On downhill trails, riders and equipment are at the limit. The contact points saddle and grips provide the necessary feedback and are in direct contact between rider, bike and ground. In extreme situations, the best possible control is crucial. During the development phase, the experience of many factory riders was incorporated into the SMD2 saddle and GD1 Factory grip series. The expertise of three-time downhill world champion Fabien Barel was particularly influential. Thanks to the close collaboration with top athlete Tahnée Seagrave, important findings directly from the World Cup were taken into account in the development process.

Two grips - one goal

The GD1 Factory is the first mountain bike gravity grip with a patented, tapered shape. As with the grips from the current Ergon range, the conical shape of the GD1 Factory straightens the grip angle of the hand, which leads to less fatigue. In addition, the grips offer more cushioning on the outside with a slimmer diameter on the inside. The unique rubber compound manufactured in Germany is said to provide previously unknown grip and rebound properties. Ergon describes the feel as soft, yet very defined and precise.

The surface profile of the GD1 offers maximum grip while reducing gripping forces. The slim inner stop also improves the hand's ability to find its position quickly. The downhill-specific grip is said to be twist-proof even with carbon handlebars thanks to the high-strength aluminum inner clamp.

The GD1 Factory is available in two different diameters: standard and slim, suitable for different hand sizes or for riders who prefer thin grips or those with increased damping. The grips come in translucent "Frozen Orange" or "Frozen Black".

Ergonomics for the purpose of control

Designing a saddle that is hardly ever sat on ergonomically? That makes sense, albeit on a different basis. During an intensive development period, the requirements for the SMD2 were formulated with the help of downhill professionals: The first saddle from Ergon that is hardly ever sat on, but which serves all the more to control the bike.

The entire surface design follows an angled saddle orientation and gives the rider full freedom of movement. A padding running around all edges improves the guidance of the bike with the inner leg as well as maximum protection. Other important downhill features include impact-resistant saddle rails and an extra-large
tire clearance at the rear when the rear triangle is fully compressed.

The saddle has an AntiSlip seat surface for optimum grip in seating passages - available on the Comp and Pro Titanium models. A robust and easy-care microfiber seat cover ensures a long service life.
The saddle also has a flowing contour that follows the typical downhill movement. This should result in as little friction as possible on the inner thighs. The LowFriction coating is also responsible for this, which guarantees less friction when changing position quickly and when pedaling.

The SMD2 is available in three versions: the SMD2 with nylon composite seat shell, CroMo frame and simple microfiber upper material, the SMD2 Comp with carbon composite seat shell, CroMo frame and microfiber upper material with additional anti-slip surface, and the SMD2 Pro Titanium with the same structure as the Comp saddle, but with a solid titanium frame - i.e. not with titanium tubes, but a frame without a cavity.
The SMD2 weighs 220 grams and is extremely interesting with its recommended retail price of 59.95 euros. The Comp saddle, weighing 215 grams, is available for 99.95 euros, in three different frame colors "Stealth", "Red" and "Blue" and with the anti-slip coating. The Solid Titanium version weighs 205 grams, costs a little more at 149.95 euros and is likely to appeal to racers in particular.

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