Sit bones to saddle are definitely key factors for comfort, 100%. SQ Labs makes some fine equipment, looking to try one of their 611 Ergowave's on my ride soon.
Hey Noel here from Aenomaly.
The SwitchGrade features a forward offset pivot which moves the rider forward roughly 10mm as it rotates along an arc. This arcing action steepens STA by slightly more than 1 degree while simultaneously moving the seated point on the saddle forward, effectively moving you over the bb for climbing. The benefits being climbing with a more open hip and torso angle for improved biomechanical efficiency hence why it's easier to 'sit and spin,' not to mention an open diaphragm for better breathing. While we haven't conducted lab tests to confirm power increases from negative saddle tilt, many riders claim to experience it which is also backed by research papers.
The major shortcoming of relying on a saddle only (not to say it's not useful, just that we'd say it's only one part of the system of efficiency and comfort) is that because its sits fixed in place and runs parallel to the ground, as you climb, the saddle tilts in concert which produces a range of undesired effects like:
* arched back trying to evenly distribute weight between wheels
* premature upper body fatigue as we grasp at our bars to prevent sliding off the back of the saddle
* increased pressure on the perineum (groin region more or less) as the tip of the saddle pushes up into our privates (which gets worse the steeper it gets)
Cheers, Noel
Nov. 7, 2022, 5:50 p.m. - [email protected]
Sit bones to saddle are definitely key factors for comfort, 100%. SQ Labs makes some fine equipment, looking to try one of their 611 Ergowave's on my ride soon. Hey Noel here from Aenomaly. The SwitchGrade features a forward offset pivot which moves the rider forward roughly 10mm as it rotates along an arc. This arcing action steepens STA by slightly more than 1 degree while simultaneously moving the seated point on the saddle forward, effectively moving you over the bb for climbing. The benefits being climbing with a more open hip and torso angle for improved biomechanical efficiency hence why it's easier to 'sit and spin,' not to mention an open diaphragm for better breathing. While we haven't conducted lab tests to confirm power increases from negative saddle tilt, many riders claim to experience it which is also backed by research papers. The major shortcoming of relying on a saddle only (not to say it's not useful, just that we'd say it's only one part of the system of efficiency and comfort) is that because its sits fixed in place and runs parallel to the ground, as you climb, the saddle tilts in concert which produces a range of undesired effects like: * arched back trying to evenly distribute weight between wheels * premature upper body fatigue as we grasp at our bars to prevent sliding off the back of the saddle * increased pressure on the perineum (groin region more or less) as the tip of the saddle pushes up into our privates (which gets worse the steeper it gets) Cheers, Noel