The Ergon SM Enduro Men’s Saddle series was developed with world-class professionals from the Enduro World Series. With its narrow seated surface and padded edges, you get perfect feedback from the trail, helping to take your trail skills to a new level. It comes in three levels: the base SM Enduro ($79.95), the middle SM Enduro Comp ($99.95), and the top-of-the-line SM Enduro Pro Titanium ($199.95).
I tested the SM Enduro Comp, which comes in S/M and M/L sizes and stealth or Oil Slick color schemes. I installed a large, stealth color for a 5-month test review on my Ibis Exie.
The shape and size of the saddle must match the distance between the rider’s seat bones. The saddle widths are chosen so that the usable seat surface corresponds to this distance, which means a more ergonomic, comfortable, and supportive ride. I have a 14cm width, so the M/L is ideal.
Impressions/Features
The saddle provides ergonomically specific support and pressure relief for male anatomy. The perineal slot relieved my nether region, helping alleviate undue perineal pressures, while the side wings offered excellent support, stability, and cushioning. The deep, prolonged, and wide slot decreased pressure from my sensitive regions’ soft tissue, making long rides more tolerable and comfortable.
The small hole at the end of the slot sometimes allowed mud or crud to kick onto your shorts, though it did help drain water back out during a thunderstorm.
The saddle’s entire outer edge (360-degree) is padded for maximum comfort and protection. This cushioning entity was quite functional whether you were sitting or standing on the pedals, leaning the bike hard into a corner, or controlling steering from the back of the bike. It alleviated those pinching or banging the saddle into your thigh moments.
The main padding design utilizes orthopedic closed-cell AirCell foam that offers enhanced support and optimal pressure distribution. The padding provides a helpful combination of support and cushioning, perhaps more on the firmer side and not too thick. It eliminates pressure points in the sit-bone area while providing comfort for quick laps and full-length adventures.
The saddle’s smooth microfiber cover makes it easy to glide and move around on the surface, which is excellent for techy maneuvering.
It features a nylon composite shell and utilizes Chromoly steel rails. These two entities provide a nice blend of stability, damping, and flexibility for additional comfort, pedaling prowess, and smoothing out rough trails.
The somewhat flat V-shape design and sloping rear allow you to move freely and efficiently over and around the bike, so you can change your seating position quickly and easily at any time through demanding terrain.
The nose isn’t overly pointy and didn’t catch on my shorts. I liked the broad, blunt nose when you wanted to crank up on the saddle on steep climbs.
The alligator-looking design on the rear is made of a unique, special anti-friction material. This material reduces friction and allows the rider to change positions easily in a dynamic riding position. It worked like a charm when sliding around or hanging off the back of the saddle.
Bottom Line
The Ergon SM Enduro Comp offers comfortable orthopedic foam padding and a perineal slot for nether region relief for long days on bike rides. It provides 360-degree edge padding for maximum comfort and protection, so no pinching or banging the saddle into your thighs while doing wild antics. Its nylon shell with ChroMoly rails provides stability, damping, and flexibility for pedaling performance and smoothing out rough trails.
The saddle has an excellent overall shape, with enough surface area to provide a comfortable perch for cranking out hard pedal strokes. It didn’t get in the way on steep or gnarly downhills, though the side wings sticking out sometimes caught my thighs. The saddle’s smooth microfiber cover and flat surface make it easy to glide and move around on the surface when doing techy maneuvering.
It is meant for the Enduro World Series circuit. Still, it is perfect for anyone wanting an ergonomic, rugged, comfortable shoe with a functional perineal slot and valuable features for any terrain.
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