The cycling trousers with the special seat pad impressed during testing
23/9/2025
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Patrick Bardelli
Less padding, more performance: that's how the ONE12 bike pants from SQlab could be summarised. But there is much more to say. In addition to its seat padding concept, the bike trousers score points with other features.
SQlab deliberately designs the pads of its cycling trousers to be thin. All models are between four and eight millimetres thick. While other manufacturers rely on the thickest, softest possible materials for the German's backside, the German brand takes a minimalist approach. This focus on performance is intended to provide targeted support, but does away with large volumes.
Thus, the trouser pads from SQlab are designed to reduce pressure peaks and friction while providing better blood circulation, more stability and noticeably greater riding comfort.
Unique SQ pad
The integrated SQ-Pad 12 is only five millimetres thin, designed for «sport-oriented riders and suitable for all sit bone distances», as the manufacturer promises. This took a little getting used to for me at first. After the many soft and comparatively voluminous pads I've ridden with, the SQ pad feels strange. Somehow too thin and a little «gschtabig». But only until I'm sitting on the bike. Then the initial irritation gives way to an aha effect.
The original «somehow too thin and a bit» gschtabig becomes «do these trousers even have a seat pad?» Of course they do and I can feel it. Compared to other products, however, it is much more discreet. For example, the padding doesn't slip when pedalling.
The manufacturer writes: «Saddles and pads that are too soft cause the sit bones to sink in - this increases the pressure on sensitive areas such as the perineum in men and the pelvic area in women. The firm, ergonomically shaped unisex SQlab pads offer targeted support, improve circulation and reduce friction.»
SQlab uses its own patented process to specifically break up the structure of the dense foams. According to the manufacturer «, this creates a unique combination of high breathability and effective cushioning. The result: a thin, firm pad without any loss of comfort.»
While the pad is unisex, the cut of the trousers is not. Accordingly, they are available in a women's version.
By the way: the new SQ-Pads 10, 11 and 14 also feature a thin layer of orthopaedic TPE gel. This is a thermoplastic elastomer in gel form, which has a soft, elastic and rubber-like consistency. This gel is designed to absorb the shear forces generated during cycling even better and minimise friction. I will be testing a pair of trousers with this pad next.
Not too cold, not too warm
The ONE12 cycling trousers are also characterised by thermal management, which provides good insulation on cooler days and at the same time prevents overheating during intensive rides. This keeps the body at a balanced temperature in different weather conditions. This works very well, at least now at the beginning of autumn, when it can be quite chilly in the morning but significantly warmer two hours later. However, it remains to be seen whether this will still be the case in frosty temperatures around freezing point.
The trousers wick sweat away from the skin quite quickly and are comfortable to wear. The material combination of soft, brushed polyester and robust polyamide has a high-quality appearance and should ensure the product has a long service life.
The thermal fabric is soft and insulating on the inside, but hard-wearing and abrasion-resistant on the outside. The separate knee insert ensures good freedom of movement, while the flexible strap construction allows the back insert to fit snugly to protect against wind chill. In the current weather, however, this is more likely to result in a wet back. When it gets really cold, it should have the opposite effect.
The trousers are made in Lithuania from bluesign-compliant and Oeko-Tex-certified materials with recycled polyamide and a PFC-free DWR coating.
The most important features summarised
- Heat management for optimum temperature regulation
- Wicking effect for rapid moisture wicking
- Material combination for durability and comfort
- Sustainable, environmentally friendly materials
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100: certified for skin friendliness
In a nutshell
Bike-Pants ONE12 from SQlab: very good, but also very expensive
In principle, I have absolutely nothing to criticise about these cycling shorts, which the manufacturer provided me with for testing. The slightly different seat padding concept from SQlab has convinced me. The sustainable materials are of high quality and have so far done what they are supposed to do: keep you warm in the cold and cool in the heat.
The trousers are also very comfortable to wear. Only the price of around 250 francs is steep and can cause a little stomach ache. On the other hand, everyone has their own value system. So is 250 francs for a pair of cycling trousers a lot or not? Decide for yourself.
Pro
- Good seating comfort
- Good breathability and heat management
- Sustainable materials
- high wearing comfort
Contra
- High price
Header image: Patrick Bardelli
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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