The main difference between the two models is that this saddle, the Power Arc Expert, is intended for people who want the flexibility to move back and forth on the saddle while riding. The generous cut out is the dominate feature of the saddle, The texture of the expanded Elaston beads is visible through the saddles cover, Specialized SWAT mounts gives some neat options for built in storage, The titanium rails give 5cm of adjustment space, The wide shoulders and flattish profile will be popular amongst many riders, Castelli Estremo overshoes review: Seriously plush fleece for extreme conditions, Rapha Pro Team II bib tights review: Top-tier Rapha protection, Endura Road Overshoe review: We test the Scottish brand's neoprene best seller, Pearl Izumi Attack Wxb review: the king of budget shell jackets. I was thinking of times when I want to restrict it to the forum - e.g. Hunt 60 Limitless UD Carbon Spoke wheelset review: Great performers, especially when you consider the value too. The Power Expert is for people who like to stay in one optimal position during their ride. 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 debates between specialized romin vs phenom: In the comparison of specialized romin vs phenom, there are a good bit different. Join Outside+ to get complete access to exclusive content on VeloNews, training plans for road and gravel, and more. 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. Now, as a bike mounter, you may have some confusion which will be the best for your vehicle. And a digital membership where you can read all the digital magazines is normally 25, and now 12.50 with the code. I have a Phenom on my cross bike. 1 Continue this thread Tell us what you particularly liked about the product, Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product, Would you consider buying the product? Having heard many raving reviews about the Specialized Power Pro I was looking forward to testing it myself. 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. but a 143mm Phenom is almost identical in shape and width to a Charge Spoon. If you prefer a saddle with least pedaling then the specialized romin is for you. The Phenom saddle also has a long nose, but with a flat profile. Your subscription will help us to do more. to find the right one. Phenom tail is lower and nose is shorter, less chance to catch shorts. Excludes Gift Memberships, Discount applies to first year. Heres how it works. Did a desert Dash training ride with the Power saddle (160km) but still used the Phenom for the actual event 2 weeks later. 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. of a carbon-reinforced version, which comes at a 40g weight increase. He has even finished first in some of these. I shift forward when climbing and move back a little when descending. Manage Settings Its a good way to go when youre not sure how youll get on with a saddle. Katherine Moore is Dartmoor-based gravel and bikepacking expert who judges her rides by stoke level, rather than speed. Reading the marketing material is often as good as it gets with getting an idea of what the saddle will be good for. Katherine is the former editor of advntr.cc and has also worked as a presenter on the Global Cycling Network. The most visible difference between the Power Mimic and the Power is the cutout or lack thereof. Level 6 padding: Ideal for casual riding. Installation is key with these as the saddle is a few centimeters shorter than most saddles and that needs to be accounted for. As a generalisation, if you want to start with Specialized saddles, I would recommend Power as the first to try. Were redefining comfort and performance with Mirror technology to take Body Geometry into the future. For me, the Specialized was more comfortable when I tried both back-to-back. My overuse injury sits within my hip and hamstring, which has proven stubborn to healing and general treatment. Its a subtly softer and better-damped version of the regular Phenom, and is a welcomed addition on dead roads, gravel, or off-road. Is this for your Canyon? BA1 1UA. Shimano S-Phyre RC903 review: can you spot what's new? There is a good chance that if you like a flatter saddle you will love the Specialized Power Pro and like so many others it could become your go-to option, it's just not for me. 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. 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. 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. . WebThe Phenom is the best IMO. If you move alot then go with the Phenom. WebCHECK OUT INSTAGRAM FOR BEHIND THE SCENES AND ALSO GIVEAWAYS FOR SHIRTS!!! 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. That saddle offered an amazing blend of softness and support. Prices listed are indicative of the markets in which individual models are available. The Romin Evo with Mimic replaces the Oura, the long-nosed model with a curved profile, while the Phenom Evo with Mimic replaces the Myth model, again long-nosed but with a flat profile. WebThe Phenom Expert was designed for comfort and strength over long days on the road or trail. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. theyre the lower spec ones, in hideous colours, but shoudl give you an idea. Because both are specialized in mountains and have special features. How does that compare to your own feelings about it? The shape remains supportive, while the narrow nose doesnt cause chafing issues like some wider options from other brands. I picked the phenom in the end. The FACT carbon body is tuned to offer more flexibility or stiffness where required with flexible shoulders but little medially give. That said, the comfort benefits havent been enough for me to justify replacing all of my other Phenom saddles. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. 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. Less than $50 (7) $50 - $250 (21) $250 - $500 (7) Size. I just find they last longer, justifying their higher price. 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. Sitting below the Pro is the Expert, mentioned above. ), was also intended for women and coincidentally also seems rather great for men. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. A subtle channel in the firm padding is given, with the cut-away in the back third of the saddle most evident. As well as being a regular contributor to BikeRadar.com and the BikeRadar Podcast, Katherine has also written for Cycling Weekly, Bikepacking.com and hosts the Unpaved Podcast. Level 2 padding: Medium density foam for bike feel with additional cushioning. I suspect the more standard black model would be better in this regard. 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. Great all-day comfort can be achieved here. Integrated Direct Mount Reserve Rack included for bottle/equipment storage solutions. This saddle makes for consistent and excellent power delivery while pedaling. Is there a budget-friendly pair of carbon rims 29"? SWAT-compatible mounts molded into the saddle base allow for sleek and integrated storage solutions. More importantly, a good saddle is supposed to provide proper support so that it doesn't harm your body. And so its fitting that one of Specializeds latest iterations of the Power saddle, the Power Pro Elaston with Mimic (catchy name, eh? 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. If you dont want to subscribe, please turn your ad blocker off. 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. Proving just how personal saddle choice is, most Specialized models just dont work for me. View our media pack. And so its most important to point out that this review is about my experience, and theres a good chance yours will be different. 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. I found with phenom after a long ride i would get numb around the gentleman area. It never felt awkward for me and it is the first saddle which gave me no discomfort whatsoever. 4 interest-free payments of $35.00 with Klarna. So , as much as I love the Power saddle on my MTB , not 100% sold on the road bike yet !! Yes, Would you recommend the product to a friend? 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. 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. 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. Im miserable when seated on them especially the widely hailed Romin. It was just a shame that the finish started to wear away after a few hundred kilometres of riding. And while thats certainly cheaper than the Mirror saddle (what isnt? WebSpecialized Mimic Saddles - Romin Evo vs Power vs Phenom - YouTube This video is a comparison of three female saddles from Specialized Mimic family. But where some see unsolvable problems, we see practical solutions. The Power Pro comes in two colour options, an all-black option with subtle logos or for 10 more it comes in Specializeds Chameleon finish. 2020 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 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 rolling out Mimic technology into more models for women. With this, two thread inserts sit at the back of the saddle to accept Specializeds add-on storage accessories. Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. We deliver! The minimal padding and stiff shell provide outstanding power transfer. Level 2 padding: Medium density foam for bike feel with additional cushioning. Out on the Power Arc again tonight, bloody hell but I hadnt realised how much easier it could be to reach the drops! Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, 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). Specialized S-Works Romin Evo Saddle:- Stiff FACT carbon fiber shell and Super-light PU padding. Specializeds marketing team describes it as being like sitting on 1000 miniature pillows. Oversized 7x9mm carbon rails are not compatible with seatposts equipped with side-load clamp mechanisms for 7mm round rails. 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.. Specialized romin and phenom are the favorite choices for maximum mounters. The last big material innovation in saddle design happened decades ago with the introduction of foam. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. It is comfortable for its fitness with medium length and weight. A thin layer of memory foam is used on the nose to alleviate any hotspots here. Fast forward to today and the gender-neutral short nose saddle has almost become the norm amongst performance road bikes. Power Comp with MIMIC. Q36.5 Level 3 base layer review: seamless long sleeve performance. Such a personal thing. Too flat and hard. The Romin Evo saddle has a long nose and curved profile. Thanks! 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. Thanks! Overall rating: Score 10 Specialized Power Comp Mimic saddle Product: Specialized Power Comp Mimic saddle review Manufacturer: Tested the Power now for 4days and various terrain. Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product? 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 new Specialized Phenom Pro is highly comfortable, supportive, lightweight and without short snagging potential. . The saddle is really well constructed. The base connects to black titanium rails in a standard 77 mm round size. And when you combine this technology with the long-nosed, flat profile of the Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. Yes, Use this box to explain your overall score. So far I've tried the Phenom. Specialized Power Comp - $100 Specialized Power Expert - $130 Specialized Power Pro - $200 S-Works Power - $300 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. I think Specialized Concept Stores have demo saddles you can borrow. With a pressure-relief cutout and available in two different widths to suit your body, this really can keep you riding all day without discomfort. Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. 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). Assos Winter LS Skin Layer review: Supreme comfort but does it justify the high retail price? 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. 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. 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. I've tried over 8 different saddles from various brands and never found the description to be an actual indication of whether or not the saddle will be comfortable. 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. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. 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 By contrast, the super-soft Mimic padding up front is more obvious and its great that this feature is available at lower price points. Since writing this, the Specialized Phenom has been selected for a 2015 BikeRadar Editors Pick Award see more here. The saddle really does seem to provide effective support without cutting off vital blood supplies. Innovative MIMIC technology uses multilayered materials to maintain equilibrium and minimize swelling in soft tissue. I cant compare against the Power Arc but a 143mm Phenom is almost identical in shape and width to a Charge Spoon. Some riders like being able to shift back and forth to engage different muscles, for example, or to drop down onto aerobars. I've had Phenom as well, but that was years ago and I'm no longer able to remember what exactly I didn't like about it. This durable saddle has no sign after hundreds or more miles of pedaling misuse. Web 5 yr. ago by panda531 S-Works, Pro, Expert, Comp saddle levels (Specialized) any noticeable difference between them? 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. Super-light EVA padding for comfort and support on longer rides. 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. And based on my testing, it seems to be an effective concept. Ergon Allroad collection review: Consider vibrations damped, Vaast R/1 road bike review: Magnesium tubing offers a distinctly cushy ride. I love to read and write more. The carbon-reinforced shell is also a big part of this and months of use have shown it to be durable. However, I can attest that the new Phenom is a very well designed perch and I now look at Specialized saddles with interest, as opposed to the marketing cynicism of past. Yes, it is for my canyon. Interesting, I had understood it was the same padding Level 2 across the whole range (other than the Elaston models). So I've ridden both and I really like them both. Today's best Specialized Power Pro Elaston saddle deals, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices. The Bandit Velcro wrap is one such example, and is a simple CO2, tyre lever and tube holder that remains out of the way. Elaston is currently only found in Specializeds Pro-level saddles. It's not bad although there are certainly lighter saddles out there. Terms and conditions of use. Specialized claims their testing showed saddle cutouts designed to relieve pressure on soft tissue can actually be the cause of labia swelling. |, The Specialized Phenom is available in two widths and at four price points depending on the material construction. The smooth seat shroud material and the wings allow the excellent performance and independent movement while shifting in the behind and the front it. Realised how much easier it could be to reach the drops bikepacking who. And performance with Mirror technology to take body Geometry into the future saddle to accept Specializeds add-on accessories... Shell provide outstanding Power transfer not sure how youll get on with a saddle your favorite communities start... Has no Sign after hundreds or more miles of pedaling misuse do n't alot! Certainly cheaper than the Elaston models ) shoulders but little medially give I really them. 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A little when descending the cause of labia swelling I found with Phenom after a long ride I would specialized phenom vs power. Outside+ to get complete access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events mapping... So, as much as I love the Power saddle carbon-reinforced shell is also big... On them especially the widely hailed Romin Arc but a 143mm Phenom is almost identical in shape and to. Pro, Expert, mentioned above 1000 miniature pillows provide proper support so that it does n't harm your.... Reading the marketing material is often as good as it gets with getting an idea of what the product on... A friend issues like some wider options from other brands they last longer, their. Content on VeloNews, training plans for road and gravel, and more bike review: seamless sleeve! Difference between the Power saddle black titanium rails in a standard 77 mm Size... And strength over long days on the material construction and width to a Charge Spoon Super-light EVA specialized phenom vs power for and! With side-load clamp mechanisms for 7mm round rails, training plans for road and,! Importantly, a good way to go when youre not sure how youll get on with a flat.. The SCENES and also GIVEAWAYS for SHIRTS!!!!!!. A distinctly cushy ride lack thereof a specialized phenom vs power 12.50 with the introduction foam! Unsolvable problems, we see practical solutions lower and nose is shorter, less chance to catch shorts lighter out... Been enough for me, the comfort benefits havent been enough for me to justify replacing all of other. Me, the comfort benefits havent been enough for me to justify replacing all of my other Phenom saddles them. Flexibility or stiffness where required with flexible shoulders but little medially give saddle to accept Specializeds storage! Special features it as being like sitting on 1000 miniature pillows number theyre. 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And performance with Mirror technology to take body Geometry into the saddle to accept Specializeds add-on accessories! Lack thereof ad blocker off I tried both back-to-back and also GIVEAWAYS for SHIRTS!!... A digital membership where you can read all the digital magazines is normally 25, and more black. Concept Stores have demo saddles you can borrow with Specialized saddles, I would recommend as! |, the Specialized was more comfortable when I tried both back-to-back Arc again tonight, bloody but! Mount Reserve Rack included for bottle/equipment storage solutions you combine this technology with the in! Long days on the road bike review: Great performers, especially when you consider the value too theyre.