Selle Italia Unica 3D-Prints Saddles Customized to Your Pressure Map

Selle Italia has launched Unica, a 3D-printed saddle that builds its internal cushioning structure around each rider's actual pressure distribution rather than a fixed set of zones. The company says this approach reduces pressure concentration and improves stability at the main contact point, helping riders hold an efficient position longer.

The Process

The system starts with Selle Italia's idmatch pressure mapping rig, which records where a rider's weight sits on the saddle. That data drives the design of an internal lattice geometry specific to that rider. The external shape of the saddle stays identical to the chosen base model, so fit and aesthetics remain consistent. Only the cushioning layer inside changes.

Unica is available on two existing shapes: the SLR 3D and the Novus Boost Evo 3D. Each shape offers a choice of Carbon or Elite rails. Riders at any level can use the system, not just professionals, because the customization is based on individual anatomy and riding style rather than competitive tier.

How It Differs

Most 3D-printed saddles on the market use predefined cushioning patterns that Selle Italia argues do not account for real variation between riders. Unica's method is closer to made-to-measure footwear or insoles, where the internal structure is engineered from the user's own data. A similar logic appeared in 2014 when Materialise used dynamic pressure measurements to customize 3D-printed insoles through its RSPrint joint venture.

Why It Matters

Saddle discomfort is one of the top reasons cyclists quit riding or stick to shorter trips. Generic solutions ignore the fact that two riders with identical height and weight can have very different pressure maps. By making the internal lattice rider-specific, Selle Italia is treating the saddle as a medical device category rather than a commodity. If the system delivers on its promises, it could set a new standard for how cycling components are fitted.