Test: Shimano's component brand Pro is known for its good price-performance ratio. The fact that numerous professionals also use the components from the Belgian manufacturer shows that the quality and performance are also right. We took on the Pro Turnix saddle and tested it.
Shimano is characterized above all by the best function and great durability. This is exactly why so many bikers trust the traditional company. Shimano not only stands for brakes, wheels and rear derailleur, but also for handlebars, stem and other attachments, these are sold under the name Pro. Pro is a brand that I think is often forgotten and even more often underestimated. Because in addition to the well-known Shimano quality, the products are always extremely interesting in terms of price/performance. It's been a while, but the Athertons also trusted Pro products, which underlines the value again.
Probably the most important interface between rider and bike is the saddle. If the setup is not right here, pain is inevitable. Especially in the mountain bike sector, these are exposed to the greatest stresses due to impacts, mud and possible falls. All this requires a stable, but above all comfortable and at the same time light saddle.
A study was carried out together with the in-house bike fitting company bikefitting.com, which can already access the experience of over a million measurements. In this so-called "Pressure Mapping" study, the developers at Pro found out that all previous saddles specifically for mountain bikes limit riding comfort and performance. The reason for this is the frequent change of position on different surfaces and inclines. Based on these findings, the Turnix off-road saddle was created alongside the Griffon and the Volture, which is specially designed for e-bikes.
The Pro Turnix Offroad – in detail
The Pro Turnix is, as already mentioned and the name suggests, a pure mountain bike saddle. Overall, the saddle is slightly wider than conventional comparable models. As a result, the saddle tip has been widened to offer the rider optimal support, especially on steep climbs. A wider center section is said to improve stability and handling in the corners.
A very light and waterproof ethylene vinyl acetate was used for the upholstery. This should be 30% lighter than a conventional PU material. Based on the findings from the "Pressure Mapping" study, the thickness of the upholstery is not uniform, but has been zone-specifically reinforced: from 2 millimeters at the front to 5 millimeters at the back. The upper material of our Turnix Offroad test saddle consists of a durable and non-slip PU material.
The entire saddle shell of the Pro saddle consists of a high-quality and durable carbon-reinforced polymer material. To ensure that comfort does not suffer even on long tours, the saddle has also been equipped with a pressure relief channel, the "Anatomic Fit". The saddle is clamped to a classic steel frame. The absolute highlight of the Turnix Offroad is the integrated accessory holder, which allows you to mount an action cam or saddlebag.
The saddle, which is available in three widths (132 mm, 142 mm, 152 mm), is aimed more at riders who sit quietly on the saddle due to its contoured profile and wide end. The weight is 243 grams in the 152 mm variant.
Pro Turnix Offroad - how does it drive?
I come to the most important point: how does it drive? First of all, I would like to say that a saddle is always something extremely individual and that I can only give my very personal opinion. During the entire test phase, I always rode with bib shorts under my baggies. I mounted the saddle on my enduro bike. In fact, the saddle is significantly wider than my previous saddle. That's why I needed a little time to get used to the Pro saddle. But now, after a three-month test phase, I can make a recommendation.
The Pro Turnix Offroad is significantly more comfortable than other saddles that I have ridden, especially on steep uphill sections where you slide towards the tip of the saddle. I see the reason for this in the wide saddle nose. According to the manufacturer, the wider middle part should have a positive effect on cornering behavior, in my test I noticed neither an improvement nor a deterioration compared to my old saddle. But the saddle from Pro not only convinced me uphill and downhill, but also on the flat and on long tours I never felt or felt the need to change it.
