SQlab – precision ergonomics for every discipline

SQlab focuses on a single point: the contact areas between you and your bike. In 2002, the ergonomics specialists developed the first standardized system for measuring sit bone width – the basis for choosing the right saddle width. That system grew into a full lineup of saddles, grips, handlebars, pedals, and cycling shorts built on biomechanics rather than guesswork. Chasing watts on the road, grinding out long climbs on the trail, or spending hours on gravel with an SQlab gravel saddle: the stepped ERGOWAVE® and ERGOLUX® saddle shapes, along with active technology, provide the right foundation for different riding positions and disciplines. Find the SQlab components designed to fit your anatomy and the way you ride.

SQlab started with a personal problem: founder Tobias Hild was dealing with health issues from riding and didn't want to leave saddle comfort to chance — he wanted a scientific answer. Working with a physician friend, he developed a system for measuring sit bone width in 2002, the first method of its kind in cycling. In 2003, SQlab brought its first saddle with this stepped shape to market, the starting point for today's lineup of saddles, grips, handlebars, and pedals. The team still researches new saddle shapes and materials today in its own development lab, the SQLabor, using pressure-mapping systems. That commitment holds true today: SQlab doesn't claim ergonomics, it measures and proves it.

Here's what SQlab's precision is built on:

• The world's first sit bone measurement system as the basis for saddle choice
• An in-house development lab with pressure-mapping technology in Taufkirchen
• ERGOWAVE® for performance-focused positions and ERGOLUX® for comfort-focused positions
  active technology supports natural pelvic movement
• Saddles in up to five widths for a precise fit

SQlab's lineup covers every contact point between you and your bike, developed using the same ergonomic principles as its saddles: measure first, then engineer. Saddle width follows your sit bone width, grip size follows your hand size. Depending on the discipline, different backsweep, frontsweep, and downsweep angles support a natural transition from forearm to hand. On the pedals, the shape supports a natural foot position, and the SQ-Pads in the shorts round out the same ergonomic concept as the saddles.

• Saddles – SQlab bike saddles in ERGOWAVE® or ERGOLUX® stepped shape, in up to five widths, with or without active technology.
• Grips – Ergonomic shapes in multiple sizes, from the 7OX MTB series to comfort grips for long rides.
• Handlebars – Carbon and aluminum models with an anatomical bend for a straight transition from forearm to hand.
• Pedals – Platform and clipless pedals, engineered for a natural foot position and even power transfer.
• Clothing – Cycling shorts and bib shorts with SQlab's own SQ-Pad chamois, built around the same ergonomic principles as the saddles.

At SQlab, every development starts with a measurement, not a trend. The saddle width and grip width systems provide the reference measurements used to determine saddle shape, padding, and grip size. The stepped ERGOWAVE® and ERGOLUX® saddle shapes relieve pressure specifically in the perineal and pubic bone area, while active technology allows lateral pelvic movement instead of suppressing it. These technologies don't work in isolation – they form one coordinated system, from measurement to the finished product on your bike.

The saddle width system measures the distance between your sit bones and determines the correct saddle width – combined with your riding position, since the more aggressive your position, the narrower the saddle can be. SQlab developed this system in 2002 as the first manufacturer to do so, giving sit bone width more weight than gender for the first time. The result: even pressure distribution across the sit bones instead of on sensitive soft tissue.

ERGOWAVE® lowers the saddle nose and raises the rear slightly, with an added dip in the center of the saddle. This wave shape relieves the perineal and pubic bone area, while the raised rear gives you the support for efficient power transfer. Developed together with FH Frankfurt and Uniklinik Frankfurt, ERGOWAVE® underpins the SQlab road bike saddle and the SQlab MTB saddle.

active technology allows the saddle to move laterally in a controlled way, following the natural movement of your pelvis as you pedal. That lateral movement supports a dynamic riding position and lets your pelvis follow its natural pedaling motion. Elastomers of different hardness in the saddle construction create the movement, turning the saddle into an extension of your natural pelvic movement rather than a rigid component.

A grip that's too narrow forces your hand to grip harder and tires faster. Too wide, and you lose control. That's why SQlab sizes grips to your hand size, offering models like the 7OX and 711 series in several diameters. A larger contact area spreads pressure more evenly and stabilizes your hand position on long trail and gravel rides.

ERGOLUX® uses a two-stage, wave-shaped contour for wide pressure distribution. The more moderate height difference between the seating surface and the relief zone is designed for comfort-focused riding positions. The dip in the center of the saddle creates extra room in the perineal area.

Depending on the model, the SQ-Pad measures just 4 to 8 millimeters, but it's firm and dense rather than soft and bulky. SQ-Pads combine a firm construction that maintains its shape with padding thickness, density, and shape tailored to each riding discipline. Select models add a thin TPE layer to reduce shear forces.

You'll find the full SQlab lineup here – saddles, grips, handlebars, pedals, and cycling shorts – in the sizes and widths that fit your anatomy, at fair prices. A replacement part before your next bikepacking trip, or an upgrade ahead of race day – fast shipping means your new components can arrive in time for your next ride. Explore SQlab saddles, grips, handlebars, pedals, and cycling shorts today.