Composite Seat Post Brings Comfort and Sustainability to Endurance Cycling

In the world of endurance cycling, comfort is king. Cyclists who spend hours in the saddle need bikes that can absorb the bumps and vibrations of the road, reducing fatigue and allowing riders to push themselves to the limit. The new Itaca bike from MCipollini and DMT Cycling is a game-changer in this regard, thanks to the integration of Bcomp’s innovative technology in the bike’s seat post.

Meeting modern cyclists’ expectations

Bcomp’s ampliTex is a sustainable, high-tech alternative to traditional synthetic textiles, which also has automotive applications in the form of interior trim and seat backs. Made from precisely woven flax fibers, it is used to create composite parts with excellent performance metrics in a sustainable manner. The Itaca bike embodies this ethos of performance and sustainability, combining the comfort-enhancing properties of natural fibers with a commitment to the responsible practices expected by modern riders.

Damping not-so-good vibrations

Not only do the inherent properties of flax contribute to the seat post’s environmental sustainability but they also provide superior vibration damping. By incorporating ampliTex into the seat-post lamination, the Itaca bike achieves a 19.2% reduction in vibrations. This substantial reduction minimizes the transmission of road-borne impacts and vibrations to the rider, reducing fatigue over long distances and providing greater comfort, even on rough roads.

Flax fiber–based ampliTex is incorporated in the Itaca bike’s seat-post lamination. Image courtesy of MCipollini.

Flax, also known as linen in the textile industry, is an incredibly versatile plant that has been used for centuries. Bcomp uses European flax fiber to develop an innovative and durable technical fabric, ampliTex. In many applications, ampliTex offers up to an 85% reduction in production CO₂ emissions versus conventional synthetic composite materials.

Design features of Itaca bike

The Itaca bike also features a number of other design elements that contribute to its comfort and performance. Its True Carbon Monocoque (TCM) frame technology ensures a strong, lightweight structure, while its endurance geometry provides enhanced stability and comfort. The bike supports tire widths up to 40 mm and includes practical features such as direct-mount disc brakes and an integrated storage compartment, making it versatile for various riding conditions.

Patrick Vuagnat, manager of Sports & Leisure at Bcomp, commented: “We are proud to be collaborating with innovative and renowned brands such as MCipollini and DMT Cycling on the Itaca bike. This is an exciting development in cycling that leverages state-of-the-art sustainable composite technology to deliver real-world benefits. It showcases the exceptional damping properties of ampliTex-based composites, bringing increased comfort to a high-performance bike for a unique feel on every ride.”

“We’re happy to have achieved our goals of comfort, without compromising stiffness and speed, in a greener way,” said Daniele Cogotzi, designer at MCipollini. “That’s our first time in the field of bio-composites, but we hope to broaden the use of these innovative and more-sustainable materials in future projects.”