These were made for Brendan and Sam on the Monster Specialized Team for wet and muddy conditions in the World Cup. Eventually they will be available to the public in limited numbers, but we are doing further testing to make sure it’s exactly to their specification.

A lot of people think that a gripper cover would be enough as in a moto seat, but the fact is, a motorcycle has a rear fender to keep the mud off and you are seated quite a bit. On a mountain bike, there is no rear fender and you are off your seat from the starting gate, but when you need traction, the entire seat is already covered in mud.

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Schladming, Austria- Monster Energy Specialized racing ended the 2009 Mountain Bike season on top at World Cup Finals held this weekend.  Sam Hills win today allowed him to secure the overall UCI World Cup Downhill Title, while Sam’s teammate Brendan Fairclough also made a trip to the podium in 5th place leading to 8th overall in the series.
The track in Schladming is legendary, dropping 601m over a distance of 2.2km.  The entire length of it is incredibly rough, filled with massive braking bumps and is littered with slick roots throughout the extremely long woods sections.  The track pushes riders to their limit, forcing them to push their own personal envelope to the very edge; the perfect venue to end a very tight points race and crown a champion.
Hill took the momentum from a large 3+ second qualifying margin into the finals and never looked back smashing the field by 2.33 seconds. The usually calm and collected Australian was nervous as he waited for his chance to put a finish touch on a successful season.
“I was pretty nervous at the top. I could see Jacy getting texts and I knew what time Minnaar had run.  I could see Jacy looking at his phone every rider and not saying anything so I knew he was still leading.  I was getting more nervous the more I thought about it.  The first half of the run all I could think about was, I’d be coming into turns and I should be turning, and I also found myself thinking about the overall.  About half way down, I could hear the crowd cheering and this snapped me back into it.  The cheers got louder when I got out to the open grass section toward the bottom so I knew I was on a good run.  The bottom grass turns sorta felt like a celebration lap. It’s pretty awesome to get the win as well as win the overall.
Sam on the gold jacket; Palmer’s an idol of mine and we are good buddies, basically at the World Cup in Ste Anne, Palmer said that if I had a could get close enough for a shot at taking the overall, he’d lend me his old gold jacket that his mom made him that he used to wear on the podium when he rode for Specialized. “That jacket was the real deal and I’m pretty proud to be able to wear it up there for him.”
Fairclough was the man everyone was talking about all week, with much of the media commenting that he looked even faster than Hill through the woods. A race morning practice run mishap may have ended his chances when the Englishman went down hard on the first set of corners on the track after losing his grip on the bars.  Sore ribs and a banged up shoulder meant that staying on the bike while running ragged would be nearly impossible, and forcing him to tone it down for his race run.
“I can’t ask for much more than a podium. I went off the start and hit the first bump and started really hurting. What can you do?  I shot myself in the foot by crashing this morning and hurt my shoulder and ribs. I felt so good on my bike all week. I was smashing stuff, the bike was running awesome and I felt great. The crash really knocked me back a few steps, it was a bit of a bummer.  I am gutted knowing I could have been up there with Sam and given him a run for his money.”
Team Manager Sean Heimdal says “I’m so happy for Sam that he could secure the overall. Sam has trained harder than ever this season, and it’s all paid off for him in the end. We all know what he’s capable of doing, but to pull off the overall title after his mishap in Andorra…that’s a testament to his strength as true champion. While Brendan had a roller coaster ride this season, 3 podium finishes is something he should feel good about and I’m looking forward to seeing Brendan and Sam standing 1-2 next season.
With this race, the season ends for the Monster Energy Specialized Team; Sam, Jacy and Sean head to Vegas for Interbike, while Brendan will head over to Vancouver to film a few days before everyone’s season officially wraps up.
The season wouldn’t be a success without the support of our co-sponsors; Monster Energy, Specialized Bicycles, Mad Catz, SRAM, Truvativ, Rock Shox, Avid, SDG, FUNN, Troy Lee Designs, Alligator, Cane Creek, Crank Brothers, DT Swiss, e-thirteen, Five Ten, Maxima, Obtainium, Freestyle, Kicker, KMC.

Review: Road Bike Action Tests SDG
The SDG I-Beam System is already popular on the Mountain Bike scene but more and more riders are rocking the system on their road machines due to the high comfort and very low weight. Here Road Bike Action reviews the system.

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 Quick Click 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.

Ready To Launch!
The new ownership/management  team has been on the gas this summer working on several new initiatives for the globe’s premier saddle maker.  First off, the Brand has received a modified facelift, complete with freshened up logo and icon.  SDG has also been tightening up the Formula Platform.  In addition, there is ample inventory on the most popular models! Read on to find out more about what’s going on this summer at SDG COMPONENTS!

New Look for a New Day
The new logo, complete with the iconic mark, is prominently featured on the new 2010 product range (stay tuned for updates), collateral material, packaging, soon-to-be released website and Interbike tradeshow booth.  Feedback thus far has been solid from consumer focus groups, domestic retailers, teams/athletes and of course, international distributors.

“I’ve been working with SDG COMPONENTS for going on eight years now,” said Silverfish Managing Director Darren Mabbott.  “We’re excited by the new look and feel of the Brand.  We look forward to the new bits for 2010 – SDG is going to the next level in the UK.  I can’t wait to see next year’s range at Eurobike!”

Speaking of the UK, SDG COMPONENTS received rave reviews for the Formula FX / I-Beam Carbon Fiber post recently in the summer edition of MBR.  The ‘system’ received a stellar score of 9 out of 10, a tall order to be sure.  Paul Burwell rode the saddle for 18 months on his trail bike and he was impressed with the low weight, simplicity and comfort of the I-Beam Technology.

In addition, the aforementioned saddle’s kid brother, the Formula FXR, received a favorable review – scoring 8 out of 10 in the same publication.  “The new Formula FXR from SDG felt like I’d been bumped up to first class at check in,” said tester RW from MBR.  “Long rides now feel like sinking back into a sumptuous armchair rather than suffering the ignominy of a cramped, cattle class journey.”  Overall two solid reviews in one magazine, MBR!

Formula Platform
Solid and versatile, this model continues to impress both the MTB and Road sets. After a two-year product development process, the designers crafted a slightly longer shell than many leading saddles, and as a result – the Formula series offers plenty of room to maneuver in the cockpit.  It relies on dual-density Edge Flex™ to ward off discomfort on longer rides.  In addition, the Edge Flex™ eliminates any sharp edges, so the legs won’t lose power and maintain smooth spinning motion. Its relatively flat profile features an ample rear section for all body types.  Covered in a stylish one-piece, embossed Micro-Fiber material that is both durable and eye catching.  Also available with Topeak® QuickClick™ Bag Mount.   The Formula also utilizes a Flex Cavity™ for a firm, yet comfortable ride.  A CNC plate is bolted to the beam, increasing strength without adding weight.  Available in the following models: FX, FXR, MT, MTR, TT, TTR.

SDG COMPONENTS on the Podium
In the latest rounds of World Cup Racing ( #6 Mont Sainte Anne / #7 Bromont) – Sam Hill (Team Monster Energy / Specialized) continues his champagne celebrations, by taking top honors in Men’s DH at Mont Sainte Anne and finishing a close 3rd at Bromont. His latest accomplishments have propelled him to the overall series points leader, above heavy hitters Greg Minnaar and Steve Peat. SDG is proud to support 7 out the top 10 DH’ers currently positioned in the 2009 Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Series. Jared Graves (Yeti / Fox Shox) is also riding the top spot, leading in Pro Men’s 4X, along with Tracey Mosely (Trek World Racing) currently in 3rd overall in Women’s DH.

In other recent action, SDG COMPONENTS would like to give props to Aaron Gwin (Yeti / Fox) for being crowned the US DH National Champion. And with the Kokanee CrankWorxs festival currently ongoing, SDG riders take a break from the World Cup circuit, but still continue to dominate. Kyle Strait (Team America / Specialized) took down legendary Brain Lopes for the win in Dual Slalom. Kiwi Justin Leov (Trek World Racing) descended 3,400ft from the top of Whistler Mountain – with an impressive time of 13:44:55, grabbing 1st place in the Monster Energy Garbanzo Downhill event, with Sam Hill (Team Monster Energy / Specialized) taking the 3rd podium spot. Also from Trek World Racing – Andrew Neethling (SA) took 3rd in the Air DH Competition with over 340 riders, shredding down famous A-Line, with nearly 100 jumps!

Warehouse Stocked and Ready for Action!
It’s peak season and our warehouse is fully loaded with ample inventory on new items such as the Formula MT and MTR models.  Bel-Air in Snakeskin print and new Brown FX’s are in the system as well.  Brown just may be the new black!

SDG BEL-AIR RL £79.99
I’ve had an outland saddle on my bike for the last few months and while it’s a trail saddle, when I switched to the Bel-Air it was like sinking into a old favourite armchair.
There are two Bel-Airs – the RL and the RT. The former has better quality padding and is available in a lightweight titanium-railed option, which saves 50g but adds £30 to the price. Both saddles get the revamped shape, which is a lot flatter in the top with a central channel that I find more comfortable. It also has the dropped nose, which not only stops the perch snagging your shorts, it won’t stab you in the kidneys if you stumble off in a rock garden.
It’s easy to justify the price because the quality of the Bel-Air is first class – it’s also available in a vast array of colours and finishes, including the infamous cow and leopard prints. PB

Huntington Beach, Cal.(April 30, 2009) – With its fresh new look, new owner and a stable of top sponsored athletes, SDG COMPONENTS rolled into the Sea Otter Classic with lofty expectations and came away with phenomenal feedback and several podium spots. Opting to partner with Northern California’s anchor retailer – RideSFO (rideSFO.com) – new president Tyler Anspach and his longtime lieutenant, Chris Han, used the RideSFO booth as their base camp.  Heavy consumer traffic, a DJ and a cloudless blue sky made for a solid weekend for the globe’s premier saddle brand.

“Feedback regarding the new logo was tremendous both from the trade and consumers alike,” said Anspach. “Between unveiling the updated logo and our sponsored athletes’ performance, the weekend couldn’t have been better!”

After eight years with SDG USA, Anspach acquired the brand last month, formed SDG COMPONENTS and continues to build on the heritage and brand equity that has been synonymous with the iconic saddle maker for the past 14 years. The Sea Otter Classic offered a natural backdrop for Anspach to convey his ‘new day’ mantra to the bicycle industry.  He has moved quickly to freshen up the logo, adding an avatar-like ‘bug.’

“We’ll continue build on the authenticity of the SDG brand, while making some modifications to the overall look and feel as well,” Anspach said. “There’s no need to reinvent the wheel – but simply refine and add consistency to our go-to-market strategy.”

Solid Results for SDG COMPONENTS Athletes:
Pro Men’s DH: Mick Hannah (AUS) is back on the circuit for 2009, racing for Factory GT and took top  honors.  Andrew Neethling (SA) on the newly formed Trek World Racing team finished 3rd, with his Kiwi  teammate Justin Leov taking 4th. SDG COMPONENTS had nine out of the top 15 on the I-Beam Technology.

Pro Women’s DH:  Tracy Moseley (GBR), also on Trek World Racing, fresh off her Round 1 World Cup Victory topped off in 1st again!

Pro Men’s Dual Slalom:  The racing was intense and every heat was close – keeping the packed crowd on their toes. Sam Hill (AUS), Team Monster Energy / Specialized / I-Beams made his first of many top podiums to come this season, as he garnered 1st place.  Cody Warren (US), Specialized Team America, grabbed 2nd. The Company’s athletes claimed five out of the top 10 slots.

Pro Women’s Dual Slalom:  Mio Suemasa (JPN) Fun Fancy/Intense, placed 4th against the likes of Melissa Buhl and Jill Kintner.

Pro Dual Stunt: Longtime SDG  athlete Kyle Strait claimed 2nd, with Andrew Taylor, Aaron Chase and Eric Porter – all aboard SDG COMPONENTS, finished in the top 10.

Team Update:

SDG COMPONENTS are the official saddle and/ or post provider for the world’s best racing squads: TeamMonster / Specialized, Factory GT, Trek World Racing, Factory Yeti, Specialized Team America, TeamCommencal, Gravity Group Kenda/Morewood, Team Sol Vista, Vanderkitten Racing, Kenda Pro Cycling presented by Spinergy.

SDG’s I–Beam system is as revolutionary for seatposts as Lock–On grips were for grips. It’s so simple and reliable that it just makes you wonder why nobody thought of it before. Apart from being so reliable and easy to use, it’s also the lightest setup you can possibly have, nothing else even comes close. You are of course limited to using an SDG seat, but that isn’t a problem because they already make some of the best seats around and for 2009 they’ve added even more to their portfolio. Post wise they now offer a choice of carbon or aluminium with either a standard or micro–adjust head, and of course they come in a range of diameters. I–Beam might seem a bit crazy at first, but trust us you’ll love it.

As one of the globes most reputable mountain bike publications, we’re pumped to be apart of this honorary praise. The I-Beam Technology has evolved quite a bit over the years, with the worlds’ best athletes, such as Sam Hill and Team Monster Energy using this revolutionary technology. Rest assure, we will continue to raise the bar and change the way the industry views