This is technically a mountain bike saddle, but its shape is quite obviously the foundation of the shorter-length Power. At US$450 / AU$690 I truly wish it wasnt the best saddle Ive ever used. 2. Did a desert Dash training ride with the Power saddle (160km) but still used the Phenom for the actual event 2 weeks later. 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. With our patented design, MIMIC technology helps create a saddle that perfectly adapts to your body to give you the support you need. 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. Its Specializeds first saddle to combine both the Elaston and Mimic technologies into one saddle, and given the high price, I hope it wont be the last. The Elaston foam at the back certainly does make a difference in comfort but it can be somewhat subtle through a thick chamois. Already have an account with us? Viewing 16 posts - 1 through 16 (of 16 total), Specialized Phenom vs. 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. Tough, lightweight, water-resistant Micromatrix cover. In fact I think the only flaw might be that it isnt a saddle for sitting up and bimbling (much like the Flite Boost). Others struggle for comfort, forever seeking that Holy Grail. But for comfort I can't seriously fault it. Thanks! Compare that to a regular Power Expert saddle (with Level 2 PU padding) which I measured at 53-55 at the most padded rearward part, and 62 at the nose. Even if that were the case (not entirely convinced), OTOH I have a very different experience of the two saddles in use. I think you would need to try both however i find that for me the shorter saddles work best. But where some see unsolvable problems, we see practical solutions. With lightweight oval (7x9mm) carbon rails, the Phenom Pro may not be compatible with all seatposts. (New annually renewing membership only. Lightweight and supportive PU padding for comfort and support on longer rides. **A subreddit about specialized bicycles**, Press J to jump to the feed. Really impressed with it so perhaps give that a try too. Actually prefer it on an all day ride than my old favourite SDG Bel Air. Mimic technology attempts to replicate the soft tissue that the saddle comes into contact with. SWAT compatible mounts allow for sleek and integrated storage solutions. Power saddle is short nosed and pretty flat, Power Arc is similar to Power, but the "wings" are more curved. The saddle was really comfortable, even over long distances, and didn't induce any numbness or other such problems. 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. Thanks to how the saddle supported my sit bones and thanks to the pressure-relieving cutout, I've just ridden those 1,200km in one go with no tingling or numbness in the old "chamois sausage". The smooth seat shroud material and the wings allow the excellent performance and independent movement while shifting in the behind and the front it. Lightweight, durable, and hollow titanium rails. A subtle channel in the firm padding is given, with the cut-away in the back third of the saddle most evident. The noticeable short length when you got your weight in the center and get the bike lean over, the short length is visible. Finally, you can get into the Phenom shape for US$100 / TBC / AU$120 with the steel-railed Comp model. The shell is stiff and padding is least. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. As with all saddles it can be PITA (SWID?) Specialized only offer the Elaston padding on the Pro model. I just find they last longer, justifying their higher price. Could someone please explain the difference between these three saddles? Wherever you are riding it reduces the pressure on the sensitive parts. Certainly the Harrogate does or at least did. This saddle makes for consistent and excellent power delivery while pedaling. We reviewed the second-tier Phenom Pro, The Specialized Phenom offers a rounded profile that offers a flat base for your sit bones. Dont. More importantly, a good saddle is supposed to provide proper support so that it doesn't harm your body. Save 25% + DMR Trail Gloves + DeathGrips when you subscribe to MBUK magazine, *Spring Savings* Try 6 issues of Cycling Plus for just 9.99 | Save 74% today, The new Phenom Pro is highly comfortable, supportive, lightweight and without short snagging potential. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Specialized may eventually consolidate the range to ease confusion, but for now, Ill attempt to explain the extensive lineup. Tel 01225 588855. Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. ), 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. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. 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. 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 Dont want the extra softness? The short-nosed Power saddle is also now available at Expert level in a 130mm width, replacing the Toupe 130. Electric Bikes. Despite numb hands, it must be noted that I never felt any numbness or discomfort to my delicates. Im curious what the life of the soft foam will be. While specialized romin ensures you about the durability and improvement of blood flow in the tissues. Specialized Power Arc. The round shape is very similar with romin, but phenom is shorter because it is for mtb. 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. 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. The FACT carbon body is tuned to offer more flexibility or stiffness where required with flexible shoulders but little medially give. 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. Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product? Such a personal thing. I love the power saddle, hate the Phenom. But asking other people about saddle choice is like asking about underwear choice Cervlo S5 review: A truly exhilarating superbike. 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. 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 All material FarrellyAtkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA11JB. Whats he using and why? But more importantly, the differing soft materials seem to provide a perch that makes me happier to stay in a single position. Mimic is offered at all price points across the Power range. Since writing this, the Specialized Phenom has been selected for a 2015 BikeRadar Editors Pick Award see more here. but a 143mm Phenom is almost identical in shape and width to a Charge Spoon. Best Cycling Website, BikeBiz Awards 2018, Specialized Power Arc Expert Body Geometry Saddle, in: Plans for 10mph speed limit on Richmond Park hill, in: Controversy over Tadej Pogaar Amstel Gold car slipstream, in: BBC Panorama episode on Oxford low-traffic neighbourhoods, in: Driver arrested after deliberate hit-and-run with cyclist, in: AG2R Citroen to reportedly use Decathlons Van Rysel bikes. Level 3 padding: Low/Medium density foam provides the perfect blend of bike feel and cushioning. Due to its stub nose and little rear hang-over past where your sit bones belong, the saddle offers a relatively short 265mm length. Setup nose flat or slightly raised resulted in immediate discomfort that would slowly dissipate throughout a ride. Katherine Moore is Dartmoor-based gravel and bikepacking expert who judges her rides by stoke level, rather than speed. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Have tilted back a smidge for 80km on Saturday morning, hoping this allows me to sit up in as much comfort as it lets me sit in drops! Out on the Power Arc again tonight, bloody hell but I hadnt realised how much easier it could be to reach the drops! 265. I didnt test this saddle on a TT bike but think that would be an ideal application. For me its the only thing that spoils an otherwise near-perfect saddle. Those who prefer an ultimately firm base to pedal from should stick with the original Power, while those who want a softer perch and are willing to trade off absolute stability will likely find a lot to like in this new model. For best work, you need to have a position in the optimal placed pedaling place. The power saddle being shorter has sorted me out. 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. Thanks for all the feedback The Power was AWESOME when sitting in one position to grind away at kms. Specialized took its already-popular Power saddle and added what it has dubbed Mimic technology. Comp is a tier of a product. The photos here will give you an impression of the effect, but still don't capture its full appeal. Great all-day comfort can be achieved here. I've really struggled with this issue in the past, and finding a saddle that prevents it is a big relief in more ways than one. The Phenom is one of the top-performing saddles for bikers. 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 First ride review: Trek Domane+ SLR 9 eTap, Smooth operator: Trek Domane SLR 9 eTap review, Ergon Allroad collection review: Consider vibrations damped, Review: Specialized S-Works Diverge STR and its Rear Future Shock suspension, The Specialized Diverge STR debuts Rear Future Shock, an innovative approach to gravel suspension. This was the only real disappointment I felt with an otherwise excellent saddle. 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. The Power Pro Elaston with Mimic is like a (slightly) more affordable version of that, but the welcomed squish comes with a bit of movement in the padding at the nose that, to some, will feel like a lack of support. 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. 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. The most visible difference between the Power Mimic and the Power is the cutout or lack thereof. Cannot be used in conjunction with other offers, or when switching memberships), Contact UsPrivacyForum RulesClassifieds RulesLink RemovalNewsletter SettingsAdvertising. Lightweight and supportive PU foam for increased comfort on longer rides. The base connects to black titanium rails in a standard 77 mm round size. Level 2 padding: Medium density foam for bike feel with additional cushioning. See SW Carbon Rail Saddle Guide for installation instructions. This finish looks mostly grey but, when it catches the light, shimmers with colours like a dragonfly's wing. Forward of that the base offers a valley for the soft padding to compress into. 10-15 seconds on the older memory foam ass-o-meter is all you need. The original Power quickly became Specializeds best-selling saddle but, humorously, that was almost by accident. Honeycomb gel padding to cradle your sitbones, Elastomer rail suspension for instant, plush comfort. The stiff shell and aggressive shape are aspects of racing but there is a limitation of commuting and recreational riding. Elaston is currently only found in Specializeds Pro-level saddles. 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? are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. 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. I believe the phenom and bridge are like more traditional long [nose] saddles. 2020 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. All Rights Reserved. And so that finally brings us to the Power Pro Elaston with Mimic which this review is about. Our test model uses Specializeds level 2 padding which has a slim profile and feels very soft at the nose and progressively firmer towards the rear. So far I've tried the Phenom. 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. Specialized boasted on the launch of the Mimic that your vagina will thank you and, from where Im sitting it was absolutely right. Ive also got an ancient Fizik Antares that Im going to try as it does similar. I would like to hear from hubbers who have ridden both the Phenom and the Power saddle on a mountain bike. Mimic technology was developed alongside bike fit expert Dr Andy Pruitt from the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine. Thanks both for noticing, and for your perspective. The new Specialized Phenom Pro is highly comfortable, supportive, lightweight and without short snagging potential. 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. 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. hello, I'm Shuvra, a professional content writer. For years he was anultradistance runner, but thiscame to an end when he realised getting back onto a bicycle offeredthe chance to race over much more preposterous distances. I tested the 143mm width in order to balance all aspects of saddle fit. Specializeds first Body Geometry product was a saddle released in 1997 and since then the Body Geometry concept has evolved into a wide range of saddles including the Power Pro. Proven through blood flow testing and pressure mapping, and featuring Already have an account with us? 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. Its price of 105 isn't pocket change, but it's less than a lot of other saddles out there. 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. The shape slightly rises in the bottom. 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. To remove the pressure on sensitive areas, the full anatomical is used. And I sat there for like 10 sec tops. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The most visible difference between the Power Mimic and the Power is the cutout or lack thereof. Stiff, carbon-reinforced shell for longevity and all-day riding efficiency. The rest of the saddle hides the Elaston padding, and you can faintly see the bubbly material through the saddle covering. . If you prefer a saddle with least pedaling then the specialized romin is for you. 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. Power Comp with MIMIC. On the other hand, if you want a lightweight saddle with excellent performance then specialized romin is preferable. If you dont want to subscribe, please turn your ad blocker off. If don't move alot on your saddle then go with the power saddle. Carbon rails feature an oval shape, just so you know. Excludes Gift Memberships, Discount applies to first year. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The saddle really does seem to provide effective support without cutting off vital blood supplies. 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. Whichever model you're looking at, it may come in four tiers: S-Works, Pro, Expert and Comp. FACT carbon fiber shell is flex-tuned for support and ride compliance. I love the power saddle, hate the Phenom. It lasts comfortably for an extended period saddle. With any touchpoint on the bike, it's always recommended to try before you buy if possible to avoid investing in possible discomfort. The rear of the saddle has more traditionally firm padding since thats ideally where we want support, but much like the foam in the center, the foam on the nose is very forgiving. I recently want from a Gobi to the Specialized Henge which is mtb specific. Lightweight and supportive PU padding for comfort and support on longer rides. But obv I didnt need more padding, I needed less material. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Search the forum using the power of Google. The Elaston padding is made using small beads that are expanded into foam which Specialized describes as the feeling of sitting on 1,000 miniature pillows. I found this worked very well and was quite comfortable on all my rides. I think the only improvement I could ask for in the Power Arc is to be a smidge flatter, to give me more leeway to sit up or get into the drops, at the moment it still feels like I have to set the saddle up to favour one more than the other. Save 25% + DMR Trail Gloves + DeathGrips when you subscribe to MBUK magazine, *Spring Savings* Try 6 issues of Cycling Plus for just 9.99 | Save 74% today, Specialized expands Mimic womens saddle range with Romin Evo and Phenom Evo, caused a stir when it was launched in 2018, not only due to the popularity of the. The shape clearlyworks for me (although my injury has not completely disappeared, yet) and the 155mm version is something that Ill be purchasing for all my bikes road included. Advertising, commercial: sales [at] road.cc The romin is best for road, mountain biking, and cyclocross. I say this because a Charge Spoon/Madison Flux and various almost identically- shaped (Genesis stock saddles for instances) are one of my least favourite saddle-types. Ive owned all of the above and found they all caused the same unwanted perineal pressure, to the point of pain on even shortish rides. Lightweight and supportive PU foam for increased comfort on longer rides. Time will tell. Introduced in 2018, the Power Arc is for those that want less support across the back, likely due to suffering from the leg impedance thats common with wider saddles. 2008present unless otherwise stated. 270. Specialized Toupe S Works on the race bikes, any other model Toupe on every other bike. I've docked one point from the overall score because I had to acknowledge how the amazing surface finish didn't last very long. 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. 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. 4 interest-free payments of $35.00 with Klarna. The Romin saddle is built very well and it operates the similar cover equipment as the specialized phenom. The phenom has the design of Specialized's "Body Geometry". The shorter nose on the power works better for me. Is this for your Canyon? So, let's unlock the difference between specialized romin vs phenom and find the best one. Where saddles often suffer from being too firm or overly soft, the Phenom seems to have found the Goldilocks medium. The short 265mm length shouldnt be mistaken for forcing a set riding position. Specialized readily admits that plenty of people use their road saddles on mountain bikes, but those can suffer from snagged shorts and risk of tearing from a crash. There is no cutout feature, but instead a concave groove to relieve pressure on the labia without causing swelling and the associated discomfort. I cant compare against the Power Arc but a 143mm Phenom is almost identical in shape and width to a Charge Spoon. Specialized Phenom works as well but the Toupe is my fav by far. 1 yr. ago Is the base specialized power good enough or do you have some upper model? I found with phenom after a long ride i would get numb around the gentleman area. Dimensions of specialized romin and phenom are 143, 168mm, or 155 wide and 143mm or 155mm wide approximately. Find out more about how we test. Tough, lightweight, and water-resistant Micromatrix cover. But asking other people about saddle choice is like asking about underwear choice - very subjective. 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). The only thing I'd note about it is that I had to tilt it forwards considerably more than other saddles. Less than $50 (7) $50 - $250 (21) $250 - $500 (7) Size. 143mm. It's got a little padding ("Level 2" according to Specialized), and it's definitely possible to ride without cycling shorts, but I wouldn't want to go too far without a chamois to soak up some of the pressure. The overall score is not just Firstly there is Elaston, an almost bubbly looking foam that contains tiny inflated thermoplastic polyurethane beads which are placed at the rear half of the saddle inline with your sit bones. 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. However, my experience was mixed and I struggled to find a comfortable position over two months of testing. While specialized romin ensures you about the durability and improvement of blood flow in the tissues. Its titanium rails bump the weight to 248g and the price down to $130 / TBC / AU$175. Because it gives you more comfortable to ride. And then eventually you move into the S-Works level of saddle which offers a full carbon rail and base for further gram-shaving. Like many memory foam mattresses, how long before the soft foam on the saddle ends up with permanently compressed points, mitigating its benefits? What do the manufacturers say about it? The carbon-reinforced shell is also a big part of this and months of use have shown it to be durable. Specialized S Work Phenom Pro: - Expertly tuned and lightweight. Maximum rail torque of 80 in-lbf (9.0 Nm) for vertical clamps and 120 in-lbf (13.5 Nm) for horizontal clamps. Not tried the Power Arc. Level 2 Elaston foam provides unrivaled comfort and support on longer rides. 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 comfort to both men and women alike thanks to the long wide central cutout.