“We want to create an innovative saddle for e-bikes: amaze us.”
Prologo launched this design challenge, way back in 2018 with the Proxim line, at the Polytechnic University of Milan, more precisely at the Polifactory, a multidisciplinary research laboratory that brings together young and brilliant minds. A 360° job started with an in-depth market analysis to get to know the sector, the target and the competition in depth, then trying to transfer all this information into the creation of the best saddle that the market can offer.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
- MSS – Multi Sector System: this system provides different mapped and separate zones on the saddle, each composed of different interactive foams and separate single cell padding. The "islands" work autonomously, adapting to all the positions that the cyclist can assume while pedaling.
- The form: semi-round shape, 250 mm long and available in widths 145 /155 mm. Laterally, thanks to the Multi – Sector – System, the saddle is more flexible, allowing greater freedom of movement and favoring a double action of support and containment during the pedaling phase.
- Optimized tip and PAS discharge channel: Optimized size and shape. Support surface increased by 3 mm, with an inclination of 30° and with flexible structure. W650 also uses PAS technology, relief channel, capable of reducing soft tissue compression and numbness in the prostatic area, promoting blood flow in the pelvic area.
- Rear cladding and new body: The back cover lining material has been studied and designed to increase the grip action ensuring performance in any weather condition. The Proxim W650 monocoque hull has been specifically designed to accommodate the new Multi – Sector – System, in fact, in the rear part it is more concave to allow complete support and adaptation of the foams even in the points where less pressure is applied; in this way the entire session is not only supported but supported in every single movement.
- Rear handle and reflective graphics: The saddle is equipped with a rear "handle" to facilitate movement of the bicycle as well as graphics with reflective materials to improve safety.
VERSIONS
The Proxim range is divided into two categories: Economical performance e Sport. And, under these categories, we find 2 versions: one with a 145mm hull and one with a 155mm hull (wider), recommended for gravity eMTBs and with generous excursions. Personally I prefer saddles that are not too soft and wide but it all depends on the measurements at pelvis level.
| Measurement: 250x145mm Weight: 220gr Price: € 135 | Measurement: 250x155mm Weight: 235gr Price: € 135 |
Returning to the Performance and Sport categories, the first includes lighter and narrower saddles, intended for gravity disciplines, from Enduro/All-Mountain, up to Downhill, especially to users who participate in competitions. The second category, Sport, instead includes wider and more padded saddles, for users who favor comfort, designed for e-MTBs or even in the commuting sector.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SADDLE?
We recommend that you watch the video below to clear up any doubts and, precisely for these reasons, Prologo has created software to recommend the ideal saddle (Discover the Fitting Myown system of Prologue).
TESTS puedo modificarlo
We tried the Proxim W650 Performance saddle with 145 mm shell for quite a few months: a product designed for electric mountain bikes although, honestly, I found it so good that I then passed it on my muscular enduro 🙂 I'd say that Small differences aside, on both bikes you pedal and rest your butt on the saddle.
The saddle weighs 220g (in the version with 145mm shell) and has a rounded shape with sides that slope downwards, in order to offer greater freedom of movement. The hull is made of carbon, giving reactivity when squeezing the saddle. The rails, however, are made of Tirox, Prologo's proprietary material.
The seat is comfortable from the first few meters in the saddle, it being understood that this statement is very personal: the choice of saddle is subjective and depends a lot on your ischial measurements. Prologo's various zone system, called Multi-Sector System, provides different zones with different densities, padding and covers and this provides a feeling of comfort but at the same time a supportive structure.
The front part is another area that I really appreciated: the tip that points downwards allows you to move forward in the saddle without feeling too compressed in the lower parts. On steep climbs it is a great panacea and gives a lot of comfort.
I also appreciated the more concave rear section and the fact that when landing from jumps or in situations with continuous recoil, the variable density foams cushion and dampen vibrations in a truly remarkable way.
The tail of the saddle has a sort of handle, useful for moving your bike. The back is also equipped with reflective inserts for greater visibility. An interesting feature of the rear part is that the covering grips and allows you to remain firmly on the saddle even on very bumpy dirt roads (or with mud!).
PROJECTED IMPACT
The Proxim W650 Performance by Prologo is a quality saddle: robust and attentive to detail. Prologo defines it as a saddle for e-bikes but, after our test, we feel we can recommend it without hesitation even on muscular models. The ergonomic shapes on the front and rear allow you to have considerable advantages when you need to move/get out of the saddle, it being understood that the saddle covering has a quality grip that keeps you "glued" in position.
If you're looking for a saddle that doesn't make you slide forwards/backwards while maintaining excellent comfort, this one definitely won't disappoint you. The value for money is excellent, given that it is offered at €135. Great work Prologue. The only flaw is that it doesn't have a very resistant hull: on two occasions, we noticed a slight curvature of the hull without having suffered hits or falls (rider weight 80kg).
MORE INFORMATION ON THE OFFICIAL SITE
