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review
Bjorn Probka Saddle£260.00
VERDICT:
Impressively comfortable, and very, very light
Unbelievably light
Comfortable shape
Decent weight limit
Cork is susceptible to damage
Weight:
107g
Contact:
At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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Incredibly light and surprisingly comfortable is how I'd describe the Bjorn Probka saddle. A blend of carbon and cork, it highlights the fact that you don't need a lot of padding for a comfortable ride on a race bike. And for such a low weight, it has a surprisingly sensible rider weight limit of 120kg. If you want to check out more options, though, read our guide to the best road bike saddles.
> Buy now: Bjorn Probka saddle for £260 from Sturdy Cycles
On appearances alone the Probka looks like a saddle for pro-level racers who spend most of their time out of the saddle smashing their way up climbs, or that it is designed to sit on a UCI-weight-limit-threatening build as a vanity project.
Neither is true.
The upper is made from 8mm thick cork and is very comfortable. Not only did I use it on the road bike, but the Probka also spent some time on my turbo bike where even on Zwift sessions of over 90 minutes I didn't suffer from any hot-spots or numbness.
A lot of that is down to the shape. It's 143mm in width at the rear (155mm is also available) with a narrow nose, and 250mm in length. The profile sees a slightly dropped nose, and the Probka kicks up at the rear giving you a platform to push against when on the climbs or getting the power down. The sides also slope downwards which means your thighs aren't restricted as you roll through the pedalling motion.
It really is a great shape, one that I got on with very well indeed.
As we always say, though, when it comes to comfort it's entirely subjective – what I find comfortable might, to you, feel like sitting on a bed of nails, or what is uncomfortable for me might make you feel like you're floating on a cushion of air.
Here, the cork has some natural shock absorbance which mutes a lot of the road buzz while still remaining firm enough to resist the power you are putting out. The carbon fibre hull, though, is rock solid unless you are really whacking the power out, which is impressive considering the minimal thickness of its construction. And any movement in it is barely noticeable while riding.
In contrast, the oval shaped carbon fibre rails do have a decent amount of flex, which also aids the comfort levels.
It's worth noting that should you require something specific in terms of the cork upper shape, Bjork does offer a custom option – something it's able to do because it CNC-machines the cork padding itself.
This construction weighs in at a tiny 107g on the road.cc Scales of Truth, which is very impressive, especially when that weight is backed up by a 120kg rider weight limit. You can also carry a saddle bag as long as it weighs less than 10kg.
The whole saddle is very well built; there are no remnants of excess glue or anything around the edges – which is how it should be for a saddle costing £260.
The cork has also been impregnated with a compound that protects it from moisture, salt and UV. Riding in the rain saw the upper remain bone dry.
The cork can damage easily around the edges, though, so you will need to look after it more carefully than you might be used to. It can get scuffed against a wall, or if your bike falls over. I did exactly that – I leant it against a wall and the bike moved, which pulled a small chunk of cork from the side.
It's not a cheap buy, either – although it's by no means as expensive as some saddles we have tested recently, though admittedly, not many of them use cork.
The most expensive saddle we have ever tested, the Selle Italia SP-01 Boost Tekno Superflow, weighs 119g and costs a cool £431.10 according to Selle Italia's website.
A saddle that I also reviewed recently and found to be exceptionally comfortable is the Specialized S-Works Romin Evo Mirror, whose upper is created by 3D printing a polymer lattice. It costs £390, and is heavier at 189g.
Conclusion
Overall, the Probka tips all of my initial preconceptions on their head. Its minimal padding provides a very comfortable perch, and just because something is very light and almost fragile looking doesn't mean it can't carry a big old rider without issues. It's a big chunk of cash, but it doesn't let anything down in terms of quality or durability.
Verdict
Impressively comfortable, and very, very light
road.cc test report
Make and model: Bjorn Probka Saddle
Size tested: 143mm
Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Bjorn says, "The pad of Bjōrn Probka saddle is made of cork. The cork is a natural cushioning material with excellent damping properties, which translates into smoothing of the vibrations from the road and still great power transfer."
It's an impressive saddle that covers all the main aspects, weight, comfort and durability, well.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Bjorn:
Technical specification of the serial Bjōrn Probka saddle:
Weight: 105 grams
Width: 143 mm, 155 mm
Length: 250
Rail to saddle topper: 35 to 45 mm, depending on the position
Max rider's weight: 120 kg. You can secure a saddlebag under 10 kg.
Max torque: 5 N*m
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
6/10
The cork can be damaged relatively easily if you aren't careful.
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
9/10
Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
9/10
Rate the product for value:
5/10
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It's shaped for performance, without sacrificing comfort.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Very comfortable.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Cork can be damaged relatively easily if you aren't careful.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
It's not cheap, but for similar levels of weight or comfort you are looking at a higher price, like those mentioned in the review. And considering the small batch runs, it's understandable.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
It's a hard one to score… it's very well made and impressively comfortable thanks to the cork upper and the flex in the carbon rails. It's not cheap, though, even if it isn't extreme for the build quality and performance – and you'll also need to take more care with it than a typical saddle. It's excellent in many respects, but overall I'd say it's an 8 rather than a 9.
About the tester
Age: 44
I usually ride: This month's test bike My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,
Since writing his first bike review for road.cc back in early 2009 senior product reviewer Stu has tested more than a thousand pieces of kit, and hundreds of bikes.
With an HND in mechanical engineering and previous roles as a CNC programmer/machinist, draughtsman and development engineer (working in new product design) Stu understands what it takes to bring a product to market. A mix of that knowledge combined with his love of road and gravel cycling puts him in the ideal position to put the latest kit through its paces.
He first made the switch to road cycling in 1999, primarily for fitness, but it didn’t take long for his competitive side to take over which led to around ten years as a time triallist and some pretty decent results. These days though riding is more about escapism, keeping the weight off and just enjoying the fact that he gets to ride the latest technology as part of his day job.
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Good to see a V-brake option available for all those people who ride Cosmic Elites with V-brakes...seriously, you must know really that the answer...
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30 comments
I believe Björn were very clear on their anti-war position on their Instagram page from the first days when it all started. From what I know, they are moving (or have already moved) their business to Slovenia.
For those who propose to boycot a small cycling manufacturing company that was based in Russia to stop Putin and war - are you seriously thinking that $20 VAT will stop Putin? I'm wondering how many of you went into the streets of your home cities to boycot against your government paying BILLIONS (!) to buy gas and oil from Russia? Or this is to expensive for your pocket or maybe you are too lazy? Yet, you are demanding Russians to go in the streets and fight Putin - you probably don't watch the news: by the newly introduced laws you'll be arrested with a high chance of getting into the prison and sent to the war that you were protesting against. So think about it and be honest with yourself.
I thought so too, though I can't find it now. Doesn't seem to matter in any event--the mob are out for blood, and they don't care whose they take.
Feeling this today.
Keep a tin of this handy for any touch ups to the cork
Instead of trying to be extra careful I'd rather follow the opposite method with these types of products - immediately after buying, just make a clear scratch or dent on it, and so you can stop worrying and start enjoying the use.
Sturdy Cycles, as the stockist of this, has some amazing titanium components
Second that. I can't say first hand l, but the stuff they used to post on Instagram was very desirable, a lot of 3D printed if I remember right and finished machined.
The beautiful jockey wheels are a little expensive.
But the ti bb seems almost to be relatively good value.
I'm guessing at that price (I maybe wrong) that it's just just the bearings, the cups for the bearings and a sleeve between the 2. I'm pretty sure that the spindle comes as part of the crank set. Their full bikes are definitely in my lottery win wish list.
Before making a purchase decision, you might want to know that Bjorn Cycles is a Russian company (and not e.g. Scandinavian as its name might suggest). They are pretty coy about this and do not advertise it on their website (I wonder why this is so); there is also no mention of this fact in the article, so for those curious about their origins or wishing to visit their facilities: they are headquartered at 8 marta 8a, Lubertsi, Moskovskaya Oblast', Russia.
A clue was in the name as well - what's 'cork' in Russian?
I mean... is it likely they condone Putin's war? I got the impression it wasn't necessarily popular with the Russian public (propaganda aside).
Not sure Putin's regime will really benefit from the VAT (or Russian equivalent) on a couple of expensive saddles either.
Interesting topic either way.
The idea is to boycott Russian companies to make Putin as unpopular as possible with the Russians. The people hold the real power
So make the local Russian people who have nothing to do with this war suffer too I dont think Putin cares if he's popular or not.
Doesn't matter if he cares, just that the people will overthrow him. He is but one person and relies on other people obeying him.
I'm not sure they are in Russia anymore (see the weirdly enlarged screenshot below).
That fact notwithstanding, it's not clear to me what you want. Are you responsible for all the decisions your government makes? Does every online business have to make a big deal about advertising where it's physically located (and, by the way, the WhatsApp number at the top of the Bjorn homepage is a Russian number, so it's not like they're being surreptitious), and are they all "coy" if they don't? Furthermore, if Bjorn specifically chooses not to advertise that they're based in Russia (if they're in fact still based there at all), might that not be because they don't support what their government is doing? (And if they *did* blatantly advertise that they're based in Russia, wouldn't you be even *more* outraged?) And you do understand, yes, that Russians gravely imperil themselves, their livelihood, and their families if they choose to publicly protest their government? Finally, do you really think it's a good idea for the international community to boycott all Russians, thereby not only validating Putin's propaganda but also incentivizing Russians to go all in for their homeland since the rest of the world has turned its back on them?
Look, it sounds like you and I probably stand in solidarity on the horribleness of what Russia is doing. But I really don't think you've thought through the implications of what you seem to be advocating here.
Not saying that they are responsible for the war or that they necessarily condone it. Still, in the spirit of disclosure, if a company is from a country that is in fact at war with the West, consumers might want to know where they spend their money. And pre-2022 that company used to state more clearly that they were from Russia (this was BTW pointed out by a few Ukrainians on the road.cc Facebook page). A vegan wants to know if the product has animal ingredients; other consumers might want to know whether a bit of the product's price goes into Russia's war chest as tax. So yes, I am advocating a boycott of Russian goods and I have thought my position through, thank you very much.
Again, it's not clear to me that Bjorn is in fact still operating in Russia. I think at the very least you ought to verify that before trying to undermine their livelihood.
And to the larger point: What precisely do you think will be accomplished by boycotting Russian goods? Aside from some vague sense of moral satisfaction I suppose, what will the specific practical benefits be?
Denying Russia hard currency for starters. These are quite strange questions anyway. Buying goods from the Third Reich during WW2 was not a good look either. You have a country that invades its neighbour, wages a genocidal war and its leader threatens to unleash weapons of mass destruction. And being at least transparent about which goods come from this extremely pleasant country is a problem for you? Nowhere on BC's Facebook stage is it stated that they left Russia. They claim to have a "location" in Slovenia, that's all.
Look, if you want to buy yourself a nice cork saddle, by all means do (and it looks nice!). For some buyers, however, Russia will not be "like any other country". In fact, right now I would be equally inclined to buy gear from North Korea.
Would you be happy if the rest of the world supported all the countries 'the west' has colonised, illegally invaded, arranged regime change or bombed wedding parties and goat herders by boycotting your employer?
Or would you say "That's not fair, I didn't vote for or support that prime minister/president"
I'm not suggesting Putin or the Russian invasion are wonderful but Western powers do the exact same thing when it suits their leaders or the corporations they work for so I don't believe we can take any sort of moral high ground.
By all means, if someone thinks that my country is doing something horribly wrong, they should boycott it, I have no problem with this, they are perfectly entitled to look somewhere else. "My country, right or wrong" is a terrible idea. Any sane German should have hoped for a speedy demise of the Nazi regime. If you have grudges against Western powers, you are free to buy your cycling gear/energy/hi-tech goods somewhere else. Hell, if you want to, buy them from Russia!
But the starting point for all this is transparency - so I want to know whether the goods I buy were manufactured in Sweden, Norway (ah, these nice Scandinavian associations…) or rather in Russia. You might want to know whether the company you want do do business with operates from the Occupied Territories, etc.
Damn your reasoned, sensible points! I can't argue with anything you've said there.
I just get triggered by the way we (based usually on what the news tells us) can celebrate one war, condem another and completely ignore a third, seemingly dependant on who is making the most profit from it.
What was your view in the sanctions against South Africa, Iran etc
China makes 90% of the things you depend upon, is also a anti-humanitarian authoritarian regime, yet not a peep from you lot?
What lot is that?
If we only buy products from countries or company's with real morals and values we would own nothing.
What a nice mix of materials. Cork was studied at the beginning of materials science and carbon fibre reinforced plastic is a product of modern materials science. I wonder if the cork can be replaced as it wears.
For around £30 (including VAT etc) you can buy a chinese full cabon saddle weighing ~100g. Wouldn't seem hard to cut cork sheet to shape & bond to saddle, costing a fraction of the price & would also be custom.
Isn't cork naturally UV & moisture resistant? or how do the trees survive outside? and how can it be used for wine bottles?
You can find out more about cork if interested. Cork is a cellular material with rippled cell walls. This gives it an unusual property of contracting in directions perpendicular to a compression direction. It is this that allows corks to be put in bottles and then to expand once in to seal.
Cork sheet is readily available so experimenting with covering a base saddle might be interesting.
The outside shape and the profile looks a lot like a SQLabs saddel.