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Reviewed: SQlab 611 Race Ergonomic Saddle

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SQ-Lab 611 Race

 

SQlab is a German company that makes saddles, pedals, handlebars, insoles, and bar ends engineered around creating a proper, individualized ergonomic fit on the bike.  When we buy shoes, for example, we take the time to find the right size to ensure a comfortable and bio-mechanically efficient ride.  Well, why not do the same with our other contact points?  After all, not everyone has the same seat bone or hip width, nor are they necessarily related.  To that end, SQlabs offers saddles in different sizes and pedals with different spindle lengths.  Now, let’s get to the 611 Race with TiTube alloy rails and stiff, yet comfy Marathon foam padding.

SQlab611_Sizes

The 611 Race, like most of SQlab’s saddles, is available in four different sizes ranging in width from 12cm to 15cm with a 279mm length.

 

SQlab 611 Race Weight

 

Our size 14 saddle came in at a respectable, though quite not horse jockey svelte,  275 grams.  The 611 also comes in a sub 200 gram, carbon railed LTD version.

SQlab611_profileThe TiTube alloy rails give the 611 a short profile, which, combined with the stiffness of the upper give it a stable, efficient feel, yet it can still be ridden all day — I rarely had hot spots or numbness.  Notice, however, that there’s no crazy love-channel cutout or middle-less shape.  The 611 relieves pressure on the perineum subtly and effectively.  Too much or too soft of padding can actually get uncomfortable over time as the padding compresses and starts to put pressure on certain body parts with lots of fun slang nick-names.

SQlab_611activeFor riders with spine and joint pain aggravated by cycling, there’s also the 611 Active which has an elastomer (exchangeable, with three different densities) creating a “dampened lateral tilt [that] allows it to follow the biomechanical movement of the pelvis on each pedal stroke. This results in a decrease of pressure on the sitbones and a mobilization of the spinal discs.”

 

SQ-Lab_611_Saddle

I do, however, have a caveat about the shape.  Recognizing that saddle shape is a rather personal choice, the higher rear didn’t quite work for me and left me feeling like I was always sliding forward.  Without getting too intimate about my saddle region, my natural tendency is to ride a slightly positive saddle position (nose higher than wings), and I’ve worked myself down to a neutral position.  Therefore, saddle shapes with taller, scooping wings haven’t been my favorite.  WTB’s Rocket V, for example, didn’t work as well for me as some of the their other models.  At first I thought the 14cm 611 might be too wide, so I tried it on my MTB and my commuter, which have more upright positions, but I still found myself re-positioning.  I compared it to other saddles I like and the dimensions were pretty identical.  I moved it forward, back, tilted it, same thing.  The 611 was close, real close, but not quite perfect, at least for me.

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Sevo
Sevo
10 years ago

I’ve had one of these saddles for a few weeks now. Really dig it.

Kenny Roberts
10 years ago

Hey Trucker,

Thanks for your review on the SQlab 611 Race saddle! I just have a couple comments on your review and some recommendations for fitting the saddle so that you don’t get that “sliding forward” feeling.

1) Firstly, just wondering if you measured your sitbones with the SQlab Fitkit to determine your sitbone width. This is a very important first step to determining the proper width saddle. It’s possible that you should be riding a slightly narrower saddle. If you did that, then we are off to a good start. If not we should send you the materials so you can do that!

2) Try moving your saddle forward just slightly so that your sitbones are on the flatter part of the back of the saddle.

3) Since the SQlab saddles have a slightly higher rear section, you may need to adjust your saddle downward by dropping the seatpost by 1.5mm-2mm

You can find more information on fitting and setting up the SQlab saddles in the SQlab Fit Manual at http://www.flipsnack.com/AFFFDF86AED/fu3q1e05

I hope these tips help you to find that sweet spot! As a cyclist that has suffered through pain and numbness I can tell you that once you have a good fit on an SQlab saddle you will appreciate the comfort on longer rides!

In regards to weight – note, that we also offer the 611 Team LTD saddle which has carbon rails and weighs in at less than 200 grams. SQlab also offers their Active Design for people that experience pain in their back or hips or knees. The active design features a lateral tilt which helps to align your joints and optimize your spine.

Thanks!
Kenny Roberts
Radsport USA – Syntace / Liteville / SQlab / 66sick
http://www.radsportusa.com
Kenny@radsportusa.com

hugo sanchez
hugo sanchez
9 years ago

estoy por comprar mi primer sqlab aun no se donde lo venden, pero posiblemente lo ordene por internet. seguramente con la experiencia les vendere a mis amigos. solicito informacion en español y lugares de venta en el sur de california usa, como puedo ser distribuidor en el norte de baja california mexico.
atte. hugo “la oveja ciclista de la familia” Sanchez

David
8 years ago

Having experienced settle pains in the past and experimented using multiple saddles I have to say that the SQlab 611 saddle is the most comfortable saddle I have ever used. When I visited the bike shop they measured my sit bone using some cardboard and recommended I try the Sq labs 611 Saddle. I had demoed a couple of saddles that day and came to the conclusion that this Saddle felt best. I have been using the saddle for a couple weeks tackling steep climbs and full on down hill terrain and it feels fantastic. The biggest benefits for myself for this saddle is on the steeper climbs where I don’t experience that Terrible pain.
Build quality is good and I have no complaints. I recommend this saddle.

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