Specialized on the benefits of 3D printing for bike saddle production

The saddle is one of the most important parts of a bicycle’s body as it can play a key role in determining whether the ride was pleasant or not. For the manufacturers of bicycle components, the challenge is to design a saddle that can maximize rider performance while providing comfort and stability. Therefore, Specialized Bicycle Components Inc., commonly known as Specialized, partnered with Carbon to create the first 3D printed bike saddle. The California-based manufacturer announced commercial availability of the new product earlier this summer. Using an intricate elastomeric lattice structure that overcomes limits of foam, the S-Works Power Saddle with Mirror Technology, improves performance, protection, and comfort for cyclists. We talked to Specialized Product Manager, Garrett Getter, and Associate Product Manager, Emma Boutcher, to learn more about the integration of 3D printing technologies into their production processes.

3DN: Can you introduce yourself and your relationship with 3D printing?

Garrett: Hello! I am the Product Manager for saddles at Specialized bicycle components. My relationship with 3D printing started with the development of the S-works Power Saddle with Mirror Technology. I was the product manager behind that saddle from the very beginning. I started with this project just a month or two after joining Specialized.

Emma: Hi, my name is Emma and I am Associate Product Manager at Specialized. I studied engineering, so even before joining Specialized I had all types of experience with 3D printing. I was brought in for a technical role and got to do some of the very first 3D printing of saddle prototypes. After acquiring that experience, I was able to start the preliminary printing for what has now become a Mirror Saddle.