THE SAGER LINE.
The Sager Manufacturing Co. of Rochester, N. Y., one of the oldest makers of saddles in this country, are showing this year a new saddle which they call the “Flexible.” They also say that they “are willing to stake their reputation that the flexible line of saddles comes nearer to a solution of the much discussed saddle problem than anything heretofore presented.” They are entirely new in construction and appearance, and are very simple, and beyond question they will suit a greater variety of riders than anything heretofore produced. One of their saddles has a solid leather base, on which are placed pads covered with leather, and stitched to the lower base. The pads are made in two forms. In one form the pads extend from the pommel to the cantle, having an open centre, however, from the cantle to a point about midway of the saddle. In the other form of construction the pads are on each side of the base, and the pommel is not covered, but it is depressed below the line of the pads, with an opening running from the end of the pommel between the pads to the cantle. They have also improved their Hygienic saddles by adding to the seating surface; also a new take up, and improved edge binding, and also say that they will retain their shape as well as the old hard leather tops did—something, it is claimed, no hygienic saddle has ever done before. They also show a pneumatic moulded saddle, which is moulded to fit the body, and the entire seating surface is padded with air. A deep depression in the centre prevents any possibility of any uncomfortable pressure. They also make a racing saddle, which is composed of veneered wood, cross grained, and glued together, and covered, of course, with leather. Another form of anatomical pattern of theirs has a solid wooden base on which are placed two leather pads which are fastened to the base by a strap of nickel-plated steel which is screwed thereto. A nickel-plated steel plate also extends between the pads from the pommel to the cantle. The Sager Pneumatic saddle consists of a three-ply wood base to which is fitted a leather cover. Its peculiarity lies in the use of two separate air tubes, which are inflated with a regulation tire pump, but these tubes are entirely independent of each other, thus preventing any rolling or side motion and giving perfect steadiness. There are two holes through the saddle in the centre of the depressions on the rear part of the seat, which serve the double purpose of ventilation and also to retain the base of the pelvis, and the saddle is laced down the centre, which prevents any undue pressure there; the present style may be considered a decided improvement over their former models of pneumatic saddles. The Sager Co. also make a saddle called the Peck, but it may more properly be called a seat, being radically different from anything in the market. The rider sits upon a formed cushion seat and not astride. The body finds a steady support, the reciprocating parts of the seat support while giving free movement to the limbs. There is no pommel to this seat, and therefore this saddle is particularly suitable to those riders of either sex who desire to sit upright. If properly adjusted it is claimed that there is not the slightest danger of sliding off the seat, and that the absence of the pommel does not in anyway interfere with steadiness in riding.
THE MESINGER SADDLE.
The Mesinger Saddle Company show by far the best model line yet made of this well-known make for 1898. It is softer, both in the back and on the pommel, than any of their previous styles, and softer on the pommel than any saddle ever shown by them. The reason for this is that the weaving of the rattan gives the strength, durability and elasticity, while, being wood fibre, it is not affected by water, and cannot stretch or sag. On this springy, but non-stretchable base is a cover of felt, over which is leather to waterproof it and give it a finished appearance. A V-shaped opening is cut in the centre of the cover, anatomically formed to relieve all injurious pressure, ventilate, prevent numbness, or any possible injury to the delicate parts of the body. The general shape of the saddle is made to conform to the anatomical requirements of the body, the ends of the pelvis bones being supported on the felt on each side of the anatomically shaped opening and the curves of the outer sides of the saddle conforming to the folds of the flesh naturally formed in pedalling.
“RUBBER NECK.”
The Mesinger people are now manufacturing a saddle with an upturned cantle, model H, which is an excellent specimen of this shape of saddle. They have not only obtained the desirable features of this style of saddle but have produced a very soft seat. The base is made of woven rattan, which cannot sag, and this saddle will always retain its shape. The rattan is woven in such a manner as to give a peculiar flexibility to the sides; presents a soft, yielding side surface to the leg when pedalling.
The Mesinger hygienic saddle is made with an outer finish like their regular saddle, but the base of this saddle, instead of rattan, is made of rawhide. The base is made of one continuous strip of rawhide, interwoven with leather, and passing through the wood cantle. The interweaving is made in such a manner that the weight of the body, resting upon the leather, always keeps the central strands tight and firm. The peculiar shape of their spring with its tension actually takes up any stretch. The saddle is light and of good appearance.