The SQlab 6OX Ergowave is not new, the model has been around for two years. And yet the new one is completely different. Its name suffix "Made in Germany" makes it clear: this saddle is made in Germany. For this SQlab has teamed up with the Central Franconian plastics specialist Oechsler to refine a manufacturing process for cushioning midsoles for sports shoes so that it can also produce bicycle saddles.
Because the requirements of a saddle are obviously very similar to those of jogging shoes, the basic material is also the same as the sole material of numerous running shoes, which is reminiscent of puffed rice: The material with the trade name Infinergy, sourced from the German chemical giant BASF, is no longer a classic polyurethane foam (PU), which is usually the basis for bicycle saddles.
Instead, countless sealed PU air cushions the size of puffed rice grains are produced first. This so-called expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) can then be baked into any desired shape. The material itself is lightweight and is considered extremely elastic - with an almost rubber-like resilience. It is said to be so robust that SQlab dispenses with a coating and only applies thin protective elements to the neuralgic areas - fully automated and without glue, as SQlab proudly emphasises.
Even if the mass production of SQlab saddles remains in Asia: The €199.99 SQlab 6OX Ergowave "Made in Germany" is a showpiece that has been reduced to the bare essentials, but is set to set a precedent. Tobias Hild, founder and managing director of SQlab, had been dreaming of regional production for some time. However, he always saw the high proportion of manual labour involved in saddle production as a problem. He can now overcome this with automated high-tech production in Germany.
"We only had to bring together the best experts from materials research and production, which we managed to do with Oechsler and BASF, and it is already possible to bring production back to Germany. This is just the beginning, but much more is possible. We are looking forward to short distances, short delivery times and a much faster pace of innovation," says SQlab boss Hild, looking confidently to the future.
First impression: SQlab 6OX Ergowave "Made in Germany"
With its unusual appearance, the new 6OX attracts curious glances. You could be forgiven for thinking that the manufacturer had had polystyrene, as we know it from MTB helmets, popped up in the shape of a saddle and then covered the seat with kinesio tape. But of course there is much more to it than that. The black foam is not hard, but yields slightly to finger pressure, only to return to its original shape immediately afterwards.
In typical SQlab fashion, you first have to get used to the double step and the very wide saddle nose. But once you've got used to it, the 6OX is extremely comfortable. The innovative foam seems to absorb shocks generously without your bum sinking uncomfortably into the padding on longer rides. In addition, the active saddle technology, which allows the saddle to flex laterally via elastomer dampers, increases seating comfort. The glued-on padding feels grippy and gives the rider a secure hold on climbs. Our endurance test will show whether the BASF Infinergy foam and the applied tapes can withstand the stresses and strains of off-road riding in the long term.
Sebastian Brust
Editor
