Benefits of Cork
Imagine a material that's both lightweight and
durable. Soft and springy, with a high level of
surface friction.
You're probably picturing a synthetic polymer,
recently discovered in a hi-tech lab.
But nature has its own super-material.
It's been sustainably farmed for generations
and its 100% recyclable.
Its called cork.
1
Low density and light weight
2
Waterproof
3
High coefficient of friction
4
Cushioning capacity and compressability
5
Elasticity and durability
6
100% recyclable and renewable
Most modern bike saddles are comprised of
multiple layers of different types of polymer.
There's a base plate made of hard plastic.
Then there's a layer of soft polymeric foam.
Finally the outer layer: almost always
polyurethane (sometimes called "leatherette").
Each layer has its own function. The hard plastic
provides structural rigidity; the foam comfort
and the polyurethane weather resistance.
At Frame Cycles we've done away with all three plastic layers,
and replaced them with a single piece of cork - one
material with the beneficial properties of all three.
Cork farming has been the pride of Portugal for generations.
Harvested from the bark of cork oak trees (Quercus suber), sustainable practices
have been passed down from father to son, mother to daughter.
We're proud to support Portuguese cork farmers with our first
product offering.
Cork is harvested from the bark of the evergreen oak tree Quercus suber, which grows naturally in Southwest Europe and North Africa.
Once mature, the trees can be harvested for their bark once every nine years without harm.
We've worked closely with a family-run cork farm in Portugal to develop our first product the FR-1 Saddle.