Review: the SMD2 Comp Downhill saddle by Ergon
The Ergon SMD2 Comp Downhill saddle. Better tyre clearance and ergonomic construction. Find out more!
After a year and a half of testing, Ergon has finally released their Downhill saddle. For the first time, Ergon focused more on the shape than overall comfort. Of course, that is not to say that the saddle isn't comfortable. The design is based on what Downhill riders use their saddles for most: steering.
Technical Information
| Shell Material | Carbon Composite |
| Cover Material | Microffiber / anti-slip surface |
| Rail Material | CroMo |
| Padding | 360° Edge |
| Rails | 7x7 mm |
| Weight | 205 g (215 g claimed) |
| Application | Downhill |
The SMD2 Comp Downhill saddle: for steering not sitting
While riding a Downhill bike, the saddle is not used for sitting, but instead steering. For this reason, the SMD2 Comp has a forward sloping shape and a lowered nose straight from the factory. The padding is placed over the edge of the saddle to better steer the bike with your thighs. The sitting surface has raised nobs to increase grip when it is time to sit and the sides have a low-friction coating that keeps your thighs from becoming irritated.
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The saddle’s frame is impact resistant and the shape gives it more tyre clearance further preventing impacts.
SMD2 Comp saddle test
At first glance, the SMD2 Comp is shorter than my previous saddle, but this shouldn’t affect the test much.
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At 205 g, the saddle is lightweight, but looks and feels robust. The design and materials were definitely thought out and are durable, something we’ve come to expect from Ergon. There is also a choice between saddle rail colours: red, blue, or stealth (black). After I mounted the saddle, it was time to ride.
Being more aware of the saddle than I usually am, do you know what I noticed? Nothing. In this case, that’s a very good thing.
The saddle works great without really noticing it’s there, but I did feel like my thighs had more control. Taking corners, I could rely on the saddle to support me and I could push through them precisely. My legs and pants moved freely around the saddle and I never had the feeling that I was getting stuck on it. The rounded shape definitely helps with that.
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Overall, I was quite impressed with the saddle. Whether riding straight downhill or banging through corners, it functioned great without being extremely noticeable. Even on the tow-lift, it felt comfortable and proved to be of high-quality. I’m excited to see how it performs in the long-term.
