We happen to believe you deserve a pain free saddle. There's a ton of science on the SQLab website covering the thinking here, and as the first saddle company to introduce sit-bone measurement and variable-width saddles (it claims), its designers clearly know their stuff. *Ritchey is a registered trademark of Ritchey Design Inc. Material Rails Carbon fibre (oval shape 7 x 9.6 mm), active Technology 3 different elastomer dampers (can be interchanged). But we also don't expect you to just take our word for the superiority of our saddles. The other visibly distinct feature is the 'Adjustable Active Technology' at the back of the saddle, in the form of three differently coloured rubber inserts that you plug in, to adjust the amount of movement the saddle has when pedalling. I’m used to a firm saddle so this still isn’t a major concern for me but, having come from the 611 Active, it was definitely noticeable. Saddles are incredibly personal items on a bike. The purpose of the SQlab design is to sit right back on the saddle – it can be challenging remembering to shuffle back initially but the shape of the saddle helps encourage this, and the benefit of the stepped design becomes immediately apparent when you do. This is achieved by the point at which the rails join the rear of the saddle being partially disconnected aside from a web of plastic. This naturally places your sit bones a little higher, so when you then rotate forwards onto the handlebar there's less pressure on the perineal area. Their ergonomic designs really make the saddles more comfortable, efficient and easier to spend longer periods of time out riding without numbness or hot spots. Tel 01225 588855. Under advice from Krischan, the first of the the saddles to try from the three he sent me was the 611 Race. It's not optimised for triathlon, nor is it the saddle for a more hybrid-upright position. SQlab Ergowave Active 612 and 611 Saddle Ride Impressions. It’s worth noting that SQlab suggest you should expect their saddles to feel firmer as, once your sit bones are used to this, it helps your sit bones relieve pressure from other areas. From Cycle EXIF’s technical correspondent, Richard Gearing. This all-out aero effort was made on the medium (grey) insert. I thought our deal was that I subscribe and the adverts go away. Advertising, commercial: sales [at] road.ccView our media pack. SQLab was founded in Germany in 1992, and since then has specalised in high-end ergonomic products for body contact points: grips, saddles, bars, stems and pedals. The 611 Ergowave Active is designed for the rigors of all-mountain and enduro riding with an ergonomically friendly design that is intended to reduce hip, back, and other pain associated with poorly fitting saddles. If you don’t want to subscribe, please turn your ad blocker off. I expected the shape of the saddle to feel odd and take some time to get used to (SQlab suggests up to six rides may be necessary to acclimatise), but I felt immediately at home, and the level of comfort was quite surprising. Right from the start, SQlab was and is the most successful saddle brand in tests conducted by German trade magazines and has been awarded several times as test winner. A very good choice for faster riders seeking the ability to tune their saddle to the type of riding they do, If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website, Make and model: SQLab 612 Ergowave Active Carbon Saddle, Size tested: 13, 143mm width x 275mm length. © 2008-document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) GARAGISTA MEDIA, PO BOX 668, WARKWORTH 0941, NEW ZEALAND. I'm only trying to be clear on what the law says, not defending its wisdom. whilst my old saddle was comfortable for around 2-3 hours I feel I could do better hence the interest in the Ergon or SQLab. With the different widths and variations available in the SQlab range (the three saddles tested here are each available in four widths) I really believe there could be something for everyone. I usually ride: Merida Ride 5000 Disc My best bike is: I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: A few times a week I would class myself as: Expert, I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo-cross, club rides, general fitness riding, mountain biking, Dutch bike pootling. If the Super6.1 continues this theme in a light weight, shiny carbon finish when it comes to market then I might have to sack the expensive and jump onboard (pun intended) – the most recent versions of it look incredible. Saddles have different heights between the rails and the seat, and low-profile saddles let you run longer dropper posts. I ride through there regularly, the driver must have exited the carpark at the west end of the Serpentine and taken a wrong turn. The SQLab 612 Ergowave Active Carbon Saddle is expensive but packed with pressure-relieving, customisable tech. Having since also ridden on one of my more typical light weight carbon saddles there is still a clear benefit of the Stepsaddle shape used on the 612 Carbon, despite this extra firmness. With 220 g it is the lightest ERGOWAVE® model with active technology. Some low-profile saddles are also cut away at the tail to provide extra tyre clearance when the saddle is dropped – useful for long travel 29ers with slack seat angles. Jump to Latest ... Case in point the Ibis Mojo HD4 that I did the majority of this saddle test on. While an amazing bike in many ways, its 64.9-degree head angle can lead to a light front end feel on steep climbs. 5. SQLab tech support can advise here. The ability to tune the saddle based on your ride duration, purpose (all-out speed vs slow and steady), your weight and general comfort preference make the 612 Active a good option to consider in your search for the perfect perch. SQlab is a German component maker that pioneered sit-bone-width saddle measurement and most of the technological improvements that have become standards for modern saddle design. Also (and possibly to fit UCI rules) they often feature short noses, further reducing weight. SQlab Ergowave Active 612 and 611 Saddle Ride Impressions. See what others are saying about our Saddles. SQ-Lab 612 Ergowave Active saddle review. Its focus is medical-research-led product development, and the Colubrid-entwined staff that forms its logo signifies its focus on keeping you healthy on your bike. 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