Professional is a subsidiary firm of Shimano that produces ending equipment and componentry. Its saddle vary is basically divided into conventional highway saddles and triathlon saddles, with the Stealth mannequin successfully bridging the hole between the 2.
Designed with enter from Group Big Alpecin – now referred to as Group DSM, the Professional Stealth Carbon saddle adopts a form that might be acquainted to many by now, with a brief nostril, a large and rounded heel, and a very giant cut-out alongside the centre.
I’ve been utilizing the Stealth Carbon saddle in a spread of situations over the previous few months to see the way it competes towards the greatest highway bike saddles in the marketplace, so learn on to seek out out whether or not it’s definitely worth the funding.
Design and aesthetics
The saddle is constructed round a carbon-reinforced polymer in-moulded base, topped with mid-to-light EVA foam and a polyurethane (PU) cowl. The mannequin I examined got here with carbon fibre rails, although there are stainless-steel and titanium rail fashions obtainable as effectively.
As talked about above, the Stealth straddles the road between conventional highway saddles and triathlon and time-trial saddles. The brief, snubbed nostril is wider than equally formed saddles like, for instance, the Specialised Energy saddle, and is designed to alleviate strain on delicate tissues when adopting an aggressive experience place, serving to the rider to remain within the drops for longer. In the meantime, the huge and rounded again finish of the saddle is barely raised to supply extra help by way of climbs.
One of the noticeable options upon first look is the massive cut-out within the centre, which measures 130mm in size and 35mm at its widest level. This sizeable channel is designed to alleviate strain on the perineum whereas seated and pedalling, and the hole it produces within the floor of the saddle is paying homage to split-nose TT saddles, which once more harks again to that bridge between highway and tri/TT.
The Professional Stealth saddle is unisex, and in my expertise, it is an actual contender for inclusion within the greatest ladies’s highway bike saddles regardless of not being a women-specific design. It’s additionally a reasonably sensible design that’s really fairly versatile. It could be racy, however it will probably serve simply as effectively in a extra relaxed place on the bike.
On the rear, you’ll additionally discover mounts for Professional’s saddle equipment, which it’s designed to be appropriate with. These embrace race quantity mounts, a digicam mount, clip-on mudguards, and a mount for carrying CO2 canisters.
Efficiency
Within the palms, it feels very stiff, however on the bike it strikes a very good steadiness of stability and compliance, making it a surprisingly comfy seat. The PU cowl is clean and appears to let Lycra slide over it with none friction, which allowed me to maneuver freely and comfortably. The PU coating can be non-absorbent, which implies when overlooked in moist climate it’s straightforward to wipe it dry after a downpour, and avoids that terrible soaked chamois feeling that no one enjoys.
The EVA padding is sort of minimal however does a superb job of absorbing highway chatter. Anybody with a choice for thicker cushioning may discover the Stealth Carbon a bit of intimidating at first, however I’ve discovered it actually good to experience with.
At 173g, it’s very light-weight, whereas the stiffness of the carbon-reinforced base feels tremendous secure whilst you’re laying down the facility. The marginally lifted tail cups your rear finish and holds you in place on the climbs, whereas the rigidity of the saddle helps to ship environment friendly energy switch.
Having ridden some pretty lengthy rides with it, I’d positively advocate relegating it to the race bike for essentially the most half – after a day of steady driving, it did begin to really feel a bit tough on the fragile tissues, although I might argue that it’s no completely different to another conventional highway saddle. It’s not designed with long-distance driving in thoughts, however seeing as it will probably ship a snug experience over the course of a number of hours, I’d argue that the Stealth Carbon is surprisingly versatile, whether or not you’re leaning proper on the nostril, or driving in a extra relaxed and upright place.
After a number of months of use in a wide range of climate situations, it’s proven itself to be hardwearing and well-constructed, exhibiting solely very minor indicators of damage and tear within the decals.
Verdict
Regardless of being designed with professional workforce enter and marketed in the direction of the racing neighborhood, I might posit that the Professional Stealth Carbon saddle is a superb alternative for a lot of road-going cyclists, due to its well-made building and thought of design. It delivers a snug experience, helps the sit bones, removes strain from extra delicate areas, and is a lot stiff for environment friendly energy switch whereas additionally sporting sufficient padding to soak up highway chatter. It is a very good all-rounder.
Whereas it shares a lot of its form with the Specialised Energy, which has confirmed to be immensely standard with riders of all genders, the Stealth’s nostril is wider and due to this fact, I’d argue, extra supportive of the pelvis. In the meantime, that massive cut-out alleviates any perineal strain and supplies a variety of aid, in addition to an honest quantity of airflow.
It’s a strong choice for skilled highway riders who’re used to utilizing firmer saddles, particularly these trying to get into racing and desirous to replace their highway bike setup to avoid wasting weight and wasted watts.
Even higher, it comes with Professional’s 30-day match assure, which makes the ache of saddle trial and error that little bit extra bearable.
Tech Specs: Professional Stealth Carbon saddle
- Value: £174.99 / $229.99
- Materials: Carbon base, PU cowl, EVA padding, carbon rails
- Weight: 173g
- Sizes: 142mm, 152mm (examined)
| Attributes | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Design and aesthetics | Aesthetically it is easy, although the white accents could be off-putting to some preferring an all-black aesthetic | 8/10 |
| Specification | At 173g it is beautiful and light-weight, due to the all carbon foundations. Nevertheless when you’re after a extra planet-friendly choice, go for the stainless-steel rails, which add about 30g to the burden total. | 7/10 |
| Consolation | Surprisingly comfy regardless of the minimal padding, due to the shock-absorbing properties of the EVA foam, plus the form is great for comfortable tissue help. | 9/10 |
| Efficiency | It is a lot stiff sufficient to optimise energy switch, notably by way of the climbs, due to the carbon-reinforced base and scooped up tail. | 9/10 |
| Worth for cash | It is a bit dear, however for carbon rails and a saddle that performs like this, it is cheaper than shopping for a Specialised S-Works Energy saddle with carbon rails. | 7/10 |
| Total ranking | 80% |
