All Arround MTB

The Koryak, from Shimano’s finishing kit brand PRO, is reliable and relatively light, with useful remote options. But you can buy basically the same post in more variations, with a more secure saddle clamp, a fair bit cheaper. While there are collar and cosmetic differences, it’s basically the same as the Brand-X and Syncros posts, but with a single-bolt clamp on top. This is more awkward to finely adjust than the twin-bolt set-ups on its sibling posts and needs firm tightening to stop it tipping if you G-out on it. On the plus side, you can choose from a shifter-style remote (here) or a universal vertical lever, and while they both rattle a bit from new, they don’t get appreciably worse. The return speed is steady rather than speedy but there’s a distinct top-out clunk to tell you the post is extended and it doesn’t slow down obviously at low temperatures. It’ll stop anywhere in its stroke too, although the 120mm extension won’t be enough for a lot of riders/frames. Weight 613g

PRO’s Turnix is a saddle that’ll appeal to gram counters. At 145g, it’s the lightest on test by a big margin. You might expect it to be savagely uncomfortable, but that’s not what we found. It’s pretty narrow (132mm) and the padding is minimal, but the slightly curved, neutral shape spreads your weight very evenly and the hull feels surprisingly compliant over rougher ground. We suffered no sore spots, chafing or pressure points. The narrow shape won’t suit wider-hipped riders, and there isn’t much in the way of a pressure-relief channel, though this didn’t cause us any problems on the trail. It wouldn’t be our first choice for long rides, but it’s impressively comfy for such a featherweight, making it ideal for XC racing or fast-and-light trail bikes. You’d have to be a serious weight weenie to justify that price, though. Weight 145g Price $210

DEVELOPED WITH THE Athertons, this is aimed at hard riders with a gravity bent. At 174g it’s not light, but it has a solid construction. The hardware is all 5mm bolts, which are greased rather than threadlocked.

The Vulture is short, flat and has a wide nose for climbing comfort–the nose on this saddle is a good 5 millimeters wider than the Thar’s. This made it easily the most comfy seat for me to climb with. Even though it’s only a few millimeters shorter than some of the other saddles tested, I almost felt like I was riding a size smaller bike with all the extra hovering clearance it provided.

We always expect expensive floor pumps to be built to the highest standards and the PRO Team doesn’t disappoint, with a well thought out design and solid build.