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PRODUCT REVIEWS: ON TEST: PROLOGO C.ONE30
Philip Booth
December 2, 2009
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STORY
Prologo only came onto the scene in 2006, but has quickly risen to be one of the top saddle manufactures in the world. Based in Cavenago di Brianza, about 25-kilometers northeast of Milan, the Italian company now sponsors some of the worlds top teams. Saxo Bank, AG2r, Fuji Servetto and Katusha all use their saddles. Near the top of the Prologo line is the C.ONE30, an ultra lightweight carbon shelled titanium railed racing saddle.
TECH
The Prologo C.ONE30 is designed for riders that prefer a traditional domed shape profile and are looking to shed precious weight from their bike. The traditional domed profile creates a platform appropriate for narrower sit bones while still supporting the muscles of the gluteus and hamstrings. The C.ONE30 is constructed using a high modulus (HM) carbon fiber shell with multiple carbon layers to increase strength. Three HM T700 carbon layers are positioned with fibers at 45-degrees for the outer layers, and at 0-degrees for the internal layer of the shell. An additional layer of M30 carbon at 0-degrees improves resistance to torque, allowing for a more stable saddle. This shell design not only increases strength but also lowers the weight and allows the shell to vertically flex slightly for added comfort. The C.ONE30 features solid titanium rails. The C.ONE30 measures 276 x 126-millimeters and weighs 134-grams.
RBA SAYS
The C.ONE30 is light and its only when comparing it to other saddles does its minimalist design and lack of padding really become apparent. Along with the design the styling of the saddle got plenty of attention – all favorable. The painted black shell with cut away Prologo graphic revealing the carbon is subtle and classy. We also appreciate the addition of fore and aft markers on the rails. Little touches like this save a lot of time when setting up a new saddle.
Weight and looks aside the real test is on the road. Saddles are highly subjective, with most riders finding favor with either a flat or domed profile. To better test the merits of the saddle itself, we had a couple of testers who commonly ride a domed profile saddle do the majority of riding with the C.ONE30. Despite the minimalist design and lack of padding, the C.ONE30 received positive feedback in terms of comfort. Our testers liked the dimensions of the saddle, and noted that the shell seemed to have a bit of flex that helped dampen road shock. The only real complaint about the C.ONE30 was that in the rain the saddle gets incredibly slick, and under power the rider finds himself moving around a lot looking for traction.
Make no mistake that the C.ONE30 is a racing saddle and while testers had no specific complaints about the saddles comfort, most would choose a saddle with some padding for all day training rides. We would definitely race with the C.ONE30, especially on a hilly course where every gram counts, but for three to five hour training rides day after day we would go for a saddle with a bit more give.
PRICE: $299.95
INFO: www.prologotouch.com
BONUS POINTS: Weight and styling
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