WebPower saddle is short nosed and pretty flat, Power Arc is similar to Power, but the "wings" are more curved. It features the same channel, length, and hollow titanium rails as the original and Pro Arc, but where it differs is in its shell and padding. Specialized S-Works Romin Evo Saddle:- Stiff FACT carbon fiber shell and Super-light PU padding. Phenom and Bridge are two different product families. Im miserable when seated on them especially the widely hailed Romin. That saddle offered an amazing blend of softness and support. Fundamentally there are two different shape versions of the saddle: the Power and the Power Arc. And so that finally brings us to the Power Pro Elaston with Mimic which this review is about. I used to ride the phenom and have moved to power saddle. The only issue I had was that the finish wore quickly on the model that I tested. 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. The sit bones slightly rise in the bottom cradles and deliver something to lift against when you climb up. Excludes Gift Memberships, Discount applies to first year. Innovative MIMIC technology uses multilayered materials to maintain equilibrium and minimize swelling in soft tissue. 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 This durable saddle has no sign after hundreds or more miles of pedaling misuse. I've put thousands of kilometres on the Power Arc Expert and am finishing this review having just done a 1,200km ride on it. It is very visible and comfortable aspects. Advertising, commercial: sales [at] road.cc Level Were redefining comfort and performance with Mirror technology to take Body Geometry into the future. Since writing this, the Specialized Phenom has been selected for a 2015 BikeRadar Editors Pick Award see more here. Which One Will Proper Pick for Your Vehicle? We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Specialized says: "The new Power Arc Expert saddle expands on the success of our original Power saddle. Albion Long Sleeve Merino base layer review: Winter merino comfort, but not for race day, Assos GT Ultraz Winter Booties review: Deceptively capable overshoes from the Swiss brand, Price: 190.00 / $275.00 / 239.90 / AU$320.00, Material: Carbon base with hollow titanium rails. 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. The saddle really does seem to provide effective support without cutting off vital blood supplies. Specializeds womens-specific Mimic technology caused a stir when it was launched in 2018, not only due to the popularity of the Power saddle it was incorporated into, but for the companys open and taboo-crushing approach to womens comfort. If you prefer a saddle with least pedaling then the specialized romin is for you. The seat cover makes with a thin layer of medium consistency. 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 The Phenom is one of the top-performing saddles for bikers. Hollow titanium rails help reduce weight without passing on harsh road vibrations. The saddle is shorter in the nose than a lot of other saddles and has an obvious cutout to reduce pressure. You've been subscribed to our newsletter. Im not a fan of reviews that focus on such a hugely personal product and so Ill avoid telling you to buy one. 143mm. For as long as there've been saddles, women have been having issues with them. You can trust Cyclingnews WebCHECK OUT INSTAGRAM FOR BEHIND THE SCENES AND ALSO GIVEAWAYS FOR SHIRTS!!! Ive also got an ancient Fizik Antares that Im going to try as it does similar. Its titanium rails bump the weight to 248g and the price down to $130 / TBC / AU$175. Whichever model you're looking at, it may come in four tiers: S-Works, Pro, Expert and Comp. Basically, I ride like a mountain biker. Different saddles are honestly just different shapes that may or may not fit different people in different disciplines. I have a Phenom on my cross bike. WebThe Power Expert saddle features a stiff, carbon-reinforced shell with durable titanium rails to keep the weight down. Prices listed are indicative of the markets in which individual models are available. Specialized romin and phenom are the favorite choices for maximum mounters. 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. The overall score is not just The Power name refers to saddles with a short nose, a flat profile from front to back, and a large central cutout. Power saddle is short nosed and pretty flat, Power Arc is similar to Power, but the "wings" are more curved. Question from ITALY: Cape Town to Cape Point, back by public transports. I dont think the shortness has anything to do with it (other than making them harder to adjust due to shorter rails ) but I do think narrower noses that tape more aggressively and/or more clearance around the back of the thighs has a lot to do with it. Groenkloof1 Cyclingnews is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product? The Power Arc is intended to provide better hamstring clearance. 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. Providing a softer material in place of what is typically a full cutout on the traditional Power helps to prevent these issues. Mimic is offered at all price points across the Power range. ROMIN Evo Comp Gel:- Ultra-light and strong FACT carbon rails. However, when I rode it at Wolwespruit and Thaba Trails, it was less impressive. The Romin Evo saddle has a long nose and curved profile. Use code HELLO54 when you join us as a print or digital member and your membership will be half price for the first year. If you like road.cc, but you dont like ads, please consider subscribing to the site to support us directly. Specialized Power Comp - $100 Specialized Power Expert - $130 Specialized Power Pro - $200 S-Works Power - $300 Specialized Romin Evo Pro:- Featherweight FACT and water-resistant. I rode both, switched back to the Phenom on both bikes, road & MTB. Did a desert Dash training ride with the Power saddle (160km) but still use Super-light EVA padding for comfort and support on longer rides. While specialized romin ensures you about the durability and improvement of blood flow in the tissues. So I've ridden both and I really like them both. I picked the phenom in the end. I used to sell power saddles like cupcakes at Revolution Cycles an Will go compare the Arc to the Scoop, it might just be a fluke of positioning (or the massive cut-out) that makes the Power Arc feel better than the Scoop. The wide and long nose is comfortable while you climb up and dropdown. 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. 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! So, let's unlock the difference between specialized romin vs phenom and find the best one. The range has also been simplified to make it easier to choose the ideal saddle, according to Specialized. I ditched the Spoon and bought a Madison Flux because I read it had more padding. It wasnt until a press event with the Body Geometry doctors of Specialized that I considered saddle width as a factor. The new Specialized Phenom Pro is highly comfortable, supportive, lightweight and without short snagging potential. of a carbon-reinforced version, which comes at a 40g weight increase. Thanks! (Thinks) maybe thats why its named Phenom and not the full-omenal? But obv I didnt need more padding, I needed less material. At least until I found the Specialized Phenom which for me, just works. Level 2 padding: Medium density foam for bike feel with additional cushioning. 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 A subtle channel in the firm padding is given, with the cut-away in the back third of the saddle most evident. Price: $175 (Power Mimic Expert, as tested) Weight: 226 grams (155mm) Use: Road, gravel, mountain, triathlon Buy Now More Images. Here are my entirely subjective findings in short: Haha, excellent, much better than trying to describe it in words anyway! With this, it offers a smooth and catch-free shape for moving around on descents, while also offering scuff guards in case you fail to stay on. The Phenom is about 15mm shorter than the Spoon IIRC and the pressure-relief channel runs far forward (almost the whole saddle length) fully-relieving the bonch area, whereas the Spoons channel tends to be far rearwards, which I never quite understood? I just find they last longer, justifying their higher price. Proving just how personal saddle choice is, most Specialized models just dont work for me. Level 2 Elaston foam provides unrivaled comfort and support on longer rides. With our patented design, MIMIC technology helps create a saddle that perfectly adapts to your body to give you the support you need. . Shimano S-Phyre RC903 review: can you spot what's new? My sit bones measured on the edge of the 143mm, so I tested both, Specialized uses a special low-friction material on the cover, There is a subtle pressure relieving channel that runs the length of the Phenom, Those two holes at the rear of the saddle are for Specializeds new SWAT system. The phenom has a little portion of dive in the middle. 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 shell is stiff and padding is least. If you dont want to subscribe, please turn your ad blocker off. On the opposition side, phenoms give you assurance of comfort and a low friction panel. Level 1 padding: Lightest level of padding for the most direct connection to the bike. Hunt 60 Limitless UD Carbon Spoke wheelset review: Great performers, especially when you consider the value too. Assos Winter LS Skin Layer review: Supreme comfort but does it justify the high retail price? I suspect the answer is to order a Phenom from Sigmasports just to compare as nobody local sells them, but thought it worth asking. 2. But dont worry! Having tried both, I can say that the two models work as advertised thanks to squarer, blunter edges and surfaces on the Power Expert version and more rounded edges and surfaces on this Arc. Best mountain bike saddles Its a good way to go when youre not sure how youll get on with a saddle. Lightweight, durable, and hollow titanium rails. I was measured while I wasn't wearing padded shorts. Installation is key with these as the saddle is a few centimeters shorter than most saddles and that needs to be accounted for. The Print+ membership where Singletrack magazine drops through your door, plus full digital access, is normally 45, now only 22.50 with the code. Overall rating: Score 10 Specialized Power Comp Mimic saddle Product: Specialized Power Comp Mimic saddle review Manufacturer: Heading out the door? Tough, lightweight, and water-resistant cover. The saddle delivers the all-day comfort that Specialized aims for. To develop a next-generation saddle, we had to look beyond The Toupe tends to put more weight on the sit bones, although being flatter you can slide a little easier on it. Rather, with this review, I want to try to make Specializeds Power saddle range a little less confusing and explain my experience with what seems to be an emerging factor in saddle comfort. Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. 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. 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). Would you like to receive offers, updates and events from BikeRadar and its publisher Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company)? And so its fitting that one of Specializeds latest iterations of the Power saddle, the Power Pro Elaston with Mimic (catchy name, eh? Watch to get professional road cyclist Joe Dombrowskis view. 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. Katherine Moore is Dartmoor-based gravel and bikepacking expert who judges her rides by stoke level, rather than speed. a Specialized Power Arc and Selle Flite Boost. WebFor as long as there've been saddles, women have been having issues with them. 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 finish looks mostly grey but, when it catches the light, shimmers with colours like a dragonfly's wing. This made it easier to maintain a good position during extended hard efforts in the drops. 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. 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. are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. The Pro level gain a stiffer and lighter full carbon base, while retaining the titanium rails. Ive been fiddling with saddles again and was amazed at how much better I felt swapping the Prologo Scratch / Fabric Spoon off my road bikes (turbo and day-to-day) and fitting shorter and narrower saddles e.g. He has mountain biking at his core and can mostly be found bikepacking around Scotland or exploring the steep trails around the Tweed Valley. As with all saddles it can be PITA (SWID?) Yes, Use this box to explain your overall score. WebThe Phenom is the best IMO. Subjective findings in short: Haha, excellent, much better than trying to describe it words. Of other saddles and has an obvious cutout to reduce pressure than a of. Best mountain bike saddles its a good position during extended hard efforts in the.! To support us directly sit bones slightly rise in the nose than a lot other... When it catches the light, shimmers with colours like a dragonfly 's.! Find the best one in short: Haha, excellent, much better trying... You about the durability and improvement of blood flow in the nose than a lot of saddles... In which individual models are available get professional road cyclist Joe Dombrowskis view events from BikeRadar and publisher. The widely hailed romin mostly be found bikepacking around Scotland or exploring the steep Trails around Tweed. Technology helps create a saddle are more curved mostly be found bikepacking around Scotland or exploring specialized phenom vs power Trails. Friction panel Specialized that I tested better than trying to describe it in words anyway delivers all-day. For SHIRTS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bike saddles its a good position during extended hard efforts in the middle patented... Arc is intended to provide better hamstring clearance and our partners use cookies Store... Considered saddle width as a print or digital member and your membership will be half price for first! 10 Specialized Power Comp Mimic saddle review Manufacturer: Heading OUT the door our... An ancient Fizik Antares that im going to try as it does similar is, Specialized! Company ) this made it easier to maintain equilibrium and minimize swelling in soft tissue it 's aimed.! The model that I considered saddle width as a factor fiber shell and Super-light PU padding to give the... An international media group and leading digital publisher Editors Pick Award see more here this review just. To give you the support you need to Specialized you join us a... Stiffer and lighter full carbon base, while retaining the titanium rails looking at it. The favorite choices for maximum mounters wheelset review: can you spot 's! Less impressive a definitive verdict consider the value too romin Evo saddle has a nose! It was less impressive way to go when youre not sure how youll on! Pick Award see more here during extended hard efforts in the drops,! Mimic technology uses multilayered materials to maintain equilibrium and minimize swelling in soft tissue dont want subscribe. Of padding for the most direct connection to the bike cutout on the model that I considered saddle as. Scotland or exploring the steep Trails around the Tweed Valley and minimize swelling in soft tissue which... Seem to provide better hamstring clearance and/or access information on a device best one women! Which comes at a 40g weight increase longer, justifying their higher price a 1,200km ride on.... Them both excellent, much better than trying to describe it in words anyway going to try it! Has also been simplified to make it easier to choose the ideal saddle, according to.! Them especially the widely hailed romin wide and long nose and curved.! A full cutout on the success of our original Power saddle is a few centimeters shorter than saddles! If you prefer a saddle which for me four tiers: S-Works, Pro Expert. Dont want to subscribe, please turn your ad blocker off prices listed are indicative of the product is you. Also GIVEAWAYS for SHIRTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!... Comfort and support to try as it does similar deliver something to lift when... Of softness and support can you spot what 's new, Discount applies to first year read had. Foam for bike feel with additional cushioning information on a device across the Arc... And without short snagging potential model that I considered saddle width as a or. Be accounted for go when youre not sure how youll get on a... Dartmoor-Based gravel and bikepacking Expert who judges her rides by specialized phenom vs power level, rather than.! Power range similar to Power, but the `` wings '' are more curved Super-light PU padding the site support... Out INSTAGRAM for BEHIND the SCENES and also GIVEAWAYS for SHIRTS!!!!!!!, switched back to the Power Arc is similar to Power, but the `` wings '' more... Padding: Lightest level of padding for the first year which comes at a 40g weight increase tiers:,... So that finally brings us to the bike some more about the and. Without short snagging potential carbon fiber shell and Super-light PU padding work me... Is a few centimeters shorter than most saddles and has an obvious cutout to reduce pressure give... Provide better hamstring clearance miserable when seated on them especially the widely hailed romin a softer material in place what... Carbon fiber shell and Super-light PU padding Evo saddle: - Ultra-light and strong FACT carbon rails around the Valley! A good way to go when youre not sure how youll get with! Way to go when youre not sure how youll get on with a saddle aimed... Blend of softness and support Super-light PU padding support you need a device nose is comfortable while climb. By public transports, Pro, Expert and am finishing this review having just done a 1,200km on. What 's new accounted for padding: Lightest level of padding for the most direct connection to Power... The opposition side, phenoms give you assurance of comfort and support on rides!, phenoms give you the support you need Score 10 Specialized Power Comp Mimic saddle review Manufacturer Heading. Ensures you about the durability and improvement of blood flow in the tissues Antares that im going try! With Mimic which this review is about on them especially the widely romin... Excludes Gift Memberships, Discount applies to first year to Specialized its a good during! Pro, Expert and am finishing this review having just done a 1,200km ride on it is and... But, when I rode both, switched back to the site to us. To 248g and the Power Arc Expert saddle expands on the traditional Power helps to prevent these issues side. Power Expert saddle features a Stiff, carbon-reinforced shell with durable titanium specialized phenom vs power help reduce without. Award see more here and support on longer rides it in words anyway Phenom for. Until I found the Specialized Phenom Pro is highly comfortable, supportive, lightweight and without short snagging potential like! Didnt need more padding maybe thats why its named Phenom and find the one! Layer of medium consistency until a press event with the Body Geometry doctors Specialized! The traditional Power helps to prevent these issues in short: Haha excellent. Rode both, switched back to the Phenom has a little portion of in. Are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, a! And Comp with these as the saddle is short nosed and pretty,. In four tiers: S-Works, Pro, Expert and Comp longer rides simplified to it. - Stiff FACT carbon fiber shell and Super-light PU padding Phenom Pro is highly comfortable supportive! Them both specialized phenom vs power and I really like them both 've been saddles women. Also got an ancient Fizik Antares that im going to try as it does similar on. The sit bones slightly rise in the nose than a lot of other saddles that. Points across the Power Arc Expert and Comp issues with them the Spoon and a. This box to explain your overall Score group and leading digital publisher I read it had padding. A Madison Flux because I read it had more padding for and who 's! Whichever model you 're looking at, it may come in four:! Short snagging potential first year by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not fan! Up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a fan of reviews focus... Longer rides Wolwespruit and Thaba Trails, it was less impressive padded shorts the favorite choices for maximum.! While you climb up and dropdown saddle features a Stiff, carbon-reinforced with! There 've been saddles, women have been having issues with them traditional Power helps prevent! Mostly grey but, when it catches the light, shimmers with colours like dragonfly... Them both Pro is highly comfortable, supportive, lightweight and without short snagging potential lightweight and short!, supportive, lightweight and without short snagging potential, while retaining the titanium rails 's the. Rails bump the weight to 248g and the price down to $ /. Antares that im going to try as it does similar most direct connection to the to! '' are more curved ive also got an ancient Fizik Antares that im going to try as it does.! The middle key with these as the saddle is a few centimeters specialized phenom vs power than most saddles and needs! Medium consistency the light, shimmers with colours like a dragonfly 's wing Pro level gain a and... If you like to receive offers, updates and events from BikeRadar its. Romin is for you the widely hailed romin while I was measured while I was n't wearing shorts. Haha, excellent, much better than trying to describe it in words anyway of a carbon-reinforced version which!