Pain, numbness, and saddle sores are a surefire way to suck all the fun out of cycling. It’s no surprise then why so many riders prefer Specialized saddles. The Specialized uses “Body Geometry,” developed using decades of fit data, blood flow measurement, pressure mapping, and blind comfort test to develop saddles that maximize comfort and minimize the chance of injury.
There are a lot of different Specialized saddle models and levels, and it can get pretty confusing, even for us. We’re going to break it down in the simplest way possible so you can pick the right saddle for you and your bike.
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1. How To Choose Your Specialized Saddle Model
We will focus on three core saddle models:
- Specialized Power
- Specialized Romin Evo
- Specialized Phenom
These are Specialized’s most popular models, and they will satisfy the vast majority of road, gravel, and mountain bikers.
Choose between these three models based on your riding position. Riders who ride in a low and aggressive, race-oriented position with a large amount of saddle-to-bar drop will generally favor the Power saddle. Riders who sit more upright and have less saddle-to-bar drop will generally favor the Phenom. The Romin Evo sits somewhere in between.
Power saddle
- A shorter “snubnosed” design creates less interference when bending over into a low riding position.
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Specialized Power vs. Power Arc
The Power saddle comes in two versions: Power and Power Arc. The standard Power is flatter, while the Power Arc has a more curved shape (side-to-side). It can be described as sitting on a flat plank (Power) vs. a round log (Power Arc).
The two shapes allow riders to choose the Power saddle that fits best. Generally (but not always), riders with more flexibility will prefer more curve. Also, if your thighs tend to rub the wings of the saddle, the extra curve of the Power Arc can provide more clearance.
Romin Evo Saddle
- The curved shape provides a “pocket” for riders to settle into, increasing comfort in lower riding positions.
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Phenom Saddle
- A flatter shape and slightly more padding provide more support for more upright riding positions.
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2. How To Choose Your Specialized Saddle Width
Specialized saddles come in four widths:
- 130mm
- 143mm
- 155mm
- 168mm
If you don’t know your sit bone width, you will need to measure them. Most bike shops have tools for measuring sit bones, but you can also do it at home using various methods. The most common is to sit on a material that will leave an impression (i.e. cardboard or tinfoil). Your sit bones will create two divots that you can measure from center to center.
Most adults usually have sit bones that are 90-160mm wide. For the best support, you want your saddle around 20-25mm wider than your sit bones.
143mm and 155mm saddles are the most common. Every Specialized saddle will be available in one of these two sizes. For riders at the extremes, some models come in 130mm and 168mm options.
3. How To Choose Your Specialized Saddle Level
Specialized Saddles are available in four levels:
- Comp - $140
- Expert - $160
- Pro - $275
- S-Works - $325
|
Level |
Rails |
Shell |
|
Comp |
Cr-Mo |
Plastic/Carbon |
|
Expert |
Hollow Ti |
Plastic/Carbon |
|
Pro |
Hollow Ti |
Carbon |
|
S-Works |
Carbon* |
Carbon |
*Note: Carbon rail S-Works saddles have a weight limit of 240 pounds.
Higher-end models use higher-end materials (e.g. titanium and carbon fiber), so they will weigh less but cost more.
Comp and Expert level saddles use “Level 2” padding which is slightly thicker, providing more cushion.
Pro and S-Works level saddles use “Level 1” padding which is slightly thinner. This reduces weight and provides a racier feel. Some riders will also find less padding more comfortable because it allows the saddle shell to provide more support.
Mirror, Mimic, and Elaston Foam Technology
Many Specialized saddles are also available with additional foam technology to enhance comfort.
Mirror
Mirror technology is designed to maximize sit-bone comfort. It is a 3D-printed liquid polymer that creates a fine-tuned honeycomb structure for more sit-bone support and comfort. It’s currently only available in the Power and Romin Evo models at the S-Works and Pro levels.
It also adds significant cost, but many riders have stated that it’s the most comfortable saddle they’ve ever ridden.
S-Works Power Mirror & Romin Evo Mirror - $450
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Power Pro Mirror - $325
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MIMIC
MIMIC is designed for increased soft tissue comfort. It was originally designed for Specialized’ pro women riders but it’s great for any riders suffering from excessive soft tissue discomfort while riding. In many cases, soft tissue swells while riding.
The ultra-soft multilayered MIMIC foam fills the traditional saddle cut-out to provide positive pressure. This helps maintain equilibrium and minimize swelling in soft tissue.
MIMIC saddles cost the same as their standard counterparts.
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Elaston
Elaston foam is designed for all-around long-distance comfort. The foam construction features small beads that are expanded into the foam. The feeling is similar to sitting on 1,000 miniature pillows rather than a single piece of foam, enhancing comfort during long stints in the saddle.
Elaston saddles cost the same as their standard counterparts.
