The new WTB Devo Saddle has a built in pick-up handle that looks like it was made for… loaded bikepacking bikes!? Find photos and the full press release from WTB (with our minor adjustments) here…
WTB just announced the new Devo Saddle, which features a carrying handle that looks perfect for hike-a-bikes. WTB says it’s made for heavy e-bikes, but what about heavy, loaded bikepacking bikes!? Since we don’t really do e-bikes here at BIKEPACKING.com, we thought we’d adjust the marketing language in their press release accordingly:
Pickup Handle for Heavy Lifting
The additional weight of e-bikes loaded bikepacking bikes creates new challenges when it comes to lifting your bike onto a rack, moving it around the garage, or hoisting it over rocks and roots on unrideable sections of trail. The new Devo saddle solves this problem with its patent-pending Pickup handle, which aids in lifting or pushing an e-bike loaded bikepacking bike in both transport and on-trail situations. While we designed and tested the Devo specifically for e-bikes loaded bikepacking bikes, its Pickup handle has also proved helpful for urban riders who load their bikes up with groceries or other heavy loads.
Unnoticeable While Pedaling
While it may look like the hole interferes with where you sit on the saddle, we placed Pickup behind the sit bone contact area to make it completely unnoticeable while pedaling. We’ve confirmed this through hundreds of hours of ride testing and pressure mapping. Pickup provides an easy way to lift, push and transport your e-bike loaded bikepacking bike without sacrificing any pedaling comfort in the process.
Fiber-Infused Fusion Form Base
Our new Fusion Form base technology allows us to fine-tune the amount of fiber infused into the nylon of each specific saddle model to create a flex profile that balances comfort, support and durability to match the intended use of a saddle. e-bike loaded bikepacking bike riders tend to remain seated over technical, jarring terrain that a rider on a traditional bike would likely stand up to pedal through. We reduced the amount of fiber in the Devo’s Fusion Form base, which improved base flex and damping to make it more forgiving and comfortable while pedaling over rough terrain.
Full-Power, Full-Battery Comfort
The Devo features our Medium level of padding thickness, which eliminates pressure points in the sit bone area while still providing lasting comfort for both quick laps and full-battery adventures. The width outline of the Devo gradually increases through the front half of the saddle before quickly widening out to create the primary area for sit bone support. This allows you to stay seated in a locked-in position and crank hard without the insides of your thighs rubbing on the saddle edges. The Devo’s wide nose encourages you to scoot forward to maximize power output and keep the front wheel down on steep, technical climbs that are only conquerable on an e-bike loaded bikepacking bike. Its short 260mm overall length and rounded tail profile prevents the Devo from snagging your shorts while moving on and off the saddle, while also making it easier to quickly return to a seated position.
One Width. Two Padding Options.
The Devo is available in a Medium (142mm) width, which is designed to best fit riders with sit bones that are 100-130mm apart. Versions of the Devo with cromoly or stainless steel rails feature our HLX padding, while the model with titanium rails features our premier DNA padding. HLX padding is plusher than our DNA padding, which makes it a great option for those who prioritize squishiness rather than weight savings. DNA is our high-performance padding that holds its shape incredibly well to provide unbeatable comfort and support on long rides while also minimizing saddle weight.
Availability
The suggested retail price of the Devo is $95.95 for cromoly rails, $119.95 for stainless steel rails and $142.95 for titanium rails. Devo saddles will be available at WTB retailers around the world in the weeks ahead and are immediately available in North America through WTB.com.
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