Excellent video! I reached out to George and talked with him on the phone. He is such a nice guy and very helpful in helping me decide on a saddle. His channel is a goldmine of tips - I'm currently watching all the videos!
Hello t go! Thank you so much for your time and your attention today! I appreciate you taking the time to post a comment on this video. I'd to earn your business on an SQ Lab saddle :-)
Good point there you have, make sense. Thanks! I've been riding 6 years now mtb (mainly on gravely stuff and semi-non-active-style) and just recently starting to pay attention for cockpit-setup, wich is not ok for me, numnes in hands and lower areas in longer rides. How stupid ive been i know 😄 but better now than never. Searching now all kinds of ideas for right posture for spinning and non-active saddle it is for me to give a try 🙂 Altough i would have prefer "active saddle" cause its sounds what i would like to be 🙄😄 Chears from Finnland
Hi George.. so glad I watched this vid and your others on the SQ Lab saddles and the 612, I’ve ridden Fizik for a couple of years and thought they fitted me ok always had a little redness after rides but just accepted it I then decided to pick up a 612 and wowee it’s a game changer for me totally no redness no aches down there nothing brilliant my friend thankyou for convincing me try one of these. I have a few bikes and will be decking them all out with 612s awesome 🤩👍🏅🚴👏
Awesome news! Let me know if I can help getting those other bikes decked out with 612’s In the meantime, thanks for letting me know I was able to help you! It’s one of my greatest pleasures as a coach, shop owner and now a RU-vidr.
My favorite is the 611. The 612R is a close 2nd. 612R is a very good saddle if you spent a lot of time in Aerobars in my opinion. I don't want any other saddle than sqlab anymore.
I’m glad you found a saddle that works in the SQ Lab product line. I can’t stand the 612R I don’t like short nose saddles. I also don’t like the tacky nature of the material on the 612R which doesn’t make sense to me other than they don’t want you do be able to move in it since it is so short. I spend a lot of time in the drops and find no benefit to the 612R I haven’t ridden the new redesigned 611. SQ Lab makes excellent saddles for everyone.
@@SeeYouUpTheRoad the sqlab site states that the 611 is more for MTB/off-road rides . But beyond stating slightly different padding not sure what the exact diffs are. @TheMoonCloud have you tried both?
@@strandedpaki I will review the 611 saddle when someone orders it. I am primarily a high-end Road shop. I carry the 612 because it is part of my natural market. However, I am also of the opinion that if a saddle works on your road bike you can use it on your mountain bike.
Hi George, I enjoyed your presentation about SQLab saddles. Based on it I bought in April a non-active 612 saddle to be installed on a Merida Speeder 400 bike. And yes, it is a really great saddle: very comfortable, absolutely no pressure on buttocks and the genital area. I've enjoyed every minutes ridden on... until now. I'd like to highlight a design issue of the saddle. Mostly the saddles (either cheap or expensive) are created with a rail support from the nose to the end. This 612 saddle has no support in its nose, about 3-4 cm reinforcement is missing. What a 'cheapjack' saving for the manufacturer. Because of it my saddle nose cracked there. Its lifetime was about 600 kms only. I don't know what happened with it - I didn't fall with my bike, it wasn't overloaded (I'm 75 kg) - I have theories only. So I'm very disappointed with the result, had to install the original Merida Comp SL saddle back my bike on. I feel the difference unfortunately but I won't buy SQLab again, I'll try Ergon SR Pro Men instead. Available in similar price as 612 and I hope I will feel the same advantages in performance and comfort. So, it is my 'sad' story, I don't know I'm alone or was similar experienced by someone else. Anyway... for me it was waste of money but it wasn't your fault, of course. I wish you the best. Greetings from Hungary 🙂
Yeah that sounds like bad luck. You are denying your self comfort for a stupid reason. I have thousands upon thousands of miles from many years of riding on my SQ Lab 612 saddles. My crew of 5 riders all have SQ Lab 612 saddles and we all ride a minimum of 10,000 miles with some of us 14,000 miles on-site yearly basis. NONE of us and I repeat none of us has ever broken or cracked an SQ Lab 612 saddle. So there is no design flaw with the saddle. Having said that I don’t care what saddle you ride as long as you’re comfortable but don’t go around on social media and say the saddle has a design flaw when I’ve sold hundreds of these saddles to riders that really ride and no one has reported a cracked saddle for warranty.
On the bike fitting video series on the Cam Nicholls and Road Cycling Academy channels the interviewed bike fitter explicitly recommends the 612 active model. Maybe that's where people are getting it from.
That bike fitting series grew into a lot of videos and I'm not sure which one in particular it was. These 3 are the ones I found: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zJ4-Cx5s1kE.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4I1lIKEgK_M.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DuJmA14gtpc.html
@@samsepiol7080 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4I1lIKEgK_M.html here is the one bookmarked to start at the section discussing the flex part
I too am debating whether to go with the active design or not (on a gravel bike). I guesss I'll try it but then would have to get rid of it if I don't like the active part.
@@samsepiol7080 Thank You I’ll check them out. Neil just recently posted a video about a new bike he purchased on the used market. He emphasized on several occasions that he was happy to have a zero offset seat post and how he wanted to slide his saddle forward. He sounded so excited about it and I was like WTF. I made several comments on that video because the last thing I want to do as a bike fitter is use a zero offset seat post and move people forward on their saddles. it compromises the weight distribution on the bike puts excess pressure on the hands and compromises handling, especially when descending down a twisty mountain. In other words, I’m already at odds with Neil and his fitting philosophy, so I’m pretty sure I’m going to disagree with his reasoning on why he recommends, an active saddle versus a non-active saddle. Honestly, his smugness and his attitude bugs me a little. He sounds like a know it all and yet there are plenty of holes in his theories. But I will give those links you share with me a look. I can always learn something, even if it’s how not to do some thing wrong
In the Netherlands the 612 active and none active have the same shape only the elastomare is the difference.However i.m 6.4 90 kg and will try the non active. cheers
Hi George, SQ612 non-active ordered. You convinced me to have a try. Maybe Active is selling better as it seems more 'technologic' . It was hard to find a non-active one here in Europe. Active is available everywhere, the other... I find my Smp Hybrid gel too soft after 100K, I hope it will be better😄
Hi George, thanks for the detailed insights and your experience with the 612 SQ lab saddles. I know this video is comparing the Active vs Nonactive. Do you find any difference in comfort between the Carbon versions and normal? Thanks in advance
personally I have always thought that carbon rail vs (pick a different material) was a bunch of marketing BS. Buy the saddle you can afford. If you are a weight weenie buy the carbon rail. In the end, its all marketing BS :-) Thanks for watching please consider subscribing
I'm 6'1 280lbs and recently got back into biking at 56 after a hip replacement. I watch and enjoy your videos. Do you think sqlabs saddles are good for bigger dudes? Happy New year to you!
Hopefully you were hoping to lose some weight as well and that will always open more options for you in all sorts of equipment and more importantly your health
Thank you for sharing your experience with active vs fixed SQ saddles. Does age matter or athleticism? I am 79 and recovering from near paralysis. So in your experience is a rider such as me also likely to prefer the fixed saddle? Yohan Morgan
Why would 79 years old or paralysis be ameliorated by an active saddle? I don’t get it Let me know when you’re ready to purchase a saddle. Contact me directly at revcycling@gmail.com
And you’re talking as if it’s more comfortable for you then I must be wrong because I don’t like it 😂 you like the Active better that’s great. Thanks for watching please consider subscribing
I have subscribed to your channel and love your views. Suggestions to discuss further about the Sqlab saddle, ie.. Does is creek/hold its form in the long term especially for heavy riders? How does it compare to other favorites such as Selle Italia slr Superflow? Thank you
Thank you Law! I might do a video on this but here are some answers for you. 1. None of my saddles have ever creaked and I ride more than most people. 2. They absolutely hold their form. Why would it deform for heavy riders? 3. I used to ride an SLR years ago. No comparison the 612 is far more comfortable. 4. Superflow has it's loyalist I wouldn't ride that type of saddle I don't like those huge cutouts :-)
My guess is it’s going to be too squishy soft and it’s a gimmick. Everyone wants to get on board the 3D printing wagon. Maybe ok for lighter riders but not for heavier riders. But what do I know
Hi George That is serious miles you're doing, WOW. So the model you recommend is the 612 Ergowave bit not active and not R, right? Does It have any other identifier? I am going to be bikepacking this summer and in the past have had major problems with saddles.
HNY George. The cut-out region has a very familiar shape - like a cradle for the parts - lol. I've done a tour of saddles with cut-outs, not SQLab however, and ended up now mostly riding a Rolls or Regal. Tis retrogrouch or simply that saddles really haven't advanced so much? Bibs are way better though. Ciao.
To the video eye they are similar. To the naked eye and in person there is a vast difference. I am not a fan of cutouts or channels but for some reason the relief in the SQ Lab saddle I can definitely get behind 100% Agrees bibs have improved dramatically since the 80’s when I first started riding!
Hi, George! Second time watching this video. Having just completed the SQ lab measurement, wanted to get further clarification. I ride mostly on top of the bars and sometimes in the hoods. On average, I ride 3-4 hrs., on most weekday evenings, and longer on weekends. I also ride centuries and fast group rides. According to my result, I need a 12 cm saddle. My saddle and har height are about the same level - approx. 165-170 cm. Should I purchase the 613R instead?
George, love the videos. I texted via Linkedin but in event you don't see the post, I was wondering if you have any experience with or thoughts about the Ergowave 614 which seems to combine the best of both worlds (MTB and Road). Am considering the 612 but think the 614 might be a better option. I'm 6-1, 185, riding a Trek Sport FX6 which I ride in a more inclined position
Ha ha LinkedIn I have logged into that site in years! I don’t know about the 614. I keep to the saddles that work for my customer base. I sell the 612 saddles more than any other SQ Lab saddle and more than all the other brands I represent combined! My apologies but the SQ Lab saddle range is so broad I don’t have experience with all of their saddles. Thank You for watching!
You should know that the 612 ergowave is limited to 90kg while the active series allows 100kg weight. Additionally, the design is adapted now, no rigid edges any longer. Third argument, the 612 ergowave active serie is promoted here in Germany, price is below 100€ while the normal ergowave costs 139€
Thank You I was unaware of the revision to the Active saddle. Hopefully we here in the States start getting the smoother edged Active saddle. I ordered Active saddles from the US importer 2 weeks ago and the edges were still pronounced. Thanks for watching and informing me!
Would like to hear what u think about updated 612 active 2.1. Also maybe have u tried WTB Volt saddle ? Im use that now but got sore sit bones and little bit of perineum pain. Looking for upgrade, but not sure which one is better now the standart 612 or updated 612 active. Also they released new one called 614 for gravel and by description it sounds like even more comfortable for long rides
@@SeeYouUpTheRoad from my understanding it focuses pressure on your pelvis and you can rotate into a lower position with better comfort. I’m unsure which version of the saddle you used but the newer models are narrower than the older, thicker, saddles. Very handy to get super aero.
@@paulschulman8131 nice I’m glad it works for you. I have seen them on the bikes I’ve serviced which I then test ride and I find them very bulky, wide and uncomfortable but again if it works for you keep riding it.
🤣@@SeeYouUpTheRoad I wonder why SQlab recommends different saddles for different types of bikes then. You wouldn't use the same saddle on an MTB, would you?
@@wolfman65812 When you are ready to purchase contact me directly at revcycling@gmail.com and I will get you sorted out. It is a great way to support the channel. I am glad you found the humor in my comment. These days you put "gravel" on anything and it sells more. Sure there are some differences but I don't want more padding on my saddles. The slimmer they are the easier they are to ride. Remember it's not the padding that's important it's the same of the saddle that matters most. I would ride the same saddle on any and all of my bikes. Oh wait ... that's what I already do. 🤣 Thanks for watching! Please consider subscribing!
What do you think of Surfas Rx and the others in their line? I have been very happy with their comfort on my road bike and MTB. Except, that there is a high ramp at the rear of the saddle. I am constantly pushing myself back on the seat (nose set level). Don't you have that problem with the rear ramp on the 612?
Hello George, great name by the way! I don’t know much about the Serfas RX saddles. I am not familiar with the high ramp in the back. However, if you keep pushing yourself rearward then try sliding your saddle forward and raise it as well. No there is no issue at all with the “ramp” You don’t sit back there so it doesn’t come into play sir. Let us know how that works out
hi George, I highly appreciate your channel for the sqlab saddles and I would like to ask you please for someone that truly cares to do long distances and not caring about speed, but pure comfort is the 612 the holy grail? For example I can see that the 611 has more cushioning and is for MTB but I have seen people using it on road bikes, and the new 614 claiming that they merge both words of 611 and 612. Should I stick with the 612 or buy the 611 which has more cushioning or take the try for the 614 that claims to merge both words? I highly appreciate your help
Saddles are a personal choice. You have to decide what is best for you. There is no such thing as the holy grail. I ride a 612. The shape of a saddle is more important than the padding but if you like more padding then get more padding. Don't make things complicated Thanks for watching please consider subscribing
Thank you George, I did order the 612 and my seatbone was measured 14cm so i took the 15sm as recommended by sqlab, but what i realised after going out for a 50k ride that my thigs rus in the wings of the saddle. So is clear that i need a smaller size? Have you expericen that with your customers?@@SeeYouUpTheRoad
Is the "non-active" saddle a 612? Because according to the original website, the central opening for the perineum is not as long on the 612 Ergowave saddle.
Hi i was wondering if that saddle SQ Lab 612 will help with minimizing pressure i am riding on a Specialized Mimic 158mm and still having problems with pressure and causing inflame prostate!!! Hope you have a suggestion , thanks
Hi George ,I want to try the Sqlabs saddle and I am confused about the model. I look at there site and am afraid to order the wrong width and style. I want the saddle you recommend and my sit bones measure 115 mm. Could you please let me know the model/style/width ? Thanks for the videos ! Dave
Hello David! My apologies for the delay in getting back to you. I would recommend either the 612 in 14 or 15 here is the link to my site! www.revendurancesports.com/sq-lab-sq-lab-612-ergowave-active.html?id=9332687&quantity=1
@@felisamassey31365 this is the 2.1. A viewer made comment somewhere that there is a newer model of the active. Based on what has been shipping to me I don’t like the active saddle.
No clue I’ve never ridden an Ergon saddle but maybe someone on this thread can answer that for you. But keep in mind even if Simeon says the Ergon is a great saddle it may not work for you. Just like the SQ Lab I’m recommending won’t work for you 😊
You say you recommend this saddle to all riders, even heavy ones. Maybe our definition of heavy differs slightly but this saddle has a rider weight limit of 90kg/198lbs - that's pretty ridiculous, especially since that's gross rider weight (rider + gear + stuff in pockets) and it's static - meaning when you ride over bumpy terrain that limit reduces rider weight even further. I was tempted to give it a try but I'd rather not risk it.
You are correct I recommend the saddle to all riders - both genders, all ages and sizes. I don’t get riders over 250 lbs in my shop that often anyway. Cycling in this area is very unforgiving for heavier riders. Nothing but hills here - length and grade. Easy to ride 100 ft per mile - 50 milers with 5,000 feet is easy. SQ Lab Saddle is a German company. I truly believe they are running themselves safe by providing that 90 kg weight limit. Here’s a personal anecdote, which is by no means representative of what SQ Lab Saddle recommends. About 4 years ago I ran over a carbon railed 612 saddle with the right rear tire of my minivan which arguably weighs close to 4000 pounds. There was no damage and I’m still riding that saddle today. (A customer had demoed the saddle and was returning it while we were out riding. The customer placed the saddle on the right rear tire since the shop was locked up and I am a one man shop. When I drove away later that day I had completely forgotten it was there) You do you if you feel the saddle won’t support you then follow the SQ Lab recommendations.
@@SeeYouUpTheRoad come on, they're clearly "playing it safe" for a reason - i.e. to cover their backs in case of litigation because clearly there's a limitation. I'd never ignore manufacturers recommendation, especially when it comes to an important subject which defines one of the 3 key contact points with your bike. Talking about anecdotal evidence though, I had a looksee online and there is quite a few comments from people saying their saddle broke, even though they were within 90kg/198lbs limit. And that apparently the sweetspot is the 75kg or thereabouts. That should be made clear to everyone who's thinking about getting one.
@@channul4887 They are fantastic saddles and I wouldn't be able to do my endurance miles without one. What about losing the weight to get under the weight restriction? Is that an option?
Hello, I have the 612 in size 15 but I’m not sure if the correct saddle for me. It almost feel like sitting on a 2 by 4 I guess I need more padding. What do you think of the 60x or the 610 you think I should give those a try? Also what do you think of the Infinergy foam. Thank you
I don’t know anything about those saddles. I don’t sell them. The shape of a saddle is far more important than it’s padding. Rigid saddles are more comfortable than padded ones in my experience but your mileage may vary.
@@SeeYouUpTheRoad hey George, just sending this here incase you didn’t get my text this am. Could you please change out the 12 for a 15cm saddle if it isn’t to late. I thought I chose the 15 option, but maybe didn’t click on it for whatever reason. Thanks again.
