SQ Lab 611 ERGOWAVE Active Saddle – Review
A comfy rider is a happy rider, and a comfortable and supportive saddle plays a major part in being happy on a bike. A saddle should fit like a pair of shoes and therefore should receive the same amount of attention to detail when being fitted. Luckily for us, the team at SQ Lab lab has been focusing on making the 611 Ergowave an incredibly comfy saddle.
Unfortunately, the saddle doesn’t get as much attention as let’s say, a new set of handlebars or pedals, they can sometimes get overlooked only to our detriment. After all, it’s only a saddle? Thinking a little differently about your saddle will play a role in providing long-term comfort, improved on-bike performance, and a kinder outcome for those sensitive areas.
Thanks to brands like SQ Lab who have been around since the 90s, and take this very seriously. They have been developing products initially for the downhill mountain bike sport, which was in its infancy back then. Since that time they have developed saddles, grips, stems, handlebars, pedals, insoles, and other equipment, but they are best known for their saddles and the level of lab testing that goes into making them, hence the name.
SQ Lab 611 ERGOWAVE Active Features
Saving energy is key to mountain biking, especially when racing. The wave-shaped ERGOWAVE® profile is designed to put the rider in a much more efficient position, saving energy and providing more forward propulsion.
The ERGOWAVE® shape contours from the rear to the front providing a perfect form-fit for most sit bones, and the saddle‘s wave-like shape and raised rear offer rearward support and optimum pressure distribution down to the deep structures of the body, which significantly improves power transmission to the pedal.
The SQlab active saddle technology means the saddle follows the pedaling movement, which increases comfort, mobilises the intervertebral discs, and minimises pressure on the sit bones. A lowered nose, in combination with the recess in the middle, creates more space and clearance for the perineal area for both women and men.
To top it off, the padding material has been specially adapted to the requirements of mountain biking and offers more damping for rough terrain, with a high-quality Kevlar cover protecting the areas on the saddle that come under the most stress.
The SQlab active technology is adjustable via elastomers in three degrees of hardness.
The saddle’s wave-like shape and raised rear ensure perfect rearward support and optimum pressure distribution down to the deep structures of the body, which significantly improves power transmission to the pedal.
SQ Lab 611 Ergowave Saddle Fitting
A prerequisite for maximum comfort and relief is the coordinated saddle width to ensure your sit bones lie completely on the saddle. This is the only way to properly relieve the sensitive perineal area in men and the usually lower pubic arch in women.
Before purchasing an SQ Lab saddle, you will first need to know what size is best for you. To do this you will need to do the sit bone test. Essentially, you sit on a piece of cardboard which will leave an imprint of your sit bones. Simple, but effective. This is then measured by a bike shop staff member, and the appropriate size saddle is then chosen.
Tech Specs
- Width (CM): 13, 14, 15, 16
- Length (MM): 280mm
- Weight: 223g
- Relief of perineal area: 65%
- Rail Material: S-Tube
- Cover Material: C84 Kevlar
- Padding Material: Superlight
- Max Rider Weight: 90kgs
- Gender: Unisex
- Area of Use: MTB Trail/Enduro
On The Trails
We wanted to test the 611 ERGONWAVE Active saddle with a somewhat masochistic approach. We tested on longer than usual rides to try and force those uncomfortable sit bone and perirenal issues to the surface, but we failed miserably. We were obviously very happy about this, but also not surprised, what with the amount of testing these saddles go through. Our high expectations were met.
What has impressed us the most about the SQ Lab saddle is the balance of support and flexibility it provides. Long periods in the saddle were nowhere near as painful as previous saddle experiences, and our rear-end freshness was at an all-time high. During the rides, we felt more comfortable and maintained a good seated position when sat down whilst climbing or on flat sections.
The profile shape helps to maintain a central position on the saddle and the slightly raised rear end keeps you from sliding off the back when pushing hard. We also really like the width of the saddle. Too many saddles these days are just way too narrow. The flared width on the 611 adds a lot of support directly under those sit bones while still providing plenty of active movement.
The active movement feature is a key aspect of the saddle, allowing your body to move which reduces pain and improves power through to the pedal. We had a play with the three elastomers on offer and stuck with the mid option (grey). These do make a difference and either firm up or add more squashiness (technical term) to the active movement. It’s subtle but it is noticeable. All of this helps to add that bit of extra oomph when pushing hard into the pedals, which results in improved forward motion.
In terms of quality, the SQ Lab saddles have it where it counts. Beautiful stitching across the saddle exudes quality, with a kevlar material for the main top section and tough fabric sections around the edges to help reduce wear when laid down on the ground. Mind you, we did feel a pang of guilt when we dropped it onto the muddy floor. It’s the kind of saddle you feel proud of, and why not, they’re not cheap.
The lowered nose, in combination with the recess in the middle, creates more space and clearance for the perineal area for both women and men.
Conclusions
The 611 ERGOWAVE® active is designed to meet the requirements of all-mountain and enduro riding, packed with lab-tested technology that offers a comfortable ride with improved performance and safety features for those sensitive areas.
With years of lab testing and winners of numerous awards, there’s a reason why the SQ Lab saddles are considered one of the best brands in the world. If you’re serious about your health and are looking for a saddle that can improve long-term on-bike performance and reduce mid and post-ride pain, then check out the SQ Lab saddles.
Price/Where to Buy
- The 611 ERGOWAVE® active ranges between $250 – $350aud
- If you are on the Central Coast, pop into Coastal Bike Co and pick one up, or ask at your local bike shop.
