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PRODUCT REVIEWS: ON TEST: SDG MICRO CARBON POST AND FORMULA FX SADDLE
Road Bike Action
August 12, 2009
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STORY
The SDG I-Beam design has been on the mountain bike scene for a couple of years now and has earned a reputation as a tough and durable setup that virtually eliminates bent seat rails and broken seatpost heads. In 2008, SDG brought the I-Beam concept to the road market with the 951 Road Micro Carbon seatpost and their top-of-the-line Formula FX saddle.
TECH
The I-Beam Micro System on the 951 Road Micro Carbon allows for the widest range of fore and aft adjustment when combined with an SDG I-Beam saddle. The Micro System uses a single, easy-to-access, 5mm bolt for quick and simple adjustments or saddle changes. The new micro head design allows precise angle adjustment and is constructed from 6061 cold-forged aluminum. To keep weight low, the I-Beam Micro System head is mated to a carbon post.
The Formula FX is SDG’s flagship saddle and features a leather cover and dual-density foam for added comfort and support. The base of the Formula FX saddle is constructed using SDG’s latest injection technology. The injection-molded I-Beam runs close to two-thirds the length of the bottom of the saddle to allow a wide range of fore and aft adjustment. Small fore and aft adjustment numbers are molded into the plastic and are helpful in setting up one’s saddle position. A Topeak QR System Bag Mount is included but can be removed to save a few extra grams.
RBA SAYS
The I-Beam design has several advantages over a conventional saddle and post setup. First, the fore and aft adjustability is phenomenal. This feature makes the I-Beam a good option for any rider who has issues getting his proper position. The 951 Road Micro Carbon seatpost and Formula FX saddle are also incredibly easy to set up. There is no fighting with multiple pieces or separate bolts for angle adjustment. It really is as simple as tightening a single, 5mm bolt. The biggest advantages to the system are its strength and durability. If you are a larger rider who has bent or broken saddles or seatposts in the past, the I-Beam offers a great solution. The biggest downside to the I-Beam design is the lack of saddle options. The Formula FX drew praise from everyone who rode it, but it will not fit everyone. SDG does offer a full range of saddles, but most gravitate toward the larger and heavier side.
The SDG 951 Road Micro Carbon seatpost and Formula FX saddle make a great combination for larger riders or those struggling to get their position set up properly. We loved the easy setup, but would like to see more saddle options.
PRICE: $119.99 (951 Road Micro Carbon) $129.99 (Formula FX)
INFO: www.sdgusa.com
BONUS POINTS: Easy Setup, Strength and Durability, Comfortable Saddle
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