Made in Whistler, British Columbia, the Aenomaly Constructs SwitchGrade 2.0 EVO is an expertly machined component that allows riders to change their saddle angle on the fly. Upon its introduction, riders were undoubtedly skeptical at the legitimacy of yet another articulating part to attach to their bike. However, over time, the product has slowly built momentum, and the latest 2.0 EVO model features a host of refinements over its predecessor. Admittedly, I had been skeptical of the product myself. Still, after hearing my coworkers praise this small yet mighty piece of aluminum engineering, I finally gave in and tried the SwitchGrade.
Details / Positioning
Replacing a standard dropper post clamp, the SwitchGrade 2.0 EVO is convertible between either two or three fixed positions. The primary three-position configuration allows riders to adjust between a neutral, -10-degree forward setting and a +12-degree rearward setting. The reasoning behind these various positions is to allow riders to seamlessly adjust their saddle height mid-ride based on the terrain’s demands. Forward to alleviate saddle pressure and create a better pedaling position on steep terrain, neutral for normal pedaling, and rearward to create more clearance when descending.
SwitchGrade 2.0 Updates
The SwitchGrade 2.0 has several updates from the original model. A new modular compatibility system using composite and aluminum adapters allows broader rail support, including 7x9 and 7x10 oval rails (oval clamps sold separately). The redesigned A-frame base is 17% smaller (yet stronger), while overall weight has been reduced from 170g to 158g. Additional improvements include easier installation with retention stops and smoother shifting, thanks to a refined index cavity, as well as the flexibility to convert between two or three fixed positions.
Installation/ Compatibility
Installing the SwitchGrade is an intuitive process, and anyone who has clamped a saddle to a dropper post will have the tools and expertise to outfit their bike with a SwitchGrade. The SwitchGrade is compatible with a variety of dropper posts via five different compatibility kits. These kits include the necessary length bolts, washers, and shims to provide proper clearance and ideal integration with each dropper model’s interface. It is essential to note that some saddles with lower rail heights may be incompatible with the SwitchGrade.
Compatibility Kits:
A - OneUp, PNW, TransX
B - BikeYoke, Reverb, X-Fusion, SDG, FSA
C - Thomson, Fox Transfer V1 (2016 - 2019)
D - Fox Transfer V2 (2020 - 2024), Raceface Turbine R
E - Fox Transfer V3 (2025) + Transfer NEO
Riding Impressions
I ran the SwitchGrade 2.0 EVO installed on a 180mm OneUp V2. Throughout my testing, I used the SwitchGrade in its 3-position configuration to get a feel for the full range of its adjustment. I set the neural middle position to mirror my preferred saddle angle.
Out of the box, the machining quality of the SwitchGrade is readily apparent, beginning to offset its somewhat shocking sticker price. The lever that actuates the SwitchGrade is neatly tucked away beneath the nose of the saddle, yet easy to find out on the trail. By simply unweighting the saddle and pushing upward on the lever, the SwitchGrade can be maneuvered into either forward or rearward positions with ease, each position offering a tactile and extremely satisfying click when locked in place. The SwithGrade 2.0 EVO has a smooth actuation that mirrors its high-quality finish.
Initially, I thought that I would primarily be utilizing the SwitchGrade for its rearward “descending” position. However, I found its forward position to be the most beneficial setting. Bellingham and its surrounding riding areas have no shortage of fire roads ranging from steep to steeper. On these prolonged sections of steep fire road, the ability to angle the saddle downward alleviated discomfort and eliminated the feeling of leaning forward to weigh the bike properly. Those who know the area can definitely imagine some specific climbs where this feature was particularly useful. Once at the top, a quick pull of the lever allowed me to drop back to the descending position, creating the necessary saddle clearance.
Verdict
The SwitchGrade 2.0 EVO is a well-machined product and is a realistic solution for clearance issues. This component would be particularly beneficial for riders on frames with limited seat post insertion, needing to eke out every last bit of clearance possible when descending. The ability to angle the saddle forward for exceptionally steep sustained climbs was appreciated, helping to put me into a more comfortable pedaling position. Meanwhile, the neutral position is readily available for flatter terrain and general trail riding. It is not realistic to expect to be actuating the SwitchGrade regularly on rapidly undulating singletrack terrain. However, its benefits are particularly noticeable in riding areas that feature a prolonged climb followed by a steep descent, demanding as much clearance on the bike as possible.
