SQlabs is all about Sports Ergonomics, so it makes sense that they’re serious about their grips. Their latest options look like the best yet and are available in everything from super winged touring grips, to full on aggressive mountain bike grips with just enough ergonomics to improve the ride.
Together, the Series 7 grips will include four models – the 702, 710, 711, and 7OX.
The 702 shown above and the 710 (not shown) are heavily shaped grips meant for the maximum amount of comfort when being able to move your hands on the grip isn’t a priority. The 710 is a little smaller and could be a great option for endurance mountain biking, but both are geared towards more upright riding and commuting. Both the 702 and 710 are available in small, medium, and large to fit a variety of hand sizes.
The 711 is closer to a round grip, but still has a square-ish profile where it counts. Built without a hard shell, this allows the grip to use more rubber and since the grips are a single lock on, the outside of the grip can use extra rubber for more cushioning where it counts. This grip felt incredibly comfy with a very soft rubber compound which should make it popular for longer races where comfort and control are a priority. Left and right specific, each grip is marked, and they’re sold in S, M, and L.
For the most aggressive riders, the 7OX is their Enduro ergo (Endergo?) grip. built with more texture than the 711, the 7OX still has a comfort zone on the end but uses different densities of rubber for comfort and durability. To get the slim profile, the grip has a hard shell and less of an ergonomic design. This one is only available in small and medium.
Pricing on the Series 7 grips will range from $29 to $35 per pair.
Along the same lines as the 70X is the new 60X saddle. Focused on Enduro, the saddle has a softer padding for a bit more comfort for long transfer stages.
Built with a sort of scooped rear, the saddle rewards a more upright pedaling position, and it’s available in their Active System only. Shown above is a saddle without the Active System insert and one with the insert – which is basically an elastomer to allow the saddle to rock with your pelvis while pedaling. Out back you’ll find kevlar reinforcement, and they’re available with S Tube rails which are a titanium alloy blend. Available in four sizes from 13-16cm, the saddles will sell for $169.
To go along with their saddles, SQlab is also getting into cycling shorts with a pair of road bibs. These differ from your average road short thanks to the chamois made from super high density foam that is still breathable. In their testing, they found that the higher density padding reduced the vertical force on the saddle by up to 26.97% compared to no pad at all. In the same tests, competitors pads only reduced the force by 1.12 and 4.62%.
The result is sort of an odd feeling chamois that is almost hard to the touch and 4mm thick at the thickest point. The rest of the build is well thought out with perforated mesh shoulder straps, a mesh upper, flat seams, and silicon infused, wide gripper bands. The One12 bib short will retail for $199.99.
