Video: We give you the new Shark Saddle; with a fin that goes, erm, you know where

In a nutshell (there's a pun in there somewhere - Ed) the Shark Saddle has a fin like a shark. It sits between your buttocks to prevent you moving or rocking when seated.

We’d never seen this before today but apparently it’s been around in embryonic form since last year; it’s the Essax Shark saddle.

In a nutshell, it’s a saddle with a fin like a shark’s.

It’s designed to ensure that when you sit in the saddle you’re in exactly the right place.

The manufacturers, Essax of Spain, also claim it will prevent you moving around in the saddle or rocking from side to side too much; both of which lead to a loss of watts going from your body into your bike.

The idea is that when you sit on the saddle, the fin acts as a guide for your rear end.

It will, Essax claims, ensure the sit bones of your bum are exactly where they should be to ensure both sides of your lower body are working as hard as each other.

Thierry Marie won the prologue TT of the Tour de France in 1990 with a similar back support saddle to the one in this photo. It was later banned by the UCI.

Essax says not only will rocking and moving around – especially when climbing or under pressure – be eliminated, but equal pressure will be distributed on the knees.

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As a result, pedal stroke will improve and become more efficient.

And differences in leg muscle development, which can lead to serious injury and weaken your effort, will also be minimised.

The company said its testing proves it works and that riders sitting properly in the saddle will not even feel the fin.

It’s currently with the UCI being tested to see if it should be allowed in competition.

However, some of its claims, if true, suggest it aids aspects of a rider’s performance that improve with plenty of core work.

It is also reminiscent of Castorama’s famous saddle from the 1990 Tour de France, above, which was subsequently banned by the UCI as it was adjudged to aid performance too much.