BikeYoke Sagma 3D: 3D-Printed Comfort Without the Premium Price
BikeYoke's new Sagma 3D saddle brings 3D-printed comfort to a wider audience. With prices starting at $160, it offers zone-specific support and customizable flex.
3D-printed saddles have been making waves in the cycling world, promising enhanced comfort and performance through zone-specific support. However, the high cost of many of these saddles (often $300-$400 or more) has kept them out of reach for many riders. BikeYoke aims to change that with their new Sagma 3D, offering the benefits of 3D-printed technology at a significantly lower price point.
The Sagma 3D builds upon the success of BikeYoke's previous Sagma saddles, which were known for their comfort-focused design. The original Sagma (debuted in 2019) featured slow-rebound IDbeads foam and a tunable vibration-damping rail structure. The 2022 update introduced lighter versions with conventional rails. The new Sagma 3D takes comfort a step further by incorporating 3D-printed padding.
Why 3D-Printed Saddles?
The primary advantage of 3D-printed saddles lies in their ability to provide varying levels of support across different areas. The additive lattice construction allows for precise control of padding density, creating firmer support under the sit bones and a more forgiving feel under soft tissues.
While the initial vision of 3D-printed saddles was fully customized, individual fits, this has proven challenging to implement commercially. Companies like Posedla and Fizik offer bespoke solutions, but at a premium price (around $500-600 / 450-500€).
A more common approach, adopted by brands like Bjorn, Fizik, Prologo, Selle Italia, Selle San Marco, and Specialized, involves using generalized pressure mapping data to create zones of varying support for a universal fit. However, even these saddles typically start around $300. BikeYoke Sagma is much more affordable.
Sagma 3D: Technology and Options
The BikeYoke Sagma 3D comes in two widths (130mm and 142mm) and utilizes a 3D-printed TPU top with a closed design to prevent mud and dirt buildup. The shell is made of carbon-reinforced nylon.
BikeYoke offers two main versions:
- Sagma 3D: This version features BikeYoke's Rail Suspension Design (RSD), which allows riders to customize flex using interchangeable elastomers of three different densities. This design also allows the saddle to rock slightly, following the rider's natural pedaling motion.
- Sagma 3D Lite: This version has a more conventional rail design, resulting in a lighter weight.
Both versions are available with either 7x10mm UD carbon rails or 7x10mm forged 2014-T6 aluminum rails (Sagma 3D) or 7mm round tubular chromoly rails.
Key Specs:
- Length: 242mm
- Widths: 130mm, 142mm
- Padding: 3D-Printed TPU Matrix
- Shell: Carbon fiber reinforced nylon
Weight (claimed):
- Sagma 3D (Carbon Rails): 240g (130mm), 250g (142mm)
- Sagma 3D (Alloy Rails): 260g (130mm), 270g (142mm)
- Sagma 3D Lite (Carbon Rails): 205g (130mm), 215g (142mm)
- Sagma 3D Lite (CrMo Rails): 260g (130mm), 270g (142mm)
Pricing and Availability:
- Sagma 3D (Aluminum Rails): $200 / 200€
- Sagma 3D (Carbon Rails): $250 / 250€
- Sagma 3D Lite (Chromoly Rails): $160 / 160€
- Sagma 3D Lite (Carbon Rails): $200 / 200€
Colored rubber tags and RSD bolts (for the non-Lite version) are available as optional extras. The saddles are available now directly from BikeYoke (BikeYoke.com) and through their distribution partners.
Takeaway: The BikeYoke Sagma 3D offers a compelling combination of 3D-printed comfort, customizable flex (in the RSD version), and an accessible price point. It's a significant step towards making this advanced saddle technology available to a wider range of cyclists.
