Specialized saddles are priced at four different levels, just like the companys bikes, from the top-of-the-range S-Works option, through Pro and Expert, to the more value-orientated Comp. Dont want the extra softness? And so its fitting that one of Specializeds latest iterations of the Power saddle, the Power Pro Elaston with Mimic (catchy name, eh? A great combination of aesthetics, durability, price and, above all, comfort. Using a Shore A Durometer (a tool designed to measure the hardness of flexible materials), the Elaston material measures in at a hardness of 40-45, while the Mimic section at the nose measures as low as 22 at the centre and up to 42 at the edges of the nose. The short 265mm length shouldnt be mistaken for forcing a set riding position. The American bicycle company now offers the Power in over a dozen different variations, and thats excluding the differing width and sometimes colour choices for each. If youre out on the trail youll likely see her from a mile off, thanks to her rather bright colour palette! Interesting, I had understood it was the same padding Level 2 across the whole. I've docked a couple of points for the surface finish issue, but structurally the saddle has held up well. Weight limit of 240 pounds due to carbon rails. And so that finally brings us to the Power Pro Elaston with Mimic which this review is about. And this brings me to the two optional variations in padding that are littered throughout the Power range that each aim to add an extra level of softness to the given padding. What do the manufacturers say about it? Not tried the power arc though. Thanks for all the feedback Hunt 60 Limitless UD Carbon Spoke wheelset review: Great performers, especially when you consider the value too. Were you wearing padded shorts? March 18, 2018 in Technical Q&A. Lightweight and supportive PU foam for increased comfort on longer rides. A 155mm width would have given slightly better sit-bone support, but at that width, the saddle gets in the way of my thighs. The S-works Power with Mirror technology is the perfect reflection of you. I used to ride the phenom and have moved to power saddle. I found with phenom after a long ride i would get numb around the gentleman area. The pow Shimano S-Phyre RC903 review: can you spot what's new? By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Out on the Power Arc again tonight, bloody hell but I hadnt realised how much easier it could be to reach the drops! Super-light, EVA padding for comfort and support on longer rides. Super-light EVA padding for comfort and support on longer rides. They both rise up a little bit at the back, slope off at the sides. This made it easier to maintain a good position during extended hard efforts in the drops. I run a 155. Virtually every popular saddle brand now offers a comparable product to the Power, and a huge number of new road, gravel, and even mountain bikes come fitted stock with them. The Power Arc Expert saddle is intended to provide long-distance comfort, and I can say that I tested this to extremes and found it delivered. The Mimic technology takes the place of the Powers open cut-out, and while a breeze isnt flowing through the gap, it retains notable pressure relief. Forward of that the base offers a valley for the soft padding to compress into. Specialized may not have invented the short nose saddle, but the companys original Power saddle launched in 2015 can almost certainly be credited for making such things popular. News in Melbourne reports that a 40 year old woman has handed herself in and "is assisting the Police with their enquires". Saddle sore and furuncle are quite different things. And then eventually you move into the S-Works level of saddle which offers a full carbon rail and base for further gram-shaving. Even if that were the case (not entirely convinced), OTOH I have a very different experience of the two saddles in use. I found with phenom after a long ride i would get numb around the gentleman area. The base connects to black titanium rails in a standard 77 mm round size. So, while the base of the Power Mimic is still cut out, it is covered by a layer of foam that maintains a depressed center but also provides soft support. Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Yes, that's simpler. SWAT-compatible mounts molded into the saddle base allow for sleek and integrated storage solutions. It fits a whole lot of people on all levels and it's a very discipline agnostic saddle. This saddle makes for consistent and excellent power delivery while pedaling. To remove the pressure on sensitive areas, the full anatomical is used. There is no cutout feature, but instead a concave groove to relieve pressure on the labia without causing swelling and the associated discomfort. The power saddle being shorter has sorted me out. OTOH I tried a Phenom (gel Comp) bought I think from STW Classifieds a few years ago, and have found that it works (for me) very well indeed. Wherever you are riding it reduces the pressure on the sensitive parts. a Specialized Power Arc and Selle Flite Boost. Im going to keep fiddling to see if I prefer the curved Power Arc or the flat Selle Italia, but if I prefer the Power Arc, is this Phenom MTB saddle effectively the same shape but longer? But this means that it still features a stiff composite shell and supple, Level 2 PU padding. Finally, you can get into the Phenom shape for US$100 / TBC / AU$120 with the steel-railed Comp model. I yam quite ancient myself but enjoy the Be thankful At least that miserable,sour faced git who used to do that series about the coast didn't feature, he makes me want to kill myself! I found this worked very well and was quite comfortable on all my rides. Although the Power saddle shape is the most popular in the range (with both men and women), Specialized recognises its not the best option for all riders, and is At the entry level there are the Power Comp saddles which offer Cro-Mo steel rails, a single-density foam covering, and a carbon-reinforced plastic shell. Its Body Geometry design, meanwhile, caters to both men and women and helps to deliver superior performance in all seating positionsespecially aggressive ones. Ive experienced many other saddles that start off well, but eventually lead to sagging and sinking that places unexpected load on soft and more sensitive parts. Setup nose flat or slightly raised resulted in immediate discomfort that would slowly dissipate throughout a ride. The difference in shape between the two that facilitates these different patterns is subtle, but definitely alters how the saddles feel compared to each other. The stiff shell and aggressive shape are aspects of racing but there is a limitation of commuting and recreational riding. The Romin Evo saddle has a long nose and curved profile. I was able to ride all day or even longer without problems. I have 6 of them or so. Those two threaded holes are for SWAT accessories. This was the only real disappointment I felt with an otherwise excellent saddle. The new Specialized Phenom Pro is highly comfortable, supportive, lightweight and without short snagging potential. All rights reserved. I also noticed that the Power Arc definitely tapers to the nose quicker than a Scoop/Spoon, so there is definitely more real estate for the larger thighed gent. Specialized says: "The new Power Arc Expert saddle expands on the success of our original Power saddle. Tested the Power now for 4days and various terrain. 2. Here are my entirely subjective findings in short: Haha, excellent, much better than trying to describe it in words anyway! The most visible difference between the Power Mimic and the Power is the cutout or lack thereof. Body Geometry V-groove design improves comfort and increases blood flow in critical areas. We don't intentionally On the other hand, if you want a lightweight saddle with excellent performance then specialized romin is preferable. WebIntro Specialized Phenom Saddle review and thoughts on Power, and Power Arc saddle Brian Maynard 661 subscribers Subscribe 73 Share 8K views 3 years ago This is my At the very top of the range sits the 3D-printed S-Works Power with Mirror, which I can tell you is both eye-wateringly expensive and also brilliantly comfortable. When shes not scouting out the best long-distance and local off-road routes in the UK, Katherine works as a freelance writer, bike tester, presenter and guide. Ive went from a Phenom to a Power on my bikes. With this, two thread inserts sit at the back of the saddle to accept Specializeds add-on storage accessories. I dont really get why Specialized made it that shape & width, because if it was more gently-curved and less wide then it wouldnt be a problem. Mimic technology attempts to replicate the soft tissue that the saddle comes into contact with. The carbon-reinforced shell is also a big part of this and months of use have shown it to be durable. It feels like a much flatter platform on top while shelving off nicely away from the thigh area. Cape Town / Signal Hill and Lion's Head, gravel tracks? All material FarrellyAtkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA11JB. Im miserable when seated on them especially the widely hailed Romin. In fact I think the only flaw might be that it isnt a saddle for sitting up and bimbling (much like the Flite Boost). WebFor as long as there've been saddles, women have been having issues with them. Level 2 padding: Medium density foam for bike feel with additional cushioning. I shift forward when climbing and move back a little when descending. I use the power arc on my track bike its a really good saddle for an aggressive position and in the drops but less good for sitting upright and less good for moving about position like shifting to sitting further back when climbing. Jul 18, 2020 So specialized discontinued the Henge which was the saddle I got along with best. Heres how it works. Were redefining comfort and performance with Mirror technology to take Body Geometry into the future. Ergon offers a similar tech in its Core HD saddles. Building on the popularity of the womens Power saddle with Mimic, the expanded range includes a broader range of saddle shapes with Mimic technology, which is designed to eliminate hotspots and reduce swelling in sensitive areas. ), I remain optimistic, if not hopeful, that Specialized will trickle this combination of padded materials down to a more accessible price point in the future. A thin layer of memory foam is used on the nose to alleviate any hotspots here. The saddles are Fast forward to today and the gender-neutral short nose saddle has almost become the norm amongst performance road bikes. So , as much as I love the Power saddle on my MTB , not 100% sold on the road bike yet !! The results included swelling of the frontal labia when using saddles with cutouts and, in many cases, a pressure point on the nose of the saddle. There has been an ongoing trend of shorter and shorter saddles over the years and throughout this evolution, Specialized has been at the forefront with their popular Power range of saddles. Innovative Mimic technology uses multilayered materials to maintain equilibrium and minimize swelling in soft tissue. Its a subtly softer and better-damped version of the regular Phenom, and is a welcomed addition on dead roads, gravel, or off-road. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment, Copyright 2022 Hub Online Media (Pty) Ltd. Just say when and how. FACT carbon fiber shell is flex-tuned for support and ride compliance. Proving just how personal saddle choice is, most Specialized models just dont work for me. Power Comp with MIMIC. Groenkloof1 At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Level 6 padding: Ideal for casual riding. Such designs were initially intended for those who ride in an aggressive position (hips tilted), but the designs have since found more widespread acceptance given the truncated designs often reduce chafing and blood flow restrictions. The key difference is that the Pro loses the carbon shell in favour of a carbon-reinforced version, which comes at a 40g weight increase. Honeycomb gel padding to cradle your sitbones, Elastomer rail suspension for instant, plush comfort. But where some see unsolvable problems, we see practical solutions. Tough, lightweight, water-resistant Micromatrix cover. So a Phenom or Romin might still be worth a look. WebThe Power Expert saddle features a stiff, carbon-reinforced shell with durable titanium rails to keep the weight down. 143mm. Singletrack uses affiliate services calledSkimlinksandwhich means we may earn revenue if you buy a product after clicking a link to a retailer on our site. Comp is a tier of a product. Already have an account with us? Viewing 16 posts - 1 through 16 (of 16 total), Specialized Phenom vs. I found with phenom after a long ride i would get numb around the gentleman area. The shape remains supportive, while the narrow nose doesnt cause chafing issues like some wider options from other brands. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. And while thats certainly cheaper than the Mirror saddle (what isnt? And so its most important to point out that this review is about my experience, and theres a good chance yours will be different. Its worth noting that there is a lumpy transition from the Elaston to Mimic foam sections, and while I was concerned about this, the reality is that the sheer softness of the padding prevents this from causing issues. I believe the phenom and bridge are like more traditional long [nose] The Power Saddle with Mimic is the same foundation as the Power Saddle sans Mimic. I meant Power as the third saddle to compare. I ride a lot of long dirt roads , as well as places like BRB and Modders . The specialized phenom has long time durability. Those differences also mean a price difference of $100. Best road bike pedals. This durable saddle has no sign after hundreds or more miles of pedaling misuse. But more importantly, the differing soft materials seem to provide a perch that makes me happier to stay in a single position. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. I suspect the more standard black model would be better in this regard. Saddle selection can be such a fickle thing. But if you see the review of these two saddles, you can find the losers and the winner for your bike. We are here to provide proper information on specialized romin vs phenom and help you to choose with your findings. These two differentials depend on you which one you want to use. The shape does not look so much different to a Scoop radius from what I can see, apart from the a central channel. The saddle is really well constructed. If don't move alot on your saddle then go with the power saddle. If you move alot then go with the Phenom. I even switched my road saddle to Phenom The Print+ membership where Singletrack magazine drops through your door, plus full digital access, is normally 45, now only 22.50 with the code. Dimensions of specialized romin and phenom are 143, 168mm, or 155 wide and 143mm or 155mm wide approximately. 1. He's obviously had the anti-cyclist training. (Romins on my road bikes, like them very much indeed). SWAT-compatible mounts moulded into the saddle base allow for sleek and integrated storage solutions. That saddle offered an amazing blend of softness and support. roadworthy. Lacking a visible central cut-out, the Power Pro Elaston with Mimic may not look like the original Power but it is, in fact, identical in shape. (New annually renewing membership only. I have tried a few since but can't find something I like. Today's best Specialized Power Pro Elaston saddle deals, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices. Specialized S Work Phenom Pro: - Expertly tuned and lightweight. Of course, every rider is different and my apparent incompatibility with the Power Pro is but a blip in whats otherwise a sea of rider praise, including fellow Cyclingnews tech writer Josh Croxton who has had many years of comfort aboard a Power saddle. Its titanium rails bump the weight to 248g and the price down to $130 / TBC / AU$175. I suspect that the wider and slightly flatter shoulders, when compared to the previously reviewed Prologo Scratch, is what causes my discomfort. Specialized Phenom Expert Sele:- Carbon-supported and the Titanium alloy rails are durable. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Our tester finds off-road perch perfection. The FACT carbon body is tuned to offer more flexibility or stiffness where required with flexible shoulders but little medially give. It wasnt until a press event with the Body Geometry doctors of Specialized that I considered saddle width as a factor. I'd perhaps go for a more standard black finish, to avoid the surface wear issue, but otherwise this is now my saddle of choice. Is there a budget-friendly pair of carbon rims 29"? On the opposition side, phenoms give you assurance of comfort and a low friction panel. If you like road.cc, but you dont like ads, please consider subscribing to the site to support us directly. Actually, there is no perfect saddle for riding. Ive got my fingers crossed for a Phenom Mimic, but its more likely that the Oura is next in line. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). I weighed our sample 143mm and 155mm Phenom Pro saddles at 195 and 208g respectively. Specialized took its already-popular Power saddle and added what it has dubbed Mimic technology. 2. It's not bad although there are certainly lighter saddles out there. Im curious what the life of the soft foam will be. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. All saddles are compatible with SWAT, Specializeds discreet under-saddle mounting system for storage. Likewise, theres nothing stopping you from using this saddle on the road. The Power name refers to saddles with a short nose, a flat profile from front to back, and a large central cutout. compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price. If I were buying a long-distance saddle right now I'd plump for one of these without hesitation. try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. In many ways this saddle reminds me of the few months I spent with the S-Works Power Mirror saddle. The smooth seat shroud material and the wings allow the excellent performance and independent movement while shifting in the behind and the front it. No matter how much I praise this saddle, its crucial to repeat that were all different whats worked for me wont necessarily do so for you. Having gone into the details of the saddle in question, heres a little background information and my experience with the Phenom. Reading the marketing material is often as good as it gets with getting an idea of what the saddle will be good for. 155mm. Yes, Would you recommend the product to a friend? See SW Carbon Rail Saddle Guide for installation instructions. With our patented design, MIMIC technology helps create a saddle that Different saddles are honestly just different shapes that may or may not fit different people in different disciplines. Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Lightweight and durable hollow titanium rails. The Phenom was designed ground-up as an off-road saddle. I attribute this comfort to the wider cut out which does a good job of moving pressure away from soft sensitive tissue and avoided a loss of blood flow. From here Specialized offers various price points of the saddles, which dictate the rail, shell, and padding materials used. Integrated Direct Mount Reserve Rack included for bottle/equipment storage solutions. They shouldnt. Cervlo S5 review: A truly exhilarating superbike. Really impressed with it so perhaps give that a try too. Weve noticed youre using an ad blocker. Specialized stores offer a saddle fit service, measuring your sit bones with a non-intrusive test to determine the recommended saddle width. According to Specialized, many female cyclists experience labial numbness, discomfort, and pain an issue that hasnt been adequately addressed within the cycling industry, or at least not with anatomically correct language (which is important, because soft tissue and down there is pretty vague if youre trying to address a specific problem). Cannondale SuperSix Evo 4 First Ride - has the flagship racer traded climbing prowess for all-round performance? Made me think the kick of the tail was too pronounced as it was tipping me forward, but perhaps I just need to scootch the saddle back more (if the rails werent so bloody short anyway ), Only thing Id change about the Phenom is the outer edge wing where its slightly pointed. Because both are specialized in mountains and have special features. 130mm. The saddle is comfortable for the longest ride. I tend to ride a little more upright and shift around on the saddle a fair amount. My only complaint of romin is because the length is a bit too long, i know it is for road, sometimes my shorts would be stuck on the nose or tail. Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. of a carbon-reinforced version, which comes at a 40g weight increase. Interesting, I had understood it was the same padding Level 2 across the whole range (other than the Elaston models). On the opposition side, phenoms give you assurance of comfort **A subreddit about specialized bicycles**, Press J to jump to the feed. Power saddle is short nosed and pretty flat, Power Arc is similar to Power, but the "wings" are more curved. And so it makes sense that I get on rather well with the Power, too. The Power was AWESOME when sitting in one position to grind away at kms. I cant compare against the Power Arc but a 143mm Phenom is almost identical in shape and width to a Charge Spoon. Which One Will Proper Pick for Your Vehicle? Its price of 105 isn't pocket change, but it's less than a lot of other saddles out there. But when on the drops and putting power to the pedals its the best ive tried so far. View our media pack. The saddle really does seem to provide effective support without cutting off vital blood supplies. Personally, I used to fit into the first camp and at some point found myself struggling with overuse injury and have forever been uncomfortably in the second camp. Electric Bikes. The phenom has a little portion of dive in the middle. The Specialized Power Arc Expert saddle is a comfortable and accommodating seat that's capable of keeping you supported over even really long distances without trouble. Phenom and Bridge are two different product families. However, when I rode it at Wolwespruit and Thaba Trails, it was less impressive. if I am looking for a general topic like 'mudguards' Lightweight saddle with minimal padding, but cleverly shaped shell delivers plenty of support and comfort, Cheap saddle that's left me very cheerful: very comfortable, and excellent value, Impressively comfortable, and very, very light, If you are looking to upgrade your saddle, the price, comfort and quality materials here make it hard to overlook, Editorial, general: info [at] road.cc 3. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. The range has also been simplified to make it easier to choose the ideal saddle, according to Specialized. Elaston is currently only found in Specializeds Pro-level saddles. Katherine is the former editor of advntr.cc and has also worked as a presenter on the Global Cycling Network. Specialized boasted on the launch of the Mimic that your vagina will thank you and, from where Im sitting it was absolutely right. There are two widths available. I have a Phenom on my cross bike. Road, mountain, gravel, and many places are perfect for it. The padding does enough to soak up minor vibrations and conform to the body, but its firm enough to hold its shape and maintain support. I recently want from a Gobi to the Specialized Henge which is mtb specific. Really impressed with it so perhaps give that a try too Sitting below the Pro is the Expert, mentioned above. Tell us what you particularly liked about the product, Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product, Would you consider buying the product? Im assuming youve been measured. Most will love the Power Pros shape but my experience goes to show there is no perfect recipe for saddle design, Large cut out relives perineal pressure effectively, Heavy considering it has titanium rails and carbon body. Designed to be set up with the nose flat with an upward rising tail I started in this position and went on to try a range of positions with varying results. The Power Arc is intended to provide better hamstring clearance. Durable hollow Cr-Mo rails. The only difference in name is the word "Arc". Tested the Power now for 4days and various terrain. The Power was AWESOME when sitting in one position to grind away at kms. However, when I rode WebPhenom; Phenom Comp: Distance road or trail: 143. The Toupe tends to put more weight on the sit bones, although being flatter you can slide a little easier on it. Then stick with Specializeds regular Power offerings. So many people ride whatever came with the bike and are none the wiser. . Katherine Moore is Dartmoor-based gravel and bikepacking expert who judges her rides by stoke level, rather than speed. Note how smooth the edges are to prevent short catching, Side on, the Phenom Pro offers smooth edges and a simple aesthetic, Specialized FACT carbon rails save weight but watch out for seatpost compatability, The saddle rails are made as a single piece; theyre extremely strong and well suited to off-road use, The Phenom is available in both 143mm and 155mm widths. This is a very personal decision so be sure you've tried them both for yourself before making your decision. It is the best choice for roadside racing but also suitable for mountain bikes and cyclocross use. Like many memory foam mattresses, how long before the soft foam on the saddle ends up with permanently compressed points, mitigating its benefits? Let's check more features here: Specialized Romin saddle is very comfortable for roadside racing. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Yes! AG2R Citron rumoured to switch to Van Rysel bikes for 2024, Best budget bike helmets of 2023 - look good and stay safe at reasonable prices, Russell Finsterwald and Heather Jackson win at Belgian Waffle Ride California. Tipping the nose down would relieve initial pains but had the opposite effect, creating hot points on my sit bones, fatigue in my legs and numb hands as the miles racked up. Because it gives you more comfortable to ride. Specialized only offer the Elaston padding on the Pro model. The versatility department makes with outstanding performance and comfort if the phenom. It's solidly built and not too heavy. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 1 Continue this thread And that fairly regular movement means that I previously found the more locked position of the original Power saddle started to feel a little firm after a while. Mimic technology, regardless of how much testing, research, and fancy materials are used, is a simple concept: Soft material where there is soft tissue to mimic our bodies. The Romin Evo with Mimic comes in Pro, Expert and Comp levels, while the Phenom with Mimic is available in Expert and Comp. Both are available in 143, 155 and 168mm widths. The Power Pro is a unisex saddle and Specialized has satisfied themselves through their own blood-flow testing and pressure mapping that the Power Pro will offer Specialized says: "The new Power Arc Expert saddle expands on the success of our original Power saddle. The rails give 5cm adjustment, be careful when shuffling the saddle to the right position as the black finish, and adjustment markings, will easily scratch off making saddle adjustment more of a guessing game. We even took this ideology a step further via an extra wide and elongated Body Geometry channel that's been proven through blood flow testing and pressure mapping to reduce numbness and pressure on unwanted areas". Watch to get professional road cyclist Joe Dombrowskis view. Standard Romin i dont get on with though at all. I have ridden both . Kept the Power saddle on my MTB . I ride a lot of long dirt roads , as well as places like BRB and Modders . Find it very comf While specialized romin ensures you about the durability and improvement of blood flow in the tissues. an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value with value determined by how a product Selle San Marco, for example, makes some saddles that are very similar in style to this one (short and with a cutout) and which are also lighter, but they also cost a bit more and from my experience definitely feel different on longer rides. If you want the saddle at a low price with high performance then we think that specialized phenom is proper to pick for you. ), was also intended for women and coincidentally also seems rather great for men. Loving your detailed analysis P7eaven, nice to see Im not the only one who overthinks saddles! So far I've tried the Phenom.