SDG-COMPONENTS

Not at all. We addressed the I-Beam on trail saddles in another comment thread below. They’re still alive and well for DH/Race/DJ/Freeride applications and we’re continuing to work on a trail version that’ll be compliant enough.

Unfortunately this is just a byproduct of mounting metal rails into a nylon/carbon base and not an issue specific to us. We have super tight tolerances for this stuff and have a QC team at the factory check in batches to try to minimize it but it’ll always be a risk unfortunately. Its not common to hear about creaking, so it’s unfortunate you had a couple cases of it on your other BA’s. Hopefully it’s just been bad luck and the V3 will serve you well! It’s one of the reasons we’re working on bringing our popular I-Beam system to the trail/enduro segment as this system eliminates creaking.

Thanks for the feedback Waki! The Junior stuff was the only aftermarket option when it was launched designed specifically for junior shredders and as such we had to find that balance of improving over stock options and not breaking the bank. The bars use 6000 series aluminum because while they’re heavier than 7000, they bring the price down to a more attainable place for most while still bringing benefits to the table (smaller OD). We for sure could do a lighter version of the Fly Jr by moving to Lux-Alloy rails and EVA foam, but the issue would be price as it’ll move it into a less attainable position for many then. Unfortunately there’s a ton of mould/tooling costs involved with going to new product/material, so many times this limits our ability to do some of the cool projects you’re suggesting here. We feel that we struck a great balance between price and value with the kit as it offers a massive upgrade for most at it's $149.99 MSRP. We’d love to do an even higher end version but afraid that would price too many out of the upgrade.

The steel rails are heavier than the Lux-Alloy and steel also uses a different foam (air foam) which is also heavier than the EVA foam. The overall shape is identical though so if the steel version fits you then you’ll get on just as well with the lighter Lux-Alloy version!

Couldn’t have said it better ourselves! Plus, putting us in remotely the same category as the 911 is making us blush.

Ha! We tried to get some throwbacks going, but while the new ATMOS sealing makes for a super clean finish we couldn’t use those fabrics for the BA3. You better believe we’re working on a new one fabric though that’ll work for the Bel-Air V3’s!

@saladdodger: the ease of installation is for sure a big benefit, but it also offers more fore/aft adjustment than anything else, lower stack height and is stronger than traditional rails. Plenty of benefits!

@artistformlyknowasdan: the head is the easy part, the more difficult part is making the I-Beam system compliant enough that it’s comfortable for all day rides, but strong enough that it exceeds traditional rail strength. We’ve been working on it for quite a while now and just want to be fully confident in it before it’s released.

@Beez177: he’s been on the same saddle profile for 17+ years, so we figured that was enough on its own to say how comfortable it is!

Bike Strike would be closest to you and they'll see by next week. Other than that, all the major retailers will have in stock either now or within the next weeks. Thanks!