Prologo Scratch M5 Road and Gravel Saddle

MSS Multi Sector System

The Multi Sector System was developed with the Politecnico di Milano to improve support and comfort without relying on one uniform foam block.

The saddle surface is divided into five independently acting zones. Each section can compress and recover according to the pressure applied in that area.

This construction is designed to support the natural mechanics of pedalling during both the pushing and pulling phases.

Potential benefits include:

• Improved pressure distribution
• Better pelvic stability
• Reduced concentration of load
• Support through changing riding positions
• Controlled foam compression
• Reduced vibration transfer
• Less unwanted saddle movement
• Sustainable comfort during longer rides

The pads are separated by visible channels, allowing each sector to respond more independently than a conventional single-density surface.

A saddle that is excessively soft can allow the pelvis to sink and move, increasing friction and instability. The Prologo Scratch M5 instead uses mapped support zones to provide cushioning where needed while preserving a stable pedalling platform.

Compact T-Shaped Design

The Prologo Scratch M5 uses a compact T-shaped plan rather than a heavily tapered V-shape.

Its wider rear provides sit-bone support, while the narrower transition towards the nose creates space around the upper thighs.

This shape is intended to provide:

• Freedom to move fore and aft
• Reduced interference with pedalling
• Stable support at the rear
• Easy movement forward during hard efforts
• Improved clearance around the thighs
• Multiple usable seating positions

It can suit riders who naturally reposition themselves during a ride rather than remaining locked into one central location.

The rear-positioned anatomical centre allows riders to use more of the saddle’s 250mm length. This can be useful when moving forward during steep climbs, high-power intervals or aerodynamic efforts.

Rounded Anatomical Profile

The rounded profile supports natural pelvic rotation and distributes load over a broader area.

A rounded saddle may suit riders who have:

• Moderate or limited pelvic mobility
• A tendency to sit more upright on the pelvis
• A preference for clearly defined rear support
• Difficulty stabilising the lower back
• Discomfort on very flat saddles

The shape can help the rider maintain a stable position while still providing enough movement for different terrain and intensities.

A rounded profile is not automatically suitable for every cyclist. Riders with high pelvic flexibility or a strong preference for flat saddles may feel more comfortable on a different Prologo shape.

Active Base Technology

The closed Prologo Scratch M5 uses Active Base technology.

The saddle base is perforated beneath the centre, but the opening is covered by a lightly padded upper layer. This creates a continuous sitting surface while allowing controlled flex through the central area.

Potential benefits include:

• Central pressure management
• Continuous upper support
• Reduced exposure to water and mud
• Less sensitivity to cut-out edges
• Controlled base movement
• Improved year-round versatility

The closed surface can be useful for wet-weather road riding, gravel and mountain biking, where an open channel may allow additional water or mud to reach the rider.

PAS Pressure-Relief Channel

The Prologo Scratch M5 PAS uses the Perineal Area System, a full central channel designed to reduce pressure through sensitive tissue.

Potential benefits include:

• Reduced central pressure peaks
• Improved airflow
• Reduced numbness for suitable riders
• Better blood-flow management
• Greater comfort in aggressive riding positions
• Additional relief during long seated efforts

The PAS version can be particularly relevant to cyclists who rotate the pelvis substantially when riding in the drops or maintaining an aerodynamic position.

A pressure-relief channel will not correct an unsuitable saddle width, excessive handlebar reach, incorrect saddle height or poor saddle tilt. The complete bicycle position should be assessed when discomfort persists.

Nack Carbon-Composite Rails

Nack stands for Nano Carbon Fiber.

The rails combine carbon fibre with Kevlar and aluminium filaments to achieve low weight and structural rigidity.

Advantages include:

• Minimum saddle weight
• High stiffness
• Responsive race-oriented feel
• Premium construction
• Suitability for lightweight custom builds

The rails use an oval profile of approximately 7x9.3mm. The seatpost clamp must support the shape correctly.

A clamp designed exclusively for 7mm round rails must not be forced over Nack rails. An incorrect clamp can concentrate stress, crush the rail or cause sudden failure.

TiroX Alloy-Steel Rails

TiroX rails are manufactured from a light-alloy steel selected for tensile strength, torsional resistance and vibration absorption.

Advantages include:

• Greater vibration damping than stiff carbon rails
• Strong durability
• Broad seatpost compatibility
• Lower replacement cost
• Conventional round profile
• Strong performance-to-price ratio

The TiroX version is likely to be the better choice for many regular Australian riders, particularly those frequently riding coarse chip-seal or rough gravel.

Nack rails are most compelling when minimum weight and maximum responsiveness have priority.

Carbon-Fibre Saddle Base

The saddle base differs according to the selected rail system.

Nack models use a long-fibre carbon base designed to minimise weight while maintaining stiffness.

TiroX models use an injected carbon-fibre base balancing support, durability and cost.

The shell is engineered to provide:

• Stable sit-bone support
• Controlled central flex
• Efficient power transfer
• Low overall weight
• Suitable movement between MSS zones
• Structural support for the rails

The base should not be treated as a rigid platform. Carefully controlled flex forms part of the saddle’s comfort and pressure-management system.

CPC Surface Technology

CPC models use hollow three-dimensional polymer structures across the cover.

These structures help increase contact with cycling shorts while providing additional vibration absorption and ventilation.

Potential benefits include:

• Better grip during hard efforts
• Reduced sliding on rough terrain
• Additional shock absorption
• More stable pelvic positioning
• Improved airflow beneath the rider
• Reduced muscular effort used to maintain position