I have tried a lot of saddles in the past. I was ok with almost any one but i had an hemorrohid cirurgy and that was the end of a regular saddle for me. I saw a lot of your vídeos during my reabilitation, and this saddle touch my eyes. I now have one of these and i have to say that it is by far the best saddle that i have ever used. It is so good! The active system and all the saddle design is just perfect! Thank you for all your vídeos they are amazing and really informative. Neil is super! Sorry for my bad English!
🥹 Thank you so much 🙏 Heard about this seat in some other video with Neil. And got one (611 actually). Can’t get words to tell how happy am I at last finding a seat which I can put horizontally on my E-MTB
I just want to thank you for this amazing video, I returned to cycling a year ago and immediately had severe pain and numbness in my perineum aera (all I had to do was ride for more than 15 minutes for the pain to start), I tried 4 different saddles (with or without cutouts, different widths...), made countless adjustments on my bike and finally came across your videos. I ordered the Sqlabs 612R model 1 week ago and the first time I sat on it I immediately felt the difference, no pain or numbness and I haven't felt anything since, even after 4h+ rides wich was unthinkable before. I may have made a mistake in choosing the R model, the foam is very very thin, which makes the seat very firm, even if the perfect geometry compensates. So thanks Neill, you literally saved my ass!
I want to thank Neill for introducing me to SQ Labs. I now own three different models for my three bikes because their designs work for a variety of riding positions. I’ve worked in a bike shop and have tried Brooks, Specialized, Ergon, WTB, Bontrager, etc, and while many of them were close, the SQ Labs 611 and 612 were perfect for my road bike, 610 for my upright cargo bike and 60X for my upright city bike. They sent me their “fit kit” and it was really helpful, like a home version of what Specialized and Ergon use, but their system of adding points based on riding position is a lot more useful. Thanks again.
Been running these saddle for two years now. Sizing is key as stated in the video, but not hard to get right. Support from my local agent has been outstanding. Excellent product, highly recommended 👍🏻
As someone who works in a bike shop and sells (&rides) SQlab products I can say: even for trekking bikes 90% are satisfied. 9% of the 10% test out another one by the brand and are then satisfied. And when something is going wrong there B2B support is very great. They even replaced my trousers and gave me a new sattle do to a failure of my SQlab one that ripped my pants.
Just got through my first couple rides on the 612R (didn't go for it for the weight which is a ridiculous 150 grams in the non-carbon version but because it's designed for even higher anterior pelvic rotation than the vanilla 612s) and my initial impression is that I've never been more comfortable on a bike before - despite the fact its -9° here at the moment and I did a long stint on Cat. 3 gravel to really see if the minimal padding is sufficient. Once I had the angle right it started feeling like my pelvis was just being levitated by a force field - to the point of figuring out the exact setback I want being really finicky ( I assume because the weight loading is just more forgiving ). What a nice problem to have! Despite being German I had no idea this company existed so thanks so much guys for the last video and all the other amazing knowledge you've shared.
@@JulianAndresKlode Thats hilarious! I guess doing your own building / maintenance does come with downsides. I'll have to go and see for myself once the pandemic is over - maybe my local shops are Ergon fundamentalists *or* the moronic ego part of my brain refused to even properly parse any offerings coming with a caduceus logo on the tin. Would be a funny exhibit for the cognitive biases collection.
The extra weight is typically for the active version. If you can skip the elastomer bit for road riding, you can get the weight on par with Fizik or Spec... you know for when you need to drop Bernal on the queen stage of the Tour.
Brought one tried it, Love it!!! I should not say that as I need to buy a few more for my other bikes. I went the cheap $144Aus MTB 611 just to test and put on my trainer bike if I buy others. But it is the best saddle I have ridden on, and definitely feel less pressure at the front, my boys felt free hahaha
Just some correction of sorts. There are three 612 models, not just Active and R. The baseline 612 also does not have the elastomers. The 612 R is actually a more race-y version of the 612 (the name makes sense I guess) where the back is raised more and the dip is more pronounced, for a more rotated position.
I struggled with saddles for a few years now. Since I always drove a sella Italia flite (1990) saddle in the past when the new flite model was launched I started to experience a dead feeling in my personal parts. I switched to other saddles with an open space in the middle. This decreased the described problems but introduced new problems with the bloodflow to my left leg, This resulted in acidification, power loss and after a while cramps. After a while I assemble my old and worn out flite 1990 and the problems largely disappeared. After a while the problems got worse again (age...) and luckily for me I watched this video about the SQ lab saddles I've never heard of before. I meassured my sit bone distance and bought a 612 ergo wave active. After some testing and adjustments last week on the Kickr yesterday I went for a ride of the hours outside. During this ride I had no trouble at all. So I think the problems are solved. Last test for me is to make longer and intensive rides but so fare so good. Strang thing was the tuning of the saddle hight and postion compared to my old flite 1990 saddle. I had to increase the hight with 1,3 cm and place the saddle 1 cm forward. The advice of SQ Lab was to position the saddle lower because of the increased hight of the back of the 612 saddle. My flite saddle was simply higher than the SQ Lab.....Thanks for the review!
I tried one of these. Whilst it definitely reduced the perineum pressure, I found them really hard on the sit bones, quite painful after even a shortish 50km ride. I tried several adjustments of height and setback, and sought the advice of the distributor, and whilst I kind of got used to it after a while, it was never super comfortable and I had no confidence that I could get through a 200km Gran Fondo. It may have something to do with the fact that I've got a skinny bum, with not much natural padding, but I would say that the design, with that transition up to raised section, seems to result in the contact surface being very concentrated in just two small point areas, almost like sitting on the edge of a bench, and given that the padding on the saddle surface is very firm, I could never get truly comfortable.
This is one of the drawbacks of the seat Rex - I have found that about 1 in every 20 or 30 riders just can't reconcile the harshness of the sit bone pressure no matter how long they try the seat. Highly individual and fairly rare - you were one of the unlucky ones. - Neill
@@roadcyclingacademy It’s funny, because I’ve just bought a 612 Active aster watching this video to see if it can relieve the sit bone issues I get with every other saddle. I’ve just been out for my first ride on it today, and even after 3 hours it’s been something of a revelation. I also run an SMP Dynamic (which was the best I’d had up to now, but still not great), and the 612 seems to provide similar levels of support whilst allowing a little more freedom to move compared to the SMP. Very impressed indeed, so thanks Neill and Cam for bringing them to my attention - this could be a game changer for me, despite having had several bike fits and trying 50+ saddles over the years.
@Rex Ringschott if the 612 works for you but you feel the padding is just too firm, I can recommend trying the 611 ergowave active instead. It has the same Ergowave step saddle shape, but has slightly thicker and softer padding. Take note it is also slightly longer and wider in the nose as it is intended for more off-road rather than on-road.
I have much the same issue, and passed on an SQ Labs saddle when offered a trial by my bike fitter. I have found from experience my sit bones cannot tolerate firm saddles and I rapidly develop pressure sores, despite wearing expensive Audax quality endurance bibs. What has helped me select usable saddles is the purchase of a cheap Shore durometer from eBay - a device for quantifying the hardness of rubber. The "A" scale seems to be most relevant for saddles. From experience, 25 to 35 on the A scale seems to be about right for me. Anything firmer - 40 and up - and my saddle sores return.
Firstly i ran those saddles for years now and on some bikes I liked them, on others I loved them! Shorter reach bikes worked better for me with those saddles. ( road only tested ) I run the front section level or slightly up. I balance my self a few mm above the saddle, hands lightly on the hoods, paddles parallel to the ground. THEN I lower my ass slowly until it touches the shelf in the „middle step“. Then you can immediately feel if saddle fore-aft is right! The moment you‘re balanced with little pressure on your hands and evenly weighted paddles is most likely the point where you want to sit!. These saddles have the tendency to feel a little inconsistent when it comes to exact positioning again and again because they don’t „hook“ you in so much. That’s why I did it this way. I had lower back pain and with this saddle no more to high is more rideable than on other saddles. I feel instantly if my saddle is to high when I get no round paddlestrike, it feels like jumping up and down on my saddle and my cadence drops. I usually ride quite high cadence, ~ 95 , and when my saddle is 3mm higher it drops to 80-85 and I can’t spin out to 130..140 as I can with my preferred lower saddle setting. I definitely run much lower saddle positions then my mates. But it also helps me with cornering and braking because I can better production my weight fore and aft because I have some „play“ left in my legs and hips. Maybe you could take my experience into consideration when performing a bike fit with the 612 Active saddle 😊
Just got the 612 Active, problems solved! One test for me is to be able to ride on a Wahoo Kickr set up for a 2+ hours workout, seated and have no numbness or pain.. the PRO falcon was next best followed by the Selle Italia Flite Boost.
I ride MTB and found a 611 on sale at REI for $30 and decided to try it out, not knowing anything about the brand. Somehow it ended up being the most comfortable saddle both I and my gf have ever used. Additionally, it's extremely low saddle rails allow me to use a longer dropper post and really clears out of the way when descending.
I've tried the 612R. Hurt my sit bones so bad on a 4hr ride I could barely sit in my truck after. It was fitted by a professional bike fitter. Changed to the specialized mimic saddle and never been so comfortable. May work for some but the SQ lab 612R was extremely harsh for me.
Perfect timing as I ordered one of these after your last video, not because of numb nuts, but because I always get sit bone pain, especially on the trainer. I’m hoping that the active system will alleviate this somewhat 🤞 I struggle to sit squarely on the saddle due to low back and pelvic restrictions, but I’ve read that the SQ Lab saddles are good at encouraging you to sit in the correct position by virtue of them only just being wide enough for your pelvis (if you get the right size) and the unusual shape. Would love to know Neil’s thoughts on this, and whether he’s seen them help improve people’s on seat symmetry. Interestingly, it looks like your pelvis is dropping to the right Cam in the footage. I know Neill found this in your original fitting, and corrected it with the shim etc, so it would be interesting to see how you find the SQ Lab compares to the SMP in this regard, as I find the SMPs to be the best saddles to cradle the pelvis and help keep it stable. Keep up the great content 👍
My fitter swears by them too. I have the 612 on my road bike and 612 active on my gravel bike, and my partner has the 612 on her road bike as well (brought her to my fitter). I've ridden tours and double imperial centuries on my gravel bike and the seat works for me.
I have had their 612 on my road bike for two years and it is the best saddle I have used. Even when the bike is on the trainer its far more comfy than my previous saddle.
I bought the SQ 611 and wanted to like it since it was so highly recommended. The issue was my dangly bits. Not enough cutout in the 611. I'm on a Selle SMP f20c now, and the dangly bits are happier. The sit bones are less happy, but I think (hope!) some adjusting will correct that. This is on a mtb that is used for single tracks, not gravel.
Neill put me on one of these. I purchased a whole bunch of saddle cutout saddles and scoop style ones that bike reviewers said were great. None worked. I can now ride about 3 hours and I don't even feel the labs saddle. It was a bit odd for about a week, and it still sort of feels a bit odd, but there's absolutely no discomfort.
I have had SQ LAb 612 on my TCR for 3 years, was having trouble on longer rides and the 612 allows me to pedal 3 plus hours without issue. I also tried the 610 and 611 did not like either, now I have 612 on gravel and mtb as well.
@@andrewkreuter3147 Thank you. Our local REI has the 611 that I might try, otherwise I’ll have to order 612 online. Did you get the one with the interchangeable rubber pad system?
Hello, would you be able to guide me to a size? My sit bones measure 126mm. Do I add 10mm on each side so go with 140 or 150? How did you go about this because it very important to get width correct. Thank you in advance!
Just bought an SQlabs 612 R saddle but I’m still not quite sure on how to set up the height for it. Should I measure just before the point where it rises up at the back, or on the flatter part? Fore-aft is also quite hard to get right. Should I just put the nose of the saddle on the same distance from the bars as my old seat? Thanks in advance for your reply 🙏
i accumulated a bunch of information about my riding, measurements, what i had currently and the problem, my riding, etc. They loved this quantity of data and gave me 2 recommendations. 611 active, gravel riding. mostly 50km+ i was getting chaffing, this saddle is awesome. I went shopping with no bike shorts and hit some bumps, this is when i noticed the active part of the seat, fantastic. Racing has been cancelled so i haven't had a chance to test it out with that, but for some commuting i did early last year, the few weeks of riding before we shut down, was pretty good. I Have only used the medium so far. Lots of good saddles out there, this one is good.
I bought the 612 and while I do find it comfortable (ass wise), I constantly keep sliding forward, shifting back a lot and having quite a bit of pressure on my hands (no matter how far back the saddle is). Maybe Neill could have some insight into this? Is this a problem you find with the saddle or is the rest of my position off?
Good series of videos on road saddles, can we have some tips on time trial/triathlon saddles please? I can ride my road bike all day but not loving the TT bike due to the different type of saddle and not sure where to start.
Hey Cam, Neil: I just installed the 612 active. I have always struggled with soft tissue discomfort and I have a perceived leg length discrepancy from a injury sustained many years ago in a motor vehicle accident. Hoping a combination of this saddle, cleat position and Arch supports will help. Thanks 🙏 for the great content and wisdom.
I bought this saddle and I absolutely love it !..... for the 20 minutes it stays in place. No matter what I try, I can’t get it to stop from slidding in the seat rail clamps. The way you sit on these, it puts a ton of backwards pressure on the saddle and it makes it slide back on the clamp, by the time I’m about 20-30 minutes into a ride , the seat is pushed all the way back and I’m sitting on the nose. I can hear it doing it and even the paint is off the rails by now. No, it’s not torque, any more and I’ll start snapping parts. It’s the metal rails version btw
Doubt this is your issue, but just in case... if you have a side clamping seatpost it will have different inserts depending on seat rail material: 7 x 7 mm round for metal, 7x9 mm oval most manufacturers carbon, 7 x 10 mm oval TREK/Bontrager carbon. If the clamp/rail interface is mismatched the seat won't stay put at the recommended torque.
@@8584zender i have a giant seat post and it clamps too to bottom front and back. Not sure what the diameters are but this is the first if 4 seats I’ve had this issue with. I will look at these factors and see if I have a Miss match. Cheers
@@hanifschanel 18!!!? That can’t be, wouldn’t that pull the screws out of the carbon seat post! That’s a lot of pull. The sq lab instructions says to torque to bike manufacturer specs which in mine it’s 6nm
Please help me, I ride brompton T line, and according to my sizing I am 145mm sit bones and they told me flat is good for me, I am really having an issue with numbness every 7 km on my left feet and I am not wearing cycling shoes, it’s just a normail under armour shoes, and sometimes I had numb nuts. Please help me I am 46 years old, and I can’t stop biking
Big thanks for this series’s on saddle. As someone who suffers from chronic pelvic floor pain I’m on the hunt over the years for a saddle to suit me. I tried specialized power, ISM PN 1.1 , now ISM PR saddle. My questions for Neil is and you is this. I use my road bike for Triathlon, so Clip on aero bars bike fitted and all that, so road position for most of year then TT position, is this saddle good for TT or aero positing as well? I want to buy one but hard to know if things work. Looking forward to your review and I’m trying to spread your channel. Great tips !!! Thx
They allow lots of anterior pelvic rotation so in general, not a bad choice for TT positioning. If they are good on the road position and not so flash in the TT position with the extra anterior rotation, an ISM or similar snub-nosed TT saddle might be swapped on for those days? - Neill
Thanks Neil for another great video. I am very interested in this saddle... Listening to you, and looking at their website, I see differences on how forward you lean sitting stretched on the bike... the 612 R seems to allow to rotate the pelvis more forward... your input on this difference please? Thank you!!
I find the 612R just too harsh (and I'm 63kg!) with no added benefit of anterior rotation as per the advertising. This is just my personal experience and the number of riders I've got who have run the 612R is too small to make a considered judgement call on this. - Neill
@@roadcyclingacademy great video; big fan. When you say the R is "harsh"...? Does this impact on the seat bones, the family jewels or just general comfort? I'm keen to get my unmentionables off the saddle, but have no worries about an otherwise stiff saddle... Thanks.
I got Selle SMP trk medium and it made a big difference riding my Serial 1 eBike and cost me only few dollars more then run off the mill bicycle gel saddle. It is still on trial but so far my daily ride of 7-8 miles it has been a relief. Not perfect as I have to reached that sweet spot of height and inclination but for the first trial alone get me a big relief in but pain and soft tissue burnouts. SQ lab saddle would cost me twice than this one. So, if this work out for longer rides, SQLab has to wait for, until this ware out. Will see, how this go for next few weeks. Bicycle industry need a better solution on fitting and adjusting saddle on the post more easy, quick and efficient.
I have a tendency to slide forward. That shelf on the back looks like it might have me sliding forward under gravity. Any forward sliders have experience of this saddle?
Have just picked up a Specialized Romin Evo and while the system is different from the SQ Labs perch, the cutout for perineal and the flex under the sit bones have been a revelation.
Hello! Im currently searching for a new saddle to stop my sores and discomfort. I was looking into the 612 lineup and almost pulled the trigger until I noticed they have a 612 Ergowave Active 2.1 version released now! Have you guys tried the new one? Any potential review/feedback on if its worth it over the standard 612 active?
Might suggest that your saddle needs to come down a bit as sliding forward effectively lowers the saddle height so your body naturally gravitates to a more forward position. Knock it down 3mm and reassess. Then another 3mm. You should eventually find that you dont slide forward (Disclaimer: amateur bikefitter)
Niell helped me with the issue. Turns out i am a heavy heel dropper, hence was not activating my hamstrings nor glutes. I bought a patrocleat extender thing that he recommended on the cleat position video, to move the cleats as far backwards possible, and now I see the difference!
I measured 10.5 CM, I'm training for an Ironman but I'm also extremely inflexible and on a road bike (Trek Emonda). Do you have a recommendation for the width? I I can't decide if I should add 1 or 2 CMs and I don't know if I should round up or down. Also don't know if I should add clip on aero bars or not. Any recommendations there?
120KG is the biggest I've gone, he was using the Black insert and seemed to have no trouble. Would have been 6 months ago and I haven't heard of it destroying itself yet. - Neill
Hi! First of all - thanks for these videos!! Highly appreciated to be able gering this content and opinion! Having done the measurement coming to 11,5ish cm - and looking for a endurance saddle (so I added the recommendation +2cm) would you go for the 13 or 14 in this case? Many thanks!
The SQLabs representatives and development people state that they recommend rounding up when between sizes - have a look at their website, it's quite comprehensive if a little cluttered at first glance.
Thanks for the video again! Since you've got both the Vulkor and the 612, are you able to do a comparison between them? Which one do you feel best enables you to roll your pelvis much better?
That would be a good comparison, we'll put it on the list. For reference the Vulkor holds you in one place. I find I still shuffle around a bit on the SQ Labs more. Not sure which one I prefer. Cam
612R carbon rail 14 cm 125 gram but I’m not a fan. I’ve tried them for months and done 200 milers and 500 milers in them. I prefer the 612 standard non-active I’m an ultra cyclist and it’s the most comfortable saddle I’ve ever ridden. As a fitter/shop owner I have fixed hundreds of riders over the last 10 years with SQ Lab 612 saddles. I don’t understand why anyone would want an active saddle. The 612 Carbon rail saddle in 14cm is 145 grams. You guys are way off on your estimates of weight. BUT you don’t buy an SQ Lab because it’s light You buy it because they are phenomenal saddles. And come on SMP saddles are not ugly you don’t buy a saddle because of how it looks you buy because your ass likes it!! Thanks for the video though
My problem is not perineum pain or numbness but sitbone pain in long rides (tendonitis). Knowing that I always slip to the front and tilt up all saddles, will this one fit for me ?
Excellent info. Question. I'm 6' tall, about 245 pounds. Sit bone width around 120mm. I ride a specialized sirrus sport. Neutral riding position. No matter how I set up the factory seat I get pressure after an hour. Want to ride longer and curious which sq labs saddle Neill would recommend. Also was wondering what he thinks of the brooks saddles. Thanks.
Thanks for the Amazing videoes in this series. Can you recommend any seats common to this one? The SQ 612 active is first back in stock in july suppossedly :-(
G'day Emmett the 612 non-active version isn't quite as good in my opinion, but is fairly close for many riders. The 612R is a more tight, stiff version and may suit you if you're lighter and more flexible. - Neill
Having a hard time locating a SQlabs 612 action in the US. I've seen some that are non action, is it really worth trying to find the action version? This would be for road bike use.
How does this compare with the Specialized Power? In my case, after an hour, I experience discomfort more on the pubic rami -particularly the left side. No perineal numbness. Would the SQ lab resolve this issue?
@@roadcyclingacademy Would the 611 ergowave active be be better? It has a little more padding than the 612.. I have just started using 611 active for some longer rides (300-400km/day) and it has resolved an issue I had with a perennial swelling on left side. I would say the comfort is fine, but firm, and doesn't actually deteriorate much with distance, which is the key difference to any other saddle I have owned,. I do have some chaffing on both sit bones after long rides, but I don't know if this is due to getting back into long rides (>350km/day for 2-3days) post lockdown, or I need regular application of saddle cream (once per day at the moment), or some other issue (nb: saddle is set slightly on the low side). My saddle maybe a little too wide for me (sit bones 100mm saddle 130mm). Despite my chaffing issue, I am still happy to sit on the saddle after 3 days and 1000+km. The chaffing resolves after a few low distance days e.g. 2-3hr rides.
great video! question, would this seat be good for someone with an elevated PSA? to help reduce the chronic inflammation? I have a 2020 Domane SL5 road bike and have kept the original seat after it was fitted for me. i do not have perineum pain and seem to do well. Unsure the type of seat on my Domane, it does have the opening groove in the center of the seat as well, which is similar I guess? i did also buy a Trek Checkpoint, yet to ride it due to weather, but if the seat does not work for me i will try the SQ 612 active!
Tough Call Jeff - it will certainly help to reduce pressure of the soft tissue in the region, but whether your PSA drops because of this is impossible for me to guess. - Neill
I have problems with numbness of my private parts so i bought this 612 ergovawe saddle. After the first test ride of 60 min on my trainer i feel more preassure on my sitbones but still numbness. Any suggestions? I mounted the saddle horisontal, sitbones 11,5cm ordered the 13 cm saddle, road bike.
G'day Ola, is the saddle level (when measured front to rear) whilst the bike is also perfectly level between the axles? If so, it needs to be tilted further nose down at the front, until the front half of the saddle is level with the ground. This will translate into a nose down attitude of the overall saddle of around 3-4degrees. - Neill
@@roadcyclingacademy I have the front of the saddle in level with the ground. The bike is mounted on my trainer (Kickr Core) I will try to tilt it down a bit and will also try to sit more on the back of the saddle. Maybe i was sitting to much forward? I ordered the 13cm saddle, my bones are 11,5cm apart, road bike Cube Attain
Need something really comfy, have 2 saddles in mind.. which to pick SQ Labs 6OX Ergowave ( there's 6OX Infinergy but I believe only available in Germany ) or Ergon SM-E MT. Core Prime w/ Infinergy BASF PU foam?
@@roadcyclingacademy SQLab 6OX Infinergy (2.0 ver) now available in Oz so ordered one with the corresponding width of my seat bones. It's fully covered in BASF foam and also has that active elastomer system. Can't wait to use and ride long kms. with them.
Hank is right. At home, aluminium foil over cardboard works well - I use a spiky pad thing that SQ labs gave me when I first spoke to them (you can see Cam sitting on it in the video) which is a neat solution also. - Neill
@@roadcyclingacademy and Neill thanks for the reply. I’m keen to try one of these SQ Labs saddles out. I have a “board-like” fizik saddle and feel pressure where you don’t want to feel pressure on a long ride! But being over in India it’s not so easy. Might have to wait till we can get back to the UK or Australia. A few guys in the club who have done some of the long Audax rides 400 and 600km swear by the Brooks saddles and have bought them online and been stung with high import duty 😢 Thanks for these awesome videos really appreciate the effort you both put in to making such brilliant content. Would love to hear more from you Neill with your “sports physio” hat on rather than your “expert bike fitter” one!
Does anyone has any experience/opinion on the new SQLab Chamoix? Apparently they are very thin and firm - I am thinking about trying the 6mm one out (Gonso has them in their bib shorts and they are a bit cheaper then the SQlab shorts)
Would you recommend this saddle for a rider weighing 95kg? Also I like to move fore and aft on the saddle to work different muscles. Is this saddle good for this type of riding style? Thanks in advance.
G'day - yes 95kg should be no problem. These saddles allow a lot of motion around fore/aft/left/right which is simultaneously one of their drawbacks and one of their features! - Neill
Most riders grip it with the inside of their thighs when descending for stability. Some shift around when under the pump and use it for steep climbs, yes. - Neill
@@roadcyclingacademy Loving the channel and the content given, been looking for the saddle but here in Scotland it is very hard to pick one up. Knew you had an SMP on and was wondering why the change. Hopefully you feel better soon though and keep that content coming.
Hi Guys Great vlogs Can ask Neil a question? I've been on the SMP saddle fitter program, My sit bones are 140mm measures on a electronic pressure plate and DIY method, SMP recommend the Well or the Well M1. Now the well is 144m the M1 168mm, I ride a Giant TCR so was after the SMP due to the Curved nose n cut out. So which size would Neil recommend try? Kind regards Jason
I would actually try a Pro or an Avant with that dimension, although you might find the Drakon or Lite209 are also pretty good depending on the 3 dimensional shape of your pelvis. - Neill
@@roadcyclingacademy okay thanks chap, with say my current power saddle they state for me 140 mm means you need 155 so you not sat on the edge of the wings, am I right in thinking on the SMP that's not as important due to the way it rolls your hips forward onto the more narrow parts of the pelvis?
@@roadcyclingacademy Hi Neil I've gone with a Avant, I've set it up at 13mm using a Spirit level like you showed on a older vlog, I've bought it forward a few mm as well, even whilst setting up I'm shocked how holds you, very different to my Power or Arc. But bizarrely the thing I noticed is how nice the leather smelt as I opened the box lol 😆 Thanks for your advice and time.
Beware! These are habit forming gateway components. That saddle on your other bike that used to be ok will no longer do. You will soon be buying SQ lab saddles for all your bikes. Next you're on to SQ lab carbon bars with flex and more sweep to relieve shoulder pain and then their grips and innerbar ends. I have 611 saddles on my mountain and gravel bikes and will likely be buying a third soon. It always feels firm at the first sitdown even though the padding is meant to be softer than the 612 but hours later all you'll notice is the comfort. The raised rear platform stops you from sliding back on the steeps. Actually your arms stop you from sliding but now you can relax and save energy. When it gets really steep, slide forward on to that funny looking flat bit and discover that its actually comfortable and you can get some weight on the front wheel again. I bought the active version at first but didn't notice any of the supposed flex so removed the polymer thingy altogether and bought a second in the regular model which was lighter and cheaper and seems just as comfy to me. Perhaps some hips don't rock as much. Nonetheless, innovative ergonomic design that largely lives up to the hype. Not much for roadies yet but watch this space.
Rule #1: never give nor take saddle recommendations from anyone! LOL...everybody is different and what is nirvana to one rider is a torture device to the next.
Totally true Brian. Watching the video again, I should have been more specific to mention that this saddle is awesome primarily for relieving anterior perineum pressure issues, which tends to be one of the major difficult issues people face with saddles long term. I should probably spend more than 30 seconds preparing a script for each video. - Neill
I have it. Never had so much pain when riding. Changed settings in all directions. Followed the SQ Labs settings didn't help. Changing in any direction didn't help. Nothing helped. Now it's in a box with useless overpriced bicycle garbage
Thanks for the input Dirk, have you discovered a saddle that suits you best? If so, could I ask you to share with us? Also could you elaborate on your experience a bit more? (pain right off the bat, later in the ride, if you've had a bike fit, etc)
Dirk, do you still ride your bike? Did you find the right saddle, and what model did you have? Is the seat height adjusted from the floor? Kindly answer please, if the question is still relevant.
Not sure how Neil does it, but man he makes learning about bike fitting so interesting
hahah agreed. I have spent so much time watching and editing his content I could start a clinic myself. Cam
I have tried a lot of saddles in the past. I was ok with almost any one but i had an hemorrohid cirurgy and that was the end of a regular saddle for me. I saw a lot of your vídeos during my reabilitation, and this saddle touch my eyes. I now have one of these and i have to say that it is by far the best saddle that i have ever used. It is so good! The active system and all the saddle design is just perfect! Thank you for all your vídeos they are amazing and really informative. Neil is super! Sorry for my bad English!
Thanks for sharing on the thread
🥹 Thank you so much 🙏 Heard about this seat in some other video with Neil. And got one (611 actually). Can’t get words to tell how happy am I at last finding a seat which I can put horizontally on my E-MTB
😅😅😅😮😂😮😅 6:58
I just want to thank you for this amazing video, I returned to cycling a year ago and immediately had severe pain and numbness in my perineum aera (all I had to do was ride for more than 15 minutes for the pain to start), I tried 4 different saddles (with or without cutouts, different widths...), made countless adjustments on my bike and finally came across your videos.
I ordered the Sqlabs 612R model 1 week ago and the first time I sat on it I immediately felt the difference, no pain or numbness and I haven't felt anything since, even after 4h+ rides wich was unthinkable before.
I may have made a mistake in choosing the R model, the foam is very very thin, which makes the seat very firm, even if the perfect geometry compensates.
So thanks Neill, you literally saved my ass!
got myself an sqlab 611 and tried it out. just put it on without too much thinking and 100% can roll my hips way forward. thanks neill and RCA
I want to thank Neill for introducing me to SQ Labs. I now own three different models for my three bikes because their designs work for a variety of riding positions. I’ve worked in a bike shop and have tried Brooks, Specialized, Ergon, WTB, Bontrager, etc, and while many of them were close, the SQ Labs 611 and 612 were perfect for my road bike, 610 for my upright cargo bike and 60X for my upright city bike. They sent me their “fit kit” and it was really helpful, like a home version of what Specialized and Ergon use, but their system of adding points based on riding position is a lot more useful. Thanks again.
Thanks for sharing Bradley
Been running these saddle for two years now. Sizing is key as stated in the video, but not hard to get right. Support from my local agent has been outstanding. Excellent product, highly recommended 👍🏻
Thanks for sharing on the thread Robert.
@@roadcyclingacademy any time. Especially when the product is as good as the SQ Lab saddle
As someone who works in a bike shop and sells (&rides) SQlab products I can say: even for trekking bikes 90% are satisfied. 9% of the 10% test out another one by the brand and are then satisfied. And when something is going wrong there B2B support is very great.
They even replaced my trousers and gave me a new sattle do to a failure of my SQlab one that ripped my pants.
Just got through my first couple rides on the 612R (didn't go for it for the weight which is a ridiculous 150 grams in the non-carbon version but because it's designed for even higher anterior pelvic rotation than the vanilla 612s) and my initial impression is that I've never been more comfortable on a bike before - despite the fact its -9° here at the moment and I did a long stint on Cat. 3 gravel to really see if the minimal padding is sufficient. Once I had the angle right it started feeling like my pelvis was just being levitated by a force field - to the point of figuring out the exact setback I want being really finicky ( I assume because the weight loading is just more forgiving ).
What a nice problem to have!
Despite being German I had no idea this company existed so thanks so much guys for the last video and all the other amazing knowledge you've shared.
My 612r is on order, hopefully arriving next week
It's crazy you haven't heard of it when like half the German bike stores sell sqlab, and the other half sells ergon (possible overstatement :D)
@@JulianAndresKlode Thats hilarious! I guess doing your own building / maintenance does come with downsides. I'll have to go and see for myself once the pandemic is over - maybe my local shops are Ergon fundamentalists *or* the moronic ego part of my brain refused to even properly parse any offerings coming with a caduceus logo on the tin. Would be a funny exhibit for the cognitive biases collection.
I got the r for 2 Weeks and sent it back today. My sitbones hurts extremly on this saddle. But the numbness Was gone.
@@1087Stealth have you used an SQlab saddle prior to the 612r? Specifically the 612 Ergowave active?
The extra weight is typically for the active version. If you can skip the elastomer bit for road riding, you can get the weight on par with Fizik or Spec... you know for when you need to drop Bernal on the queen stage of the Tour.
SQLabs is amazing, their road pedals changed everything for me in every best way.
I love this saddle, based on your review I bought it due to perineum issues and the problem is completely gone.
I have 611 and 612 for 3 years. It changed my life.
that's a bike statement! Thanks for sharing Mikel.
Brought one tried it, Love it!!! I should not say that as I need to buy a few more for my other bikes. I went the cheap $144Aus MTB 611 just to test and put on my trainer bike if I buy others. But it is the best saddle I have ridden on, and definitely feel less pressure at the front, my boys felt free hahaha
Thanks for sharing on the thread Kev, Cam
I love the SQLabs saddles, I have 2 on both my road/gravel bikes.
I have 2 611 Actives for 5 years now.
No wear anywhere to be seen! Great products
Thanks for sharing on the thread Gregory
Just some correction of sorts. There are three 612 models, not just Active and R.
The baseline 612 also does not have the elastomers.
The 612 R is actually a more race-y version of the 612 (the name makes sense I guess) where the back is raised more and the dip is more pronounced, for a more rotated position.
Thanks for sharing on the thread Julian
I struggled with saddles for a few years now. Since I always drove a sella Italia flite (1990) saddle in the past when the new flite model was launched I started to experience a dead feeling in my personal parts. I switched to other saddles with an open space in the middle. This decreased the described problems but introduced new problems with the bloodflow to my left leg, This resulted in acidification, power loss and after a while cramps. After a while I assemble my old and worn out flite 1990 and the problems largely disappeared. After a while the problems got worse again (age...) and luckily for me I watched this video about the SQ lab saddles I've never heard of before. I meassured my sit bone distance and bought a 612 ergo wave active. After some testing and adjustments last week on the Kickr yesterday I went for a ride of the hours outside. During this ride I had no trouble at all. So I think the problems are solved. Last test for me is to make longer and intensive rides but so fare so good. Strang thing was the tuning of the saddle hight and postion compared to my old flite 1990 saddle. I had to increase the hight with 1,3 cm and place the saddle 1 cm forward. The advice of SQ Lab was to position the saddle lower because of the increased hight of the back of the 612 saddle. My flite saddle was simply higher than the SQ Lab.....Thanks for the review!
I tried one of these. Whilst it definitely reduced the perineum pressure, I found them really hard on the sit bones, quite painful after even a shortish 50km ride. I tried several adjustments of height and setback, and sought the advice of the distributor, and whilst I kind of got used to it after a while, it was never super comfortable and I had no confidence that I could get through a 200km Gran Fondo. It may have something to do with the fact that I've got a skinny bum, with not much natural padding, but I would say that the design, with that transition up to raised section, seems to result in the contact surface being very concentrated in just two small point areas, almost like sitting on the edge of a bench, and given that the padding on the saddle surface is very firm, I could never get truly comfortable.
Exact same Problem here :(
This is one of the drawbacks of the seat Rex - I have found that about 1 in every 20 or 30 riders just can't reconcile the harshness of the sit bone pressure no matter how long they try the seat. Highly individual and fairly rare - you were one of the unlucky ones. - Neill
@@roadcyclingacademy It’s funny, because I’ve just bought a 612 Active aster watching this video to see if it can relieve the sit bone issues I get with every other saddle. I’ve just been out for my first ride on it today, and even after 3 hours it’s been something of a revelation. I also run an SMP Dynamic (which was the best I’d had up to now, but still not great), and the 612 seems to provide similar levels of support whilst allowing a little more freedom to move compared to the SMP. Very impressed indeed, so thanks Neill and Cam for bringing them to my attention - this could be a game changer for me, despite having had several bike fits and trying 50+ saddles over the years.
@Rex Ringschott if the 612 works for you but you feel the padding is just too firm, I can recommend trying the 611 ergowave active instead. It has the same Ergowave step saddle shape, but has slightly thicker and softer padding. Take note it is also slightly longer and wider in the nose as it is intended for more off-road rather than on-road.
I have much the same issue, and passed on an SQ Labs saddle when offered a trial by my bike fitter. I have found from experience my sit bones cannot tolerate firm saddles and I rapidly develop pressure sores, despite wearing expensive Audax quality endurance bibs. What has helped me select usable saddles is the purchase of a cheap Shore durometer from eBay - a device for quantifying the hardness of rubber. The "A" scale seems to be most relevant for saddles. From experience, 25 to 35 on the A scale seems to be about right for me. Anything firmer - 40 and up - and my saddle sores return.
Firstly i ran those saddles for years now and on some bikes I liked them, on others I loved them!
Shorter reach bikes worked better for me with those saddles. ( road only tested )
I run the front section level or slightly up.
I balance my self a few mm above the saddle, hands lightly on the hoods, paddles parallel to the ground. THEN I lower my ass slowly until it touches the shelf in the „middle step“. Then you can immediately feel if saddle fore-aft is right!
The moment you‘re balanced with little pressure on your hands and evenly weighted paddles is most likely the point where you want to sit!.
These saddles have the tendency to feel a little inconsistent when it comes to exact positioning again and again because they don’t „hook“ you in so much. That’s why I did it this way.
I had lower back pain and with this saddle no more to high is more rideable than on other saddles.
I feel instantly if my saddle is to high when I get no round paddlestrike, it feels like jumping up and down on my saddle and my cadence drops. I usually ride quite high cadence, ~ 95 , and when my saddle is 3mm higher it drops to 80-85 and I can’t spin out to 130..140 as I can with my preferred lower saddle setting. I definitely run much lower saddle positions then my mates.
But it also helps me with cornering and braking because I can better production my weight fore and aft because I have some „play“ left in my legs and hips.
Maybe you could take my experience into consideration when performing a bike fit with the 612 Active saddle 😊
Thanks for sharing on the thread.
Just got the 612 Active, problems solved! One test for me is to be able to ride on a Wahoo Kickr set up for a 2+ hours workout, seated and have no numbness or pain.. the PRO falcon was next best followed by the Selle Italia Flite Boost.
Thanks for sharing on the thread mate, Cam
@@roadcyclingacademy Enjoy watching your videos, keep up the great work!
brilliant. Every saddle should be built like this
I ride MTB and found a 611 on sale at REI for $30 and decided to try it out, not knowing anything about the brand. Somehow it ended up being the most comfortable saddle both I and my gf have ever used. Additionally, it's extremely low saddle rails allow me to use a longer dropper post and really clears out of the way when descending.
I've tried the 612R. Hurt my sit bones so bad on a 4hr ride I could barely sit in my truck after. It was fitted by a professional bike fitter. Changed to the specialized mimic saddle and never been so comfortable. May work for some but the SQ lab 612R was extremely harsh for me.
Thanks for sharing Mike
Perfect timing as I ordered one of these after your last video, not because of numb nuts, but because I always get sit bone pain, especially on the trainer. I’m hoping that the active system will alleviate this somewhat 🤞
I struggle to sit squarely on the saddle due to low back and pelvic restrictions, but I’ve read that the SQ Lab saddles are good at encouraging you to sit in the correct position by virtue of them only just being wide enough for your pelvis (if you get the right size) and the unusual shape. Would love to know Neil’s thoughts on this, and whether he’s seen them help improve people’s on seat symmetry.
Interestingly, it looks like your pelvis is dropping to the right Cam in the footage. I know Neill found this in your original fitting, and corrected it with the shim etc, so it would be interesting to see how you find the SQ Lab compares to the SMP in this regard, as I find the SMPs to be the best saddles to cradle the pelvis and help keep it stable.
Keep up the great content 👍
Hows the sqlab saddle now lemond? Can you give me a feedback about it? I want to buy 1 too
What's your thought on the saddle, @Lemond75? 🙃
My fitter swears by them too. I have the 612 on my road bike and 612 active on my gravel bike, and my partner has the 612 on her road bike as well (brought her to my fitter). I've ridden tours and double imperial centuries on my gravel bike and the seat works for me.
Thank you for sharing this. What would be your thought on having the 612 non active in the gravel bike, would it still be comfortable on gravel?
I have had their 612 on my road bike for two years and it is the best saddle I have used. Even when the bike is on the trainer its far more comfy than my previous saddle.
I bought the SQ 611 and wanted to like it since it was so highly recommended. The issue was my dangly bits. Not enough cutout in the 611. I'm on a Selle SMP f20c now, and the dangly bits are happier. The sit bones are less happy, but I think (hope!) some adjusting will correct that. This is on a mtb that is used for single tracks, not gravel.
Neill put me on one of these. I purchased a whole bunch of saddle cutout saddles and scoop style ones that bike reviewers said were great. None worked. I can now ride about 3 hours and I don't even feel the labs saddle. It was a bit odd for about a week, and it still sort of feels a bit odd, but there's absolutely no discomfort.
Thanks for sharing on the thread Moe
I have had SQ LAb 612 on my TCR for 3 years, was having trouble on longer rides and the 612 allows me to pedal 3 plus hours without issue.
I also tried the 610 and 611 did not like either, now I have 612 on gravel and mtb as well.
Thanks for sharing on the thread Andrew
Hi Andrew- I’m considering the 611 and 612. What was the difference for you? They appear to be very similar. Thanks in advance.
@@Hamsong 611 wasn't as comfortable, I believe it had a slight ridge that didn't suit me well. 612 is now my go to for all bikes.
@@andrewkreuter3147 Thank you. Our local REI has the 611 that I might try, otherwise I’ll have to order 612 online. Did you get the one with the interchangeable rubber pad system?
Yes, but never changed out the grey pad.
Thanks Neil. That worked.
Have this saddle, love it, very comfortable!
Thanks for sharing Eddie, Cam
Hello, would you be able to guide me to a size? My sit bones measure 126mm. Do I add 10mm on each side so go with 140 or 150? How did you go about this because it very important to get width correct. Thank you in advance!
@@suadmahmutovic6542 go with the 140
@@niceguyeddie Thank you for your reply 👍
Any thoughts on the newest version 2.1 of this saddle? Looks like it may provide more relief.
Just bought an SQlabs 612 R saddle but I’m still not quite sure on how to set up the height for it. Should I measure just before the point where it rises up at the back, or on the flatter part? Fore-aft is also quite hard to get right. Should I just put the nose of the saddle on the same distance from the bars as my old seat? Thanks in advance for your reply 🙏
Sorry a question for Neill, hopefully he can get to this but no guarantees. Maybe reach out direct to the company?
Love mine for mountain biking!!
i accumulated a bunch of information about my riding, measurements, what i had currently and the problem, my riding, etc. They loved this quantity of data and gave me 2 recommendations. 611 active, gravel riding. mostly 50km+ i was getting chaffing, this saddle is awesome. I went shopping with no bike shorts and hit some bumps, this is when i noticed the active part of the seat, fantastic. Racing has been cancelled so i haven't had a chance to test it out with that, but for some commuting i did early last year, the few weeks of riding before we shut down, was pretty good. I Have only used the medium so far. Lots of good saddles out there, this one is good.
I bought the 612 and while I do find it comfortable (ass wise), I constantly keep sliding forward, shifting back a lot and having quite a bit of pressure on my hands (no matter how far back the saddle is). Maybe Neill could have some insight into this? Is this a problem you find with the saddle or is the rest of my position off?
Best product for me,
Got Problems with my endurance saddle. But after i Switched to sQlab no pain and more fun ( and more distance)
Good series of videos on road saddles, can we have some tips on time trial/triathlon saddles please?
I can ride my road bike all day but not loving the TT bike due to the different type of saddle and not sure where to start.
Noted! - Neill
Hey Cam, Neil: I just installed the 612 active. I have always struggled with soft tissue discomfort and I have a perceived leg length discrepancy from a injury sustained many years ago in a motor vehicle accident. Hoping a combination of this saddle, cleat position and Arch supports will help. Thanks 🙏 for the great content and wisdom.
Thanks for sharing Trent! Let us know if it works out for you, please. Cam
How did it work out for you?
So far so good, but only riding on trainer as it’s winter here in 🇨🇦
I bought this saddle and I absolutely love it !..... for the 20 minutes it stays in place. No matter what I try, I can’t get it to stop from slidding in the seat rail clamps. The way you sit on these, it puts a ton of backwards pressure on the saddle and it makes it slide back on the clamp, by the time I’m about 20-30 minutes into a ride , the seat is pushed all the way back and I’m sitting on the nose. I can hear it doing it and even the paint is off the rails by now. No, it’s not torque, any more and I’ll start snapping parts.
It’s the metal rails version btw
Thanks for sharing Nic
Doubt this is your issue, but just in case... if you have a side clamping seatpost it will have different inserts depending on seat rail material: 7 x 7 mm round for metal, 7x9 mm oval most manufacturers carbon, 7 x 10 mm oval TREK/Bontrager carbon. If the clamp/rail interface is mismatched the seat won't stay put at the recommended torque.
@@8584zender i have a giant seat post and it clamps too to bottom front and back. Not sure what the diameters are but this is the first if 4 seats I’ve had this issue with. I will look at these factors and see if I have a Miss match. Cheers
Well sqlab say in their manual that their max torque is 18nm
@@hanifschanel 18!!!? That can’t be, wouldn’t that pull the screws out of the carbon seat post! That’s a lot of pull. The sq lab instructions says to torque to bike manufacturer specs which in mine it’s 6nm
Please help me, I ride brompton T line, and according to my sizing I am 145mm sit bones and they told me flat is good for me, I am really having an issue with numbness every 7 km on my left feet and I am not wearing cycling shoes, it’s just a normail under armour shoes, and sometimes I had numb nuts. Please help me I am 46 years old, and I can’t stop biking
Big thanks for this series’s on saddle. As someone who suffers from chronic pelvic floor pain I’m on the hunt over the years for a saddle to suit me. I tried specialized power, ISM PN 1.1 , now ISM PR saddle. My questions for Neil is and you is this. I use my road bike for Triathlon, so Clip on aero bars bike fitted and all that, so road position for most of year then TT position, is this saddle good for TT or aero positing as well? I want to buy one but hard to know if things work. Looking forward to your review and I’m trying to spread your channel. Great tips !!! Thx
They allow lots of anterior pelvic rotation so in general, not a bad choice for TT positioning. If they are good on the road position and not so flash in the TT position with the extra anterior rotation, an ISM or similar snub-nosed TT saddle might be swapped on for those days? - Neill
@@roadcyclingacademy Thanks Neil I was thinking same thing.
@@jared7586 might be worth having a look at the new 613r tri saddle SQlab have just released...
@@spooky8172 thx i will check it out , I appreciate the suggestion.
Thanks Neil for another great video. I am very interested in this saddle... Listening to you, and looking at their website, I see differences on how forward you lean sitting stretched on the bike... the 612 R seems to allow to rotate the pelvis more forward... your input on this difference please? Thank you!!
I find the 612R just too harsh (and I'm 63kg!) with no added benefit of anterior rotation as per the advertising. This is just my personal experience and the number of riders I've got who have run the 612R is too small to make a considered judgement call on this. - Neill
@@roadcyclingacademy great video; big fan. When you say the R is "harsh"...? Does this impact on the seat bones, the family jewels or just general comfort? I'm keen to get my unmentionables off the saddle, but have no worries about an otherwise stiff saddle... Thanks.
Finally got this saddle... First ride was already decisive... That's the one! Thx Neil!
Would love to know what you think of the carbon Selle Italia SP-01 Tekno Boost Superflow.
Perhaps you need to review saddle from ISM…if you want relieve pain from the pudendum area.
I got Selle SMP trk medium and it made a big difference riding my Serial 1 eBike and cost me only few dollars more then run off the mill bicycle gel saddle. It is still on trial but so far my daily ride of 7-8 miles it has been a relief. Not perfect as I have to reached that sweet spot of height and inclination but for the first trial alone get me a big relief in but pain and soft tissue burnouts.
SQ lab saddle would cost me twice than this one. So, if this work out for longer rides, SQLab has to wait for, until this ware out. Will see, how this go for next few weeks.
Bicycle industry need a better solution on fitting and adjusting saddle on the post more easy, quick and efficient.
Where do I find the video of your review of using the saddle?
It's still to come.
I have a tendency to slide forward. That shelf on the back looks like it might have me sliding forward under gravity. Any forward sliders have experience of this saddle?
Have just picked up a Specialized Romin Evo and while the system is different from the SQ Labs perch, the cutout for perineal and the flex under the sit bones have been a revelation.
Hello! Im currently searching for a new saddle to stop my sores and discomfort. I was looking into the 612 lineup and almost pulled the trigger until I noticed they have a 612 Ergowave Active 2.1 version released now!
Have you guys tried the new one? Any potential review/feedback on if its worth it over the standard 612 active?
Have the same question. Which one did you get in the end, the 612 Ergowave active or 612 Ergowave active 2.1. Can't find many reviews for 2.1
there are few models of sqlab 612. which one Neill is referring to?
I kept sliding forward on to the flat section when I sit on the mid section, unless I pointed it up a ridiculous amount...which made drops unfeasible.
Interesting to hear the feedback, thanks for sharing mate. Cam
Might suggest that your saddle needs to come down a bit as sliding forward effectively lowers the saddle height so your body naturally gravitates to a more forward position. Knock it down 3mm and reassess. Then another 3mm. You should eventually find that you dont slide forward (Disclaimer: amateur bikefitter)
I had the same experience as you descibe. Moving forward, even with the saddle set as far back as possible.
Niell helped me with the issue. Turns out i am a heavy heel dropper, hence was not activating my hamstrings nor glutes. I bought a patrocleat extender thing that he recommended on the cleat position video, to move the cleats as far backwards possible, and now I see the difference!
@@danielcalderon9808 Interesting stuff, i will try that out. thanks.
Neil is amazing.
Agreed 👍 Cam
I measured 10.5 CM, I'm training for an Ironman but I'm also extremely inflexible and on a road bike (Trek Emonda). Do you have a recommendation for the width? I I can't decide if I should add 1 or 2 CMs and I don't know if I should round up or down. Also don't know if I should add clip on aero bars or not. Any recommendations there?
What’s the heaviest rider you’ve fitted for one of these? I’m 107kg and I like the idea of the active system
120KG is the biggest I've gone, he was using the Black insert and seemed to have no trouble. Would have been 6 months ago and I haven't heard of it destroying itself yet. - Neill
Trek used to make an ISOzone seat similar to those, but without the replaceable cushions. Have one on my 2007 Trek FX hybrid.
Hi!
First of all - thanks for these videos!! Highly appreciated to be able gering this content and opinion!
Having done the measurement coming to 11,5ish cm - and looking for a endurance saddle (so I added the recommendation +2cm) would you go for the 13 or 14 in this case?
Many thanks!
The SQLabs representatives and development people state that they recommend rounding up when between sizes - have a look at their website, it's quite comprehensive if a little cluttered at first glance.
I would guess the 13 but it does depend a lot on how far you anteriorly rotate your pelvis forward when riding! - Neill
Thanks for the video again! Since you've got both the Vulkor and the 612, are you able to do a comparison between them? Which one do you feel best enables you to roll your pelvis much better?
That would be a good comparison, we'll put it on the list. For reference the Vulkor holds you in one place. I find I still shuffle around a bit on the SQ Labs more. Not sure which one I prefer. Cam
612R carbon rail 14 cm 125 gram but I’m not a fan. I’ve tried them for months and done 200 milers and 500 milers in them. I prefer the 612 standard non-active I’m an ultra cyclist and it’s the most comfortable saddle I’ve ever ridden. As a fitter/shop owner I have fixed hundreds of riders over the last 10 years with SQ Lab 612 saddles. I don’t understand why anyone would want an active saddle. The 612 Carbon rail saddle in 14cm is 145 grams. You guys are way off on your estimates of weight. BUT you don’t buy an SQ Lab because it’s light You buy it because they are phenomenal saddles. And come on SMP saddles are not ugly you don’t buy a saddle because of how it looks you buy because your ass likes it!!
Thanks for the video though
My problem is not perineum pain or numbness but sitbone pain in long rides (tendonitis). Knowing that I always slip to the front and tilt up all saddles, will this one fit for me ?
Hello, I want to order this when available. I measure 126mm. What size should I get for optimal comfort? Thank you 🤠
th-cam.com/video/jwi2u9U3yXI/w-d-xo.html this video will answer your question!
Excellent info. Question. I'm 6' tall, about 245 pounds. Sit bone width around 120mm. I ride a specialized sirrus sport. Neutral riding position. No matter how I set up the factory seat I get pressure after an hour. Want to ride longer and curious which sq labs saddle Neill would recommend. Also was wondering what he thinks of the brooks saddles. Thanks.
Hey Curtis, not sure if Neill will see this, but I know he would recommend the saddle in this video. 612 Ergowave Active. Cam
@@roadcyclingacademy
Thanks. I saw he likes the 612 but the website recommends the 610 for touring. Thanks for the info.
Could you also describe the effect of anterior pelvic tilt with perennial pain?
More anterior rotation can cause greater perineum pressure, although the correlation is certainly not linear in every client. - Neill
Thanks for the Amazing videoes in this series. Can you recommend any seats common to this one? The SQ 612 active is first back in stock in july suppossedly :-(
G'day Emmett the 612 non-active version isn't quite as good in my opinion, but is fairly close for many riders. The 612R is a more tight, stiff version and may suit you if you're lighter and more flexible. - Neill
Having a hard time locating a SQlabs 612 action in the US. I've seen some that are non action, is it really worth trying to find the action version? This would be for road bike use.
Hard to say as it depends on you. Did you see my personal review? th-cam.com/video/DuJmA14gtpc/w-d-xo.html
How does this compare with the Specialized Power?
In my case, after an hour, I experience discomfort more on the pubic rami -particularly the left side. No perineal numbness. Would the SQ lab resolve this issue?
My sit bones are 155, 156, I’m right in between sizes. And I’m a heavy rider, 228lbs Any suggestions?
Does he have any recommendations for an ultra endurance in their range?
If the 612 Ergowave Active is too harsh for your distances, the 602 or 610 ErgoLux could be worth a try. Thicker padding, super plush. - Neill
@@roadcyclingacademy Would the 611 ergowave active be be better? It has a little more padding than the 612.. I have just started using 611 active for some longer rides (300-400km/day) and it has resolved an issue I had with a perennial swelling on left side. I would say the comfort is fine, but firm, and doesn't actually deteriorate much with distance, which is the key difference to any other saddle I have owned,. I do have some chaffing on both sit bones after long rides, but I don't know if this is due to getting back into long rides (>350km/day for 2-3days) post lockdown, or I need regular application of saddle cream (once per day at the moment), or some other issue (nb: saddle is set slightly on the low side). My saddle maybe a little too wide for me (sit bones 100mm saddle 130mm). Despite my chaffing issue, I am still happy to sit on the saddle after 3 days and 1000+km. The chaffing resolves after a few low distance days e.g. 2-3hr rides.
i 've got the 612R, seem like i should get the no R version...
I don't have perineum pain but I have sit bone pain what seat would you recommend?
Hopefully Neill can get to this one for you, for you see this video? th-cam.com/video/zJ4-Cx5s1kE/w-d-xo.html
great video! question, would this seat be good for someone with an elevated PSA? to help reduce the chronic inflammation? I have a 2020 Domane SL5 road bike and have kept the original seat after it was fitted for me. i do not have perineum pain and seem to do well. Unsure the type of seat on my Domane, it does have the opening groove in the center of the seat as well, which is similar I guess? i did also buy a Trek Checkpoint, yet to ride it due to weather, but if the seat does not work for me i will try the SQ 612 active!
Tough Call Jeff - it will certainly help to reduce pressure of the soft tissue in the region, but whether your PSA drops because of this is impossible for me to guess. - Neill
Where is the best place for Aussies to purchase the SQlab gear
You can contact Neill, he is a distributer. neillsbikefit.com.au/
How do you setup this saddle (set back, angle, height)?
www.sqlab.nl/pages/montage-van-je-zadel
I have problems with numbness of my private parts so i bought this 612 ergovawe saddle.
After the first test ride of 60 min on my trainer i feel more preassure on my sitbones but still numbness.
Any suggestions?
I mounted the saddle horisontal, sitbones 11,5cm ordered the 13 cm saddle, road bike.
G'day Ola, is the saddle level (when measured front to rear) whilst the bike is also perfectly level between the axles? If so, it needs to be tilted further nose down at the front, until the front half of the saddle is level with the ground. This will translate into a nose down attitude of the overall saddle of around 3-4degrees. - Neill
@@roadcyclingacademy I have the front of the saddle in level with the ground. The bike is mounted on my trainer (Kickr Core)
I will try to tilt it down a bit and will also try to sit more on the back of the saddle. Maybe i was sitting to much forward?
I ordered the 13cm saddle, my bones are 11,5cm apart, road bike Cube Attain
Just bought a $170 Prologo saddle! Its coming Thursday, hoping I like it! Also is a 189g saddle light or no?
That's in the light category for sure.
Need something really comfy, have 2 saddles in mind.. which to pick SQ Labs 6OX Ergowave ( there's 6OX Infinergy but I believe only available in Germany ) or Ergon SM-E MT. Core Prime w/ Infinergy BASF PU foam?
Good luck with the selection! Everyone's arse is different, so can't really point you in the right direction. Good luck though!
@@roadcyclingacademy SQLab 6OX Infinergy (2.0 ver) now available in Oz so ordered one with the corresponding width of my seat bones. It's fully covered in BASF foam and also has that active elastomer system. Can't wait to use and ride long kms. with them.
What do you think of short nose saddle with cut in the middle eg: Shimano pro stealth, Specialized power or Bontrager Aeolus?
Good seats that suit a wide variety of people. Lots of happy people out there riding them! - Neill
If getting the width right is so important can you guys help us out? How do we get a good accurate measurement?
The way neil did it in the video is just a slightly more elaborate method compared to sitting on aluminum foil over cardboard :)
Hank is right. At home, aluminium foil over cardboard works well - I use a spiky pad thing that SQ labs gave me when I first spoke to them (you can see Cam sitting on it in the video) which is a neat solution also. - Neill
@@roadcyclingacademy and Neill thanks for the reply. I’m keen to try one of these SQ Labs saddles out. I have a “board-like” fizik saddle and feel pressure where you don’t want to feel pressure on a long ride! But being over in India it’s not so easy. Might have to wait till we can get back to the UK or Australia. A few guys in the club who have done some of the long Audax rides 400 and 600km swear by the Brooks saddles and have bought them
online and been stung with high import duty 😢
Thanks for these awesome videos really appreciate the effort you both put in to making such brilliant content. Would love to hear more from you Neill with your “sports physio” hat on rather than your “expert bike fitter” one!
My sit bone measurement is 12.5cm, any advice on rounding up or down when choosing the saddle width?
Rounding down works for me personally Brian, but everyone is different. I am sorry to say. Cam
Does anyone has any experience/opinion on the new SQLab Chamoix? Apparently they are very thin and firm - I am thinking about trying the 6mm one out (Gonso has them in their bib shorts and they are a bit cheaper then the SQlab shorts)
Does this saddle push you forward?
Only if the rest of the position is off, and the rider's pelvis isn't balanced well, same as any other saddle. - Neill
I do find that myself. Cam
Would you recommend this saddle for a rider weighing 95kg? Also I like to move fore and aft on the saddle to work different muscles. Is this saddle good for this type of riding style? Thanks in advance.
G'day - yes 95kg should be no problem. These saddles allow a lot of motion around fore/aft/left/right which is simultaneously one of their drawbacks and one of their features! - Neill
didn't work for me, it was too narrow, although I measured my seat bones with their measuring kit. Brooks C17 did the job.
Thanks for sharing on the thread Max
What's the purpose of the nose of the saddle if you're not supposed to sit on it? Are you supposed to sit on it for steep climbs?
Most riders grip it with the inside of their thighs when descending for stability. Some shift around when under the pump and use it for steep climbs, yes. - Neill
Also when cornering, use it as a support when lean in some crazy angle and reflect faster when switching direction with inner thighs.
Anyone in WA selling 612 Active’s?
What happened to the review on this saddle?
Coming, I need Neill to be involved as I had hip flexor issues and he will explain. A couple of weeks away.
@@roadcyclingacademy Loving the channel and the content given, been looking for the saddle but here in Scotland it is very hard to pick one up. Knew you had an SMP on and was wondering why the change. Hopefully you feel better soon though and keep that content coming.
Is there a lifespan for a saddle?
Yep, but they are all different. Look to see when the foam collapses! - Neill
The SQ saddle fixed issue I have lived with for years
Is this a men's bike
it looks like ... the long nose is not meant to be touched, just for control, right?
As far as I can tell, yes that's the case. If it is touched, it's only lightly. - Neill
Hi Guys
Great vlogs
Can ask Neil a question? I've been on the SMP saddle fitter program, My sit bones are 140mm measures on a
electronic pressure plate and
DIY method, SMP recommend the Well or the Well M1.
Now the well is 144m the M1
168mm, I ride a Giant TCR so was after the SMP due to the Curved nose n cut out.
So which size would Neil recommend try?
Kind regards
Jason
I would actually try a Pro or an Avant with that dimension, although you might find the Drakon or Lite209 are also pretty good depending on the 3 dimensional shape of your pelvis. - Neill
@@roadcyclingacademy okay thanks chap, with say my current power saddle they state for me 140 mm means you need 155 so you not sat on the edge of the wings, am I right in thinking on the SMP that's not as important due to the way it rolls your hips forward onto the more narrow parts of the pelvis?
@@roadcyclingacademy Hi Neil
I've gone with a Avant, I've set it up at 13mm using a Spirit level like you showed on a older vlog, I've bought it forward a few mm as well, even whilst setting up I'm shocked how holds you, very different to my Power or Arc. But bizarrely the thing I noticed is how nice the leather smelt as I opened the box lol 😆
Thanks for your advice and time.
Neill "Yeah" Stanbury comes through again.
Legend
You’ll try anything to get rid of that SMP shape saddle off your bike 😂😂
Hahaha! Correct, Cam
Beware! These are habit forming gateway components. That saddle on your other bike that used to be ok will no longer do. You will soon be buying SQ lab saddles for all your bikes. Next you're on to SQ lab carbon bars with flex and more sweep to relieve shoulder pain and then their grips and innerbar ends. I have 611 saddles on my mountain and gravel bikes and will likely be buying a third soon. It always feels firm at the first sitdown even though the padding is meant to be softer than the 612 but hours later all you'll notice is the comfort. The raised rear platform stops you from sliding back on the steeps. Actually your arms stop you from sliding but now you can relax and save energy. When it gets really steep, slide forward on to that funny looking flat bit and discover that its actually comfortable and you can get some weight on the front wheel again. I bought the active version at first but didn't notice any of the supposed flex so removed the polymer thingy altogether and bought a second in the regular model which was lighter and cheaper and seems just as comfy to me. Perhaps some hips don't rock as much. Nonetheless, innovative ergonomic design that largely lives up to the hype. Not much for roadies yet but watch this space.
Seats are a very personally choice for sure! One that works for some may not work for others!
-RCA Team
Rule #1: never give nor take saddle recommendations from anyone! LOL...everybody is different and what is nirvana to one rider is a torture device to the next.
Totally true Brian. Watching the video again, I should have been more specific to mention that this saddle is awesome primarily for relieving anterior perineum pressure issues, which tends to be one of the major difficult issues people face with saddles long term. I should probably spend more than 30 seconds preparing a script for each video. - Neill
@@roadcyclingacademy Case in point, Roglic rides a Antares!
I have it. Never had so much pain when riding. Changed settings in all directions. Followed the SQ Labs settings didn't help. Changing in any direction didn't help. Nothing helped. Now it's in a box with useless overpriced bicycle garbage
Thanks for sharing Dirk
Thanks for the input Dirk, have you discovered a saddle that suits you best? If so, could I ask you to share with us? Also could you elaborate on your experience a bit more? (pain right off the bat, later in the ride, if you've had a bike fit, etc)
Which one do you have Dirk? Want to sell it to me?
Dirk, do you still ride your bike? Did you find the right saddle, and what model did you have? Is the seat height adjusted from the floor? Kindly answer please, if the question is still relevant.