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. I shift forward when climbing and move back a little when descending. 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). The range has also been simplified to make it easier to choose the ideal saddle, according to Specialized. Were you wearing padded shorts? While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed Specialized S-Works Romin Evo Saddle:- Stiff FACT carbon fiber shell and Super-light PU padding. Tell us what you particularly liked about the product, Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product, Would you consider buying the product? For this tester, it has become the go-to choice. SWAT-compatible mounts molded into the saddle base allow for sleek and integrated storage solutions. 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. 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. NOTE: Oversized 7x9mm carbon rails are not compatible with seatposts equipped with side-load clamp mechanisms for 7mm round rails. 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. I recently want from a Gobi to the Specialized Henge which is mtb specific. Really impressed with it so perhaps give that a try too At the very top of the range sits the 3D-printed S-Works Power with Mirror, which I can tell you is both eye-wateringly expensive and also brilliantly comfortable. (Romins on my road bikes, like them very much indeed). To add to this, I previously bought myself the Phenom Pro Elaston and its a saddle I rate highly. Our tester finds off-road perch perfection. 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. Find out more about how we test. are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. It is the best choice for roadside racing but also suitable for mountain bikes and cyclocross use. 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. Thanks. Im miserable when seated on them especially the widely hailed Romin. WebThe Phenom is the best IMO. of a carbon-reinforced version, which comes at a 40g weight increase. He's obviously had the anti-cyclist training. Q36.5 Level 3 base layer review: seamless long sleeve performance. Is this for your Canyon? Terms and conditions of use. For as long as there've been saddles, women have been having issues with them. What do the manufacturers say about it? 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. Time will tell. Its a good way to go when youre not sure how youll get on with a saddle. Yes, that's simpler. 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. 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. Ive also got an ancient Fizik Antares that Im going to try as it does similar. The only issue I had was that the finish wore quickly on the model that I tested. But more importantly, the differing soft materials seem to provide a perch that makes me happier to stay in a single position. I didnt test this saddle on a TT bike but think that would be an ideal application. Wherever you are riding it reduces the pressure on the sensitive parts. A great combination of aesthetics, durability, price and, above all, comfort. Due to its stub nose and little rear hang-over past where your sit bones belong, the saddle offers a relatively short 265mm length. Innovative Mimic technology uses multilayered materials to maintain equilibrium and minimize swelling in soft tissue. It was a really bold and arresting design choice and I immediately loved it. But wait, theres more. Lightweight and supportive PU foam for increased comfort on longer rides. If you dont want to subscribe, please turn your ad blocker off. I meant Power as the third saddle to compare. I suspect the answer is to order a Phenom from Sigmasports just to compare as nobody local sells them, but thought it worth asking. Extra-wide, ergonomic design for upright, relaxed comfort. The overall score is not just 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. Whichever model you're looking at, it may come in four tiers: S-Works, Pro, Expert and Comp. 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. 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. Manage Settings Dimensions of specialized romin and phenom are 143, 168mm, or 155 wide and 143mm or 155mm wide approximately. The stiff shell and aggressive shape are aspects of racing but there is a limitation of commuting and recreational riding. A comfortable and accommodating saddle, even for all-day rides, If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website, Make and model: Specialized Power Arc Expert Saddle. Meanwhile, the Mimic technology provides an even softer, almost squishy, spot at the front. 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. Peering across the width, the saddle noticeably curves after the point of sit-bone contact for a smooth and uninterrupted pedaling motion. So I've ridden both and I really like them both. It basically disappears beneath you on the trail, so that you can commit your obsession to the trail forward. Even if that were the case (not entirely convinced), OTOH I have a very different experience of the two saddles in use. Specialized may eventually consolidate the range to ease confusion, but for now, Ill attempt to explain the extensive lineup. I think appltn has hit the nail on the head, might just need to try it out. It retains the 240 mm total length, narrow nose, and gently curved shape across its width. At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. (New annually renewing membership only. Specialized Phenom works as well but the Toupe is my fav by far. The shorter nose is nice as well - the Toupe was just too long and snagged the shorts. Really impressed with it so perhaps give that a try too. Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. I used to ride the phenom and have moved to power saddle. If I were buying a long-distance saddle right now I'd plump for one of these without hesitation. I run Phenoms and they look a lot like the power arc, with a longer nose. It's solidly built and not too heavy. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. (Thinks) maybe thats why its named Phenom and not the full-omenal? It lasts comfortably for an extended period saddle. 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.. Setup nose flat or slightly raised resulted in immediate discomfort that would slowly dissipate throughout a ride. Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose. It is not easy to pick one saddle for mountain riding. And I can report that the Power Arc Expert performed wonderfully for me here. The photos here will give you an impression of the effect, but still don't capture its full appeal. If you like road.cc, but you dont like ads, please consider subscribing to the site to support us directly. Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product? WebThe Phenom Expert was designed for comfort and strength over long days on the road or trail. Whats it like to be an American cyclist living in France? Super-light EVA padding for comfort and support on longer rides. 3. 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. Comp is a tier of a product. 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. Specialized only offer the Elaston padding on the Pro model. I ride a lot of long dirt roads , as well as places like BRB and Modders . Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. but a 143mm Phenom is almost identical in shape and width to a Charge Spoon. 10-15 seconds on the older memory foam ass-o-meter is all you need. The power saddle being shorter has sorted me out. > 9 ways to make your bike more comfortable. All material FarrellyAtkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA11JB. Level 6 padding: Ideal for casual riding. While specialized romin ensures you about the durability and improvement of blood flow in the tissues. Those differences also mean a price difference of $100. The revenue from adverts helps to fund our site. Level 2 padding: Medium density foam for bike feel with additional cushioning. I ditched the Spoon and bought a Madison Flux because I read it had more padding. Cannondale SuperSix Evo 4 First Ride - has the flagship racer traded climbing prowess for all-round performance? Electric Bikes. Lightweight and supportive PU foam for increased comfort on longer rides. Actually, there is no perfect saddle for riding. Cervlo S5 review: A truly exhilarating superbike. Specialized Toupe S Works on the race bikes, any other model Toupe on every other bike. And I sat there for like 10 sec tops. Everyone has a different behind so it's impossible to actually predict which shape will fit you personally the best and everyone's preference will vary. 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. Great all-day comfort can be achieved here. 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. Specialized boasted on the launch of the Mimic that your vagina will thank you and, from where Im sitting it was absolutely right. 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. Its a subtly softer and better-damped version of the regular Phenom, and is a welcomed addition on dead roads, gravel, or off-road. The only thing I'd note about it is that I had to tilt it forwards considerably more than other saddles. roadworthy. Would you like to receive offers, updates and events from BikeRadar and its publisher Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company)? 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. 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. Specialized Phenom Expert Sele:- Carbon-supported and the Titanium alloy rails are durable. RobertK October 10, 2019, 11:53pm #15 Except for a year on Flites, San Marco Regal or the new Regale since 1988. 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). Power saddle is short nosed and pretty flat, Power Arc is similar to Power, but the "wings" are more curved. I use the power arc on my track bike its a really good saddle for an aggressive position and in the drops but less good for sitting upright and less good for moving about position like shifting to sitting further back when climbing. 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. We deliver! The Romin Evo with Mimic comes in Pro, Expert and Comp levels, while the Phenom with Mimic is available in Expert and Comp. As a generalisation, if you want to start with Specialized saddles, I would recommend Power as the first to try. Selle San Marco, for example, makes some saddles that are very similar in style to this one (short and with a cutout) and which are also lighter, but they also cost a bit more and from my experience definitely feel different on longer rides. So a Phenom or Romin might still be worth a look. Very good for that kind of position. 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. Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad. I suspect the more standard black model would be better in this regard. We even took this ideology a step further via an extra wide and elongated Body Geometry channel that's been proven through blood flow testing and pressure mapping to reduce numbness and pressure on unwanted areas". A long and wide nose gives nice support while down in the fall. But if you see the review of these two saddles, you can find the losers and the winner for your bike. Forward of that the base offers a valley for the soft padding to compress into. WebCHECK OUT INSTAGRAM FOR BEHIND THE SCENES AND ALSO GIVEAWAYS FOR SHIRTS!!! An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Likewise, theres nothing stopping you from using this saddle on the road. Thanks! To develop a next-generation saddle, we had to look beyond Ive got my fingers crossed for a Phenom Mimic, but its more likely that the Oura is next in line. I tested the 143mm width in order to balance all aspects of saddle fit. As far as fit goes, Im a fan of the relatively flat profile, but prefer a more dramatic cutaway on the sides. By 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. 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