Prologo Zero II PAS CPC Nack saddle

The Prologo Zero II PAS CPC Nack saddle definitely offers a firm ride. Massively unforgiving it isn't. That said, it's designed for short to medium length rides where you are likely to be riding hard and its flat shape will suit those of you who like to move around a lot.

• Pros: Great shape for those who like to change position frequently; excellent quality
• Cons: Not the lightest or cheapest

The Zero II is best suited to short races, criteriums and the like, where you are likely to be riding for an hour or two at a high pace. Slapping the power out means you'll be putting slightly more weight on the pedals rather than the seat, so the Prologo can get away with being very firm.

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There is a bit of padding going on and it'll take out a little road buzz, but very stiff Nack rails (a blend of carbon fibre, Kevlar and aluminium fibres, for strength while keeping the weight down) and a shell that isn't that fussed about bending mean you'll need a decent pad in your shorts if you are spending a lot of time sat aboard it.

I managed four hours on the Prologo for one ride on my race bike, and while I didn't feel battered it wasn't quite the cosseting experience of the other Prologo saddle I've been testing, the Scratch 2, a rather beautiful saddle.

I spent years as a time triallist, and even on the road bike I'm happiest just slamming out the power in the saddle. That means when I'm 'on it' I move around a fair bit: a forward position when hunkered down on the hoods or drops, before sliding backwards for the steepest of climbs so that I can just push the pedals round without standing up.

From the side, the Zero II has a completely flat profile with just a drop of the nose at the front. This means that no matter where you are sitting there are no curves to cajole you into slipping this way or that. Even if there were, you wouldn't be slipping anywhere anyway. Those little rubber 'volcanoes' are Prologo's CPC system, 3D-polymer tubes that apparently increase grip and shock absorption while also enhancing blood flow and cooling.

I'll give it the first two (after spending thousands of miles on a previous CPC saddle), but the others I'm not so sure about.

The Zero II is available in a few options. There are two widths, this 134mm offering or a wider 141mm, with both coming in at 275mm in length.

Depending on how much you want to pay, you can also get the Zero II in various finishes. You don't have to have the CPC tubes and you can go for a full saddle rather than the PAS cutout version we've got here.

I don't really find that cutouts make a massive difference to comfort for me, but maybe I'm just lucky. What I do like about this saddle is that with its firm padding there is no way it can deform into the cutout when your bodyweight is applied.

You also have the choice of the Nack carbon/alloy/Kevlar rails or a cheaper and slightly heavier Tirox version which is a light steel alloy.

When it comes to money, the Prologo looks a little pricey at £229.99 for a 213g saddle. The Selle San Marco Mantra that previously adorned my race bike is a very similar design with a flat profile and minimal padding. That'll cost you just £179.99 and only weighs 164g.

Or for £199.99 you could go for the Astute Sky Lite 3.0 which weighs 193g.

Saying that, though, I like the added CPC elements of the Prologo. If you aren't so bothered about that, the Zero II Nack with a plain upper and no cutout is £164.99 and a claimed 188g, which puts it right in the ball park of the Mantra.

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Overall, I like the shape and quality of the Zero II PAS CPC Nack saddle, and while it isn't going to be for everyone, for the type of riding it's designed for it's a pretty decent performer.

Verdict

A very firm saddle that works well for riding hard and fast