Review: Prologo AGX gravel saddles deliver performance & comfort, with options

The Prologo AGX saddle line up is a three-saddle collection designed specifically for Adventure, Gravel and CX, with shapes for any type or ride or rider. Launched in 2020, the group uses specific design features that actually do seem optimized for off-road drop bar bikes, and they work.

Prologo AGX saddle options & actual weights

The AGX seats come in three shapes, all with various versions of their alloy rails…no full carbon versions here. But that’s OK, because they’re still light. Left to right:

• Prologo Scratch M5 AGX – 211g (250x140mm w/ Tirox rails)
• Prologo Dimension AGX – 235g (245x143mm w/ T4.0 rails, Tirox available)
• Prologo Akero AGX – 236g (250x150mm w/ T2.0 rails)

The Dimension AGX has a Tirox rail option that drops about 30g (claimed), otherwise the rail options are what you see weighed above.

There’s only one color option and one size option for each. The differences are in the shapes and center relief sections, so here’s the overview…

Prologo AGX gravel saddle shapes and details

The Scratch M5 AGX has a flattish middle section with a bit of a kick at the tail and a droop at the nose.

Called a “T” shape, it’s a more traditional-looking saddle. Where many saddle brands (including Prologo) offer a narrower 137-ish size and a 143mm wide middle size (which is my usual preference), this one splits the difference with a 140mm width that still provides plenty of support.

It has a somewhat rounded profile across the middle and back. More on that below in my ride review…

The paneled top shows how they section the foam density, and that big middle panel has a cutout under it to offer some pressure relief.

The Dimension AGX uses the shorter “V” shape that’s become popular among many brands lately. Prologo makes road and mountain bike versions of the Dimension, too, altering materials for the intended use.

Here, it’s the only AGX saddle with a full cutout in the middle, and it’s my favorite of the three.

It has a similar semi-round profile, just with a truncated nose. It also loses the plastic tailfin of the Scratch model, but still has a slight kick upward.

The Dimension’s nose droops, and drops, but still has enough padding to remain comfy in an on-the-nose climbing position.

I spent the least amount of time on the Akero AGX because its shape didn’t appeal to me as much. I like a bit of curve in the middle and a kick upward in the tail. The Akero is flat from front to back, and has the least sophisticated build using a mix of nylon and carbon fiber in the shell. The other two are primarily long-fiber carbon, and the other two are more expensive.

Prologo AGX saddles ride review

The Scratch M5 has the broadest shape, and in my opinion would suit riders with wider hip bones the best. Or riders who like a traditional saddle shape and tend to stay seated all the time. The mid section seemed a bit wide for me, but the saddle was otherwise comfortable.

I credit the firmer, thicker foam used for their AGX saddles as the standout feature.

Yes, you can use any saddle you want for a gravel bike. But these are tuned for the vibrations of dirt and gravel roads, and they do an excellent job of muting that constant “noise” before it prematurely fatigues your muscles. It’s truly noticeable compared to other saddles I’ve ridden (and I have a lot of different saddles on a lot of different bikes)

The Dimension AGX’s cutout made it my choice. The “power” shape makes it easy to sit and hammer, with just enough flare on the tail to help drive all the power downward into the pedals…yet still slide off the rear on steep descents. Not so for the Scratch – it’s plastic fairing added length and made it harder to clear going off the back, and more likely to snag shorts (particularly baggies) getting back on.

I suspect the Akero would be equally easy to get on and off thanks to it’s flat shape, so between it and the Dimension, just go with the profile you prefer. Or get the Scratch if you’re just hammering on flats and don’t need/want a center cutout.

I’ve ridden various Prologo saddles for many years, with a Dimension living on my main mountain bike for a long time now. They’ve proven durable, and these will likely hold up for years of use and abuse, too.

If you’re looking for better vibration damping and long-distance comfort, the Prologo AGX saddles will do the trick on your adventure or gravel bike without breaking the bank.

Prologo.it