Gear Break: Sirin is Pro’s new women’s road saddle, Pogi’s Superlight road shoe from DMT, Santini’s Arrivée Paris-Champs-Élysées Collection, POC releases Cytal Lite at the Tour, Ridley supports “Project Breakaway” for Uno-X, Gregarius Clima Pro Team Off-Road Jersey celebrates Pidcock’s return to MTB racing
PRO sez: The PRO Sirin saddle is PRO’s women’s-specific road saddle, developed from the ground up for the world’s best women’s bike racers.
- Women’s Specific Saddle
- Comprehensively Tested by Female Test Riders
- Women’s-Specific Cut-Out
- Bridgeless Cut-Out
- Women’s-Specific Shape
- Slimmer Nose
- Dual Density EVA Foam for Additional Comfort
- Ergonomically Wrapped Sides
- Compatible with the PRO Saddle Accessory Mount
- 35mm Wide Nose
- 32mm Wide Cut-Out
- Soft Cut-Out Edges
- Base: Carbon Reinforced
- Rails: Carbon (Sirin Team) or Inox Stainless Steel (Sirin Performance)
- Widths: 152mm and 162mm
- Weight: from 165g
Backed by real-world data from thousands of bike fitments, the PRO Design team initiated the saddle design process in collaboration with a pelvic floor specialist, as well as a dedicated group of female test riders. The result is a new saddle, uniquely measured and thought out, specifically for women cyclists.
PEZ sez: PEZ previewed the new PRO Sirin Team and Performance saddles last spring. According to Niek Verbakel, PRO Marketing Manager, “The PRO Sirin Saddles seek to provide comfort to high performance women cyclists, thereby enabling them to go further, faster. These saddles are not a women’s version of the PRO Stealth Saddles but were designed and developed from the ground up to meet the needs we had identified. Hopefully it’s obvious that this is not a saddle I’m having a go on. I can’t comment on a women’s-specific saddle, but my wife can.
BTW, if you’re wondering what Sirin means … according to Wikipedia: Sirin (Russian: Сирин) is a mythological creature of Russian legends, with the head of a beautiful woman and the body of a bird (usually an owl), borrowed from the siren of the Greek mythology. According to myth, the Sirin lived in Iriy or around the Euphrates River.
Sirin Russian lubok print, 18th century
The original plan was that PRO wanted to have my wife try the Sirin Performance saddle (stainless steel rails) in both widths (152mm and 162mm) and, based on which width she preferred, then have her ride the Sirin Team saddle (carbon rails). Well, you know what they say about the best laid plans …
It turns out that the PRO Sirin saddle is in short supply (at least in the US market). PRO didn’t have any Sirin Performance saddles, but did have the Sirin Team saddle. But only in 162mm width. Beggars can’t be choosers, so that’s the width (wider than her current saddle, which isn’t women’s specific) she’s test riding. Not that she’s complaining, mind you.
Before getting to my wife’s riding impressions, a few pictures to do some of the talking.
PRO doesn’t bill the Sirin Team Saddle as “short nosed,” but by my measurement it falls into that category
PRO says the Sirin saddle range weight is “from 165g” and I’m guessing the 152mm wide version of the Sirin Team saddle would come in at or very close to that
Definitely a curved saddle platform
I would ordinarily say “Look at all that black carbon fiber goodness,” but … The rails are carbon fiber. The shell, however, is carbon reinforced nylon which has a little more give and is a nod to comfort. Note the two Phillips head screws that allow you to mount different PRO saddle accessories.
The cutout isn’t completely hollow, but is filled with a thin, soft, pliable material used for the saddle cover
Thanks to the included PRO SaddleTool (high tech cardboard), swapping out my wife’s old saddle for the PRO Sirin Team saddle was fairly easy-peasy. NOTE: If you’re switching from alloy to carbon rails, it’s important to know that alloy rails are round and carbon rails are oval (the industry standard is 7mm x 9mm). If you have a seat post that clamps from the top/bottom, not a problem. But if you have a side clamp seat post, you’re going to need adapters from the manufacturer (my wife’s seat post is side clamp but her old saddle had carbon rails so not an issue).
You can buy a plastic tool online (can you say Amazon?), but PRO includes a perfectly usable cardboard tool that works well enough
- Place the PRO SaddleTool on the old saddle until it contacts both sides of the saddle (80mm width point, which provides a consistent reference point on the saddle that is used by many bike fitters)
- Measure saddle height to this point
- Measure the distance from this point to the center of the handlebars
- Place the PRO SaddleTool on the new saddle and adjust height and distance to the same measurements as the old saddle
- Voilà!
80mm is the magic number
So what does my wife have to say about the PRO Sirin Team saddle? In a word … “comfortable.” If you want two words … “very comfortable.” Starting with her first ride on the PRO Sirin Team saddle she had zero … zip … nada … issues. None whatsoever. Especially friction in the .. ahem …”important” areas. To me that says that PRO did their homework and got it right in terms of the cutout. For her to get on so well with a new saddle almost immediately is saying a lot.
The shape and width suited her. I have to admit I was a little unsure how she would do with a wider saddle than what she’s ridden in the past, but it turns out that wider is probably better. According to my research, women’s sit bones are generally wider than men’s, so it makes sense that the widths (152mm and 162mm) of the PRO SIrin Team women’s-specific saddle would be wider than a typical men’s saddle (all my saddles are 140-something millimeters wide).
And my wife said the padding was comfortable. I realize that comfort is subjective and will be different for everyone. Just remember that the Sirin PRO Team (and Performance) saddle is designed for “high performance” riders so expect the padding to be more towards the firm side as opposed to soft/cushy.
I know saddles are a very personal choice and that may be more true for women. Yet, all too often, women have to choose from saddles that aren’t designed for them (there are women’s specific saddles on the market, but not a lot of them — and many of them are geared towards more “recreational” riders rather than “performance” riders). If you’re one of PEZ’s female fans or the better half of the typical PEZ demographic and looking for a saddle that better suits your anatomy, the PRO Sirin Team (or Performance) saddle may be the ‘droids you’re looking for. If my wife’s experience is any indication, that seems to be the case for her.
DMT Pogi’s Superlight Road Shoe
With input from the World Champion himself, DMT has developed a brand-new, top-tier shoe: the Pogi’s Superlight. As the name suggests, the standout feature is weight — or rather, the lack of it: these are the lightest POGI’S ever made.
In size 42, the Pogi’s Superlight with integrated laces weighs 11% less than the previous model and is more aerodynamic, thanks to a re-engineered position for the Aerosafe lace pocket. Another innovation is the external, dual-compound rear cleat, which is now fully replaceable. One feature that remains is the Ice-Key technology — a first in the world of cycling shoes, pioneered by DMT — which enables immediate identification in case of a crash, including the rider’s personal and medical information. It’s a digital ID… built right into your shoe.
Tadej Pogačar, who has worn DMT shoes since his first season as a pro, is currently racing with the new model at the 2025 Tour de France. And with such fierce competition, he’ll need every marginal gain available to stay ahead. One milestone, however, has already been reached: 100 career victories — and counting.
- The Pogi’s Superlight is available for pre-order. For more information, go to www.DMTcycling.com.
Santini’s Arrivée Paris-Champs-Élysées Collection
Santini presents two exclusive designs – Arc de Triomphe and Dash – as a tribute to the history and allure of the most iconic finish in cycling: the Tour de France on the Champs-Élysées. A tribute to the symbolic locations of this year’s edition, the line joins the Grand Départ Lille collection for the Tour de France and the Grand Départ de Bretagne collection for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
At the heart of the collection are the Arc de Triomphe and Dash jerseys, designed to deliver performance, comfort, and style. Made from Polartec® Power Stretch
fabric, both jerseys feature a slim fit with raw-cut sleeves to ensure maximum breathability and a close fit. Three rear pockets plus an additional zippered pocket provide space for essentials, while reflective elements and UPF 30+ UV protection complete the garment’s technical features.
Completing the look are the Arc de Triomphe bib shorts, made from high-quality Italian microfiber for a soft, lightweight feel against the skin. Minimal seams prevent chafing, and light elastic bib straps ensure stability even on long rides. The GITevo chamois provides excellent shock absorption and lasting comfort over any distance. A printed Arc de Triomphe graphic on the leg finishes the design.
- Learn more about the Champs Elysées Collection at www.santinicycling.com.
Cytal Lite Helmet
POC has proudly released the Cytal Lite, a brand-new, ultra-lightweight helmet making its debut at the 2025 Tour de France. While its primary function remains protection, the Cytal Lite has been specially optimized for heat management and minimal weight — making it ideal for climbers and riders in hot conditions.
Already an integral part of EF Pro Cycling’s setup, the Cytal Lite will be used by many of their riders throughout this year’s Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes and is available to purchase immediately.
The Cytal Lite is for when every gram counts and heat management is critical,” says Magnus Gustafsson, POC’s Director of Hard Goods. “We’ve refined the helmet’s structure to reduce weight and significantly improve airflow. The result is a helmet that perfectly meets the demands of climbers, ‘col hunters,’ and anyone riding in hot climates who needs maximum cooling and ventilation.
- For more information, go to www.poc.com.
Ridley Bikes Supports “Project Breakaway” Around Uno-X at the Tour
Project Breakaway is a joint initiative focused on developing the best tools and materials to optimally support the riders of Uno-X. Equipped with the state-of-the-art Ridley Noah Fast, Uno-X embodies the spirit of the breakaway. The front group is Uno-X riders’ natural habitat, where they race with fearless determination and an attacking mindset — as we saw in Jonas Abrahamsen’s Stage 11 triumph at the Tour de France.
As a bike builder with a passion for innovation, Ridley has infused the DNA of Project Breakaway into the Ridley Noah Fast. Every pedal stroke is converted into maximum speed, thanks to advanced CFD simulations, extensive wind tunnel testing, and input from pro riders. At 50 km/h, the new frame saves no less than 8.5 watts compared to the previous model—feeling like a constant tailwind.
With its aggressive geometry, integrated cockpit, and UCI approval, the Noah Fast is not only the fastest bike Ridley has ever built, but also the ultimate machine for every successful breakaway.
- Read more about Ridley’s support of Project Breakaway and Uno-X at www.ridley-bikes.com.
Gregarius Clima Pro Team Off-Road Jersey
Ahead of Tom Pidcock’s return to MTB racing this season, Q36.5 is celebrating the occasion with the release of a limited edition Gregarius Clima Pro Team Off-Road Jersey—crafted for the extreme demands of elite-level dirt racing.
Inspired by Pidcock’s race style and developed in the Dolomites, this ultralight (just 112g) jersey combines aero-focused sleeve fabrics, zoned mesh thermoregulation, and adaptive race cuts—perfect for intense heat and technical terrain. The Gold White colourway gives a nod to both precision performance and Pidcock’s signature flair.
Only limited quantities will be available via the Q36.5 site from 11th July, priced at £140 GBP / $180 USD.
- Learn more at www.q36-5.com
Note: If you have other experiences with gear or something to add, drop us a line. We don’t claim to knowIf everything (we just imply it at times). Give us a pat on the back if you like the reviews or a slap in the head if you feel the need!
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The post Gear Break: PRO Women’s Road Saddle, DMT Pogi’s Superlight Road Shoe, TDF-Inspired Kit from Santini, POC’s Cytal Lite Helmet, Uno-X on Ridley at the Tour, Pidcock-Edition Jersey from Q36.5 appeared first on PezCycling News.
