MTB saddles don’t have an easy life: they support our butts all the time, and are usually covered in muck. If they work well, they do their job well, that rarely gets mentioned, but if they’re uncomfortable, we’ll let the world know. How does the Proxim Nembo Slide Control MTB saddle perform on the trail?
If you haven’t heard of Prologo, don’t worry, you haven’t been living under a rock. The Italian brand is known primarily in the drop-bar segment for its high-quality saddles. Proxim, on the other hand, is Prologo’s gravity-specific product line, which includes saddles for trail, enduro and downhill bikes. It was developed in collaboration with the Technical University of Milan and, of course, their team riders. The latest addition to the range is the Proxim Nembo Slide Control MTB saddle, which retails at €119 and weighs just 220 g. For comparison’s sake, popular saddles from direct competitors like Ergon, Fizik, and SQlab weigh between 180 g and 310 g. The Proxim Nembo is the new flagship model in the manufacturer’s performance range and has some very special features.
The Prologo Proxim Nembo Slide Control mtb saddle in detail
The Proxim Nembo Slide Control is available in two widths,135 mm and 145 mm. We tested the 135 mm version, which is clearly focused on performance, while the 145 mm variant offers additional padding for more comfort. The saddle is flat and short, which prevents it from getting in the way on descents. The wide nose is designed to enhance bike control, while the rounded rear section makes it easier to enter and exit from the saddle. The “Slide Control” design with a fluted surface aims to prevent slipping and optimize control, both up and downhill. A wide central channel along the entire length of the saddle is intended to reduce pressure points and increase comfort on long rides.
The Prologo Proxim Nembo Slide Control mtb saddle on test
As soon as you swing your leg over the Proxim Nembo Slide Control saddle, one thing becomes immediately evident: the saddle’s firmness. Road cyclists among us know that this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, since firmer saddles are often more comfortable on longer rides. However, as dedicated mountain bikers, we found the Proxim saddle slightly too firm, thus requiring either well-padded bib short or tough sit bones, even for shorter rides. The wide central channel is particularly noticeable for those with narrow hips and sit bones – it often places you right on the edge, making it harder to find a comfortable position.
The Slide Control coating, on the other hand, is impressive: it provides good grip, preventing you from sliding backwards on steep climbing sections, which helps conserve energy. At the same time, the saddle makes it easy to adjust your seating position, as the surface isn’t overly sticky. Once you’ve conquered the uphill and dropped the saddle, the Nembo remains pleasantly unobtrusive. While the narrow, short nose can occasionally press against your legs, this isn’t bothersome. The rear section isn’t too wide either, and the gentle curve from the nose to the back provides excellent feedback and outstanding control over the bike.
Conclusions about the Prologo Proxim Nembo Slide Control mtb saddle
The Prologo Proxim Nembo Slide Control MTB saddle impresses with its short design, which makes it pleasantly unobtrusive on the trail and provides excellent control over the bike. Riding uphill, the saddle feels very firm, requiring good bib shorts or resilient sit bones. The wide central channel can be uncomfortable for riders with narrow sit bones. The Slide Control coating effectively prevents slipping without being overly tacky.
Tops
- Good grip without being sticky
- Pleasantly unobtrusive on descents
- Lightweight
Flops
- Very Firm
- Central channel too wide for some
For more info head to Prologo’s website.
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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Peter Walker
