Achieve a higher standard for riding comfort; this is the goal of the research and development project that led Selle Royal to present the new Essenza+ Heating Tech saddle, after 4 years of work.
Source: press release
Created to make winter rides and getting around the city on the coldest mornings more comfortable, the new Essenza+ Heating Tech is the first saddle on the market to have a heating system connected to the bicycle battery.
The goal of the research project that led to Essenza+ Heating Tech was to develop a saddle capable of completely rethinking the meaning of comfort, starting precisely from the needs and sensations of commuters and cyclists at the time of year when the conditions are more complex, namely winter.
The solution adopted moves the technology applied to the saddles forward and goes in the direction of making the cycling experience easier and more comfortable, also bringing new potential cyclists closer to two wheels: rain, snow, cold, humidity become easier obstacles to deal with.
The saddle can reach an optimal temperature of 37°C in 30 seconds, a time frame chosen after various tests and confirmed by the study of cyclists' perception in relation to the external temperature. The Essenza+ heating technology is controlled by a button positioned at the base of the saddle.
The power cable connects to the compatible Bosch CX motor, ensuring hours of driving comfort.
“The R&D of this saddle was entirely done at the Italian Head Quarter of Selle Royal”, explains Marco Malfatti, R&D Director of Selle Royal Group. “Our team faced a complex challenge: maintaining the same level of comfort and aesthetics as one of our most popular saddles, the Essenza, while incorporating a heating system capable of changing the way our customers live the experience by bike in winter.”
Starting from the Essenza Moderate model, the best-selling OEM saddle, the R&D team designed a heating system capable of quickly and efficiently reaching the desired temperature, without affecting the design or comfort of the standard Essenza.
Given the challenging winter conditions, other factors were also taken into consideration: “Another challenge we faced and overcame was to keep the product sealed and 100% waterproof, ensuring that the Essenza+ continues to function reliably in any weather condition”, continues Marco Malfatti. “For this reason, the resistance is sealed and placed under the saddle padding, with a Strengtex cover, for carefree comfort, whether it's rain, ice or snow.
The production process and the Essenza+ Heating Tech product by Selle Royal are currently patent pending. The saddle will initially be available for two e-bike models from Riese & Müller: the comfortable Charger4 and the sporty Nevo4; but it is also compatible with several other types of e-bikes.
Technical specifications of Essenza+ Heating Tech:
Voltage: 12V
Current: 1,4A (current version)
Consumption: 16,8 W/h (current version)
Customization options: the system can operate from 1 to 3 A with an energy consumption from 12 to 36 W/h
Tested for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Tested for water resistance (IPX4)
Cable Type: Hygo Mini F-Type
Cable length: 70/72 cm from solder (60/62 from base)
