Entering the bike industry to make millions would probably be… misguided. But starting or joining a bike or gear company because you’ve got some cool ideas and want to have a bit of fun bringing them to life? That’s a bit more like it.
Building saddles since the early-90s, Speed Defies Gravity–now SDG Components–has built a solid following for their comfortable saddles, innovative I-Beam mounting system, and sense of fun. From the legendary Bel Air to bombproof Kevlar-covered saddles to today’s surprisingly broad range, SDG are all about the bicycle contact points. Now owned by a former intern (kids, take note!), SDG have just sent out a number of products that don’t just seem well thought out- they make us smile too. Party after the jump!
Already mounted to our Project 1.2 singlespeed, the I-Beam Duster is an all-terrain saddle with a center channel, an eye-catching microfiber cover (see first pic), and an extremely reasonable $99 price tag for its 220g weight. A 10g clamp for Topeak’s QuickClick bag mount is also included.
The $120 Micro Carbon Seatpost mates with I-Beam saddles and uses an infinite angle adjustment not unlike Crank Brothers’ and Ritchey’s latest heads. The matte gray post hit our scale at 226g in its largest 31.6x400mm size and setup was quick and easy especially because with the I-Beam there is no need for a rail separator. Clamps for railed saddles are available for those who’d prefer one of SDG’s railed models…
…which include this Shibuya-themed Falcon. A comfortable saddle designed for mountain bike use, the Ti Alloy railed version comes in at $90 and 250g. At least five other color combinations are available- but why would you when the underside looks like…
…this! Everyone who’s seen this guy in the flesh wants to pinch it- luckily, it’s easy to spot. For the record, it may be the first time we’ve heard the term “neon clown explosion” used as a compliment. In all seriousness, the Falcon feels remarkably comfortable so far and we’re looking forward to getting some miles in on it.
The Circuit is designed as a road, cyclocross, and cross-country racing saddle. Our sample has an embossed microfiber top, Ti-alloy rails, and scuff-resistant Kevlar edging. The Circuit comes in at 215g (actual- 205g claimed) and sells for $150- though 165g claimed/$200/Ti rail and 215g claimed/$100/CrMo rail versions are also available. Oh, and beneath?
A pressure-relieving cutout. And more awesome blue. We’ll be on the Circuit as this goes to press live.
Finally, we have an SDG/ODI collaboration in these Lock-On grips. Made in the USA and featuring “Ergonomically ramped and undercut grabbers for superior grip on fingers Circular iconic dampers [to] absorb shock and spread pressure evenly across palm.” Heck yeah. Several colors are available to match your bike and extroversion level.
So there we have it. The SDG sampler is mounted to various test bikes and ready to rock. Stay tuned for reviews as they see trail time…
marc
