Prologo CPC Technology for Mountain Bikes & E-MTBs Reviewed

Prologo's Dimension NDR NACK CPC 143 saddle essentially matches its counterpart without the "NDR" designation, but it features an additional 3 mm of padding to better absorb terrain-specific vibrations. On the sides, the Italians added a stylish "side protection" to prevent scratches or tears in case of falls.
Otherwise, the lightweight Dimension is understood as a universal saddle for both women and men, intended to prevent seating discomfort in all disciplines with its ergonomics and high pressure relief. The Dimension is 35 mm shorter than other Prologo saddles and has a stub nose to distribute pressure more evenly across the seating area, especially in sporty elevations.

The top model features oval-shaped saddle rails (NACK), made with a monocoque carbon structure and a special nanocarbon fiber technology called BCR. BCR is the acronym for Braided Carbon Rail and reinforces the clamp area to withstand even the maximum loads when tightening the seatpost clamp without damage.

The most innovative feature here too is Prologo's patented CPC Technology, which supports the rider in all weather conditions to maintain the optimal position on the saddle, to dampen shocks, absorb vibrations, and increase air cooling by improving airflow and dissipating both heat and sweat. CPC is made with a special 3D nanopolymer and creates a kind of "vacuum effect" with its design, ensuring perfect grip and positioning.

Finally, the Dimension also uses the PAS-System from Prologo, which aims to reduce pressure peaks and numbness in the pelvic and prostate areas with its large central channel, and to maintain blood flow while seated.

CPC, as far as the eye can see - even on MTB gloves. The 3D printing polymers of the CPC not only improve the grip on the handlebar grips in weather conditions, thereby increasing precision and control, but also offer additional comfort and protection from vibrations, shocks, blistering, friction, and hand fatigue during long rides.

Prologo Energrip Gloves

Furthermore, the Energrip gloves are equipped with specially designed channels that allow for a continuous airflow and help to dissipate heat and sweat. Thanks to the mesh nylon and polyester back, they offer excellent protection against external influences while still being breathable enough to prevent excessive sweating.

In cooperation with the Italian E-Bike manufacturer THOK, Ducati launched the Ducati TK-01 RR in 2021. This model is equipped with a Shimano EP8 motor with 85 Nm of torque, a battery capacity of 630 Wh, 2.6-inch tires on Mullet wheels, and an exclusive Öhlins suspension with 180/170 mm of travel.

The frame design incorporates motocross elements and is enhanced by the Ducati Corse paintwork of the renowned motorcycle racing division and the matching lettering on the downtube. A generously sized mudguard on the downtube emphasizes the motorcycle-like appearance and also provides protection from splashing mud. In addition, there is a fender at the rear over the rear tire.

Tech Specs

* Note: new RRP of € 6,690.00 as part of a Ducati promotion from 1.7. to 30.9.2024

To the powerful frame proportions are then consistently joined by serious components from Öhlins, Renthal, Crankbrothers, and other renowned manufacturers, which not least due to the brutal Pirelli Scorpion Mullet tires cause the weight to skyrocket. The Bikeboard scale showed 26.2 kilograms, but the permissible total weight is also relatively high at 145.5 kg. This leaves a whole 119 kg for the rider and equipment.

The Pirelli Scorpions, with the "29 inch Enduro S" variant on the front wheel and the specially developed "27.5 inch E-MTB S" on the back, offer particularly high puncture protection. This allows you to experiment with air pressure on one hand and to confidently leave the spare tube at home on the other. The recently revised Scorpion S with their open tread pattern are suitable for medium-hard conditions on both dry and wet trails alike. The narrow, but high-profile knobs dig effectively into loose soils. Thanks to the new SmartGrip rubber compound, the tire now also offers secure grip across the entire tread circumference in wet conditions.

The high-quality Öhlins suspension works just as brilliantly, provided it is optimally adjusted to one's own body weight and individual riding style beforehand. The setup of the Öhlins suspension can be a bit unfamiliar and requires time, especially since a SAG indicator is missing. Our approach was rather pragmatic and quick: We set the fork pressure according to Öhlins' specifications, adjusted the rear spring pressure until the SAG was right, adjusted the fork including the rebound - and done. Our settings were always at the lower end of the range, since NoPain doesn't land high jumps anyway. Overall, the Öhlins RXF38 Air TTX18 at the front with 180 mm provided excellent grip and large reserves, which was equally true for the Öhlins TTX Air with 170 mm of travel at the rear.

The Ducati TK-01 RR is available in 4 sizes from S to XL, with the frame heights tending to be on the smaller side. The chainstays are measured at 453 mm on the long side. Seat angle at 75.5°, top tube length at 600 mm, and the reach at 439 mm in size M are moderate, while the steering angle at 64.5° is relatively flat. For NoPain, with a height of 175 cm and an inseam of 84 cm, it was just possible to achieve the desired seat height of 74 cm (bottom bracket center to saddle top) on the medium frame; however, a large frame would have been a better choice.

Geometry

In all sizes: Handlebar width 800 mm, Stem length 50 mm, Crank length 165 mm, Standover 783 mm

Uphill, although one is positioned far above the rear wheel, the long chainstays and the good traction from the chassis and tires provide excellent propulsion. If it gets too steep, one struggles a bit to keep the front wheel on the ground - the Ducati handles flowy sections better. When pedaling hard, strong calves repeatedly touch the expansive rear linkage, and in the standing position, the knees brush against the overly wide top tube. Both cause no pain, but they are irritating and slightly limit the range of motion.

Downhill, the Ducati TK-01 RR shows its strength with its potent chassis, but is limited in technical twisty tracks or rapidly changing riding situations by its wheelbase and high weight. Nevertheless, the Öhlins RXF 38 fork and the Öhlins TTX Air shock absorb small bumps with ease and swallow large shocks without resistance.