This article was originally published on 14.11.2024. We have now added to our test experiences.
Prologo is now presenting improved saddles for fast mountain bikes, but also for the adventure and off-road faction among dropbar bikes, i.e. gravel, cyclocross and all-road. The range is extended by two new Scratch M5 AGX Slide Control models, which are available in widths of 140 mm and 147 mm, as well as two new Dimension AGX Slide Control saddles in widths of 143 mm and 153 mm.
The new models in the AGX line are equipped with an improved foam that has been developed to optimise vibration damping on all types of terrain. The new saddles are designed to offer greater comfort without compromising performance. These benefits will be appreciated by those who ride gravel with a racing approach, as well as long-distance and bikepacking enthusiasts who spend many hours at a time in the saddle.
More grip and stability thanks to anti-slip coating
The strength of the new Prologo AGX saddles is said to be the 3D Slide Control coating, which extends over the entire surface of the cover. These stripes, which run at right angles to the direction of travel, are designed to provide optimum grip and help maintain the ideal position in the saddle on the roughest off-road sections. As a result, the rider can always pedal efficiently, with a constant power delivery and without unnecessary energy loss due to slipping or unintentional position changes.
Improved comfort and performance thanks to PAS
Compared to the previous model, the new Scratch M5 AGX saddle now has a cut-out in the centre, which Prologo calls PAS (Perineal Area System). The system developed by Prologo, which is already available on the Dimension saddles, is designed to reduce pressure peaks in the perineal area through the central hole.
The SPACE versions
The new anti-slip strips of the Slide Control technology can also be found on the Space versions of the Prologo AGX range. These are now two new models with a wider width and two mm of additional padding, making them even more comfortable.
The Scratch M5 AGX Slide Control saddle Space from Prologo with 147 mm and the Dimension AGX Slide Control Space with 153 mm are designed for cyclists with a wider sit bone distance or a higher body mass index (BMI) or for anyone looking for a wider and more comfortable all-road saddle.
The saddles in the new Prologo AGX Slide Control line are already available. Models with titanium (Tirox) frames are offered at a list price of 139 euros, while models with carbon (Nack) rails cost 219 euros.
Overview of models in the AGX line from Prologo
- Model: Scratch M5 AGX (Space) Slide Control
- Model: Dimension AGX (Space) Slide Control
- Scratch M5 AGX dimensions: 250 mm length x 140 mm and 147 mm width
- Weight (140 mm): Nack splints 169 g // Tirox splints 211 g
- Space weight (147 mm): Tirox splints 220 g
- Dimensions Dimension AGX: 245 mm length x 143 mm and 153 mm width
- Weight (143 mm): Nack rails 159 g // Tirox rails 207 g
- Space weight (153 mm): Tirox rails 207 g
- Colours: Black or beige
- Price: Tirox splint 139 Euro
- Price: Nack splint 219 Euro
Prologo Scratch and Dimension in practical test
We invited the Scratch M5 with naked rails and the Dimension with Tirox frame for a practical test. Both in the "normal-width" version, i.e. not the space version. We previously tested the Prologo Scratch NDRso it was also interesting to find out what and how the model was changed.
As with all saddle tests, the individual body feeling on the saddle, also known as the popometer, is crucial. This depends not only on whether the saddle is basically the right width, but also, for example, how bent you sit or what your bum is used to. The changeover from very soft to hard saddles is usually difficult at first.
After all, it is particularly important for a good feeling when sitting that the saddle and therefore the sitting position is set correctly - in terms of height, inclination and vertical and horizontal position. As saddles can be of different lengths, widths and heights, you often have to slowly feel your way towards the perfect position when changing saddle.
The Prologo Scratch M5 in practice
What is just as noticeable visually as during the first few turns of the pedals is the grip that the trousers have on the saddle. No accidental slipping and swerving - but on the other hand: you have to consciously take the weight off your bum and move it if you want to take up a different position. For example, in steep passages, for which the long nose of the Scratch is made. Prologo's Slide Control strips on the upper material do exactly what they are supposed to do and prevent slipping.
There is also a really large cut-out in the centre of the saddle, which the previously tested Scratch NDR did not have. In addition to noticeably more air - in summer it could get sweaty there with the predecessor - the relief of the perineum is also clearly noticeable. The lower curvature of the saddle compared to the old test model, which was just as wide, also feels much better, even though I sat on the old model for many hundreds of kilometres without any problems.
My popometer couldn't really tell whether there was a noticeable difference in material hardness. In my estimation, the Prologo Scratch is in the medium hardness range in a larger comparison. According to the manufacturer, however, 5 mm more foam in the new Scratch M5 should provide more cushioning.
The long nose of the new model may take some getting used to: either you get caught on it unintentionally after a change because it protrudes further into the overhang - or the saddle simply feels unusually large between your legs. However, both of these things go away after 2 or 3 rides.
Conclusion on the Prologo Scratch M5 AGX
Both the anti-slip strips and the cut-out now realised on the Prologo Scratch are real improvements compared to the previous model. Anyone who generally gets on with Prologo saddles will certainly not go wrong with this update.
Practical test of the Prologo Dimension AGX saddle
The Prologo Dimension already had the relief cut-out, so only the anti-slip strips and the foam filling of the seat pad are new. Compared to the Scratch M5, this saddle extends significantly further back. The extra padding is comfortable in various sections when you can slide backwards on the saddle and pedal in a slightly different position.
Although there is no comparison with a predecessor, the ride feel of the Prologo Dimension is - purely individually - more stable because it is designed to be a little flatter and wider. I last rode it on an XC mountain bike, where it seems to be perfectly positioned. I like the shorter length better on an MTB - the long nose of the Prologo Scratch fits well on a gravel bike or a tourer.
Marc Strucken
Editor
