Bicycle saddle

Abstract

A saddle for a bicycle comprising: a mount member for attachment to the bicycle; at least two support assemblies, each support assembly having a pad member configured to support a posterior of a rider of the bicycle; at least two rail assemblies, each rail assembly comprising an upper rail and a lower rail; wherein each rail assembly is mountable to an underside of the support assemblies; at least two roller assemblies mounted to the mount member, each roller assembly comprising at least three rollers in a substantially triangular configuration; each roller assembly configured to engage the rail assemblies, such that two of the at least three rollers of each assembly contact the upper rail when mounted therein, and one of the at least three rollers contacts the lower rail when mounted therein; and wherein each pad member of each support assembly is movable about the at least two rail assemblies in an arc about an axis located above the support assembly.

Description

[0001] BICYCLE SADDLE

[0002] RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0003] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2024900060, filed on 10 January 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates generally to a saddle arrangement for a bicycle, and in particular, to a saddle arrangement for a bicycle comprising moving parts.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Bicycles have long existed as a proven and effective form of personal transport for people of all ages and social backgrounds. Bicycles come in various forms but generally comprise at least a pair of wheels with at least one of the wheels connected to a cog that is rotated by way of pedals or the like, to rotate the wheel and provide motion.

[0008] For young people and those lacking in balance control, the bicycle may comprise three or more wheels and may be referred to as a tricycle. For those individuals with balance control, the bicycle may comprise two wheels in planar alignment and the individual may sit upon a frame bridging the wheels such that they can rotate the pedals and apply motion to at least one of the wheels, typically the rear wheel.

[0009] Over time, the manner in which the frame of the bicycle is configured and the wheels and pedals of the bicycle inter-engage has developed significantly. Gears have been developed to provide the rider with an ability to vary the amount of energy transferred to the wheels of the bicycle during rotation and various materials have been introduced to make the frame of the bicycle lighter to improve the ride efficiency.

[0010] Similarly, various developments have been introduced to improve the comfort of the rider of the bicycle. Such developments include the introduction of shock absorbing features in the frame of the bicycle and the use of handlebars of varying shapes and configurations. Attempts have also been made to increase the seating comfort of the rider by providing saddles of various shapes and sizes. Whilst the use of cushioning materials and the like has proven effective in providing padding comfort to the rider, especially over long journeys, the general shape and configuration of conventional saddles provides little support to most rider’s requirements.

[0011] Conventional saddles for bicycles comprise appointed nose or horn portion that extends between the legs of the rider and a wider rear portion to support the rider’s buttocks. As the nose or horn portion is located between the rider’s legs, it can place considerable pressure in the perineum region of the rider, which can be painful and cause the rider distress. This can have an adverse effect and may reduce the rider’s enjoyment of the cycling experience.

[0012] Various saddle arrangements have been proposed to split the saddle into two halves to avoid pressure on the rider’s perineum. However, most proposed arrangement have relied upon a saddle with pivoting portions that pivot about a common axis adjacent the stem of the saddle. Such solutions have been ineffective in providing appropriate support to the rider and have not been effective in providing comfort as the pivoting action can place pressure along other regions of the rider’s legs and lower back, merely shifting the problem.

[0013] Thus, there is a need to provide a saddle arrangement that provides support and comfort to the rider and which adapts to the rider’s physiology during the riding experience.

[0014] The above references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the above prior art discussion does not relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but assists in the understanding of the inventive step of the present invention of which the identification of pertinent prior art proposals is but one part.

[0015] STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0016] The invention according to one or more aspects is as defined in the independent claims. Some optional and / or preferred features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0017] Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention there is provided a saddle for a bicycle comprising: a mount member for attachment to the bicycle; at least two support assemblies, each support assembly having a pad member configured to support a posterior of a rider of the bicycle; at least two rail assemblies, each rail assembly comprising an upper rail and a lower rail; wherein each rail assembly is mountable to an underside of the support assemblies; at least two roller assemblies mounted to the mount member, each roller assembly comprising at least three rollers in a substantially triangular configuration; each roller assembly configured to engage the rail assemblies, such that two of the at least three rollers of each assembly contact the upper rail when mounted therein, and one of the at least three rollers contacts the lower rail when mounted therein; and wherein each pad member of each support assembly is movable about the at least two rail assemblies in an arc about an axis located above the support assembly.

[0018] In pone embodiment, each roller comprises a first part and a second part configured to rotate about a central axle. The first part and the second part may have a truncated conical shape and may be mounted on the central axle such that their outer surfaces taper inwardly.

[0019] Each of the first part and the second part may be mounted to the axle by way of a bearing such that the first part and the second part are free to rotate about the central axle.

[0020] The first part and the second part may be mounted such that a space is formed there between, the space being adjustable to vary contact forces applied by the roller assemblies to the rail assemblies.

[0021] In another embodiment, the lower roller is mounted in connection with a spring within the roller assembly. The lower roller may be connected to the spring by an internal bracket.

[0022] Each support assembly may be configured to move independently with respect to each other.

[0023] The pad member may comprise an S-shaped pad to support a rider. The S-shaped pad may comprise a convex portion and a concave portion about an inflection point. The inflection point may be disposed substantially in the middle of the pad.

[0024] The mount member may comprise a rotation lock to allow the rotational position of the roller assemblies to be adjusted when mounted therein. The rotation lock may be extendable with respect to the bicycle.

[0025] The roller assemblies may be mounted upon each end of a rod, and the rod may be configured to engage the rotation lock. The at least two rail assemblies may define an internal area between the upper rail and lower rail, having a safe zone disposed at each end of the internal area.

[0026] The rail assembly may further comprise a guide track, comprising an elongate arced slot, to limit over extension of the rail assemblies when engaged with the roller assemblies.

[0027] The roller assemblies may further comprise a guide member, configured to engage the guide track.

[0028] The guide track may further comprise at least one dampener, disposed at an end of the elongate arced slot, configured to reduce the impact of movement of the rail assemblies.

[0029] The upper rail and lower rail have chamfered edges. The chamfered edges may contact the roller assembly.

[0030] The at least two roller assemblies comprise two roller assemblies.

[0031] The at least three rollers may comprise three rollers.

[0032] The mount member may be configured to be attached to a seat post provided on the frame of the bicycle.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:

[0035] Fig.l is a perspective view of a saddle for a bicycle according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Fig.2 is a perspective exploded view of a saddle for a bicycle as depicted in Fig. 1;

[0037] Fig.3A to Fig.3D are side views of a saddle for a bicycle during an example pedalling cycle;

[0038] Fig.4A depicts a side view of a support assembly and rail assembly rotating about an axis in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Fig.4B depicts a partial side view of a saddle for a bicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Fig.5 depicts a perspective view of a pair of roller assemblies in connection with a seat post for a saddle for a bicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig.6A depicts a first perspective view of a pair of roller assemblies in connection with a seat post for a saddle for a bicycle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Fig.6B depicts a second perspective view of a pair of roller assemblies in connection with a seat post for a saddle for a bicycle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Fig.7A depicts a side view of a support for a saddle for a bicycle;

[0043] Fig.7B depicts a front sectional view of a support for a saddle for a bicycle;

[0044] Fig. 8 is a side view of a rail assembly and roller assembly of a saddle for a bicycle in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Fig. 9 is a perspective and partially exploded view of the rail assembly and roller assembly of a saddle for a bicycle of Fig. 8;

[0046] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a roller of the roller assembly depicted in Fig. 8 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Fig. 11 is an exploded view of the roller of Fig. 10;

[0048] Fig. 12 is a plan view of the roller of Fig. 10; and

[0049] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the roller of Fig. 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention.

[0052] The present embodiments will be described below in relation to a saddle for a conventional two-wheeled bicycle. However, it will be appreciated that the saddle arrangement of the present invention could also be used in relation to tricycles and other pedal powered vehicles as well as stationary bicycles, such as exercise bicycles, electric bicycles, and / or cargo bicycles and the like.

[0053] Fig.l is a perspective view of a saddle 100 for a bicycle. The saddle 100 comprises at least two support assemblies 102. The support assemblies 102 may be mounted on at least two rail assemblies 104. The rail assemblies 104 may comprise an upper rail 108 and lower rail 110. The rail assemblies may allow support assemblies 102 to rotate along the length of the rails 108, 110, by way of the at least two roller assemblies 106. The roller assemblies 106 may be configured to engage an inner rim each of the upper rail 108 and lower rail 110. The roller assemblies 106 may be connected to the seat post 112 by way of a central hub member 206 (as shown in Fig. 2). The central hub member 206 may be engaged in a rotation lock 208. The rotation lock 208 may be engaged in a clamp 210. The clamp 210 may be affixed to a seat post 112. The seat post 112 may comprise a cylindrical elongate member, configured to insertable into the seat mount of a standard bicycle frame.

[0054] Fig.2 is a perspective exploded view of the saddle 100 according to some embodiments. This figure depicts the assembly of the saddle 100 and its constituent sub -assemblies. The support assembly 102 is affixable to the rail assembly 104. The rail assembly 104 comprises upper rail 108 and lower rail 110. Both the upper rail 108 and lower rail 110 may comprise elongate arced members. The upper rail 108 and lower rail 110 may be connected at their ends to define an arced loop. The arc of the upper rail 108 and lower rail 110 may be substantially matched, to define a rotational axis at a point above the support assembly 102 when engaged with the rail assembly 104. This rotational axis may be the anticipated height of a hip joint of an average user. The upper rail 108 and lower rail 110 may cooperated to define an internal area 203. The roller assembly 106 may be disposed within the internal area 203. The upper rail 108 and lower rail 110 may have chamfered edges, to enable better engagement with the rollers of the roller assembly 106. In some embodiments, the edges of the rail assembly 104 which are configured to contact the rollers of the roller assembly 106 may be rounded, or round.

[0055] The roller assembly 106 may comprise a cover 202, to protect the assembly 204, and reduce chance of a user injuring or pinching themselves in the moving parts. The roller assembly 204 may further comprise a pair of upper rollers 204A, mounted in an upper roller bracket 205. In the depicted embodiment, the upper rollers 204A are configured to engage the upper rail 108. In some embodiments, more rollers such as three, four, or five upper rollers are provided. The upper roller bracket 205 may comprise a mounting plate and recess. The recess may allow a lower roller 214 to be retained. The lower roller 214 may be separably attached within the upper roller bracket 205, for ease of maintenance. The lower roller may comprise a sprung lower roller 214, having a spring configured to engage the upper roller bracket 205. The lower roller may be in contact with a bracket, the bracket comprising engagement means for a spring, to be held in tension against an interior surface of the roller bracket 205. The sprung lower roller 214 may be held in tension when the roller assembly 106 is engaged within the internal area 203 of the rail assembly 104, with the spring lower roller 214 engaging the lower rail 110. The sprung lower roller 214 has the benefit of providing a degree of shock resistance to the saddle 100, and also allowing for a better engagement of the arced surfaces of the rail assembly 104. A supporting bracket face 216 may be provided to retain the sprung lower roller 214 between the upper roller bracket 205 and the supporting bracket face 216. The ability of the roller assembly 106 to remain engaged by the tension of the spring lower roller 214 means that more complex internal spaces 203 may be defined by the arcs of the rail assembly 104. For example, the distance between the upper rail 108 and lower rail 110 need not be consistent across their length, as the spring lower roller 214 can extend to match it. This in turn allows for more complex rotational arcs, and a better overall supporting effect of a user.

[0056] The roller assembly 106 may be connected with a central hub 206 comprising a separable rod 207 connected to two fixing joints 209. The fixing joints 209 are configured to retain the roller assemblies 106. The rod 207 allows for rotation of the attached assemblies with respect to the rotation lock 208. This rotation allows for greater freedom for the user to position the saddle 100 to achieve a better or more comfortable fit. The rotation lock 208 may also be slidably retained within clamp 210. This defines a further, lateral, degree of freedom and subsequent adjustment for a user. Accordingly, the assembly as detailed in Fig.2 provides separate rotational support for a posterior of a user, the components of which are specifically configured to this end. This functionality is further illustrated in Fig.3A to 3D.

[0057] Fig.3A to Fig.3D are side views of a saddle for a bicycle during an example pedalling cycle. In use, a user sits on the support assemblies 102 of saddle 100 and engage the pedals of a bicycle in a cycling motion. As the user cycles, their legs and posterior, when sitting in the saddle 100, cause the support assemblies 102 to rotate about an axis located above the seat. As a user’s leg extends, such as in Fig.3C, their posterior profile substantially straightens, which causes the corresponding support assembly 102 to tilt, providing a smoother and less impacting support as the user raises their leg such as in Fig.3D. The separate support assemblies 102 allow for separated support of a user’s posterior, with the support assemblies 102 moving independently of one another.

[0058] As will be appreciated, as a rider continues to pedal, the extension of their legs will change through approximately 180 degrees, such that the support assembly depicted in Fig.3A - 3D will assume the more horizontal orientation, and the opposing support assembly will assume the more vertical orientation. In this regard, each of the support assemblies and will rotate about an axis “A”, as depicted in Fig. 4A. This axis “A” is located above the saddle 100 in the region of the rider’s hips when seated on the saddle 100. The provision of the axis of rotation ‘A’ of the support assemblies 102 of the saddle 100 in a region aligned with the rider’s hips, provides for a more natural movement of the saddle 100 that is closely aligned with the rider’s body. This enhances rider comfort and creates a natural synergy between rider and saddle.

[0059] Fig.4A depicts a side view of a support assembly and rail assembly rotating about an axis A in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. When rotating, the saddle 100 pivots about the roller assembly 106 between the depicted position and the second position 404. The rail assembly 104 is depicted herein in greater detail. Rail assembly 104 may further comprise engagement means 406 to affix the support assembly 102 to the rail assembly 104. The engagement means 406 may comprise screws, bolts, or other such fixing means. Rail assembly 104 may define rotational paths B and C, the framing of which allow for the rotation about point A. The ending points of the rotational paths B and C may define a safe zone 407 in cooperation with the roller assembly 106, within the internal area 203. The safe zone / s 407 may reduce the risk of body parts or clothing being caught by the rollers of the roller assembly 106.

[0060] Fig.4B depict a partial side view of a saddle for a bicycle according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, a guide channel 404 is formed within upper rail 108 and is configured to limit the rotation of the support assemblies 102. This may provide the further benefit of reducing the risk of dislocation of the roller assemblies 106 when engaged with the rail assemblies 104. In such embodiments, roller assembly 106 may further comprise a flange or guide member 408, configured to engage with the guide channel 405, thereby limiting movement beyond the length of the guide channel 405. The guide channel 405 may further comprise dampeners 406, disposed at either end of the channel, configured to dampen the impact of contact with the roller assembly 106. This provides the benefit of reducing wear and tear on the rail assembly 104 and roller assembly 106 and provides less impact to a user while riding.

[0061] Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of a pair of roller assemblies 106 in connection with a seat post 112. This figure depicts the clamp 210 having clamp fixing means 502. The fixing means being configured to tighten or loosen the clamp, thereby allowing extension of the rotation lock 208, and enabling a user to adjust the displacement the rotation lock (and mounted support assemblies 102). Fig.6A and 6B depict two example positions of the roller assemblies 106 when mounted on hub 206 within rotation lock 208. Rotation lock 208 may be tightened or loosened by fixing means 602, enabling the rail assemblies 104 to rotate thereby providing the user further means to adjust the position of the mounted support assemblies 102.

[0062] An alternative embodiment of a rail assembly and roller assembly of a saddle arrangement according to the present invention is depicted in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. In this arrangement, the rail assembly 30 and the roller assembly 40 is depicted in isolation. It will be appreciated that the guide channel and dampeners described above may be employed with this embodiment, although such features have been omitted for simplicity.

[0063] The rail assembly 30 comprises an upper rail 32 and a lower rail 34 that cooperate to form an internal area 35 within which the roller assembly 40 is received. The receiving surface 33 of the upper rail 32 and the lower rail 34, namely the surface that receives the roller members 44, 45 of the roller assembly 40, has a chamfered edge to better engage with the roller members 44, 45, in a manner as will be discussed in more detail below. An upper region of the rail assembly 30 has mounting portions 31 to facilitate mounting attachment of the support assemblies 102 thereto, in the manner as depicted in Fig. 1.

[0064] Referring to Fig. 9, the manner in which the roller assembly 40 is fitted into the internal area 35 of the rail assembly 30 is shown. The roller assembly 40 comprises a first bracket member 42 that mates with a second bracket member 43 to form a housing for containing the upper roller members 44 and the lower roller member 45 in position. The first bracket member 42 and the second bracket member 43 are substantially triangular in configuration such that when they are brought together they form a triangular body as shown in Fig. 8. The first bracket member

[0065] 42 has recesses 46 formed therein which align with columns 47 extending from an inner surface of the second bracket member 43 when the first bracket member 42 engages with the second bracket member 43. The columns 47 have an internal thread formed therein such that when a screw member 48 is inserted through the recess 46 formed in the first bracket member 42, the screw member is able to screwingly engage with the associated column 47 of the second bracket member

[0066] 43 to securely retain the first bracket member 42 with the second bracket member 43. In the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, there are three recesses 46 and associated columns 47, although the number of attachment points for securing the first bracket member and the second bracket member together may vary.

[0067] Each of the first bracket member 42 and the second bracket member 43 also have mounting holes 50 formed at each point of the triangular body thereof. The mounting recesses 50 are provided to receive opposing end axles 52 of the upper roller members 44 and the lower roller member 45 such that when the first bracket member 42 and the second bracket member 43 are engaged together, the upper roller members 44 and the lower roller members 45 are securely positioned between the bracket members and are free to rotate in position in the manner as will be discussed below. To provide secure engagement of the end axles 52 with the roller members 44, retaining clips 55 are provided to engage with the end axles 52 to secure the roller members 44 in position while retaining free rotation of the roller members.

[0068] In the roller assembly arrangement as depicted in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the saddle 100 is supported by the roller members 44 and 45 engaging with the upper rail 32 and the lower rail 34 of the rail assembly 30 such that the lower roller member 45 is located at the central region of the triangular bracket member and the upper roller members 44 are positioned at the opposing upper ends of the triangular bracket member.

[0069] As is shown in Figs. 10 - 13, an embodiment of the roller member that forms the upper roller member 44 and / or the lower roller member 45 is shown in detail. For ease of description, the reference numeral 44 will be used to refer to the roller member.

[0070] The roller member 44 comprise a first part and a second part in the form of a pair of rollers 60 mounted upon a central axle or roller pin 62. As is shown more clearly in Fig. 13, the rollers 60 have a truncated conical shape that taper inwardly such that when the rollers are positioned on the axle 62, their outer or contact surfaces 61 are angled toward each other in the manner as shown.

[0071] Each roller 60 is mounted on a bearing 64 that has a central recess that receives the axle 62, such that the bearing 64 and associated roller 60 is free to rotate around the axle 62. A washer 66 is mounted at each end of the roller member 44 and has a thickness that functions to provide a degree of adjustment of the roller member, as will be described in more detail below. As mentioned previously, retaining clips 55 are provided at each end of the roller member and mate with notch 63 provided at the end of the pin or axle 62 to retain the components of the roller member in position. Referring again to Fig. 13, when the rollers 60 are mounted on the bearings 64 and positioned over the axle 62, a gap 65 is formed between the inner ends of the rollers 60. As the contact surfaces 61 of the rollers 60 are configured to contact the receiving surface 33 of the upper rail 32 / lower rail 34, the gap 65 between the rollers 60 can be adjusted to adjust the tension and contact forces experienced at the interface between the rollers 60 and the rails 32 / 34. The gap 65 can be adjusted by using washers 66 of different thicknesses such that the system can be adjusted to user preferences based on adjustment of the tension / contact forces at the roller / rail interface. The thickness of the washer 66 could vary between 0.5 - 1.0 mm, and other thicknesses are also envisaged to cater for a variety of user preferences. Such a degree of adjustability within each of the roller members 44 obviates the need to employ a spring mounted lower roller member, as described in relation to the embodiment depicted in Fig. 4A and 4B.

[0072] It will be appreciated that the angled contact surfaces 61 of the rollers 60 can be configured to provide greater contact with the receiving surfaces 33 of the rails 32, 34 that the rollers slide along through use. Such a configuration and the use of two rollers 60 that are adjustable in separation distances enables the system to be adjusted to suit user preferences.

[0073] Fig.7A depict the support assemblies 102 in greater detail. Support assemblies 102 comprise seat pad 702 in connection with seat pad 705. Seat pad 702 may be a substantially ovaloid shape, or a contoured hemispherical shape, having a substantially S-curved profile about an inflection point 703 - as seen in Fig.7A. The inflection point 703 may be approximately in the middle of the length of the support assembly 102. In some embodiments, the inflection point may be disposed at approximately one third, or two-thirds the length of the support assembly 102. Seat pad 105 may comprise a cushioned upholstery material, or some other resiliently cushioned material. Seat pad 102 may comprise a lateral inflection point 704, defining a midpoint between a lower profile area 706 and a higher profile area 708. Lower profile area 706 may be disposed closer to the seat post 112 when the support assemblies 102 are mounted as part of the saddle 100. This higher and lower profile area across the support assemblies 102 provides a more comfortable experience for users and may further reduce cycling strain. In some embodiments, the areas 706 and 708 may be formed of different material. The base 705 may comprise a substantially rigid material. The base 705 may be suitably flexible to enable reduce high impact damage from cycling. The base 705 may further comprise support ridges formed on the underside of the base 705, configured to provide additional rigidity. The support ridges may allow a greater resilience, while reducing overall weight and cost of manufacturing when compared to substantially uniform bases.

[0074] By providing a saddle with separate support assemblies to support each leg and associated gluteal muscles of the rider, the support assemblies are free to adjust their position to support the rider based on the forces experienced by the support assemblies. The support assemblies are independent and able to move independently of each other to accommodate unique rider requirements. The support assemblies are also not restricted to pivoting about an axis located below the saddle; rather, due to the siding motion of the support assemblies the axis of rotation of the riding motion will adapt to the individual rider in a truly dynamic form about an axis above the support assembly. Such an adaptive saddle system enhances the amount of support and comfort experienced by the rider as they pedal the bicycle.

[0075] Whilst each of the saddle configurations discussed above have depicted only two support assemblies, it is also envisaged that the number of support assemblies may vary and may comprises multiple support assemblies, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0076] Throughout the specification and claims the word “comprise” and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated, or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word “comprise” and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

[0077] Orientational terms used in the specification and claims such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on the premise that the component, item, article, apparatus, device or instrument will usually be considered in a particular orientation, typically with the saddle uppermost.

[0078] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A saddle for a bicycle comprising: a mount member for attachment to the bicycle; at least two support assemblies, each support assembly having a pad member configured to support a posterior of a rider of the bicycle; at least two rail assemblies, each rail assembly comprising an upper rail and a lower rail; wherein each rail assembly is mountable to an underside of the support assemblies; at least two roller assemblies mounted to the mount member, each roller assembly comprising at least three rollers in a substantially triangular configuration; each roller assembly configured to engage the rail assemblies, such that two of the at least three rollers of each assembly contact the upper rail when mounted therein, and one of the at least three rollers contacts the lower rail when mounted therein; and wherein each pad member of each support assembly is movable about the at least two rail assemblies in an arc about an axis located above the support assembly.

2. The saddle of claim 1, wherein each roller comprises a first part and a second part configured to rotate about a central axle.

3. The saddle according to claim 2, wherein the first part and the second part have a truncated conical shape and are mounted on the central axle such that their outer surfaces taper inwardly.

4. The saddle according to claim 3, wherein each of the first part and the second part are mounted to the axle by way of a bearing such that the first part and the second part are free to rotate about the central axle.

5. The saddle according to claim 4, wherein the first part and the second part are mounted such that a space is formed therebetween, the space being adjustable to vary contact forces applied by the roller assemblies to the rail assemblies.

6. The saddle of claim 1 , wherein the lower roller is mounted in connection with a spring within the roller assembly.

7. The saddle of claim 6, wherein the lower roller is connected to the spring by an internal bracket.

8. The saddle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each supportassembly is configured to move independently with respect to each other.

9. The saddle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pad member comprises an S- shaped pad to support a rider.

10. The saddle of claim 8, wherein the S-shape comprises a convex portion and a concave portion about an inflection point.

11. The saddle of claim 10, wherein the inflection point is disposed substantially in the middle of the pad.

12. The saddle of claim of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mount member comprises a rotation lock to allow the rotational position of the roller assemblies to be adjusted when mounted therein.

13. The saddle of claim 12, wherein the rotation lock is extendable with respect to the bicycle.

14. The saddle of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the roller assemblies are mounted upon each end of a rod, and the rod is configured to engage the rotation lock.

15. The saddle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two rail assemblies define an internal area between the upper rail and lower rail, having a safe zone disposed at each end of the internal area.

16. The saddle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rail assembly further comprises a guide track, comprising an elongate arced slot, to limit over extension of the rail assemblies when engaged with the roller assemblies.

17. The saddle of claim 16, wherein the roller assemblies further comprise a guide member, configured to engage the guide track.

18. The saddle of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the guide track further comprises at least one dampener, disposed at an end of the elongate arced slot, configured to reduce the impact of movement of the rail assemblies.

19. The saddle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper rail and lower rail have chamfered edges.

20. The saddle of claim 19, wherein the chamfered edges contact the roller assembly.

21. The saddle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two roller assemblies comprise two roller assemblies.

22. The saddle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least threerollers comprise three rollers.

23. The saddle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mount member is configured to be attached to a seat post provided on the frame of the bicycle.

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