Picking a new saddle can be difficult. Prologo is hoping to make that process a bit easier, with science. Aimed at professional bike fitters, teams, and sophisticated bike shops, the new Prologo Pressure Map MyOwn system provides real-time visualization of where you’re putting pressure on the saddle.
It’s a mat that looks like a saddle cover, except it’s equipped with 64 high-sensitivity sensors, connected to a wireless control unit, and transmits data via Bluetooth to a smartphone app (iOS or Android). Users can select specific Prologo models to improve results, but they say it’s compatible with any size, shape, and brand of saddle on the market.
It measures pressure zones throughout the pedal stroke, identifying “hot spots” and helps you find the best saddle shape and width for you. Teams will use it for performance gains, but it can also be used to alleviate pain or just improve overall comfort.
And, since it’s wireless, it can be used indoors or outdoors, which lets you collect data in real-world riding rather than on a trainer. That puts it light years ahead of other saddle measurement systems which simply have you sit down on a piece of paper or gel-filled mat to measure proper saddle width.
From terrain vibrations, varying positions on flat terrain and hills, the outdoor riding data should produce much more useful feedback. Either way, the real-time data lets you quickly adjust your position, saddle angle, etc., to fine tune until it’s just right.
No word on cost, but since it’s aimed at fitters, bike shops, and teams, don’t expect it to be something you’d want to purchase on your own…
