This just in from the Taipei International Cycle Show, via WTB:
The High Tail saddle was developed as a direct request from Pivot Cycles, who identified an emerging need for a purpose-built saddle while designing and refining their upcoming carbon 27.5” downhill bike.
Be sure to note that Pivot is developing a 27.5 downhill rig! Now, on to the saddle.
The cutaway rear of the saddle is designed to provide additional tire clearance when the suspension is fully compressed. When developing their new DH rig, Pivot was concerned that they couldn’t use the geometry that they wanted because of the rear tire contacting the saddle when the suspension compressed fully.
According to Chris Cocalis, Pivot Cycles founder and president, “We wanted to maintain the same travel, chainstay length and rider positioning as on our current 26” Phoenix DH bike and this presented an overall clearance challenge with current seat and rail profiles. Something had to give, so we contacted WTB with the idea of a saddle to accommodate the rising popularity of the 27.5” full suspension market.” WTB anticipates that this new saddle design will be useful on long-travel 27.5″ trail and all mountain bikes as well.
The new High Tail will be available with carbon rails for $249.95 US MSRP, Titanium rails for $159.95, and Cromoly rails for $119.95. They’re expected to be available in September of 2014.
Also, WTB unveiled carbon-railed versions of their popular Volt and Rocket V saddles at the Taipei show, both retailing for $249.95, as well as 142 and 150 width saddles. These new saddle versions also have an anticipated availability of September.
