I’ve been a fan of SDG saddles since way back when. I had a red kevlar covered saddle they made back in the day on my dirt jump/ slalom bike for years, and I’ve owned almost one of every i-beam model they’ve made. Since I’ve changed from my i-beam Gravity Dropper post to a Rockshox Reverb, I’ve been a bit bummed that I can’t run my saddle of choice, the i-Beam Formula MT.
While hanging out shooting pics at AT’s Showdown last weekend at the SF Bike Expo, we ran into Tyler from SDG at the Decline booth where he showed off some of the latest 2012 offerings. On the mountain side of things, SDG has pared back their line a bit to focus on their core products: saddles (railed and i-Beam) and seat posts. In addition to their solid staples, they are also releasing a set of bolt on grips in conjunction with ODI.
SDG Duster Ti-Railed Saddle and co-branded ODI bolt-on Grips
I’m a huge fan of ODI’s bolt-on grips. They pretty much set the standard these days, and the SDG lock-ons might be my favorite of their offerings to date. The grip pattern is essentially made up of the SDG logo, which covers about 3/4 of the grip surface. The circular pattern isn’t all set at one level though. The inside of the logo, which looks like a saddle has a slightly lower profile. According to their marketing copy, it effectively damps shock and spreads pressure across your palm, while providing traction. That sounds good, and when grabbing a handful of grip, I’m inclined to agree. It feels really good. What I really like about it though, is that the diameter has a nice mix between the feel of one of ODI’s bigger diameter grips, and their smaller grips. On the other side of the grip, the pattern ditches the circle altogether, and just has the saddle forms.
The grips also feature new snap-in end plugs, and these are my faves to date from ODI.
SDG/ ODI Lock-on grips. New grips instantly make your bike feel more awesome than before, and these grips: +1
I haven’t had a chance to do a ride with the new Duster saddle, but it looks pretty sweet and ticks off the boxes. Ti-rails, a light bit of padding, and a complete lack of heft. The logo is embossed on the surface to provide a bit of traction where you need it. The best part about the Duster is that it keeps much of the shape that made me so fond of the Formula models, in a very slopestyle friendly XC-trail package.
UPDATE
Just finished up a weekend of riding on the grips, and these suckers have a great feel, and grip really well. Just like that, I’ve got a new favorite set of grips.
SDG/ ODI Lock-on grips installed
