Ergon is a company dedicated to cycling ergonomics. The products Ergon develops are intended to deliver a healthier, safer, more enjoyable cycling experience. There is no component more essential to meeting these goals than the saddle. There is not a shape, curve, padding or other characteristic of the Ergon saddles that has not been carefully thought out, or mapped to the way a cyclist interacts with the saddle. The SME3 Pro Saddle is an excellent example. The SME series is dedicated to the requirements of riders in technical mountain biking. As such, somewhat obvious information like the ability to slide off and on the back of the saddle, the fact that when climbing the rider tends to pull forward, rarely being fixed on the saddle, and the need to protect from impact and trail chatter; all become crucial to the saddle design and implementation. The saddle is available in multiple widths to offer the best fit for each cyclist.

The SME Pro has been optimized for a rider whose body angle is 45 degrees from the ground plane, i.e. slightly bent forward at the waist, but not over weighting the front of the bike. The padding is thus dedicated to a sit bone placement region that factors in this angle. Technical trail riders move around, so the cover must allow the shorts to glide over the surface easily. As the trail points up hill and the grinding climb begins, the rider pulls forward. A sculpted relief channel takes the pressure off, and when the rider is all the way forward, the extra padding in the narrow nose makes this process less harsh on the undercarriage. The shape of the saddle itself tells the same story- wide at the rear, and drastically narrowing for easy leg movement and pedaling efficiency. The smooth curves of the sides and the relief channel reduce potential pressure points and encourage freedom of movement. The same can be said for the back edge/angle of the saddle, where a smooth radius allows the rider to get behind, and back on the saddle with ease.

Material quality and selection reflects the pro designation. The saddle rails are a Ti/Nox alloy that are resilient and strong, yet offer a small amount of flex and vibration damping. The padding is a high density foam, with strategical thickness. It won't degrade or compress much as it breaks in. The shell is a molded carbon fiber composite, with an Ultra-thin Y Flex construction, designed to flex and give, but provide the proper support. The cover is a combination of Futura®-Microfibre panels which is soft, yet durable and has a silicone treatment for freedom of movement. The Diamantino rear section is abrasion resistant, yet won't grab your shorts as you move around. The Small, at 135mm wide, weighs only 220 grams.

This is a pro level saddle in every way. The SME3 Pro doesn't skimp on design, features or materials. While saddles are such a personal choice based on physical needs and preferences, let's face it, aesthetics matter to many riders. Many of the newest, most ergonomically informed saddles have challenged the traditional form and shapes of popular models. These new saddles may appear less sleek and stylish, but the designs truly seek to support riders and keep them healthy. Ergon has considered how saddles look, and trusts in the company's understanding of cycling and the way in which human anatomy interacts with the saddle, but has weighed the overall purpose of the saddle and decided support and safety were more important than how visual representation sells the saddle. Riders who have ridden and chosen Ergon saddles are hearty advocates. The SME3 Pro was built for trail riders. If you are a trail rider who always comes home sore, bruised or chafed, it is time to try something new; something designed for you. Return to Top