of a crash. It might prevent a rider from safely dismounting, and who knows where that spur will end up during a collision.

If you are interested in finding out more about the purported benefits of using a saddle spur you can read the full research report on their website, with it set for publication in the Journal of Sporting Medicine this month.

The saddle is available in one width (130mm), weighs 310 grams, and retails for £125

What do you think of the SaddleSpur? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.