A BOLTON company is appealing for help in bringing a product which promises to revolutionise cycling to market.

Matt Tomkin, the founder of sportswear company VO2, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to fund a new type of saddle to improve comfort when cycling.

Mr Tomkin says male impotency, saddle sores and perineal numbness are all potential side effects of cycling.

The company, based in Waters Meeting Road, Bolton, says research has showed that polyurethane foam-based Chamois pads stitched or glued into cycling shorts are not fit for purpose, and that they lack in comfort and health benefits as the pad loses thickness after even a short time in the saddle.

VO2 has come up with a new product, AIRIDE, which it says will replace the traditional PU pad, but can also be added to saddle covers in order to cater to the spin class and commuter market.

Mr Tomkin said: "We have been working for over a two years on AIRIDE and developed the whole product with a team of dedicated experts. We are now keen to launch into the mass market, and with the support of backers, we know this great product can improve the health of cyclists everywhere."

The idea came about when Mr Tomkin was training as part of a four-man rowing team, preparing to cross the Atlantic for charity.

3D spacer fabric had been used for bedding in the ocean rowing boat, where space was limited and weight needed to be kept to a minimum.

At the same time he was training to compete in Ironman UK, where long days in the saddle caused huge discomfort, and he decided to take action.

By significantly reducing pressure on the perineal region, the 3D Spacer model, used in the AIRIDE, not only ensures better comfort but it also continues to distributes pressure more effectively the longer you ride.

In order to bring this new product to market, a Kickstarter campaign has been launched to help support the long-term growth and mass manufacturing requirements of this technology.

For more information visit kickstarter.com/projects/758614120/airide-the-next-generation-of-cycling-chamois-pad