When you listen to the company’s history, it’s apparent that SQlab has always been ab out finding ergonomic solutions through science and experience. When it came time to create their latest saddle, SQlab teamed up with the University Hospital of Frankfurt and the Frankfort University of Applied Sciences and even had government funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy – not your typical saddle development program.
Together, the team ended up with the new Ergowave series. Between the 611 and the 612, the saddles dive deep into the SQlab bag of ergo tricks and promise comfort on both the road and mountain…
One of the more apparent saddle features would have to be the raised tail section and dropped nose. SQlab claims this is to provide more rearward support and also is more energy efficient while the drop nose reduces pressure on the soft tissue region. Interestingly, due to UCI regulations, used as intended this saddle would actually be illegal as it has more than a 1cm drop from front to back. In that case you would have to mount it with the nose slightly up. Additional perineal relief comes in the form of a sizable dip in the center of the saddle .
Like many of their saddles, the Ergowave series is sold in different widths which are matched to the size of your sit bones. An SQlab dealer would measure you on the device then sell you the appropriate saddle similar to what a number of other companies are doing, but with four sizes.
The series will also include models with SQlab’s Active technology which builds in 7º of pelvic movement through the flex of the rails. This movement can be undamped, or you can add one of three adjustable bumpers in soft, medium, or hard durometers to restrict the movement.
Divided into the 611 and 612, the 611 is meant more for more aggressive mountain biking and has a softer padding, wider nose, and kevlar reinforcement at the back. The 612 is therefore more appropriate for road riding or XC racing but either could be used in either situation depending on the rider. Saddles will be offered with TiTube or Carbon rails with prices ranging from $139 to $229 in late July, early August.
