Product Launch · Sep 14, 2020

The New Sam Hill Enduro Saddle

7 hours is a long time to spend in the Saddle. Add to that the pressure and fatigue of racing on the worlds toughest stages. With Sam Hill moving to enduro it created a whole raft of design challenges around his signature series.

Last year we updated his Signature Grips to make them softer, in early 2020 we completely redesigned the all conquering Sam Hill flat Pedal and the final contact point was to address a signature Saddle range. Along with Sam’s mechanic Jacy Schumilak we set off in the search for ultimate performance and all day comfort.

The latest addition is the New Horizon Enduro Saddle:

We’re always searching for the incremental improvements to help our athletes, comfort and support is key to any rider over multiple long days in the saddle. Over the 2017/18 off season Sam started to look at improving the comfort and set up of his bike to enhance his performance and comfort with the long days in the saddle. An ergonomic bike fit along with testing a series of products helped him discover exactly what he wanted to go racing. Working with this information and our designers we set out to develop a saddle perfect for him. From the form, size and shape of the saddle and also the materials chosen for comfort, performance and longevity.

Initial samples were late 2018 and refined through to final development samples in mid 2019. Sam used these rapid 3D printed prototypes for the final few rounds of the EWS series taking the 2019 Enduro World Series title on the new saddle.

The design in brief:

143mm width,
Short nose
Comfort with built in flex
Cut out to reduce pressure on contact points
No sharp curves/ edges
Enable a low stand over bike
Lightweight density foam for Support and comfort
Water/ weather repellent
Nukeproof look/ feel

After initial prototyping we took attention to key details. One area was to modify the saddle rails to reduce the wasted space under the saddle. This allows us to reduce the overall stack height to allow Sam (and riders) to take advantage of a longer dropper post. This allows the rider to get the saddle further out the way on technical descents, but to the right height on long climbs.

Grey: Original rails (Standard position for other saddles)

Red: New Rails- 8mm lower

At request of Sam the saddle is 143mm, wide enough to be supportive but with a centre cut out to help relieve pressure on your sensitive areas while you are sitting on the bike.

Our lightweight foam provides all of the necessary support and It has been finished in a durable vacuum formed water repellent microfibre cover so that even on wet days it will be comfortable.

The saddle has an been ergonomically designed around the body to ensure the shape offers maximum comfortable for riding anything from a local trail shred through to attacking a multi day Enduro World Series round.

Features:

Material: Glassfibre-reinforced Nylon (base), Microfibre (cover)
Padding: Airform light weight foam
Width: 143mm
Rails: CrMo Ti
Intended Use: Trail, All Mountain, Enduro, Downhill, Freeride

Rail Dimensions: 7mm

Weight: 261g

Colour: Black, Oil Slick
Gender: Unisex

SRP: £80 / 90euro / $85 (USA)

As well as the Sam Hill Range (Oil Slick/ Black) the Saddle is available as part of the Horizon range of colours (Red, Purple, Blue, Grey, Black)

Photos: Laurence CE