Ergon’s SMD2 has been designed with downhill riding in mind, touting a host of features focused on improving control.
With DH riders using their knees and inside thighs on the saddle to control the bike while standing on descents, Ergon decided to fit the saddle with 360-degree padding, to help improve comfort.
It’s fitted with a microfibre anti-slip cover that’s claimed to be easy to care for and clean. The SMD2’s side-to-side profile is virtually flat and designed to provide the best “freedom of movement,” according to Ergon.
Elsewhere, the rear is short and without edges to reduce the chance of the saddle hitting the rear tyre – downhillers run their seats low, and as the rear suspension compresses, the rear tyre moves closer to the seat.
My test sample with CroMo rails weighed 226g – 6g heavier than Ergon’s claims, and measured 127mm wide and 256mm long – the only size available.
Ergon SMD2 saddle performance
Given the SMD2 is a downhill-specific saddle, I had low expectations for how it would perform when working against gravity.
However, I needn’t have been so pessimistic because its flat shape made it comfortable during long enduro-style rides with plenty of descending and ascending.
The flat shape meant that pressure on the perineum was limited compared to seats with a convex shape and a pressure relief channel – my sit bones were contacting the saddle’s wings where the majority of my weight was focused.
That uphill performance and seated comfort make it more versatile than you might think for a saddle designed with downhill riding in mind.
Its thin nose and flared sides made it easy to grip with my knees and thighs on descents, aiding control. Because the nose is quite narrow, it didn’t interfere with pedalling performance or contact my legs when I wanted them to stay clear of the seat. Its short overall length helped here, too.
Although the 360-degree padding didn’t offer a significant improvement in comfort, the insides of my legs were never sore after long descents.
However, the cover material proved to be more slippery than I was hoping, especially when wet and covered in mud, because it has no texturing or relief on its surface.
Over the test period of approximately one month, the Ergon logo on the cover and CroMo laser-etched writing on the seat’s rails have started to rub off, which is much quicker than I was expecting.
Ergon SMD2 saddle bottom line
Generally, the SMD2 is a good performer, offering surprising levels of comfort outside of its intended remit.
It would be a good purchase for those looking for a gravity-orientated seat who also want comfort during infrequent climbs to the top of the trails.
Product
| Brand | ergon |
| Price | 59.95 EUR,54.99 GBP,59.95 USD |
| br_whatWeTested | Ergon SMD2 CroMo rails |
| Weight | 226.0000, GRAM (124mm) - |
Features
| br_rails | steel |
| br_cutOut | no |
| br_gender | unisex |
| br_length | 256mm |
| br_availableWidths | 124mm |
| Features | Nylon composite shell, CroMo rails, Microfibre cover, 360-degree edge padding. |
