SQLab – not ‘SQ Labs’, despite what Google may suggest to you – is a company who only have one thing in mind: getting you comfy on your bike. How do they do it? Ergonomics.

What does ergonomics mean?

Ergonomics is the study of how we interact with our environment, and the tools we use to do it. In terms of cycling, your bike is the tool you use to explore the world, whether it’s on the trails, on the road or even on your trainer. (Zwift counts as exploring, right?)

But why are ergonomics important for bike riders?

Ergonomics are critical for bike riders because the correct setup can not only improve your performance but also help prevent injuries.

Cycling puts a lot of stress on your body—even if you don’t include a skyrocketing heart rate while you’re grinding up a climb—and it’s especially tough on your hands, arms, neck and back. If you’re positioned incorrectly on your bike, it can lead to a host of issues from wrist problems to saddle sores, not to mention the impact on your riding efficiency.

Technical points aside, it’s hard to have fun if everything hurts.

Who are SQLab?

SQLab is a German company who make components that adjust your bike to fit your body and riding style to ensure maximum comfort and efficiency. It was founded by Tobias Hild, a mountain biker who was getting a lot of back pain when riding, thanks to a previous motocross injury. Hild began developing products that would let him ride pain-free... and SQLab was born.

Fun fact: SQLab was the first company to develop a sit bone measuring tool, all the way back in 2002.

Today, SQLab’s extensive range includes saddles, grips and handlebars, as well as clothes, pedals, and innovations such as the Innerbarends. (We’ll get to them in a sec.)

Let’s check out some of SQLab’s most famous products.

SQLab saddles review

The first thing you notice about SQLab saddles is their unique stepped design. This stepped shape supports the sit bones properly while relieving pressure on soft tissue areas (e.g. your squishy bits).

The second thing you might notice is how many different models they have, and how many different sizes. This is because SQLab know that every riding style—time trial, road racing, enduro, cross-country, gravel, touring, commuting—requires a different saddle shape.

Many SQLab models also feature the Active system. This is a polymer insert under the base of the saddle at the rear that rocks slightly while you’re pedalling. It mimics the natural action of your pelvis while walking, and means that your spine, hips and pelvis have more freedom of movement as well as less pressure on the spinal discs and joints. The Active system is a game-changer for anyone with back or spinal issues, or if you tend to get pressure points on one side of your saddle.

By having a mix of models and sizes, there’s a perfect saddle match for everyone.

How do I choose an SQLab saddle?

The SQLab saddle you need is determined by what kind of riding you do.

For example, looking at our most popular models, the 612 Ergowave saddle is designed for roadies, the 614 for gravel and mountain biking, the 60X for enduro, and the 610 for commuting or touring.

Each model also comes in different widths, with some ranging from 12cm through to 16cm.

The width you need relies on two things:

1. Your sit bone measurement.
2. Your bike setup.

How do I know what width saddle I need?

This is where we can help!

If you’re keen to grab an SQLab saddle, we can fit you up to ensure you’re walking out of the store with exactly the right size.

What is the weight limit on an SQLab saddle?

SQLab saddle weight limits vary from saddle to saddle.

The most popular models range from 90kg (612 standard) through to 100kg (610 Active, 611 Active, 612 Active, 614 Active) and 110kg (60X).

If you're keen on a particular saddle and are hovering around this weight range, you'll want to double-check its technical specs to make sure it's right for you.

SQLab grips review

SQLab grips address many problems common to bike riders – numb fingers, tingling hands, and sore wrists.

Rather than the regular round style of most grips, SQLab models are designed with a wave shape on the underside, which makes them much easier to hold on to.

They also position your hands in a way that takes pressure off the nerves and avoids hyperextending the wrist, so you can ride more comfortably and safely.

Each grip also comes in different sizes, to ensure that you get the perfect fit.

How do I choose an SQLab grip?

Like their saddles, SQLab grips are made for different disciplines.

The 710s, for example, have a wing-shaped design which is perfect for commuting or long-distance riding. The 711s and 70Xs are ideal for all mountain biking disciplines, from enduro to racing.

We have a handy (ba-da-bing!) SQLab hand measurement station in the shop to determine which grip will suit you best.

Isn’t it great when you don’t have to try and guess?

SQLab Innerbarends review

The Innerbarends are arguably one of SQLab’s most famous products.

These guys sit inboard from your grips to give you a secondary spot to place your hands. With traditional bar ends, which sit on the outside of your bars, your hands are placed at an awkward, outwards angle. In contrast, the Innerbarends are placed in a much more natural and comfortable position – your elbows are relaxed, the tension is taken off your shoulders and neck, and you’re also more aerodynamic (i.e. faster).

Innerbarend grips also take the pressure off your hands, so they’re especially good for long-distance riding and racing.

The Innerbarends come in two different models: the super-lightweight 411, for racing and weight weenies, and the 410s, which are more heavy-duty. Both offer the same level of comfort and ergonomics – it really comes down to weight (56g and 104g, respectively).

Can I use SQLab Innerbarends with regular grips?

You can! While the Innerbarends integrate with the 70X and 711 SQLab grips, you can also use them independently with regular MTB grips.

Do you have SQLab grips and Innerbarends in stock?

Yes, we do!

And there's your guide to SQLab saddles, grips and bar ends. These products really do make a huge difference to the way you ride, and how efficient you are on the bike. They'll help you avoid discomfort, reduce your risk of injury, and improve your riding performance.

After all, what’s the point spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on a bike if it hurts to ride it?

Keen to check out the range? Come and visit the store, or get in touch!