Studies Validate Design of 'The SEAT,' an Ergonomic Bike Seat From Ergo; Ergo Seat Featured in Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine.

Business Editors

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 16, 2002

Recent studies from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the University Medical Center of Cologne, Germany confirm the health benefits of bicycle seats, such as "The SEAT"(R) from Ergo, LLC. that are designed without a protruding saddle horn.

Traditional seats have a horn or nose area that forces riders to support themselves on soft tissue and tender organs in the pubic area, which cuts off blood circulation and causes pain and even sexual dysfunction.

The health issues concerning bicycle seats are also now receiving national prominence. "The SEAT" was featured in the Wall Street Journal (October 15, 2002) and Time Magazine (October 28, 2002) in articles highlighting bicycle seat designs that can help prevent impotence and other health problems caused by traditional seats.

The design of "The SEAT" is in compliance with the recent recommendations set forth in the CDC/NIOSH report, which studied possible health hazards among a police bicycle patrol unit. The report recommended that a bicycle seat without a nose would likely result in less pressure on the perineum and the underlying nerves and blood vessels and would thereby help prevent numbness and sexual problems. The design of "The SEAT" is also supported by a recent study of the Urology Department of the University Medical Center of Cologne, Germany.

"The design of 'The SEAT,' which eliminates the painful saddle-horn, offers a significantly more comfortable and healthy alternative to conventional bike seats on the market today," said Ergo president and award-winning designer Tom White.

Numerous physicians support the design of a bicycle seat without a nose or saddle horn, including Dr. Irwin Goldstein, professor of Urology and Gynecology and director of the Institute for Sexual Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Goldstein has conducted research that indicates seats with a nose restrict blood flow to the penis. At the largest national bicycle conference recently, Dr. Goldstein referred to the bicycle seat study by the CDC and NIOSH and humorously predicted that "We may soon see warning labels on bike seats."

Dr. Thomas Green, associate clinical professor at the University of Washington and urologist at Swedish Urology Group in Seattle, also supports the design of "The SEAT" by Ergo. "This seat makes a lot of sense to me," says Dr. Green. "Prolonged riding on conventional seats can cause compression of the nerves and restricted blood flow. According to Dr. Gabe Mirkin, a renowned health expert and host of the national radio talk show, the 'Dr. Gabe Mirkin Show,' 'The SEAT' from Ergo is a big leap forward."

Availability

"The SEAT" is available in three models:

-- Ultimate -- a Lycra-covered soft gel seat for ultimate, cushioned comfort ($39.98 SRP)

-- Classic -- a water-resistant seat molded with a cushion of polyurethane foam for a softer riding experience ($29.98 SRP)

-- Endurance -- a firm, all-weather leather-like grained seat with a slightly larger sitting area provides exceptional durability and support ($19.98 SRP)

"The SEAT" weighs less than 14 ounces and comes with a rear "3-M Scotchlite(R) Reflector" for added safety. It is available through bicycle dealers nationwide and through international distributors. The company offers a wide selection of colors for large orders.

About Ergo, LLC

Ergo founder, Tom White, is an inventor and award-winning industrial designer who has received numerous patents in his work designing Boeing cockpits, truck cabins and Rubbermaid industrial products. Ergo was honored by the Northwest Chapter of the Industrial Designers' Society of America with an Honorable Mention Award 2000 for "The SEAT". The company is headquartered in the greater Seattle area in Carnation, Wash.. For more information, visit www.ergotheseat.com or call 425/333-6161.

Editor's Note: Photos of "The SEAT" from Ergo are available. For copies of the Wall Street Journal and Time Magazine coverage and other materials please contact Candy Young, Young Communications at 425/869-8333; e-mail to [e-mail].