Aenomaly Introduces SwitchGrade for the BikeYoke Revive Dropper Post 4

News of our SwitchGradeTM prototype broke out in early 2021 and word spread quickly – much quicker than we had anticipated in fact. From the outset, universal compatibility was a major goal for us and today, SwitchGrades are compatible with most of the market leaders including droppers from OneUp, PNW, Fox, RockShox, eThirteen, Raceface, KS, TranzX and many more. Yet there was one brand that eluded us due to some considerable challenges (as if this making a SwitchGrade wasn't hard enough).

BikeYoke is recognized as purveyors of highly innovative and well-engineered components and their top of the line Revive dropper sets the benchmark for reliability and smooth operation. It’s likely why we received countless emails, texts, and DM's asking us to make a Revive-compatible SwitchGrade, especially from European and US customers. Designing SwitchGrades to be near-universally compatible was a major undertaking due to the immense variety of seatposts on the market and the absence of design standards apart from lower tube diameters. The BikeYoke Revive posed a considerable challenge due to some tough constraints, most notably its diminutive posthead.

"Man where to start? Likely the toughest part of developing the SwitchGrade in general was designing for the small space we had to work with between the saddle and seatpost while retaining acceptable stack height. This didn't give us a lot of room to work with especially when aiming to make something compact and light yet strong enough to withstand the abuse of Northshore and Sea to Sky riders who we modeled it for. The BikeYoke was even more difficult because of the small posthead dimensions but we made it work." – Colin Adamson, Aenomaly’s Lead Design Consultant.

The SwitchGrade for the BikeYoke features a unique base that departs from the quad-scallop design seen on our other models. This was done to accommodate the Revive's compact posthead. The “Type 4” model also saw the introduction of dual asymmetrical bridge structures for added strength, ease of installation, and to reduce overall size, all the while maintaining a geometric and aesthetically appealing form which aligned with our design language.

Launching the Bike Yoke compatible version of the SwitchGrade was an important milestone for us because it aligns with our goal to address customer needs and wants. As a small family-owned startup we could not be more proud of this model which we believe is on par with BikeYoke's attention to detail and engineering excellence which, in our view, ranks among the best out there.

Features

• Three fixed "macro" positions
• Negative tilt steepens effective seat tube angle >1 degree, raises rear of saddle approx. 20mm, and moves rider forward approx. 10mm
• Positive tilt drops the rear of saddle approx. 30mm increasing clearance and standover for descending
• Native 2 bolt micro-adjustment allows saddle angle tuning adjustments
• Low-profile design allows compatibility with a wide range of droppers, fixed seatposts, and saddles
• Optimized haptic feedback and audible locking engagement inspires confidence and eyes-free shifting
• Ambidextrous design: can be installed with front-facing lever or rear accessed
• Ample mud-clearance to deal with the elements
• Unique quad-scallop design translates to transferability among a variety of dropper posts (Types 1, 2, 3)
• Fast and easy 90 second installation
• Low maintenance and easy to rebuild
• Designed and tested on the North Shore, precision CNC-machined in Whistler BC, hand assembled in Vancouver.

Technical Specs

• Machined from 7075 T6 / 6061 T6 aluminum
• Dimensions: 105mm x 40mm x 55mm – Types 1, 2, 3
• 95mm x 40mm x 55mm – Type 4 (BikeYoke Revive)
• Weight - Types 1, 2, 3: 170 grams. Type 4: 163 grams. Net gain approx. 100 grams as the SwitchGrade replaces stock clamp assembly which average 60-70 grams
• Change in stack height varies from post to post (ave. 8mm)
• Compatible with 7mm tubular saddle rails only

Key Benefits

• Improved efficiency, traction, and comfort when climbing
• Increased standover, clearance, control, and safety when descending
• Effective management for those suffering groin discomfort, lower back pain, and knee strain
• Combat fatigue experienced during climbing - save your energy for the fun stuff
• On-demand adjustability eliminates compromises enabling optimized ascending and descending

Who is the SwitchGrade for?

• Aggressive riders and freeriders seeking increased clearance and control to augment dynamic movement
• Male and female cyclists who suffer groin related pain or numbing, back pain, or knee strain
• "Winch and plummet" riders whose trails begin with steep and/or long climbs followed by steep or technical descents
• Enduro racers looking to save energy for the downhill stages and have DH-bike clearance and control
• Riders with older bikes / geometry
• Those who no longer want to compromise ergonomics, performance, or comfort while riding
• Tall riders seeking proper leg extension and positioning while climbing
• Shorter riders looking for more standover
• Endurance and adventure riders who journey on multi-day epics across variable terrain and slopes

"As a coach who is always looking for ways to help riders feel more comfortable on the bike, I saw immediately how this could keep pressure off their sensitive under-bits for those long steep climbs. After riding on the Switchgrade I was surprised by how much I missed it when riding on my bikes without one. It made my normal saddle position I've been riding for 20yrs feel like it was pointing straight up when climbing. I plan to introduce a lot of new people to the Switchgrade and to make sure all my bikes have one on it." – Harlan Price, Level II PMBIA Instructor, Owner/Head Coach, Take Aim Cycling

"When riding up a steep slope, a traditionally neutral saddle tilt will cause the pelvis to tilt posteriorly. This has a number of implications, both above and below the level of the hip. In addition to over-lengthening and stressing muscles of the lumbar spine, an aggressive posterior pelvic tilt alters the position of the hip joint relative to other structures in the body. This changes the leverage capabilities of the hip and surrounding muscles, particularly in regards to hip extension. Excessive posterior pelvic tilt also has a negative impact upon quadriceps muscle recruitment, and has the potential to affect the degree of terminal knee extension during pedal stroke. What this boils down to is both an uncomfortable and inefficient riding position. A negative saddle tilt, such as that provided by the SwitchGrade, helps mitigate this change in pelvic tilt during steep, seated climbing." - Dr. Adam Phaneuf, Professional Bike Fitter, Owner, Apex Chiropractic and Rehab

"After spending a few long days in the saddle with Switchgrade installed, I can definitely say that the benefits are noticeable. From a biomechanics perspective, the forward tilted position definitely creates a more anteriorly rotated pelvis in the seated position. That's anatomy speak for better lower back posture, and better power transfer during seated, steep climbs. From a shredding perspective, the rearward tilt gives you a noticeably increased standover height over your dropped saddle for full send, downhill procedures. I can't wait to get more time on the bike with Switchgrade aboard." - Dr. Josh Harris DPT, Osteopractic, Owner, Somercycle Bike Shop

“I’ve been riding the SwitchGrade for couple weeks now, and I simply love it. Having the ability to get a proper seat position for climbing and descending is a game changer, it’s a product I’ll use all the time on all my bikes ” - Yoann Barelli, Professional Freerider, Proprietor, Into The Gnar Progression Team

To learn more about the SwitchGrade, visit www.aenomalyconstructs.com