SQlab 60X Ergowave active 2.2 saddle review

SQlab is probably best known for its somewhat different approach to saddle design. The 60X Ergowave active 2.2 saddle takes the unique profile found on all of the brand’s saddles and shrinks its nose in a bid to appeal more to the enduro crowd. Although it took some getting used to, and it does require a bit of an investment, it’s simply the best off-the-shelf saddle I’ve used. Although it’s not a custom saddle, its extensive range of widths means that there’s a size to suit nearly everyone.

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SQlab 60X Ergowave active 2.2 saddle – Technical details

Where saddles take all shapes and forms these days, there’s an awful lot that sets the 60X Ergowave active 2.2 apart from a pretty saturated marketplace. Most notably, that’s the profile. Where many saddles employ ends that flick up for support, perennial relief channels, and generally, flatter tops, this one, as well as all of SQlab’s saddles, uses a stepped, or wave-shaped design.

2025 sqlab 60x saddle profile.jpg, by Liam Mercer

As for the nose, it’s 2cm shorter than the 2.1 saddle, which should keep it from snagging on shorts – a real problem with the brand’s other models, and it sits a little lower. It’s very flat too, so there shouldn’t be much of a loss in support.

This profile is said to minimise pressure on sensitive areas where the step in the profile is shaped to adapt to the sitbones, all to relieve any potential numbness. It does get a raised rear, which the brand says aids power transmission while providing support when climbing. That raised rear step then benefits from a material that the brand claims adds grip to stop slipping.

2025 sqlab 60x elastomer.jpg, by Liam Mercer

The ‘active’ in the saddle’s name refers to another rather unique technology. By employing an elastomer between the rear of the hollow stainless steel rails and the saddle’s glass fibre reinforced Polyamide base, the 60X Ergowave active can tilt and move with the body as the rider pedals. SQlab says that this relieves pressure on the spine during lengthy stints in the saddle. The elastomer is replaceable too, and there is a selection of three stiffnesses to choose from, included in the pack.

To bring durability into the mix, the superlight foam is an impact-resistant microfibre cover.

As we’ve come to expect from SQlab, there’s an impressive range of widths on offer, and it’s recommended that any potential customers measure themselves before parting with their cash. With that, there are four widths from 13cm up to 16cm to suit a range of sitbone widths. For this test, I chose a 14cm width after measuring myself by sitting on a bit of cardboard, supplied by SQlab (there are instructions and other measurements too, it’s not just a slab of card).

Wrapping up with the weight, SQlab says the saddle comes in at 265g, whereas I weighed it at 259g.

SQlab 60X Ergowave active 2.2 saddle – Performance

My relationship with mountain bike saddles is something of a love-hate relationship, and long-term comfort is pretty rare for me. Some have worked well, but deep into lengthy rides, discomfort has become an unfortunately regular occurrence. As SQlab recommends that you measure yourself before ordering the saddle, that wins part of the battle, as you should be receiving a saddle that fits you best as a result.

There is a margin for error here, as it’s down to the customer to measure their size and choose the correct saddle. But thankfully, SQlab offers a 30-day trial on its saddles. So if it doesn’t fit properly, you can return it for another size.

2025 sqlab 60x saddle not.jpg, by Liam Mercer

But during my first few rides with the saddle, there was a clear adjustment period. Both in terms of breaking in the saddle, but also getting used to its weird shape. There was also a bit of a learning curve as the saddle works at its best when sat on it in a certain position, although its wide nose and generally wide build allow for plenty of adjustment. 

At the start of the test, it wasn’t comfortable, but as I became accustomed to the saddle, it began to make loads of sense, and in return for my persistence, it began to fit like a glove.

The steps in the saddle’s profile, while odd, noticeably cradle the sit bones, resulting in a level of support I’ve not experienced with any other saddle. This is where that initial discomfort came from, but as the saddle broke in and I got used to how it felt, it became almost like second nature. Add in the broad width that runs throughout the saddle’s shape, and there’s plenty of support, whether you’re sitting in its sweet spot or perched at the tip of the nose during spicier climbs.

2025 sqlab 60x saddle top.jpg, by Liam Mercer

I’m a fan of the active technology, too. Allowing the saddle to rock with pedalling motion brings serious benefits to long-term comfort. Although it sounds like it’ll feel weird, it’s surprisingly subtle. Then, the ability to change the elastomers allows the rider to fine-tune how much the saddle rocks, so if it’s not for you, you can stiffen it up a fair bit. During my time with the saddle, I settled on the softest white elastomer, which increased the movement, but still not enough for it to become a problem. I found it easy to make the change, too, although I imagine that the stiffer elastomers might take an extra dab of elbow grease.

As for the foam, it’s fairly firm, which helps the stepped shape do its work. There’s enough squish there to provide damping, but not so much to mute power transfer or the effect of the saddle’s profile.

2025 sqlab 60x saddle tag.jpg, by Liam Mercer

After the adjustment period, all of the saddle’s features not only made for a saddle that’s comfortable and supportive early in the ride, but also deep into much longer stints. It’s become a regular on my trail bike, where the shorter nose certainly doesn’t snag on shorts when riding steeper descents, but it’s a saddle I’ve mounted on my cross-country bike where I frequently put in bigger miles. Admittedly, XC purists will want a lighter-weight saddle, but it’s not built for that. It is weightier than other steel-railed competitors, but its benefits far outweigh any negativity caused by 30-odd extra grams.

SQlab 60X Ergowave active 2.2 saddle – Verdict

Coming in at £145, the SQlab 60X Ergowave active 2.2 is a pricier number. But it’s pretty heavy on the tech front, despite omitting more exotic rail materials. For example, WTB’s titanium-railed Rocket will set you back £120. It comes in three widths, but it doesn’t have any technology similar to SQlab’s active system.

There’s then Fizik’s Terra Alpaca X5, which brings multi-tool storage to the mix. This one is £120 and again, it doesn’t stack up when it comes to long-term comfort. But even with the multi-tool in place, it’s lighter.

Many steel-rail saddles are cheaper, like Proxim’s Nembo. At £84, it’s wide and supportive, but not quite as supportive as the 60X. It’s a simpler saddle, but I found it to be very stiff, and it got uncomfortable pretty quickly. It’s a bit heavier, too, at 270g.

Where the 60X Ergowave active 2.2 finds its value is in the features it offers compared to the rest of the market. Yes, it’s different, but I’ve not yet ridden an off-the-shelf saddle that’s nearly as comfortable both short and long term. So for me, SQlab can justify the price tag.

If, like me, you struggle with long-term comfort and you’re looking for a saddle that’ll solve your achey arse woes, SQlab’s 60X Ergowave active 2.2 is probably your best bet. While weird, and there is certainly something of an adjustment period to work through, I’m yet to ride a saddle that’s as supportive or as comfortable. It’s not as light as competitors, and its rail material isn’t quite as fancy, but the benefits certainly outweigh the cons.

• www.sq-lab.com
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