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The SQ Lab 6OX Infinergy Ergowave is designed “for long and steep climbs”. Which is more than can be said for our two testers (only joking!)
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By ben_haworth
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Not exactly a ringing endorsement for a £175 saddle. Don't think I'll take a punt!
Whilst I'm sure the saddles are great, if be hard pressed to step away from Bontrager for a lot of fit crucial components these days. The 30 day guarantee is a no brainer.
I've got one on my Enigma that I picked up second hand on ebay for about half the RRP. Took a bit of shoogling to get right, but did me well for RttS last year with no issues or major sores, despite only being about my third ride out on it. I use WTB Volts or Ergon SM Pro saddles otherwise.
I've always wanted to try an SQLabs saddle (and there swoopy carbon bars) but the cost of trying expensive saddles like this, for the potential pain and suffering it could provide has always put me off.
When you find a saddle that works you tend to stick to it so the idea of spending £170 upgrading becomes more painful than the current seat.
I've got a couple of the older 611 model, but certainly wouldn't pay RRP, and find them ace, but then every one has a different backside 🙂
I've been running various itterations of SQ Lab saddles since someone took me aside and measured my bum at a tbc night in Edinburgh. I find the platform/cut-away great for looking after my hydraulics so to speak. I switched to a WTB volt for a bit one summer and started getting worrying aches that seemed to go once I switched back.
I like SQlabs saddles, form-wise, a lot, having had a number of - uh - downstairs issues in the past. Although being over 100kg I have eventually managed to bend the rails on two, which is infuriating, as there's no way to repair them. Also, the prices shooting up recently (can't think why) really doesn't help matters.
For existing SQ users - any tips on getting the position correct? I do a fair lot of ultra-distance riding, and usually start to get sore bruised cheeks after 15+ hours in the saddle. After trying unsuccessfully a few of the Specialized 3d printed saddles, a friend recommended an SQ Lab saddle but struggled on a couple of rides with comfort and position, causing issues elsewhere with pressure/rubbing etc. Into winter now, so bit harder to do long testing when it takes >8hrs for symptoms to start too!
GoatKarma - I don't think I've ever found a saddle that didn't bruise my arse after 15+ hours (thanks to a very brief foray into 24 hour racing 20 years ago)! Might your chamois/chamois cream application also be a factor?
Cheers Barney - yeah I'm starting to think maybe SQLabs saddles are better at sorting perineum issues that I've never had a problem with. Have experimented with a few different chamois and creams, but you are probably right - it's just time in saddle leads to bruising, especially as you get more tired leading to less power outputted causing your legs take less of the weight so you aren't "hovering" as much above the saddle any more.
would be curious to know the tester's thoughts WRT to the SDG bel air or the alleged forum favorite charge spoon?
would be curious to know the tester’s thoughts WRT to the SDG bel air or the alleged forum favorite charge spoon?
They arent expensive enough to be the bestest saddley saddle ever. Turn you into a riding god where you'll be able to climb mountains without so much as even the slightest effort.