SWITCHGRADE FEATURES & BENEFITS
FEATURES*
Climb-It Shift (TM) - 3 Indexed Positions Optimized for Climbing, Descending, and Level Grades
Choose among 3 "macro" positions that can be fine-tuned using stock 2 bolt system. -10° for climbing, 12° for descending, and a neutral mid-position for flat or undulating terrain and moderate grades.
Compatible with Most Popular OEM and Aftermarket 2 bolt-style Seatposts
Proprietary scallop technology and long oval-shaped fastener holes provide compatibility with a vast array of fixed and dropper seatposts.
Positive Engagement and Audible Locking Mechanism
Tactile and snappy locking feedback and a loud 'click' signify engagement. Translation? Confidence to know when you've shifted into the right setting for the getting.
Low Profile Design
Compact size means increased compatibility with modern saddles, including those with deep, pressure-relieving channels.
>1° change in Effective Seat Angle
Switching from Level mode to Climb Mode effectively moves your bike saddle forward approximately half an inch which in turn effectively steepens your seat angle. Results may vary depending on drop post length and saddle design.
Built Strong
CNC machined from aerospace grade 7075 T6 and 6061 T6 aluminum and built to withstand rough play.
Ambidextrous Design
Choice to run SwitchGrades with lever forward (under saddle nose) or rearward (under saddle 'butt') based on preference.
Finger-friendly Lever Grips
Ample and well-spaced lever extrusions provide a positive feel and stable grip even in the most wet and muddy conditions (here's looking at you North America PNW and UK).
Air Valve Compatible
SwitchGrades feature a unique channel cut into the arc bearing surface to allow space for an air valve. This is particularly useful for certain brands/models such as the OneUp Components V2 and V1 dropper seatposts.
Light Weight Design
Weighing just a 170 grams, the SwitchGrade adds a net gain of approximately 100 grams because it replaces your seatpost's standard rail clamps (usually weighing around 55 - 70 grams depending on seatpost model).
Compatible with Most Bike Saddles with 7mm Tubular Rails
The SwitchGrade's low profile allows it to function flawlessly with most saddles, even short stack DH saddles. In some rare cases there may be contact with the saddle undercarriage. Note: SwitchGrades will not work with 9mm tubular rails or oval rails.
* subject to change
Climb Mode
Locking the SwitchGrade into climb mode yields an approx. >1° change in effective seat angle and lift of 20mm. This is equivalent to adjusting the saddle forward on the rails or using an offset posthead but with the additional benefit of providing posterior support to prevent sliding off the saddle thus minimizing arm, leg, and core muscle fatigue. This ideal saddle position for climbing effectively shifts a rider’s center of mass forward to help keep the front wheel down while simultaneously increasing rear wheel traction.
Unlock the Full Potential of your Dropper Seatpost
Saddle Tilt and Saddle Height combine to form a powerful one-two punch against gravity and rolling resistance.
"One seat position isn't actually the optimum position most of the time… sometimes on the super steep climbs you've got to get your weight right over the front and at the same time keep some pressure on the saddle so I think this is a really cool idea."
- Steve Jones, EMBN
Keep your front wheel down and boost rear wheel traction to climb with greater ease and efficiency.
Sounds like magic right? Sort of. Using a SwitchGrade naturally positions your center of mass forward and over the bottom bracket which effortlessly adds weight to the front wheel. And because your saddle nose is tilted down, the rear acts as an anchor preventing you from sliding off the back while providing you with chain-crushing leverage to spin up gradients an Ibex would be envious of.
Don't let your saddle get in the way of some downtime.
Lowering your bike saddle is one thing, but having the ability to tilt it out of the way opens up a world of difference when rolling into gnarly tech lines, steep chutes, and sandpaper slabs. There's a real reason why UCI World Cup Racers, iconic Freeriders, and Slopstyle artists tilt their saddles.
Discover the freedom to move in ways you never knew before.
Save energy for the fun stuff
Using a SwitchGrade for climbing lets you sit and spin in comfort, reducing arm and leg fatigue as well as saving your core muscles from exhaustion. This translates to more energy to bust shapes and braap berms on the way down.
Long travel and enduro bikes rejoice.
Bikes with 150+ mm of travel are more prone to the effects of suspension sag and bobbing. In fact, steeper climbing grades will amplify suspension-design shortcomings. Instead of fighting gravity, using a SwitchGrade unlocks your rear-shock's potential to find traction and, combined with your leg strength, turns your enduro bike into an XC rocket.
Body & Bike Synergy
Tall Tails, Short Stories: Every Body and Bike Is Different
Taller riders can improve their climbing position by effectively steepening their seat angles and by being forward of the rear axle.
Shorter riders improve descending confidence by gaining extra saddle clearance created by tilting the saddle's rear down and out of the way.
Older bikes or modern bikes with slack seat tube angles stand to gain anywhere between 1 to 2 degrees of effective seat tube angle by using a SwitchGrade.
Bikes with short seat tubes (which can limit seatpost dropper length) can be remedied by using the SwitchGrade's "functional drop" providing an additional range of 35mm of height.
Bikes with overly long seat tubes (which may burden shorter riders) can use a SwitchGrade in combination with shorter dropper posts to maintain effective climbing height.
Say goodbye to back pain, knee pain, and groin-related discomfort.
Riding bikes means dynamic movement. Why then should our saddles be stuck in a static position? Answer is they shouldn't, especially considering constant changes in terrain, grades, and distances travelled. Using a SwitchGrade allows you to react 'with' the terrain or tarmac so your body doesn't succumb to pain and unnecessary discomfort brought on by poor bike fit.
With a SwitchGrade, you can:
Reduce pressure on the perineum and enjoy numb-free riding no matter how long you sit on the saddle.
Say goodbye to 'saddle sores' and unwelcome pressure on the sit-bones AKA ischial tuberosity.
Give your knees a break. Climbing with a nose-down saddle opens up your hip angle and requires less energy on the downstroke.
Reduce back pain typically associated with climbing in a hunched-over position.
Reduce pressure on sensitive groin region. Women will especially benefit from using a SwitchGrade who would otherwise be forced to sit on the pointed nose of a saddle - not comfy!
Reduce pressure on palms and shoulders caused by riding with a saddle in a nose-down position for lengthy periods of time.
"As a doctor of physical therapy who regularly treats individuals with back pain, and a lifelong mountain biker, I'm digging the concept of SwitchGrade. A nose down saddle position increases what is called anterior pelvic tilt. This promotes optimal lumbar spine alignment which can help prevent or alleviate lower back pain in many cases. I can also see the obvious performance benefits that could lbe had on long, steep climbs in the saddle. I'm stoked to try on e out!"
- Dr. Josh Harris DPT, Dip Osteopractic, MTBer
SwitchGrade Makes Climbing Easy
The SwitchGrade locked into climb mode makes climbing on your bike easier by:
1. Putting you in a forward biased position and shifting your center of mass over the bottom bracket. This position helps redistribute your weight favourably to keep the front wheel down so you can focus on spinning instead of prematurely fatiguing your core, arms, and legs.
2. Evenly distributes forces on both wheels to maximize rear wheel traction.
3. Allows you to ride uphill in a more upright position which reduces back related pain.
4. Opens up hip and torso angles for optimized power and efficiency on downstroke and promotes sustainable pedaling cadence.