SQlab Launches New 'Made in Germany' Saddle
SQlab "Made in Germany" Kick-off date released: Series production of SQlab saddles made in Germany will start in March 2021
Press Release: SQ Lab
The very first, 'Made in Germany' saddle: 6OX Infinergy Ergowave active
The 6OX is the optimal saddle for long and steep climbs on the EMTB while providing optimal relief, even on bikes without an engine. This means that the rider no longer has to take power-consuming protective positions, so all the energy is available for propulsion.
The perfect fit for women and men
It‘s not a secret anymore: a saddle must fit like a pair of shoes! Because if a saddle is too narrow, the pressure is applied in spots where it shouldn’t. In 2002 SQlab was the first saddle manufacturer to invent a system to measure the distance between the sit bones and calculate the optimal saddle width. All SQlab saddle models are now available in up to four different widths. This guarantees that the sit bones lie flat on the saddle. This is the only way to relieve the sensitive perineal area in men and the usually deeper positioned pubic arch in women. The new 6OX Infinergy Ergowave active 'Made in Germany' saddle comes in four different widths (13 / 14 / 15 / 16 cm) and therefore offers the optimal fit for men and women alike.
Back-friendly
The SQlab active function, which allows the saddle to easily follow the pedaling motion, becomes softer and smoother. The lateral movement, which increases comfort and is easy on the intervertebral discs, was one of the functions that led to many test victories for SQlab saddles in recent years. The strength of this damping can be adjusted from very soft to almost blocked and adapted to the bodyweight using the three elastomers included in the scope of delivery. The shell consists of a new plastic/carbon fiber mix and enables the active function via the material flex. Dr. med. Markus Knöringer, specialist for neurosurgery, intervertebral disc and spinal surgery, sports physician, said: "The SQlab active saddle technology enables a physiological movement of the pelvis. This ensures a round pedaling motion, which can provide relief for intervertebral discs and facet joints. This may contribute to a more fatigue-free riding and to the prevention of complaints in the lower lumbar spine area".
Pressure distribution according to medical aspects
The SQlab Step Saddle shape, which has been tried and tested for twenty years and improved again and again in detail, ensures pressure distribution according to medical aspects - away from the perineal area and towards the sit bones. The saddle nose, which is lower in level, ensures a better pressure distribution at the sit bones and at the ischial branches and therefore presses less strongly on the sensitive structures of the perineal area. For men and women alike, the dip in the middle of the saddle is sufficient to ensure excellent blood and nerve supply.
Perfect hold on the E-MTB
The SQlab saddle shape with the raised seating surface is perfect for uphill riding anyway and brings more power to the pedal even on straight routes.
Quality and comfort
The special feature is the foam of the saddle, which is no longer made of classic PU foam but of the BASF Infinergy material known from running shoes. This material is very robust, almost indestructible and brings comfort to a whole new level, especially in off-road use, due to the faster recovery. The cover is not pulled over the entire surface of the saddle as in classic saddles.
SQlab founder and managing director Tobias Hild looks excitedly into the future
Since the early days of SQlab - almost twenty years ago - we have been thinking about the production technology for each new product and discuss and work a lot with experts from our region.
Until now, the high percentage of manual work has always been a big problem in bringing production back to Germany. In addition, in Taiwan, the „production know-how“ has reached a very high level. Much of the work is now automated there as well and is carried out according to strict environmental, occupational safety and social guidelines. But what still distinguishes us in Germany is the strong and world-leading mechanical engineering, especially automation and robot technology. So we only had to bring together the best experts from materials research and manufacturing, which we succeeded in doing with Oechsler and BASF. Now it is possible to bring the production back to Germany. This is just the beginning, but there is much more possible. We are looking forward to short distances, short delivery times and a significantly higher speed of innovation."
Until now, the high percentage of manual work has always been a big problem in bringing production back to Germany. In addition, in Taiwan, the „production know-how“ has reached a very high level. Much of the work is now automated there as well and is carried out according to strict environmental, occupational safety and social guidelines. But what still distinguishes us in Germany is the strong and world-leading mechanical engineering, especially automation and robot technology. So we only had to bring together the best experts from materials research and manufacturing, which we succeeded in doing with Oechsler and BASF. Now it is possible to bring the production back to Germany. This is just the beginning, but there is much more possible. We are looking forward to short distances, short delivery times and a significantly higher speed of innovation."
Manufacturing technology - Made in Germany
The 6OX Infinergy Ergowave active saddle has already been existing for 2 years, but not in this version: Made in Germany. The special thing about the new 6OX Infinergy Ergowave active 'Made in Germany' is the foam of the saddle, which is no longer made of classic PU foam, but of the BASF Infinergy material known from running shoes. This material is very robust and brings comfort to a whole new level, especially in off-road conditions, due to its quicker recovery. The cover is not pulled over the entire surface of the saddle as in classic saddles.
There are only 'tapes' in important places. These are automatically attached to the Infinergy foam without any glue. The production technology was developed very successfully by well-known automotive supplier Oechsler in Ansbach/ Germany, for a large sports goods manufacturer a few years ago. SQlab and Oechsler then jointly optimized this process for saddles.
Regional
Even though the main production of SQlab saddles remains in Asia, the 6OX Infinergy Ergowave active saddle „Made in Germany“ is the beginning of an exciting project that SQlab has been working on for many years. The advantages are not only clearly noticeable for the customer, but also for the environment. The access to the latest materials and manufacturing methods also enables SQlab, in cooperation with top experts in materials research and production, to improve the functions, durability and quality of the product. The local sourcing of SQlab „Made in Germany“ products means from an ecological point of view not only that the long transport route is eliminated, but also that production is extremely efficient and subject to strict German guidelines for harmful substances.
Local production, quality assurance and longevity are decisive for the SQlab project.
More information: www.sq-lab.com
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Then you lost me.
soo... you may go and ride your mofa, i keep riding bikes.
@SQLAB how are you taking care of your supply chain and the responsibility for production standards in Asia? If you bring more clarity to this issue as well I would consider you as leader for a better business model. Good effort, good products, please keep progressing.
"The local sourcing of SQlab „Made in Germany“ products means from an ecological point of view not only that the long transport route is eliminated, but also that production is extremely efficient and subject to strict German guidelines for harmful substances."
Your post is bizarre.
Secondly, both the 611 and 60X have a in inherently wide rear shape that is a bit cumbersome when fully depressed that is prone to hitting the inside of your legs when getting rowdy. Also, why the long nose? Spesh power and Shimano Stealth offroad have this aspect figured out...
That all being said - I can't find anything that beats the 611 all round.. but if I had a magic wand for my 611 (listen here SQ Lab) I'd do this: take an inch off the nose of the saddle length, streamline the rear of the saddle and finally add a tiny bit more cushion in the sit bone area. Then perfection.
Thanks for making great mtb products
Could you tell me the difference between a:
610
611
612
And all the other product names in your range
It is a little difficult to tell on your English website
And although I’m stupid ,I’m not completely stupid
From a potential customer who spent usd$280 on his last mtb saddle
The 612 is more focussed on racing and performance. The padding is just 6 mm thin and the saddle nose is rather flat and narrow.
The 611 is more applicable for trail riding. The padding is a bit thicker (9 mm) and the nose is both a bit thicker and longer. I use that one for my trail bike.
The 6OX is even more focussed on comfort and SQlab say that it was designed for E-bikes in particular. The padding is 12 mm thick and the nose is yet again thicker and longer.
All models are available in a normal shape or in their Ergowave design. The latter was designed to remove pressure from your sit bones and you know what.
Hope this helps.
www.sq-lab.com/en/ergonomics/sqlab-product-concepts/saddle-comparison
That’s fantastic @jayjay1989:
612 ergowave: Road & MTB Race (mostly for MTB Hardtails or Race Fullys)
611 Ergowave: MTB Tech & Trail (for all MTBs like Enduro, All-Mountain,...)
610 Ergolux: MTB Comfort (comfort oriented MTB)
6OX Ergowave: Gravity & E-Performance
the 60x is simply the best saddle I've ever had.
TIP: it looks a bit stupid, but use the easy to do Sit bone measurement
“ 6OX Infinergy Ergowave active” sounds like an Ali-express knock-off microwave.
Looks like they hired their “expert” from AliExpress as well: "The SQlab active saddle technology enables a physiological movement of the pelvis. This ensures a round pedalling motion”. That’s two sentences to say absolutely nothing.
And my personal favourite part:
“ SQlab founder and managing director Tobias Hild looks excitedly into the future” **insert stock photo of man staring intently into future**
Western companies normally own their own factories in China, or use factories of other trusted manufacturers such as the factory of Giant Bicycles. There they produce in high quality under normal circumstances, and someone (or even a team) from the HQ in Europe/America is working full-time in the factory to ensure quality production. These companies do some proper product testing and only the reliable ones hit the market. These products of these companies need to comply to the high European / American standards, to be able to be sold in Western countries. Also these companies (especially SQ Lab) spend a lot on Research & Development, which is an expensive expense.
On the other side you have the local Chinese factories, who only care about producing the absolute cheapest products possible. As they don't sell in official shops in Europe (customers order them online directly from China), they don't need to apply to any safety standards at all. These factories only care about profit and will ship even batches of products their know are faulted and dangerous. These companies use shit materials, abuse human rights (extremely long work days under very dangerous circumstances and often (child) slavery) and they are also cheap because the Chinese government funds them: they hope that china will earn market share in western countries this way so these companies will be able to stand on their own feet one day. These factories don't care about the human rights of their employees and neither about your safety.
So for your own safety, as well as to prevent the abuse of human rights, don't buy fake rip offs from Alibaba etc.
Youre treating it like Car industry with design studies that never happen.
Also didnt this other German Brand came up with the Idea using that Material in Saddles?