Ergon’s SR All-Road Core saddle range is a gravel/all-road saddle focused on reducing vibrations by adapting technology from running shoes. Rather than utilize variable density 3D printed upper or engineer complicated carbon rails like many of the other best gravel bike saddles, Ergon has designed the SR All-Road Core with a BASF Infinergy core layer between the saddle shell and upper padding, a material that Adidas has utilized as it’s lightweight and has excellent rebounding qualities. I have been running the Ergon SR All-Road Core Pro Carbon for a few months to find out if it's a step ahead of the competition.
Design and specification
The SR All-Road Core Pro uses a BASF Infinergy layer, this E-TPU material is made up of foam particles and is clearly visibly running around the outside edge of the saddle. The material was chosen due to its fast rebound properties, returning to its original shape to absorb continuous vibrations better. This is sandwiched between a relatively narrow carbon composite shell and an orthopedic AirCell foam topper.
The saddle is 262mm in length, which is longer than the crop of modern stubby saddles, and comes in either small/medium 139mm or medium/large 152mm. There is a relief cut out rather than a full-on channel, so no cold surprises when you blast through puddles.
The Ergon SR All-Road Core range features three versions, all use the same Core HD design and padding and instead differ in rail and shell materials. The cheapest Comp is the most durable model, using a Nylon Composite shell with CroMo rails. The Pro and Pro Carbon models both feature a carbon shell and have a lower 100kg max load, with the difference being the Pro’s TiNox and Pro Carbon’s Carbon rails. Upgrading to the SR All-Road Core Pro will save you 74g over the base Ergon SR All-Road Core Comp for an extra $60 / £90 outlay, which arguably isn’t a very cost-effective way of saving weight.
Performance
I usually lean towards narrower saddles so initially I had reservations when I measured myself up as a med/large and wasn’t sure how well I would get along with the wider shape. The setup was simple though and I quickly found a comfortable position. The wider shape didn’t restrict freedom of movement either and the longer length gives plenty of shuffling room allowing you to move around to suit the surface and incline your riding. My preference is usually towards a saddle with a deep channel or cutout for pressure relief, something that could put off some riders, however, the shallow center channel of the Ergon SR All-Road Core Pro Carbon was very comfortable.
The orthopedic AirCell foam appears to be thin with most of the padding coming from the BASF’s Infinergy layer. It feels like it has a medium density when squished by hand although it still offers plenty of support when seated and pedaling hard, rather than feeling too squidgy or sloppy which can result in pressure points and muscle strain.
Comfort continued as the miles racked up too. This was the saddle I used for the Dirty Reiver, a 200km gravel sportive, and I paid little thought to the saddle as I rumbled around the rough course for almost nine hours, finishing with zero discomfort or complaints. Unlike vibration dampening from a suspension seatpost, I found the BASF cushioning was more nuanced as I couldn’t specifically pinpoint it working when riding on rough surfaces. That said as a whole the saddle performed superbly on long and/or sporty gravel rides so I’m certain something beneficial is going on there.
Verdict
The Ergon SR All-Road Core Pro Carbon saddle replaced my venerable Bontrager Melrose saddle and has proved to be a comfortable and supportive perch for gravel riding. There is some subtle vibration relief from the BASF Infinergy layer which I found effective at easing fatigue on rough rides. While it's not overtly obvious that it's doing something, the SR All-Road Core Pro Carbon ensures a solid and supportive pedaling platform that keeps vibration-induced aches and pains at bay on fast gravel and long adventure riding.
The Ergon SR All-Road Core Pro Carbon is pricey and is focused on comfort, even with its top-spec carbon rails finery the SR All-Road Core Pro Carbon is not particularly light at 225g when compared to other more slim-lined gravel saddles. If comfort is your priority and you aren’t worried about weight then the All-Road Core Comp version is 74g heavier but noticeably cheaper alternative.
Tech specs: Ergon SR All-Road Core Pro Carbon saddle
- Price: $199.95 / £179.99 / €199,95
- Sizes: S/M (139mm), M/L (152mm)
- Weight: 225g (M/L)
