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review

Prologo Scratch Pro Ti 1.4

9
£99.99

VERDICT:

9
10
A classic shape but thoroughly modern saddle. I won't be taking it off for a long time, that's for sure
Weight: 
244g
Contact: 
www.zyro.co.uk

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The Prologo Scratch saddle is the most comfortable saddle I have ever tested. It has a traditional rounded profile that proves to be comfortable no matter how long the ride. And it's the same saddle that Sir Chris Hoy uses, too. If it's good enough for him, then it must be good enough for us, right?

Saddles are very much a personal thing though. What works for one person is another's torture device. Prologo recognise that with their range that splits into three key shapes. The Scratch is their 'round' saddle and is described as 'ideal for long-distance riding' and this claim I thoroughly agree with. There's also a semi-round and a flat saddle shape to choose from, if the round isn't your bag.

I've tested many dozens of saddles over the years and I've gone through phases of favouring one brand or shape or other. In the Scratch, I'm confident I've found it. After fitting it to my Evo I took an instant shine to it, and that shine hasn't diminished some few hundred miles later. The search is over.

The shape of the saddle is pretty traditional compared to some of the more interesting saddle shapes out there. Don't let that put you off. A slight rise at the rear, deep flanks and a flat middle section combine with the rounded shape to evenly distribute the pressure. Active density padding is softer only where it needs to be, firmer elsewhere. With your sit bones in the sweet spot it's an incredibly comfortable place to sit for hour after hour. It feels supportive and it's the perfect balance between not too firm but not too soft.

Like most saddle manufacturers, Prologo offer the Scratch in two widths, 134 and 143mm. I tested the latter and found it to be just right. The saddle is a generous 278mm long, which gives a little real estate for shifting about on, particularly on steep nose-of-the-saddle climbs or racing on the rivet.

This saddle has nickel-titanium alloy rails with 1.4mm walls – carbon 'Nack' rails are available – but I would pick titanium over carbon for the material's extra give. I've tested carbon rails on other saddles and always found them just too stiff. The titanium rails give a reasonable degree of flex which proves to be just enough to take the edge off harsher roads.

Underneath the saddle is a carbon fibre injection base. The turned over edges of the hard-wearing Lorica upper are neatly glued in place. It's impressively neat and very well manufactured. I've seen older Scratch saddles still pressed into service and, despite a little fading, look as good as new. And at the rear of the saddle is the U-Clip. Like Fizik's similar clip-on system, a range of accessories from saddle bags to lights can be clipped to the saddle.

Weight weenies will be put off by its relatively high weight of 244g, but my personal view is that the saddle really isn't where you want to save weight. There are better places to save weight and the saddle isn't one of them - it's there to provide a comfortable place to sit all day long.

Verdict

A classic shape but thoroughly modern saddle. I won't be taking it off for a long time, that's for sure.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Prologo Scratch Pro Ti 1.4

Size tested: Black

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The Scratch Pro features the same full round shape as the Scratch Nack with a carbon fibre injection base and is available in two versions: Pro TS and Pro Ti 1.4.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Base: Carbon fibre injection

Cover: Microfibre

Padding: Active density

Length (mm): 278

Rail Material: Titanium

U-Clip compatible (enables you to fit the U-Bag 21 or 41 saddle bag to your saddle)

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

The saddle is exceedingly well put together and durability is excellent.

Rate the product for performance:
 
10/10

This is the most comfortable saddle I have ever tested (and I've tested a few over the years).

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

It's heavier than some saddles, but the saddle shouldn't be somewhere you want to skimp on weight.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
10/10

The round shape works and there's two width options and the active density padding makes it extremely comfortable.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Performed brilliantly.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

First and foremost, the shape.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,

 

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

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