The SQlab saddles are packed with innovative solutions that significantly improve seat ergonomics. The whole thing is based on the measurement of the sit bones, depending on the distance and sitting position on the bike (from touring to racing), the appropriate saddle width is determined using instructions. These vary from 12 to 15 centimetres.

The nose of SQlab's stepped saddles is significantly lower than the rear, which provides more support to the rear and ensures more efficient power transmission - in other words, "more bang".
The shape of the Ergowave's wave-shaped elevation, which extends from the rear to the front, perfectly matches the mostly bulbous ischial branches. This is intended to save energy, which also frees up more energy for pedaling. In addition, the proprietary Active saddle technology allows the pelvis to move up to seven degrees. This relieves pressure on the intervertebral discs and increases the comfort of the sit bones. The flex can be controlled via three different elastomer inserts. With the S-Tube linkage, the saddle weighs around 220 grams. This means it is not a lightweight, but in view of the technical details, it is quite acceptable. The version with the carbon rails is around 25 grams lighter.

For more information on the various functions and their influence on ergonomics, there is plenty of reading material on the SQlab website; we will limit ourselves to the most important ones here.

The case of "Sacha"

How does so much theory translate into practice? Rarely have I been as excited about a test as I was about this one. My back can look back on an eventful past, over ten years of therapy for growth disorders (Scheuermann's disease), a crooked spine due to pelvic obliquity and then, three years ago, a severe disc hernia with signs of paralysis. Since then, biking and back pain have gone hand in hand. I had to take regular breaks until my intervertebral discs had recovered. But giving up the hobby because of it? Certainly not!

I measured my sit bones myself with the measuring plate provided and then screwed the right saddle onto the bike. Even though you have to be careful with promises like "pain-free" or "more power", I started a bike weekend with two long day tours with high expectations. In the first hour, I almost wanted to take the saddle off again. It was pinching and my backside was aching. The saddle angle had to be adjusted again and again. Because this is essential, just a few degrees can make the difference between comfort and pain. Depending on the negative suspension travel of the bike, the seating position behaves differently and therefore has to be fine-tuned individually for each bike. At some point it fits and the sit bones gradually get used to the rather hard padding and the new position. It was only after a few rides that I realized that I hardly had any back pain after cycling. But the big "aha" moment came when I sat on a "normal" saddle again for the first time. The model that had previously been my favorite suddenly seemed totally uncomfortable and I could no longer cope with it. To get ahead of myself, the test ended with me converting my entire bike fleet to SQlab.

"Easier" riding

The crucial point is that the raised seating position of the humps bends the back very slightly into a hollow cross, which creates an extremely stable seating position and relieves the strain on the core muscles. The energy that you would otherwise need to stabilize your upper body is then free for pedalling and that's what SQlab means by "more bang" in the legs. Suddenly you can get up the otherwise strenuous, steep ramp much better and your legs feel easier than usual. Another advantage of the good saddle ergonomics is that, as a man, you hardly have any more complaints about your soft tissues "falling asleep".

The "Active" function of the saddle is only slightly noticeable. At times I rode a 611 Ergowave saddle without the Active system. Only then did I notice that it felt a lot more static.

Other advantages offered by the saddle are the wide nose, which enables a comfortable riding position when the weight is shifted forward on steep climbs. The slightly rounded rear of the saddle is also pleasing, preventing you from getting caught on the edge of the saddle with wide bike pants or bruising your thighs blue during hairy riding maneuvers. The upper material is comfortable and you won't slip around on it.

Even after nine months of endurance testing - in all conceivable riding conditions - the saddle has only shown slight cosmetic wear. The upper material is also easy to clean. It has easily absorbed the odd slip, thanks in part to the Kevlar reinforcements on the side. As for the different elastomers, I played around with them a bit in the first few weeks, but ended up riding completely without them. According to the manufacturer, this is not a problem and each rider should decide for themselves what suits them best.

On the buttocks of Balz

Even though I'm not as physically challenged as Sacha, I also wanted to get to the bottom of the comfort promise, even though I had my favorite saddle. My buttocks were a little wider and so I was recommended the 611 in 15 mm width for the upright enduro riding position. This wasn't just an advantage downhill, because on the first enduro race I rode, I kept getting stuck on its wide rear section during training. It took a few rides to get used to it, and getting stuck is no longer an issue today.

On the first few kilometers uphill, the deep-seated muscles in my back and buttocks suddenly started to pull. Because of the new position, I thought this was normal and it actually subsided a few rides later.
Back to race training: I had a crash there and the carbon saddle frame broke. My old favorite saddle was used again, and I was quite surprised when it was no longer comfortable at all - after just one day of training on the SQlab 611 saddle.

The Ergowave has now been with me for a year on bike tours and enduro races. Sacha's experiences with it are almost identical to mine, even though we are two completely different types of riders. Although less than before, the numbness in the genital area comes back from time to time, but never as pronounced as before the 611.

On the other hand, I can't say anything about the Active system. After the saddle broke, I switched to a 611 with an S-Tube frame, which doesn't have this system and is therefore a good 30 grams lighter. This saddle also took a few hits, but the saddle skin and frame remained intact. The last impact was a little too much for the frame. However, the fact that it is only slightly warped and not completely bent is a positive surprise. Despite the minimal deformation, I'm replacing the saddle because I don't want to put up with back pain due to the difference in level. But it will certainly be the same model again, that much is certain.

Conclusion

The "611 Ergowave" from SQlab is a complex interplay of numerous details that ultimately mean that you can not only pedal more efficiently but, as in Sacha's case, almost no longer have to endure back pain. This is true for the 611 without, but even more so for the one with the Active system. Finding the optimum saddle position takes some time during the first few rides. The 611 Ergowave is a highly recommended saddle that can be the solution to some problems. There are no disadvantages, apart from the fact that the carbon frame is perhaps more suitable for cross-country and marathon, but less for enduro use.

www.sq-lab.com