A few folks have asked me how the saddle library has been going and if it’s still running. Short answer, it’s really not been, and absolutely, yes. There was a pile of initial interest and a few folks even purchased a library card, making a $25, or greater, donation to Harvest Project, thank you.
The program hasn’t changed at all. Purchase your library card, then contact me by e-mail with any questions, and finally reserve the saddle you’d like to try. Pickup is at Essential Cycles (thanks Jac & Geoff) during regular business hours. (Please let me know when booking whether you’d prefer to install the saddle yourself or you prefer some assistance).
{Loans are for two weeks. For the price of admission (donation), you can try as many saddles as you like – one at a time.}
These are all saddles I’ve ridden, so I’m happy to assist folks in narrowing down what might work for them. I’ve put together some basic descriptions but these will evolve as folks provide and submit feedback and questions.
Here’s the inventory as of 24/05:
1) WTB Koda (1-of-2 sizes 145/Medium)
Originally billed as a ‘women’s’ saddle, the Koda is a fantastic medium-size, medium-padded, saddle or the stubby-nosed variety that is liked by almost everyone who tries it. WTB makes price point versions for riders who know their saddle isn’t amazingly comfortable but are wary of falling in love with a premium saddle. This version uses their excellent DNA padding is among my all-time favourite saddles.
2) Bontrager Verse Elite (2-of-4 sizes 145 & 155)
The Verse Elite is actually available in four sizes, including also 135 and 165, but I suspect most folks will find their happy place in the two sizes available. The saddles have excellent center support but significant flex in the wings for pedaling comfort. The very long rails provide a significant fore-aft adjustment range so these are great saddles for playing with different power-producing positions relative to the bottom bracket.
3) Chromag Juniper (One size 141mm)
The Juniper is still billed as a ‘women’s’ saddle; however, like the Deva and Koda from WTB folks who can see past that may find it’s their new favourite perch regardless of what bits they’re buttressing. It has a wide and well-padded nose for those who still like to squeak forward when climbs get steep and technical.
4) BikeYoke SAGMA Lite (One size 142mm)
The SAGMA Lite uses the same covering and foam as the BikeYoke Sagma, only with traditional rails rather than the suspension rail system of the original. Beyond that, the shape and ride are both similar and quite different to the WTB Koda and for folks who have ridden and enjoyed that more common saddle this is a great comparison piece. I’ve used and enjoyed this saddle for every application from gravel-commuting to mountain biking.
5) SQlab 612 Ergowave R (1-of-4 sizes 140mm)
This is the only SQlab saddle in this collection that doesn’t use their excellent Active-rail system. The 612 R is a paired-down race saddle for road or performance-XC use and the only saddle in the Library I don’t use without a chamois. That said, the comfort and support are impressive for how little saddle is going on. I included it for folks who are more minimalist-saddle curious.
SQlab offers this saddle in 12, 13, 14, and 15cm sizes but the 14 (140mm) does fit the widest range of riders. Drop me an e-mail and I can help you figure out how to measure if it could work for you.
6) SQlab 60X Ergowave Active (1-of-4 sizes 140mm)
This saddle is the most approachable SQlab model for most folks trying out one of their Active-rail saddles. While I only have a 14cm (140mm), I suspect this will suit most folks at least well enough to get an idea of how the Active system works. The Active system allows the saddle to flex with pedaling motion which transfers less force into the rider, and more specifically into their back. The stepped-down nose is wide and comfortable for climbing and I find that this saddle works especially well for me on bikes with very steep seat tube angles.
7) SQlab 60X Infinergy Ergowave Active (2-of-4 sizes 140mm & 150mm)
This is a unique saddle design being made entirely in Germany and using a BASF Infinergy® foam base, borrowed from the running world, rather than a covered PU foam base. More than any saddle I’ve ever ridden or shared, this saddle seems to be of the LOVE-IT or loathe-it varietal with very few folks feeling indifferent towards it. I will warn you in advance that if you do love it they are not inexpensive. As with the 60X Ergowave Active, the Active system here allows the saddle to flex with pedaling motion which transfers less force into the rider, and more specifically into their back.
8) BikeYoke Sagma (142)
This is my favourite saddle (like, actually my personal favourite saddle). It’s the one perch folks asked about which I didn’t have in the library so I’m riding my classic old WTB Deva so this can be available.
Also, Sacki from BikeYoke sent me a new elastomer kit for it. This saddle has hundreds of hours on it but it’s still in great shape and the suspension system is back to as-new condition. This is the same as the Sagma Lite saddle that I have, but with the added move-with-the-rider benefits, albeit at a higher price.
