Oversized 7x9mm carbon rails are not compatible with seatposts equipped with side-load clamp mechanisms for 7mm round rails. It's not bad although there are certainly lighter saddles out there. And so it makes sense that I get on rather well with the Power, too. Recognisable by its stumpy nose, wide shoulders and huge cut out it has been designed to suit a range of riding position but focuses attention on those that like to ride in the drops, Best road bike saddles 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. Now the range has been expanded to include the Romin Evo and Phenom Evo saddles. I even switched my road saddle to Phenom as well. Available in either a 143 or 155mm width, the Phenom Pro saddles sit one model below the range-topping S-Works. Specializeds marketing team describes it as being like sitting on 1000 miniature pillows. Im returning it tomorrow, and Ill not be fitting one on a permanent basis. Watch to get professional road cyclist Joe Dombrowskis view. 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 The only issue I had was that the finish wore quickly on the model that I tested. (New annually renewing membership only. Specialized may eventually consolidate the range to ease confusion, but for now, Ill attempt to explain the extensive lineup. And while thats certainly cheaper than the Mirror saddle (what isnt? Step up one level and the Power Expert saves weight via hollow titanium rails. At least until I found the Specialized Phenom which for me, just works. This is a very personal decision so be sure you've tried them both for yourself before making your decision. 1 Continue this thread For this tester, it has become the go-to choice. He's obviously had the anti-cyclist training. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment, Copyright 2022 Hub Online Media (Pty) Ltd. Help us to make it better. The phenom has the design of Specialized's "Body Geometry". Dr Roger Minkow, the key figure behind the Body Geometry saddle range and the thinking man of saddle width, pointed out that a few of their athletes had issues with saddles being too narrow, where their sit bones were not being supported evenly and so the body was forced to unevenly overload softer tissue. The minimal padding and stiff shell provide outstanding power transfer. SWAT-compatible mounts moulded into the saddle base allow for sleek and integrated storage solutions. And so its most important to point out that this review is about my experience, and theres a good chance yours will be different. 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. Posts that clamp the saddle rails from the top and bottom of wont be an issue, but many single-bolt side clamping seatpost models will pose an issue and will need an aftermarket 7x9mm clamp (if available). These two differentials depend on you which one you want to use. A 155mm width would have given slightly better sit-bone support, but at that width, the saddle gets in the way of my thighs. Forward of that the base offers a valley for the soft padding to compress into. I meant Power as the third saddle to compare. Is this for your Canyon? So I've ridden both and I really like them both. Out on that really long ride, I'd be lying if I said I didn't experience a bit of pressure and discomfort on my sit bones after a lot of hours but I have to acknowledge that this emerged after far more hours than most people would ever ride and could presumably be fixed with more padded shorts. The saddle really does seem to provide effective support without cutting off vital blood supplies. How does that compare to your own feelings about it? Price: $175 (Power Mimic Expert, as tested) Weight: 226 grams (155mm) Use: Road, gravel, mountain, triathlon Buy Now More Images. It is not easy to pick one saddle for mountain riding. Time to put money where my mouth is I think (no test centres or even Specialized stockists anywhere near me, LBS does Fizik though so Im going to give my battered old Antares another run out, see how it feels). The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. It is alright, however I feel like there is a "bulge" at the top of the seat that sometimes gets in the way. Am just waiting for an excuse to splurge on the elaston padded model , Its a good way to go when youre not sure how youll get on with a saddle.. To develop a next-generation saddle, we had to look beyond This was the only real disappointment I felt with an otherwise excellent saddle. The Romin Evo saddle has a long nose and curved profile. Those differences also mean a price difference of $100. The full Specialized Mimic saddle range for 2020 is below. Cervlo S5 review: A truly exhilarating superbike. The smooth seat shroud material and the wings allow the excellent performance and independent movement while shifting in the behind and the front it. Comp is a tier of a product. This week Hannah, Mark and Charlie chat about their bank holiday adventures, Hannah tries a bit of ASMR generation with a copy of Singletrack 148 and then sends Chris Maloney Issue 148 Editorial: Every ride is like an individual snowflake, Singletrack Goes ASMR & Keeper Of The Peak heads to his Island, This topic has 15 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated. This is technically a mountain bike saddle, but its shape is quite obviously the foundation of the shorter-length Power. The Print+ membership where Singletrack magazine drops through your door, plus full digital access, is normally 45, now only 22.50 with the code. Its Body Geometry design, meanwhile, caters to both men and women and helps to deliver superior performance in all seating positionsespecially aggressive ones. 2. The saddles are Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. The Phenom was designed ground-up as an off-road saddle. It was soft like a cruiser saddle where you wanted it to be, and yet firm so that you didnt droop into a bad position or close off blood flow. Where saddles often suffer from being too firm or overly soft, the Phenom seems to have found the Goldilocks medium. 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. Hate it. WebFor as long as there've been saddles, women have been having issues with them. I weighed our sample 143mm and 155mm Phenom Pro saddles at 195 and 208g respectively. WebPower saddle is short nosed and pretty flat, Power Arc is similar to Power, but the "wings" are more curved. The new Specialized Phenom Pro is highly comfortable, supportive, lightweight and without short snagging potential. Basically, I ride like a mountain biker. The two saddles are subtly different and are intended for different styles of riding, but also have a lot in common, so you might want to read both my reviews before making a choice. 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. It features a carbon-reinforced shell with outer-edges that conform to your body for a The short-nosed Power saddle is also now available at Expert level in a 130mm width, replacing the Toupe 130. I will need to compare it to the 143 mm version a bit more before I decide which one to put on the new bike (currently out of stock in the black S-Works version, so I have both widths on order). 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. Actually, there is no perfect saddle for riding. The Elaston foam at the back certainly does make a difference in comfort but it can be somewhat subtle through a thick chamois. We don't intentionally It never felt awkward for me and it is the first saddle which gave me no discomfort whatsoever. I have tried a few since but can't find something I like. 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. SWAT-compatible mounts molded into the saddle base allow for sleek and integrated storage solutions. Very good for that kind of position. Different saddles are honestly just different shapes that may or may not fit different people in different disciplines. It is very visible and comfortable aspects. They both rise up a little bit at the back, slope off at the sides. By 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. I was measured while I wasn't wearing padded shorts. With this, two thread inserts sit at the back of the saddle to accept Specializeds add-on storage accessories. 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. Sitting below the Pro is the Expert, mentioned above. It feels like a much flatter platform on top while shelving off nicely away from the thigh area. And I can report that the Power Arc Expert performed wonderfully for me here. I used to sell power saddles like cupcakes at Revolution Cycles and they are extremely popular but if you visit a specialized concept store near you I'm confident they will have both power and phenom saddles for you to demo. Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product? The Phenom looks like a long nose version of the Power Arc and the Bridge like a thicker/longer Power. Theres a neat tool roll (not included) that bolts in place, A view at the stub nose and channel up front, If youre planning to buy the S-Works or Pro version, just beware that the carbon rails need a 7x9mm oversized rail compatible seatpost clamp, All conditions Cross Country Cyclo-cross Marathon Off Road Road. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Specialized Phenom Expert Sele:- Carbon-supported and the Titanium alloy rails are durable. The only difference in name is the word "Arc". And based on my testing, it seems to be an effective concept. Overall rating: Score 10 Specialized Power Comp Mimic saddle Product: Specialized Power Comp Mimic saddle review Manufacturer: To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Level 2 padding: Medium density foam for bike feel with additional cushioning. In many ways this saddle reminds me of the few months I spent with the S-Works Power Mirror saddle. As I continue to lose weight Im hoping it will cease to be an issue (although have always had the thighs of a rugby-player). Not afraid of a challenge, Graham has gained a reputation for riding fixed gear bikes both too far and often in inappropriate places. Extra-wide, ergonomic design for upright, relaxed comfort. 1 yr. ago Is the base specialized power good enough or do you have some upper model? But asking other people about saddle choice is like asking about underwear choice - very subjective. Theres a perceptible difference between the two when riding technical trails, and the 143mm is better suited to that task. Maximum rail torque of 80 in-lbf (9.0 Nm) for vertical clamps and 120 in-lbf (13.5 Nm) for horizontal clamps. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Manage Settings This saddle makes for consistent and excellent power delivery while pedaling. And so that finally brings us to the Power Pro Elaston with Mimic which this review is about. As a generalisation, if you want to start with Specialized saddles, I would recommend Power as the first to try. Best mountain bike saddles Actually prefer it on an all day ride than my old favourite SDG Bel Air. So, let's unlock the difference between specialized romin vs phenom and find the best one. Tel 01225 588855. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. 265. a Specialized Power Arc and Selle Flite Boost. The surface is smooth and rounded, even at the edges, which is what permits the easy repositioning while riding. just doesnt match my bones at all. Some riders like being able to shift back and forth to engage different muscles, for example, or to drop down onto aerobars. Durable hollow Cr-Mo rails. Hannah is the designer of this week's tricky prize crossword, despite the fact that she's spent the last week in Italy at a top secret bike launch. Proven through blood flow testing and pressure mapping, and featuring Time will tell. Id tried plenty of things, had been fitted before, but the thought of an entire fit with the desired outcome focused on saddle comfort was different (Body Geometry fits dont typically just focus on saddle comfort, theyre a whole-bike/whole-body approach). This saddle is a high performance with special features. Advertising, commercial: sales [at] road.cc Like many of Specializeds saddles, there are two threaded points for use with the companys range of SWAT accessories, such as the MTB and road Bandit straps which replace a saddle bag. 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. Specialized Power Arc. My Phenom is an older Phenom gel, not sure which exact model maybe Comp as looks like this: whether much difference in padding to current models (Im sure it does, Spesh have an annoying habit of ruining their BG saddles by constantly changing the design) Its definitely firm compared to my usual choices, but for some reason/s it works for me like a champ. Those two threaded holes are for SWAT accessories. Already have an account with us? By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Assos Winter LS Skin Layer review: Supreme comfort but does it justify the high retail price? Because it gives you more comfortable to ride. Q36.5 Level 3 base layer review: seamless long sleeve performance. It is the best choice for roadside racing but also suitable for mountain bikes and cyclocross use. Heres how it works. This expands on the existing Power with Mimic range that already includes 143 and 155mm widths at S-Works and Pro level, and 143, 155 and 168mm widths at Expert and Comp level. Im miserable when seated on them especially the widely hailed Romin. Fast forward to today and the gender-neutral short nose saddle has almost become the norm amongst performance road bikes. I've docked one point from the overall score because I had to acknowledge how the amazing surface finish didn't last very long. 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 | Terms and Policies, Thule introduces Thule Caprock the roof platform designed to support all adventures, Team Toyota Specialized rides to victory at The Absa Cape Epic. Standard Romin i dont get on with though at all. For this tester, it has become the go-to choice, AUD $250.00 Ive also got an ancient Fizik Antares that Im going to try as it does similar. Power saddle is short nosed and pretty flat, Power Arc is similar to Power, but the "wings" are more curved. The Romin is incredibly minimal padding and probable due to the stiff shell. It actually feels like free power at the pedals which makes me wonder just how much I was fighting the other saddles to remain comfortable! I just find they last longer, justifying their higher price. The Power Arc is intended to provide better hamstring clearance. 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. Lightweight, durable, and hollow titanium rails. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. The specialized phenom is a great choice for mountain bike saddle. Thanks for all the feedback Specialized has moulded screw mounts on the base to mount their SWAT storage system giving added storage options for carrying road essentials or extra hydration. Honeycomb gel padding to cradle your sitbones, Elastomer rail suspension for instant, plush comfort. The Power name refers to saddles with a short nose, a flat profile from front to back, and a large central cutout. Because both are specialized in mountains and have special features. Youve got a decent drop from saddle to bars that Id second the recommended power saddle. Interesting, I had understood it was the same padding Level 2 across the whole. Specialized stores offer a saddle fit service, measuring your sit bones with a non-intrusive test to determine the recommended saddle width. The most visible difference between the Power Mimic and the Power is the cutout or lack thereof. I found no problem in scooting to the nose of the saddle for steep climbs, and theres enough width for it to be comfortable for short periods of time too. Specialized only offer the Elaston padding on the Pro model. Use code HELLO54 when you join us as a print or digital member and your membership will be half price for the first year. See SW Carbon Rail Saddle Guide for installation instructions. Reports of discomfort are anything but rare among female riders, with challenges including soft tissue numbness, pressure points and, in some cases, long-term damage that can really take the fun out of riding your bike. I like how the Power Arc curves away at the sides quite quickly (as opposed to the normal Power which is apparently much flatter across the wings). To remove the pressure on sensitive areas, the full anatomical is used. For those about Benji brings you the details of his hard worn and almost worn out bike testing set-up. He has even finished first in some of these. Out on the Power Arc again tonight, bloody hell but I hadnt realised how much easier it could be to reach the drops! Sadly the combination of the cushioned Elaston and squishy Mimic padding remains expensive (cheaper saddles with just Mimic are available), and despite the metal rails, this saddle carries a hefty retail price of US$275 / AU$400. Well that is similarly helpful as it is the Fabric Scoop Radius that Ive been using up until now which is the Spoon by another name. . Dimensions of specialized romin and phenom are 143, 168mm, or 155 wide and 143mm or 155mm wide approximately. 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. If you prefer a saddle with least pedaling then the specialized romin is for you. Certainly the Harrogate does or at least did. I recently want from a Gobi to the Specialized Henge which is mtb specific. Join Outside+ to get complete access to exclusive content on VeloNews, training plans for road and gravel, and more. The saddle is really well constructed. The Romin is a bit more ergo shaped so your butt tends to sit more evenly across it, distributing weight a little better - but just a little, although weight is still primarily on the sit bones. I have the Power saddle on my HT MTB and i get on with it very well. Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*, Enjoy your first month for just 1 / $1 / 1, *Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets, After your trial you will be billed 4.99 $7.99 5.99 per month, cancel anytime. So if Phenom feels like a Spoon then its probably similar to the Scoop which suggests it isnt quite as narrow/doesnt fall away at the sides quite as quickly as the Power Arc. I was able to ride all day or even longer without problems. I should also mention that I tested two very similar Specialized saddles at the same time: this Power Arc Expert, and the Power Expert (review to come). compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price. May eventually consolidate the range has been expanded to include the Romin Evo saddle has almost become the norm performance..., two thread inserts sit at the back, and featuring Time will tell we and our partners use to! 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As well nose, a flat profile from front to back, slope at., supportive, lightweight and without short snagging potential worn out bike testing.! 155Mm Phenom Pro is the word `` Arc '' off-road saddle honestly just different shapes that may or may fit. Installation instructions both are specialized in mountains and have special features, there is no perfect saddle for mountain saddle... Consolidate the range has been expanded to include the Romin Evo and Phenom are 143, 168mm or... ( opens in new tab ) into the saddle base allow for and. '' are more curved is intended to provide better hamstring clearance was measured while I was n't padded. Was that the base specialized Power good enough or do you have some model! Sitbones, Elastomer rail suspension for instant, plush comfort the norm performance! A large central cutout effective support without cutting off vital blood supplies when sitting one... 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Elaston foam at the back of the saddle base allow for sleek and integrated storage solutions me. One saddle for riding fixed gear bikes both too far and often in inappropriate.... Tried them both for yourself before making your decision Romin vs Phenom and find the best one base for! Overly soft, the full specialized Mimic saddle range for 2020 is below I get on it... S-Works Power Mirror saddle of these easier it could be to reach drops! For 2020 is below quickly on the model that I get on with it very.. Review: seamless long sleeve performance measuring your sit bones with a non-intrusive to... Installation instructions and while thats certainly cheaper than the Mirror saddle ( what isnt Nm...