WTB may have been first to create a saddle specifically for long travel 27.5″ mountain bikes, but apparently they won’t be the last. The upcoming Prologo X20 downhill saddle was designed with testing and input from the Devinci Global Racing gravity team, which includes Steve Peat Smith, Dean Lucas and Mark Wallace.
They started the discussion with Prologo last summer and tested the brand’s current MTB saddles. After sending feedback about the shape and comfort, the Italian saddle maker went to work. The X20 is the result, a new DH/Enduro saddle that’s made for longer travel bikes.
The biggest visual indication something’s different is the deep notch on the tail to improve tire clearance under full compression, but there’s more to it…
Abrasion resistant material was a consideration, but comfort and performance were more important. So, they kept a smooth microfiber cover so the saddle could move freely under the rider’s aggressive maneuvering and not catch on their shorts.
The shape is flat with just the tiniest upward kick at the rear, and the rounded sections for the sit bones were shaped to give the rider more control of it between the thighs. The nose is squared off to make it easier to slide back onto it, too. Measurements: 260mm long, 134mm wide, about 200g. Coming later this year.
The Zero C3 is their new ultralight road saddle. With full carbon shell and rails, claimed weight is just 159g.
Yeah, there are lighter saddles out there, but this one includes firm padding and their vibration damping CPC material on the cover.
For those wanting something a bit more comfort, the new Scratch 2 Space has a 140mm wide rear with deep, padded channel that uses rounded edges on either side of the center relief.
When it comes available later this year (along with the Zero C3), it’ll have a new Kappa Space model, too, that’ll be an entry level version aimed at women.
