Long-term review: Aenomaly SwitchGrade – Canadian Cycling Magazine

In the history of mountain biking, there is a long list of tech that was deemed “unnecessary,” only to become ubiquitous. 29″ wheels and dropper posts stand out as two of the more glaring improvements that were initially rejected. While Aenomaly’s SwitchGrade, a seat angle adjuster, may not ever achieve the pervasive acceptance that dropper posts have, I think it could be a truly-game changing part for a wider range of riders than you might expect.

After over a year of riding with the SwitchGrade on different bikes, and missing it while riding others, here’s some thoughts on why more riders should consider upgrade to this B.C.-made innovation, and why others might want to give it a pass.

Aenomaly SwitchGrade: What is it?

Aenomaly is a lever-activated seat angle adjuster. Replacing the upper mounting bracket on a seatpost, it gives the option of quickly moving between three different seat angles. It’s the answer to the question, what if there is no such thing as a perfect seat angle? What if the best seat angle is different when you’re descending versus when you’re climbing?

It’s also the answer to quieting the many aches and nagging back pains so many riders experience while climbing. It’s not an e-bike, it won’t do the work of climbing for you. But it’s truly impressive how much of a difference it can make to how hard climbing feels.

It’s not just about climbing, though. The three angles are set for climbing, neutral and descending. The latter allows you to take full advantage of the dropper post the SwitchGrade is more than likely installed on top of, giving more range of movement on the bike when the seat post is slammed for descending.

Freedom to rethink seat angle

Most rider’s seat position, I would argue, is an imperfect compromise. It’s a balance between what’s most comfortable pedalling across and what’s most comfortable, and powerful, while climbing. If you set your angle for climbing, it puts a ton of weight on your hands while riding on flat terrain (and is just generally uncomfortable). If you set your seat angle for the most comfort on the flats, climbing can feel like you’re sliding off the back of your seat. It can also reduce the power you’re able to tap into at a time when you want it most.

This is something we all know in the back of our heads. We set our angle to be comfortable when it annoys us the most and deal with it the rest of the time….