carbon29er Posted March 7, 2014 Posted March 7, 2014 WTB High Tail is First (Yep) 650B Mountain Bike Saddle, Other New Models http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/WTB-Volt-Rocket-High-Tail-MTB-saddles.gifAfter releasing a wealth of new tires for mountain biking and gravel riding, WTB’s introduced what could arguably be the first “650B” mountain bike saddle.Shown on the left, the design is intended to offer better clearance off the rear tire when long travel bikes have blown through their travel. With the larger diameter of 27.5″ tires over 26″, tires hitting the saddle were apparently limiting frame design:Pivot founder Chris Cocalis: “It quickly became apparent that we weren’t going to be able to use the geometry we wanted to use with a conventional saddle on our upcoming 27.5″ carbon downhill bike. We wanted to maintain the same travel, chainstay length and rider positioning as on our current 26″ Phoenix DH bike and this presented an overall clearance challenge with current seat and rail profiles. Something had to give, so we contacted WTB with the idea of a saddle to accommodate the rising popularity of the 27.5″ full suspension market.” While the High Tail is obviously aimed at the downhill and aggressive enduro/trail crowd, the range topper is an XC-weight carbon version ($249.95). A Titanium–railed Team level and and Cromoly Pro option will retail for $159.95 and $119.95, respectively. Expect those to hit stores in September. Dimensions are 128mm x 255mm.The other two are the new carbon railed version of the Volt (top, right) and Rocket V (bottom). Both will retail for $249.95. Both lines will also get more width options across multiple price points, adding to the original 135mm x 255mm sizes. From the PR:“We’re excited for elite level carbon options as well as additional width availability for the Volt and Rocket V saddles,” stated WTB’s Director of Sales, Gary Gleason. “They are incredibly popular sellers for us, it’s empowering from a sales side to know that the Volt and Rocket will broaden their reach through expanded fit, sizing, and price points.”Rocket V and Volt Carbon saddles, along with 142 and 150 widths, are expected to become available starting in September as well. Rocket V and Volt pricing will follow WTB’s traditional saddle price structure, with satin steel-railed Comp saddles starting at $39.95 USD, followed by $59.95 Cromoly-railed Race saddles, $89.95 Pro options utilizing DNA padding, and $129.95 Team saddles featuring Titanium rails.
kennyg Posted March 7, 2014 Posted March 7, 2014 must be among the worst frame designers ever, if the saddle causes suspension fouling.
LazyTrailRider Posted March 7, 2014 Posted March 7, 2014 must be among the worst frame designers ever, if the saddle causes suspension fouling. Hmmm, you've never bottomed a 200mm-travel DH rig have you? As much as we loved to (fairly) mock the "29er-specific" saddle, this is a bit of a different story. Most DH racers will agree that buzzing tyres against seats is a legitimate problem. droo, Hairy and Big Wheel Cycles 3
patches Posted March 7, 2014 Posted March 7, 2014 must be among the worst frame designers ever, if the saddle causes suspension fouling.Hmmm, you've never bottomed a 200mm-travel DH rig have you? As much as we loved to (fairly) mock the "29er-specific" saddle, this is a bit of a different story. Most DH racers will agree that buzzing tyres against seats is a legitimate problem. If the rear wheel was buzzing the seat tube when suspension is fully loaded, then yes, poor frame design, but as MH said, it's a real issue when one rides with their saddle low on a DH bike (not all of us can feel in control with a high saddle like Mr Minn), so when that 200mm+ travel loads up, sometimes the edge of the saddle gets caught. Here's some pics to give you the idea... http://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/users/2/photos/532/s780_92076870_1248385435.jpg?1290154560(Gee Atherton's Commencal Supreme DH) http://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/users/2/photos/41820/s780_G7K0616.jpg?1346357440 As you can see, if those saddles were any lower, or angled up any more, they could easily buzz the rear wheel. Gerlach 1
braailegend Posted March 7, 2014 Posted March 7, 2014 These wheel size saddle articles reminds of when I was in school and you had to write a loooongg essay about some topic you cant find info about (predates wikipedia) and youd write LOADS of crap to fill up the space required by the teacher, lol... as they say, bull...t, baffles brains ChUkKy, mrbaker, RoboLuke and 1 other 4
Hairy Posted March 7, 2014 Posted March 7, 2014 These wheel size saddle articles reminds of when I was in school and you had to write a loooongg essay about some topic you cant find info about (predates wikipedia) and youd write LOADS of crap to fill up the space required by the teacher, lol... as they say, bull...t, baffles brainsBest essay was the air inside a ping pong ball ............ oh the wild world inside that ping pong ball made for interesting stories. Jewbacca and GoLefty!! 2
DJR Posted March 7, 2014 Posted March 7, 2014 I like this saddle the best, it doesn't rub the wheel at all, no matter how bad the frame geometry is or how big the hit. Also, it doesn't kick you in the nuts or chafe. It works just the same on any wheel size. Sharky535 1
Hairy Posted March 7, 2014 Posted March 7, 2014 I like this saddle the best, it doesn't rub the wheel at all, no matter how bad the frame geometry is or how big the hit. Also, it doesn't kick you in the nuts or chafe. It works just the same on any wheel size.Get a landing very wrong and you will be slamming your personal saddle very hard ... not something I would like to do personally
MTBc Posted March 7, 2014 Posted March 7, 2014 OP: time for a name change - carbon650Ber LazyTrailRider and Hairy 2
GoLefty!! Posted March 19, 2014 Posted March 19, 2014 this BS marketing is beyond tired. Why can't these greedy baffoons just be honest and say they're looking for new ways to drag their customers over a barrel for "share of wallet". R110K for a Mtb,29 and 650B saddles,.............really.....!!! they must be real proud of not being creative anymore
Gerlach Posted March 19, 2014 Posted March 19, 2014 Hmmm, you've never bottomed a 200mm-travel DH rig have you? As much as we loved to (fairly) mock the "29er-specific" saddle, this is a bit of a different story. Most DH racers will agree that buzzing tyres against seats is a legitimate problem.thinking you talking about this!! http://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/users/2/photos/72674/s780_VitalGOut_20.jpg?1394639675
Gerlach Posted March 19, 2014 Posted March 19, 2014 and this one!!!! eina!!http://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/users/2/photos/72656/s780_VitalGOut_5.jpg?1394638768
Gerlach Posted March 19, 2014 Posted March 19, 2014 some of you know that sound!!! zzzzzzzjjjjjjppppppppppppppppp!!!!! http://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/users/2/photos/72658/s780_VitalGOut_6.jpg?1394638838
MeridaHFS Posted March 19, 2014 Posted March 19, 2014 Yoh Yoh! And I thought I was using my travel to the max!
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