SQLab Saddles: Review. Don't say I didn't warn you

RustyIron

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
Subscriber
Jun 5, 2021
1,864
2,923
La Habra, California
In the past, I've endorsed the SQLab 6OX Infinergy saddles. A couple years of experience with them as caused me to reevaluate my position. They just don't last very long.

First, let me state that the 6OX is a good saddle to ride. It might feel a little less comfortable at first, but after a long, hard ride, I don't have the discomfort or tingliness that other saddles might create.

My first SQLab saddle was on my previous bike. After 1300 miles, the saddle was sitting crooked atop the seatpost. I attributed it to a recent crash, and the company replaced it. After another 650 miles, I sold that bike.

Soon after I got the new bike, I bought another SQLab saddle. It wasn't long before I put another SQLab saddle onto the new bike. It lasted 300 miles before it became bent. But this time, there were NO crashes on the bike or saddle. Again, the company sent me a new saddle.

The replacement lasted 275 miles before it became bent. This time I'm just throwing the saddle in the trash and going to a different brand.

Attached are three images. One on pic, the saddle rails are on a flat surface. Check out how the bubble on the level is way over to one side. That's how much the saddle is bent. The second pic shows the saddle inverted, with the most straight-on shot I could get. See how the rails are asymmetrical, with one higher than the other? Besides being different heights, the rails are different distances from the centerline. The last picture shows the paint on the rails. All SQLab rails are painted, and the paint flakes off within a week or two. It doesn't affect functionality, but it's ugly.

Keep in mind that these pictures are of a saddle that has been ridden for 275 miles.


IMG_2694.jpeg


IMG_2696.jpeg

IMG_2695.jpeg
 

Stihldog

Handheld Power Tool
Subscriber
Jun 10, 2020
3,665
5,224
Coquitlam, BC
I can’t comment on the durability of this saddle but I returned it asap.Thankfully I kept the packaging and exchanged for the Ergon Core.

Every saddle fit is different but I knew the moment I sat on it. I guess I like the whale-tail on the Ergon.
 

George_KSL

Active member
Sep 11, 2021
256
294
Slovak Republic
I have two pre-production models of this saddle (same as production I believe, except white labels instead of black) and each lasted 3000km and still look brand new except slightly worn labels("stickers"?). I only use the grey, weakest rubber, wife uses none. I pondered using none as well since I like the flexible sway. I crash my KSL fairly often as well...

Have to agree with the rails though, they're slippery and wear out the paint almost right away.
I also had briefly Ergon Core SMC, and I believe it is more comfortable saddle but it has such a massive "MAMIL on e-bike" vibe to it I had to get rid of it :- ) No offence.
 

Suns_PSD

Active member
Jul 12, 2022
530
455
Austin
Posting here as well with this huh?

I love my SQ Lab saddles and have thousands of miles on them.

What do you weigh? Maybe you sit a bit more than others over trail bumps?
 

RustyIron

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
Subscriber
Jun 5, 2021
1,864
2,923
La Habra, California
What do you weigh? Maybe you sit a bit more than others over trail bumps?

I tip the scales at 200 pounds.
Trail bumps? 😆
My preference is for trails that some might consider a bit on the rugged side. If ANY bike component is not capable of withstanding impacts, g-forces, and "trail bumps," then it definitely doesn't have a place on my bike.
 

ipe

Member
Jun 26, 2023
16
19
White Mountains
I have owned, and currently own many SQ Lab 611 saddles. I have bent "active" models but never (knocks on wood) a non-active s-tube model. Obviously each riders experience differs but I'm a firm believer in SQLab saddles. Bummer you've had a poor experience with them
 

RustyIron

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
Subscriber
Jun 5, 2021
1,864
2,923
La Habra, California
I have owned, and currently own many SQ Lab 611 saddles. I have bent "active" models but never (knocks on wood) a non-active s-tube model.

For a minute I considered one of their other models. After all, they have some good ideas. But there are other companies making top-tier saddles out of space-age materials, and their customer service is easier for me to deal with. Eventually if I discover I don't like their saddles, there's no rule against switching back.
 

ipe

Member
Jun 26, 2023
16
19
White Mountains
Every bum has a saddle to fit it. Once I found "the one" (SQ Lab 611) I've stuck with it and not looked back.
I've never found a shop that offers "test tide" saddles, but I can understand why they don't. Prior to settling on the 611 I rode several different saddles (an expensive pain in the butt, literally), none of which agreed with my anatomy. When I was a kid it didn't seem to matter, but it sure does now. Good luck in your search.
 

Suns_PSD

Active member
Jul 12, 2022
530
455
Austin
I tip the scales at 200 pounds.
Trail bumps? 😆
My preference is for trails that some might consider a bit on the rugged side. If ANY bike component is not capable of withstanding impacts, g-forces, and "trail bumps," then it definitely doesn't have a place on my bike.

Yah, you are not supposed to be sitting down on the saddle over those bumps. That's my point.
 
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TheMirrorVision

New Member
Sep 29, 2024
20
21
USA
As an aggressive and heavy 240lb rider I've carried the original 60X saddle over a few mountain bikes over the past several years since it was first introduced, and haven't had any issues thankfully. Obviously I don't doubt your experience as the pictures are quite evident there's an issue, but I'm wondering why my older saddles have been more durable than the newer Infinergy models...
 

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