Prologo Proxim Nembo Slide Control saddle review

The unusually named Proxim Nembo Slide Control saddle from Prologo has been developed alongside the Athertons, Wyn Masters and Nico Vouilloz, and is designed for “all-mountain, enduro and downhill riding”.

It features Prologo's 3D Slide Control technology on the cover – small ribs to help you stay glued to the saddle when seated.

Prologo offers the saddle in two widths, but only one relatively compact length and one option of rail material.

I got on well with the Proxim Nembo Slide Control saddle, thanks to the full-length channel down the centre, the shape and the padding.

The smooth, rounded edges and relatively compact size meant it never once snagged on my trousers when hanging off the back of the bike on steep descents.

It’s a shame Prologo doesn’t offer a cheaper alternative with the same design, though.

Prologo Proxim Nembo Slide Control saddle specifications and details

If you’re picky about your perch (as you should be), it’s nice to see Prologo offering the Proxim Nembo saddle in two width options – 135 and 145mm.

While the brand suggests the 145mm option, which comes with more padding, is better for those seeking greater comfort, I’d go with which width suits you best. Choosing a bike saddle is a very personal matter.

There’s only one length option (245mm) and the Slide Control saddle only comes with the Tirox rail – there’s a slightly cheaper Proxim Nembo saddle with chromoly steel rails, but nothing below that.

In a bid to reduce pressure on your nether regions, there’s a channel that runs the length of the saddle.

Directly beneath this, there’s a 100mm lengthways cutaway in the centre of the hull, which adds even more forgiveness and cushioning.

The rubber-like upper is coated with a textured rib pattern to help improve grip between the saddle and your shorts, hopefully limiting how much you can slip around on the saddle.

When it comes to the padding, the main sections of the saddle are relatively soft, though the padding isn’t exactly deep or plush.

At the front of the Proxim Nembo, the nose of the saddle is reasonably broad and squared-off, rather than pointed – this is intended to boost rider stability when you’re on a steep incline and perched on the front of the seat.

The edges are smooth and nicely rounded, with no sharp or jagged shorts-grabbing sections.

On the scales, my test sample weighed only 224g.

Prologo Proxim Nembo Slide Control saddle performance

I opted for the narrower 135mm width, which suited me really well.

On the climbs, the Proxim Nembo felt comfortable from the get-go, with the long channel doing what it’s intended to do.

Despite spending a lot of time seated, I never suffered with any discomfort or numbness.

There’s just enough padding and flex through the hull to keep things feeling well-cushioned while rattling over rougher terrain. When shifting forward on the saddle for steep climbs, the broad nose felt comfortable enough for those short, high-torque efforts.

Thanks to the shorter length and the smooth edges, I had no issues with the Proxim Nembo snagging on my clothing while descending.

Even scrabbling down steeper trails, hanging off the back of the bike, or when really pumping hard between landing one jump and taking off the next, it never interfered with my legs or pulled on the crotch of my shorts, as I’ve experienced on some saddles.

Prologo Proxim Nembo Slide Control saddle bottom line

Overall, if one of the widths works for you, the Proxim Nembo Slide Control is a great mountain bike saddle for those who prefer the focus of every ride to be on the downs, rather than the ups.

That said, I’d have no issue riding with this saddle on a trail bike for even longer stints because it worked really well for me.

It’d be great to see an even cheaper version than the chromoly steel-railed option below this, though, with the same shape and design.