PRO Falcon Crmo Saddle

PRO's Falcon Crmo saddle is its entry-level race saddle. It offers loads of support from the rear end, good comfort and generous padding. A flexy base will suit some and not others, but the two width options and long cutout should mean most will be comfortable.

• Pros: Rear end support, comfortable, looks good
• Cons: Very flexy base, flat shape won't suit all

I'm a fan of PRO's saddles. Generally, their shape and use of cutout suit me, although I can say that about many brands with similar features. This saddle actually replaced a 2018 PRO Griffon which has been on my winter bike soaking up the hard miles without fuss.

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Switching to the flatter Falcon, I wasn't surprised to find more freedom to move around. The long, thin nose of the saddle runs into a slender mid-section that then juts out quite sharply to the rear. There is loads of support in the rear end and this is certainly a very comfortable saddle for those who get low at the front.

Riding the Falcon for the first time presented the usual discomfort. I've always had this with new saddles, but after a couple of rides I was perfectly comfortable on my longer five-hour rides. The central cutout runs the full length of the saddle and I experienced no numbness when sat back, or right forward on the nose.

The padding is good and very effective at reducing road buzz transferring to my backside. It hasn't lost its shape through two months of riding and it seems to be firm enough to prevent numbness. In all honesty, the best thing I can say about this saddle is that I've not noticed it. Silence is golden, and all that.

I can imagine that it won't suit everyone, though, partly because of the flat shape but primarily because of the flexy base. It's constructed from nylon fibre and creates a saddle that is prone to sag in the middle.

While the saddle is comfortable enough now, I'd be slightly concerned about the lifespan of the base, especially if you're cycling numerous hours each week. The cover seems to be robust, though, and underneath, the PU padding is nicely in the middle of spongy and firm.

In terms of value, it's not an expensive saddle but for just a little more you can get Fabric's Line Elite, a brilliant option now priced at £54.99. If you're keen on PRO but want more stiffness you might like to consider the Hollow Rail version (£99). This gets the same stiff carbon-reinforced polymer base as the carbon-railed version but without the £149 price tag. Alternatively, Prime's Race Saddle with carbon rails offers a similar flat shape and cutout for £80 (though it's currently much cheaper).

> Buyer's Guide: 20 of the best saddles

I got on fine with the PRO Falcon, but prefer a bit more stiffness. If it was my money and I had a bit more to spend I'd go for a version with a stiffer base, or opt for the Fabric Line Elite.

Verdict

Works well, but the flexible base and flat profile won't suit all