PRO Stealth Curved Saddle Review

PRO has just launched a second version of its short saddle, the Stealth—which 3bikes.fr has already tested—whose slightly curved shape significantly alters the seating position and support. We found this new model to be extremely comfortable for a sports saddle.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: @3bikes.fr

Short saddles are now offered by almost all manufacturers and no longer seem to be intended solely for time trial riders. In fact, this design promotes a low, aggressive riding position when seeking speed, with a shorter nose that reduces pressure points—particularly from thigh chafing. However, “short saddles” does not mean they lack an anatomical shape, since most models feature a slightly wider front section and a recessed central channel, designed to reduce pressure even on a sport-oriented saddle with a fairly firm shell.

In addition to the Stealth saddle we’ve already tested, PRO now offers a variant called the Curved, featuring a double-curved profile. First, the Stealth Curved is more “hollowed out,” which, in theory, provides better pelvic support or less freedom to move back and forth compared to the Stealth. Whether this is an advantage or a disadvantage depends on your riding style. Second, you’ll notice that the seat is “rounder” in the middle of the saddle and along the curve, which ensures a smoother transition between the top and the sides. In any case, it’s important to remember that comfort on this type of saddle depends primarily on how it’s adjusted—first and foremost in height, of course, but also in rearward position and tilt. On the Stealth Curved, as with many saddles of this type, the fairly wide crescent can be thought of as a small backrest to lean on during intense effort, particularly in an upright position—such as when climbing a mountain pass, for example. Such a saddle therefore does not necessarily have to be positioned horizontally to provide comfort. Finally, regarding saddle setback, it should be adjusted here using a mark beneath the saddle, which indicates the point where the saddle is 7 cm wide. If you’re switching from a standard saddle to a short one, this is the point you should use as a reference.

Two trim levels The PRO Stealth Curved saddle is available in two versions: Team and Performance. The Team version features a carbon-reinforced polymer shell and carbon rails, weighing 161 g (199 €). The Performance model uses the same carbon-reinforced polymer shell but swaps in steel rails, tipping the scales at 204 g (€139). Both versions are offered with a 142 or 152 mm crescent width.

In both cases, there is a wide central cutout with a triple-bridge structure reinforced with carbon to relieve pressure in the perineal area, while ensuring good long-term support and preventing the shell from sagging. The padding is made of super-lightweight EVA, and at first glance, it seems just a tiny bit less dense than on the first generation.

Finally, it’s worth noting that the nose of the Stealth Curved is slightly narrower than that of the Stealth, which makes sense considering that it provides a more stable pelvic fit than the first model.

https://www.3bikes.fr/2019/08/20/comment-choisir-sa-selle/ On the road

As with all saddles of this type, it took a bit of trial and error to find the right angle of tilt—primarily to avoid the feeling of sliding forward. After that, we tested the saddle on flat ground into the wind and while pushing hard, as well as on two long mountain passes, which gave us a clear idea of its comfort and support during exertion.

What stood out most from the test ride was a sort of “transparency” under the seat—in the sense that you don’t even feel the saddle! Although it’s lightweight and has a rigid shell that prevents a pumping effect during exertion, we always felt as though we were sitting on something very soft, with no hard spots or pressure points, and without feeling the slightest bit of discomfort. The foam is flexible enough to conform to the body’s shape, yet firm enough to avoid losing its structure after long hours in the saddle, and its thickness is dialled in to prevent any discomfort or irritation near the central canal.

The nose of the Stealth Curved is narrower than the Stealth’s but slightly wider than that of a Specialized Power. Compared with the Power, the transition from the centre of the saddle to the crescent shape is also a bit smoother, which explains why the pelvis is locked into a fixed position a little less firmly. The support at the crescent section is also less firm, which becomes noticeable when riding in an upright position with your hands on the top of the handlebars for a good hour. 

With the Stealth Curved, you don’t feel limited at all in terms of distance, nor do you have to worry about finding the best cycling shorts possible before setting out on a very long ride.

On the other hand, you don’t feel limited in terms of distance, nor do you have to worry about finding the best cycling shorts before setting out on a very long ride. The support is ideal, even during periods of intense effort, and the curved design minimizes any friction between your body, the chamois, and the saddle. This amazing model could very well be the optimal solution for anyone looking for this level of performance, without having to resort to a leather or ultra-padded saddle.

The Stealth Curved is therefore much more than just a variation on the already well-known Stealth. It’s a different model (even though aesthetically, the two saddles are very similar), offering even greater comfort and versatility. The Stealth is a saddle for serious road cyclists, time trials, or triathlons, whereas the Stealth Curved is designed for everyone—and above all for riding on the road and on all types of terrain, over any distance. Since shorter saddles are gradually gaining ground in the market, this distinction makes perfect sense given the constantly evolving research and materials in this field. For our part, we’ll cut to the chase: this is the most comfortable racing saddle we’ve tested.

=> SEE ALSO: All our Gear articles