Aenomaly Constructs SwitchGrade Review | Must Have?
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#mountainbike #emtb #mtblife
We’ve been thoroughly enjoying dropper posts becoming commonplace on our mountain bikes over the last years, with drop lengths increasing to give us the ultimate in freedom of movement on the descents without compromising on climbing performance. Specialized went a step further a few years back with their Command WU dropper, which featured saddle tilt adjustment that was controlled by the height to which the dropper was extended - nose up for the descents, and the desired seated position when fully extended - however, this never really caught on. Aiming to reopen the saddle angle conversation and optimize the position of the saddle for every situation on a ride, is Aenomaly Constructs. Founder Noel had the idea some 20 years ago but bringing the concept to a reality proved to be tricky, and with a successful career at risk he wanted to wait until the right time and ensure he had the right product. The SwitchGrade is that product, and now is the time. Robert has been putting one to the test over the last half a year, and the merits are undeniable, but it may not be for everyone.
THE LAB
The SwitchGrade by BC-based Aenomaly Constructs is a unit that in basic terms allows you to adjust the angle of your saddle between three positions (Climb - Neutral - Descend) with the simple press of a mechanical lever under the saddle. The theory is covered in detail here, so we’ll stick to a brief overview and focus on the ride impressions of the patent pending tech in this article.
These three positions are provided by the SwitchGrade to tailor the saddle angle to specific scenarios on the trail. The Climb position tilts the saddle nose down by 10 degrees, with the effect of steepening the effective seat angle by around a degree. This allows you to naturally exert more weight on the front wheel when seated and tilts your hips into a more natural and favorable position to pedal on steeper uphills. The Neutral position is for flat pedaling efforts, or for a set-and-forget position on highly undulating terrain. The Descend mode tilts the saddle nose up 12 degrees, giving that sloped-back, downhill style descending position that lets the rider get their body behind the saddle easier, and just looks badass.
The Switchgrade replaces the saddle rail clamp on top of your seatpost, adding around 100g of finely machined 7075-T6 and 6061-T6 aluminum (and stainless-steel hardware) in the process. There are currently five options of fitment for the SwitchGrade, to fit the specific saddle clamps of the common dropper posts on the market, meaning it is not universal and so must be purchased with a particular dropper post style in mind. There is around 5-15mm of saddle stack height added, which needs to be factored into your purchase as your dropper will likely need to be lowered the corresponding amount in the frame. It’ll work with just about any saddle with standard 7mm tubular rails, except for those with exceptionally low stack heights.
Designed in the North Shore, machined in Whistler and assembled in Vancouver, BC, the SwitchGrade is available in all black or black and gold colorways, with colored anodized saddle clamps available separately, and retails from $245USD/ £170/ €198 depending on fitment and color.
See why Robert loves this mountain bike upgrade so much and if it's the right product for you. Check out our full review of the Aenomaly SwitchGrade here: theloamwolf.com/2023/03/31/re...
Order one for yourself by visiting www.aenomalyconstructs.com/
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Пікірлер: 32
Bought one about a month ago now. Was apprehensive about something that expensive as a seat accessory but it is 100% worth the money. Not only does my back not hurt after climbing now but I'm also laying down way more power to the pedals. I used to have to find that compromise between forward enough pedaling position to be comfortable but also not so forward that I would fall off the seat on flatter terrain or bonk my junk on steeper downhills.
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing! It’s not cheap, but definitely has some real performance gains that can make it worth it to the right rider.
Best thing to happen to bikes since dropper posts. Will buy again.
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
It's good for sure!
Sick video man you just sold me a Switchgrade
Thanks for the review, nice product!
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
Great review, I really appreciate how nonbiased you guys are with really spot on really honest open reviews
@TheLoamWolf
10 ай бұрын
Much appreciated! That is a foundational block for our website and channel.
Excellent thorough review, watched with great interest. Would love to try one on my bike, hard to justify the money though. It could be one of those things, once you have it, you wonder how you ever did without it
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Phil, appreciate the kind feedback! There were times where we didn’t find much use for it, but many more when we rode a bike without one and wished we had it. It’s a good bit of kit for sure.
Thanks for this review. I had considered this product for my new Ibis Exie. Unfortunately, as a shorter rider, I have the dropper all the way down into the seat tube. Your evaluation of possible issues of stack height, I think that for this bike, I may pass. Of course, may be a great addition for my Ebike. I appreciate the great information I always get from The Loam Wolf.
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
You’re welcome Chris, thanks for watching! If you can shim your dropper down 10mm, then it could still be a good addition to your bike as the effective clearance feels like it’s dropped further. But if you like to tackle some steep climbs on the eBike, that’s what we’d suggest you buy one for first!
Just ordered one for the E Troy.
I got one for my Bikeyoke dropper and it's pretty dope. Thought the climbing angle would be my favorite but I love the seat angled upward for descents.
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
Awesome man, thanks for sharing!
@Bebuckletome
Жыл бұрын
Ditto for me, descending is where this thing shines. Setting up the Aenomaly for maximal backwards tilt for descents gives you more comfort descending (when you sit down) and also adds what feels like at least 40 or 50mm of extra seat post drop. Really key for these frames with the shocks that go through the seat tube tunnel, since that design limits the length of dropper you can run.
Love mine but wished the nose-up position tilts a couple more degrees
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing, we had the same thought at times but were happy for the most part
Tell us more about that Kavenz. Such a sweet bike.
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
Review coming soon! Stay tuned
Nice bike
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
How much did you have to adjust your saddle height?
Does this fit with the Reverb AXS Bluetooth seat post?
Does sound useful for the eebs
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
It's really good for the steep stuff.
No reverb axs compatibility 😔
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
It's a bummer for sure. You would imagine they are working on a solution, but it's possible the AXS pack gets in the way.
Nice upgrade. $245 CAD or USD?
@SnowShackboy
Жыл бұрын
I paid $245 USD for mine. Pricey.. but the thing seems bomb proof and the dude making them seems solid.
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
Yeah USD. Noel at Aenomaly is a good dude for sure!