PRO Stealth Offroad Saddle

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?

PRO says: "All PRO Stealth saddles utilize the same basic silhouette, with a broad nose to dissipate soft tissue pressure, combined with a wide cutout and shortened overall length. This shape allows riders to obtain a more forward-rotated position without the numbness or pain that's often associated with this type of aggressive riding style. Additionally, to better accommodate different sit bone widths, all models are offered in two width options, including a narrower 142 mm and a wider 152 mm option. The Stealth was initially intended for road cycling, but the concept has since become popular across different cycling disciplines from triathlon to gravel, and even serious mountain biking.

"The new model uses stainless steel rails for durability, combined with increased padding and a reshaped design for bumpy trails and gravel roads. It delivers all the advantages of the Stealth design to the off-road scene, maximizing power on the trail while navigating difficult terrain. "

My feelings are that it's a well-made, lightweight saddle that meets the design brief well. However, contact points are extremely personal and I found the variable density padding just that bit too firm for my tastes.

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

From PRO:

Aggressive, high performance off-road saddle inspired by the bestselling PRO Stealth road model

Tuned compliance with C TEC bridge rail mount for a smoother ride on even the roughest of terrains

Engineered for aggressive riding positions with a cut-out centre for much needed pressure relief

Multiple padding thicknesses for the ultimate comfort and durability

Super lightweight EVA padding

Reinforced material around the rear of the saddle for added resilience

Weight from 195g

Available in 142 & 152mm

Rail: 7mm x 7mm

Very well made, as you'd expect from this end of the market.

A lightweight and efficient option for aggressive gravel/cross/mountain biking. Covering is seemingly waterproof and offers good tenure without feeling like a strip of flypaper.

Holding up very well to date. Micro matrix covering seems very rugged, and protective skirting reduces wear at crucial points. Stainless steel rails may have a slight weight penalty over carbon, but they are still fairly springy and arguably a better choice, given the design brief.

Pretty good going at 207g.

Despite the variable padding, I found the Stealth just that little bit too firm on longer rides.

Fizik's Tempo Argo R-3 Saddle is the same price. Selle San Marco's Shortfit Supercomfort Dynamic Saddle comes in £30 cheaper, a bit lighter and, from what Stu says, is also more accommodating of leisure riders.

If you weren't fixed on a short model, BBB's Echelon, though a lower spec, bridges the gap between road and trail very competently, for £69.99. It's a similar story with Selle Italia's Novus Boost TM Superflow.

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

Numbness is a moot point, and the relatively narrow profile encourages a brisk, unimpaired cadence. Maintaining a higher (95rpm plus) has been marginally easier compared with my experience of the Selle Italia Novus Boost TM Superflow.

I'm someone who tends to shuffle very slightly, especially on longer rides, and although the satin cover is just the right kind of grippy, there isn't much wriggle room. This, coupled with the relatively sparse padding, meant 50 miles was pretty much my limit.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Lightweight, well made.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Just that little bit too firm for my derriere.

Use this box to explain your overall score

It's a well-made, lightweight saddle with features that meet the design brief very well. However, it's a little pricey and might feel a little too firm for some.