SQ LAB 612 ERGOWAVE ACTIVE 2.1 REview
Today, it's all about one of the most important, if not the most important component for your bike: the saddle. You can have the best, most expensive, or lightest bike, but if your rear end doesn't fit the saddle, you won't enjoy biking. As always, please note that English is not my native language. There may be some grammatical errors here and there. Please excuse this, as I am working to improve my skills.
Since every "butt" is different, in addition to the review of the SQ Lab saddle, the broader topic of saddles and why it's not possible to provide a general recommendation for a specific model is also discussed.
But now let's move on to the 612!
Technical specifications:
Price: €150 (as of 29.5.22 on sq-lab.com), €200 for the carbon version
Weight: 226g (excluding elastomer)
Size: 12-16cm (width of sit bones + value from this table)
Length: 275mm
Here's the SQ Lab 612 Ergowave installed on my BMC URS. It is available in many sizes with small intervals, so hopefully everyone can find the right fit here.
I came across this gem through a bike fitting. I had always had moderate success with saddles before. I had tried various saddles over time, starting with the Brooks Cambium, Ergon SMC Gel, Selle SMP, Specialized Power, and so on. Somehow, they were never perfect. While I could ride 100km or go on multi-day bikepacking trips without major issues, something was always off. This could be due to my own inadequate adjustments or the fact that I didn't really know my sit bone width back then. Knowing the width of your sit bones is the first crucial point when choosing the right saddle. The wider the sit bone distance, the wider the saddle should be. If the saddle is too small, you probably won't find a comfortable position. Similarly, a saddle that is too wide can be painful as it may rub against the thighs.
Measuring sit bone distance is relatively easy. At home, you can simply sit on a piece of aluminum foil placed on a softer surface. It's important to slightly angle your feet to simulate the position on the bike. Once you stand up, two impressions should be visible. Measure the distance between these impressions, and voila, you have your sit bone distance. Alternatively, most larger bicycle shops have special machines or chairs that can precisely measure the distance on-site.
Once you have this distance, it's also important to consider the position in which you spend the majority of your rides. The angle and contact point between your sit bones and the saddle can vary depending on how sporty or relaxed your riding position is. (Addendum from riding position)
During my bike fitting, a sit bone distance of 11.6cm was measured. Therefore, the initial starting point for me was the 612 Active in a size of 13cm. However, after some experimentation on the trainer, I ended up with the 14cm wide version.
Here you can see the special shape of the 612!
During the bike fitting, my favorite mechanic in Bern (VeloMario) recommended the SQ Lab Ergowave 612 active saddle to me. The SQ Lab brand, based in the greater Munich area, is known for its ergonomic products such as grips, handlebars, and, of course, saddles.
The shape of the saddle is very flat with the classic raised end, which is consistent throughout SQ Lab's lineup. The optimal position is just before this raised section. This ensures proper relief in the perineal area and prevents any pain or numbness. The saddle nose (the front part of the saddle) belongs to the category of regular-length saddles. More on that later.
What makes the 612 active special is the active technology (demonstrated in a video). Underneath the rear section, there is an elastomer integrated into the shell (which can be adjusted in three stages according to the rider's weight). This allows the saddle to slightly follow the pedaling motion and aims to reduce strain on the back, especially the intervertebral discs. In reality, the rear part of the saddle might feel a bit strange while pedaling initially, but you quickly get used to the "give" and enjoy the additional comfort it provides.
Overall, the saddle is very comfortable. Thanks to its near-perfect fit to the sit bones, it feels pleasant to ride with or without padded shorts. However, for me personally, there is only "one" correct seating position. Once you find it, you can easily spend 20, 80, or even 150km in it. The active technology is genuinely pleasant, albeit a bit strange during the break-in period. The length of the saddle is something that slightly bothers me. It has happened to me a few times that when starting off, my back or buttocks get caught on the tip of the saddle, which can be a bit annoying.
Sometimes my pants get caught right at the nose of the sadle while standing up
POSITIVE
A major advantage of the 612 saddle is the wide range of sizes available. There should be something for every "butt" as long as the general shape suits your personal riding style.
The active technology significantly enhances comfort once you get used to the saddle "moving along" with your pedaling motion.
NEUTRAL
The saddle does not have a cutout, which can make installation slightly tricky with certain seatposts (such as my CaneCreek eeSilk+).
For me, the saddle has only "one" correct position.
NEGATIVE
Personally, I don't prefer saddles with long noses. Occasionally, the shorts get caught on them, and when the riding position becomes more aggressive, such as with aerobars, the additional centimeters of material can interfere with the male genitalia, leading to uncomfortable pressure points.
CONCLUSION
I believe the SQ Lab 612 Ergowave active is a great starting point for the gravel and bikepacking disciplines. The comfort level is good and it offers good value for the price. Additionally, SQ Lab provides a vast range of saddles to cater to different riding styles, whether more sporty or relaxed. However, I cannot give a general recommendation for everyone, as saddles cannot be objectively evaluated; they either fit an individual or they don't. I consider it important to have the saddle properly adjusted by a bike fitter or similar professional.
I am currently satisfied, but I intend to test leather saddles (such as Gilles Berthoud) and 3D-printed saddles in the future to explore the options within different categories.
