Prologo Nago Evo CPC saddle

I've always found that Prologo saddles are a bit hard and take an age to break in but this Nago Evo with the new CPC (Connect Performance Control) covering is a bit of a revelation.

What's CPC? It's a super-grippy elastic polymer that was designed for military use before finding its way into the likes of Formula 1 amongst other things. Prologo have the exclusive rights to use it in cycling equipment.

The CPC material is a mat of dense bunches of short, suction cup-like gel polymer tubes. When weight is applied they compress, expanding at the base to create a kind of cushion effect. The open tops of the tubes close up creating an almost suction like grip to stop you sliding about on the saddle.

Other than the CPC the rest of the Nago Evo's construction is exactly the same as the standard version, with a carbon fibre-injected plastic base and a microfiber upper which also has a rubbery texture. The rails are TiroX, a stainless steel that Prologo claims is lighter than the previous Ti 1.4 rails yet with greater resistance and vibration resistance.

Prologo classify their saddles as round, semi-round or flat depending on shape when looking from the rear. The Nago is considered semi-round, for medium to long distance rides.

The Nago CPC is 280mm long and 134mm at the widest point, and this this TiroX railed version weighs an impressively low 160g. Getting the position spot-on shouldn't be an issue either, with 65mm of rail between the maximum marks.

The overall build quality is superb as well, with the material cover pulled taut and held neatly by the bumpers and base. You'd be amazed how roughly made some big money saddles can be, and the Nago CPC is a big money saddle. At £139.99 it's £30 more expensive than the standard Nago.

We all know saddles are very personal but I found the Nago a very neutral shape and easy to get on with. I rode about 1000 miles on the Storck branded Nago on the Fenomalist a couple of months back and had no issues with it at all once it broke in, just that it takes a long time to get there. The CPC tubes on this one though take just that little bit of the harshness out as they compress meaning it's comfortable from day one.

In terms of grip I'm not really one to slide about on the saddle but the resistance is there and it certainly does help with some of the more shiny shorts materials. The CPC will also pay dividends if you use your road bike for time trialling or triathlon as it'll stop you sliding you up to the nose when in the tri bars.

After six weeks' use it still looks like new with the upper shrugging off scratches from being leant against walls and the like.

The CPC Nago comes in the stealth Hard Black like this test model, blue or white. It also accepts Prologo's U Clip at the rear giving you loads of customisation options for about eight quid.

Overall the CPC technology makes the already decent standard Nago into a much better saddle with regards to comfort, and if you do tend to slide about on the saddle the level of grip will be a huge boon to your riding. It's hardwearing and should stay looking like new for a long time. Prologo haven't gone for any channels or cut outs to remove pressure and you certainly don't feel as though you need it as it was perfectly comfortable on rides from one to four hours.

Verdict

The non-fussy shape of the Nago should suit a lot of riders and the addition of the CPC technology only increases its comfort and grip.