Butt pain is a big complaint amongst cyclists, although many of them will tell you that getting a cushier seat isn't the solution. The theory goes that the extra padding will get pressed up into the rider's nether regions, ultimately just adding more pressure. Suspension seatposts are one alternative, although European cyclists Martin Moravcik and Slawek Gawlik have created what they claim is another, that's lighter and simpler – the Morgaw shock-absorbing saddle.
Saddles with steel-spring suspensions have been around pretty much as long as the bicycle itself. The Morgaw, however, utilizes elastomer inserts that sit between the saddle rails and the saddle itself, both in the front and back. These absorb much of the road shock vibrations that travel up the seatpost, plus they also allow the saddle to pivot with the rider's butt a little, both fore and aft, and from side to side.
This pivoting action should reportedly also help reduce discomfort, as the saddle will tilt slightly when pressure is applied, instead of just pressing back. A similar strategy is applied by the prototype BioFloat seatpost, which has yet to make its way to production.
The Morgaw's elastomers are available in three stiffnesses, in order to accommodate riders of varying weights. Additionally, everything can be taken apart and reassembled by the user, allowing them to swap in different elastomers, saddle tops, or rails (in the event that one is damaged).
Plans call for multiple versions of the Morgaw to be produced, suited to different types of cycling. Moravcik and Gawlik are currently trying to make that happen, via an Indiegogo campaign. A pledge of US$79 will get you a seat model of your choice with aluminum rails, while $119 is required for one with carbon rails – when and if the funding goal is met. The estimated retail prices are $125 and $139, respectively.
You can get a better idea of how the Morgaw is supposed to work, in the animation below ... and if you just can't wait for it to reach production, take note that the existing Koobi PRS saddle also utilizes interchangeable elastomer shock absorbers, although only in the back.
Source: Indiegogo