SQLab’s game-changing saddles are engineered differently from traditional bike seats. The innovative Ergowave design and stepped nose create a unique sitting position that reduces pressure on soft tissue while properly supporting your sit bones. To get the full benefit of these German-engineered saddles, proper setup is crucial.
Unlike standard saddles you can often swap straight out, SQLab saddles require a few specific adjustments to account for their ergonomic design. Get it right, and you’ll experience unparalleled comfort on long rides. Get it wrong, and you might wonder what all the fuss is about.
But don’t stress! We’ll take you through an easy step-by-step guide so you can ensure your saddle is perfectly set up.
What You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Allen keys (usually 4 mm and 5 mm)
- Ruler
- Pen and paper for measurements
- Your current saddle for comparison
Step 1: Record Your Current Setup
Before removing your old saddle, document your existing position. This gives you a baseline when installing your new SQLab saddle.
- Height Measurement: Measure from a fixed point on the bottom bracket/centre of BB axle, along the seat tube to the top of your current saddle. This is your saddle height reference point.
- Fore/Aft Position: Run a tape measure from the nose of your current saddle to the middle of the stem cap bolt (the bolt on top of your stem that preloads the headset bearings). This measurement shows how far your saddle sits from your handlebars.
- Write both numbers down. You’ll need them later.
Step 2: Compare Saddle Shapes & Adjust for Length
This step is crucial for proper positioning.
Note where the stepped (sit bone) section is on the SQLab saddle, indicated by the purple arrow.
Place your new SQLab saddle over your old one so that the SQLab's stepped section aligns with your old saddle's sit bone contact point. Using a ruler, measure the difference in nose length between the two saddles. The SQLab nose will likely sit differently.
Calculate your new fore/aft position:
- If the SQLab nose is (let's say) 15mm longer: subtract 15mm from your original nose-to-stem measurement.
- If the SQLab nose is 10mm shorter: add 10mm to your original measurement.
Example:
- Old saddle nose-to-stem = 550mm
- SQLab nose = 15mm longer
- Set new saddle at 535mm
This step ensures that you're replicating your current sitting position when you fit your new SQLab saddle and is the first step of the installation process.
When you put your SQLab saddle on, don't jump straight into adjusting height just yet: it's necessary to establish the fore/aft adjustment first. Refer to your nose-to-top cap bolt figure and set the saddle accordingly.
Step 3: Adjust Height for the Ergowave Design
The Ergowave design means you’ll be sitting on the stepped section (purple arrow spot), so this is the position which needs to be considered while setting the saddle height. Depending on the fore/aft saddle adjustment, your straight line from the bottom bracket to the top of the saddle meausurement may line up with a lower portion of the saddle (the yellow arrow), so you will need to allow for the raised section you'll be sitting on.
If you do find that your saddle height straight line measurement aligns with the lower portion of the saddle, as indicated by the yellow arrow in the image above, drop the saddle height by around 5mm.
Height Calculation Example:
- Original saddle height: 750mm
- Straight line from BB to top of saddle height: 745mm (5mm lower)
Step 4: Set the Initial Angle
Start with the nose nearly flat, just slightly up from horizontal. Unlike traditional saddles, SQLab designs work best with minimal tilt. This lets the stepped section properly support your sit bones.
Important: Don’t angle the nose down significantly. It defeats the purpose of the Ergowave design.
Break-in Period & Fine-tuning
SQLab recommends 6–7 rides for your body to adapt (and we've found this to be correct from personal experience!).
The stepped design is different from most saddles, so take it easy for the first couple of rides.
During your first rides:
- Expect the saddle to feel different (not uncomfortable).
- Take an allen key with you and make small angle adjustments if needed (2–3° maximum).
- Check for pressure points or numbness.
- Avoid drastic changes immediately.
Signs you might need adjustment:
- Sliding forward on the saddle = raise nose slightly.
- Pressure on soft tissue = lower nose slightly.
- Feeling “perched” = drop saddle another 2–3 mm.
Pro tip: You will know the angle is right when you have the saddle as flat as possible, but the sensation of slipping forward has been eliminated.
Common Setup Mistakes
-
Setting the saddle too high
Many riders forget the 5 mm adjustment, leading to overextension and discomfort.
-
Wrong fore/aft position
Not compensating for nose length throws off your whole riding position.
-
Too much nose angle
SQLab saddles work best with minimal tilt — resist angling the nose excessively.
-
Giving up too early
The adaptation period is real. Give it 6–7 rides before making big changes.
When to Seek Professional Help
Consider a professional bike fit if:
- you’re switching from a very different saddle style.
- you still have comfort issues after the break-in period.
- you’re setting up a completely new bike.
- you have past injuries or special physical considerations.
Choosing the Right SQLab Saddle
Not sure which SQLab saddle is right for you? We stock a wide range, from the race-focused 612 and 614 gravel saddles to the enduro-oriented 60X models. Each uses Ergowave technology with different widths and padding levels.
Browse our SQLab saddle collection
Final Thoughts
Setting up an SQLab saddle correctly takes more effort than a standard swap, but the comfort benefits are worth it. The Ergowave design changes how you interact with the saddle, requiring specific height and position adjustments.
Be patient during the break-in period, make small tweaks as needed, and your SQLab saddle should give you comfort for thousands of kilometres.
Questions about your SQLab setup? At BMCR Gear, we’ve worked extensively with SQLab saddles. Feel free to contact us for personalised guidance.
Ready to upgrade to SQLab? Shop our complete SQLab saddle range, or explore our other premium brands: Garbaruk and Ergon.