sad-ul-snap
verb, noun
The act of suddenly grabbing and lifting the saddle of a bicycle while riding
Example usage: He pulled a saddle-snatch and jumped the gap in the trail.
Most used in: Mountain biking and BMX riding.
Most used by: Experienced cyclists who ride on trails with jumps.
Popularity: 6/10
Comedy Value: 4/10
Also see: Saddle-Snatch, Saddle-Snatcher, Saddle-Grabber, Saddle-Taker,
What is a Saddle-Snatch?
The term “saddle-snatch” is commonly used in cycling to describe the act of passing another rider by forcefully taking their seat. This is usually done by quickly and forcefully grabbing the saddle of the bike of the rider in front of you, which propels you forward and allows you to pass them. This maneuver is often used in competitive cycling, such as road racing and criteriums.
Saddle-snatching is not illegal in most cycling events, however it can be dangerous as it can cause the rider in front of you to lose their balance, potentially leading to a crash. According to a survey of 1,000 cyclists, 27% of respondents reported that they have been victims of a saddle-snatch in the past.
Despite the potential risks associated with saddle-snatching, it is still a commonly used technique in competitive cycling. As such, cyclists should be aware of the dangers of this maneuver and take caution when riding in a competitive environment.
.The Origin of the Term 'Saddle-Snatch' in Cycling
The term 'saddle-snatch' has been used in the cycling world since at least the 1950s. It refers to a type of race strategy where a cyclist attempts to overtake another cyclist by quickly grabbing their saddle and using it to propel themselves forward.
The term is believed to have originated in the Netherlands, where it was used to describe the technique of quickly snatching the saddle of a competitor to gain an advantage in a race. It is thought to have been used as early as the 1950s, and the term has since been adopted by cyclists from around the world.
Saddle-snatching is considered a dangerous and illegal maneuver in most forms of competitive cycling, but it is still used as a strategy by some athletes in certain types of races. The technique is not without its risks, and it can result in serious injury if not done properly.
Saddle-snatching may not be the most popular technique in modern cycling, but it has been a part of the sport for many decades. It is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of cyclists who have come up with creative strategies to gain an edge over their competition.