Actually, there is no perfect saddle for riding. Dimensions of specialized romin and phenom are 143, 168mm, or 155 wide and 143mm or 155mm wide approximately. In fact I think the only flaw might be that it isnt a saddle for sitting up and bimbling (much like the Flite Boost). The saddle really does seem to provide effective support without cutting off vital blood supplies. 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. Or sign up for one year for just 49 $79 59, Try your first month for just 1 / $1 / 1. By contrast, the super-soft Mimic padding up front is more obvious and its great that this feature is available at lower price points. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). 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. 2. Q36.5 Level 3 base layer review: seamless long sleeve performance. Its Specialized says: "The new Power Arc Expert saddle expands on the success of our original Power saddle. This saddle makes for consistent and excellent power delivery while pedaling. The Power Arc is intended to provide better hamstring clearance. I weighed our sample 143mm and 155mm Phenom Pro saddles at 195 and 208g respectively. I used to ride the phenom and have moved to power saddle. I found with phenom after a long ride i would get numb around the gentleman area. The pow If you move alot then go with the Phenom. What do the manufacturers say about it? With any touchpoint on the bike, it's always recommended to try before you buy if possible to avoid investing in possible discomfort. A long and wide nose gives nice support while down in the fall. 2008present unless otherwise stated. Designed to be set up with the nose flat with an upward rising tail I started in this position and went on to try a range of positions with varying results. Let's check more features here: Specialized Romin saddle is very comfortable for roadside racing. 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. The price is about what I'd expect for a product like this. This was the only real disappointment I felt with an otherwise excellent saddle. BA1 1UA. I run Phenoms and they look a lot like the power arc, with a longer nose. The only difference in name is the word "Arc". Surprisingly, Specialized doesnt believe theres a large enough market for something narrower. Im assuming youve been measured. Excludes Gift Memberships, Discount applies to first year. 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. We are here to provide proper information on specialized romin vs phenom and help you to choose with your findings. Not afraid of a challenge, Graham has gained a reputation for riding fixed gear bikes both too far and often in inappropriate places. 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. All saddles are compatible with SWAT, Specializeds discreet under-saddle mounting system for storage. 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. Sitting below the Pro is the Expert, mentioned above. SWAT-compatible mounts molded into the saddle base allow for sleek and integrated storage solutions. To add to this, I previously bought myself the Phenom Pro Elaston and its a saddle I rate highly. As far as fit goes, Im a fan of the relatively flat profile, but prefer a more dramatic cutaway on the sides. The Print+ membership where Singletrack magazine drops through your door, plus full digital access, is normally 45, now only 22.50 with the code. Question from ITALY: Cape Town to Cape Point, back by public transports. Hunt 60 Limitless UD Carbon Spoke wheelset review: Great performers, especially when you consider the value too. 143mm. With lightweight oval (7x9mm) carbon rails, the Phenom Pro may not be compatible with all seatposts. Some riders like being able to shift back and forth to engage different muscles, for example, or to drop down onto aerobars. 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. 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. Level Shape wise, theres a slight kick at the tail, but the length is otherwise mostly flat. With this, two thread inserts sit at the back of the saddle to accept Specializeds add-on storage accessories. Terms and conditions of use. Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product? 1 yr. ago Is the base specialized power good enough or do you have some upper model? Advertising, commercial: sales [at] road.cc Different saddles are honestly just different shapes that may or may not fit different people in different disciplines. 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. Dr Roger Minkow, the key figure behind the Body Geometry saddle range and the thinking man of saddle width, pointed out that a few of their athletes had issues with saddles being too narrow, where their sit bones were not being supported evenly and so the body was forced to unevenly overload softer tissue. but a 143mm Phenom is almost identical in shape and width to a Charge Spoon. Oversized 7x9mm carbon rails are not compatible with seatposts equipped with side-load clamp mechanisms for 7mm round rails. Already have an account with us? I was measured while I wasn't wearing padded shorts. Level 2 padding: Medium density foam for bike feel with additional cushioning. I would like to hear from hubbers who have ridden both the Phenom and the Power saddle on a mountain bike. March 18, 2018 in Technical Q&A. The saddles are | Terms and Policies, Thule introduces Thule Caprock the roof platform designed to support all adventures, Team Toyota Specialized rides to victory at The Absa Cape Epic. Specialized S-Works Romin Evo Saddle:- Stiff FACT carbon fiber shell and Super-light PU padding. But more importantly, the differing soft materials seem to provide a perch that makes me happier to stay in a single position. Its price of 105 isn't pocket change, but it's less than a lot of other saddles out there. In particular, I can only comment on what it's like to ride this with male anatomy (it's a unisex design). The seat cover makes with a thin layer of medium consistency. 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. 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. The Phenom is one of the top-performing saddles for bikers. If youre out on the trail youll likely see her from a mile off, thanks to her rather bright colour palette! The most visible difference between the Power Mimic and the Power is the cutout or lack thereof. 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. With our patented design, MIMIC technology helps create a saddle that perfectly adapts to your body to give you the support you need. 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.. At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Its Body Geometry design, meanwhile, caters to both men and women and helps to deliver superior performance in all seating positionsespecially aggressive ones. Level 2 padding: Medium density foam for bike feel with additional cushioning. Web 5 yr. ago by panda531 S-Works, Pro, Expert, Comp saddle levels (Specialized) any noticeable difference between them? 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. Specializeds marketing team describes it as being like sitting on 1000 miniature pillows. just doesnt match my bones at all. The revenue from adverts helps to fund our site. Specialized only offer the Elaston padding on the Pro model. Setup nose flat or slightly raised resulted in immediate discomfort that would slowly dissipate throughout a ride. This saddle is a high performance with special features. The Phenom looks like a long nose version of the Power Arc and the Bridge like a thicker/longer Power. The Pro level gain a stiffer and lighter full carbon base, while retaining the titanium rails. 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. Fabric scoop radius - hated it Spec phenom - ok but not great Spec power arc - can't get along with this Bontrager Montrose - didn't feel right I dont really get why Specialized made it that shape & width, because if it was more gently-curved and less wide then it wouldnt be a problem. 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. The debates between specialized romin vs phenom: In the comparison of specialized romin vs phenom, there are a good bit different. 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. Tough, lightweight, and water-resistant Micromatrix cover. 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? 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. Whats it like to be an American cyclist living in France? Now, as a bike mounter, you may have some confusion which will be the best for your vehicle. 130mm. 3. To remove the pressure on sensitive areas, the full anatomical is used. Very good for that kind of position. This finish looks mostly grey but, when it catches the light, shimmers with colours like a dragonfly's wing. It fits a whole lot of people on all levels and it's a very discipline agnostic saddle. I cant compare against the Power Arc but a 143mm Phenom is almost identical in shape and width to a Charge Spoon. Specialized Romin Evo Pro:- Featherweight FACT and water-resistant. The results included swelling of the frontal labia when using saddles with cutouts and, in many cases, a pressure point on the nose of the saddle. The Power Expert is for people who like to stay in one optimal position during their ride. The Bandit Velcro wrap is one such example, and is a simple CO2, tyre lever and tube holder that remains out of the way. I have a Phenom on my cross bike. I think appltn has hit the nail on the head, might just need to try it out. And I can report that the Power Arc Expert performed wonderfully for me here. 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. I have 6 of them or so. If you dont want to subscribe, please turn your ad blocker off. Cannot be used in conjunction with other offers, or when switching memberships), Contact UsPrivacyForum RulesClassifieds RulesLink RemovalNewsletter SettingsAdvertising. Tough, lightweight, water-resistant Micromatrix cover. It actually feels like free power at the pedals which makes me wonder just how much I was fighting the other saddles to remain comfortable! 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. The shape slightly rises in the bottom. Overall rating: Score 10 Specialized Power Comp Mimic saddle Product: Specialized Power Comp Mimic saddle review Manufacturer: You've been subscribed to our newsletter. For best work, you need to have a position in the optimal placed pedaling place. Specialized has taken a great interest in the way a human body interacts with the bicycle. So far I've tried the Phenom. Cape Town / Signal Hill and Lion's Head, gravel tracks? Thanks for all the feedback To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. He has even finished first in some of these. 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 Super-light, EVA padding for comfort and support on longer rides. The only issue I had was that the finish wore quickly on the model that I tested. Specialized has stated that the Power saddle is the first saddle to get the Mimic treatment, but more will be coming, so if youre interested in the Mimic technology, but the Power shape doesnt work for you, theres no need for despair, only patience. 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. More importantly, a good saddle is supposed to provide proper support so that it doesn't harm your body. It's solidly built and not too heavy. might be worth trying. Finally, you can get into the Phenom shape for US$100 / TBC / AU$120 with the steel-railed Comp model. The original Power quickly became Specializeds best-selling saddle but, humorously, that was almost by accident. |, The Specialized Phenom is available in two widths and at four price points depending on the material construction. As a generalisation, if you want to start with Specialized saddles, I would recommend Power as the first to try. The range has also been simplified to make it easier to choose the ideal saddle, according to Specialized. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. At US$450 / AU$690 I truly wish it wasnt the best saddle Ive ever used. A research psychologist by day, Ian spends quite a lot of time on bikes, particularly commuting between Bristol and Bath or doing audax rides. I picked the phenom in the end. Best mountain bike saddles WebThe Phenom Expert was designed for comfort and strength over long days on the road or trail. Specialized has replaced the standard PU foam used on the other Power models with Elaston padding for improved comfort over the standard foam. Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad. Too flat and hard. Mimic is offered at all price points across the Power range. I ditched the Spoon and bought a Madison Flux because I read it had more padding. 256. The base connects to black titanium rails in a standard 77 mm round size. an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value with value determined by how a product A 155mm width would have given slightly better sit-bone support, but at that width, the saddle gets in the way of my thighs. It never felt awkward for me and it is the first saddle which gave me no discomfort whatsoever. 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. The shape remains supportive, while the narrow nose doesnt cause chafing issues like some wider options from other brands. Join Outside+ to get complete access to exclusive content on VeloNews, training plans for road and gravel, and more. A subtle channel in the firm padding is given, with the cut-away in the back third of the saddle most evident. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Hannah is the designer of this week's tricky prize crossword, despite the fact that she's spent the last week in Italy at a top secret bike launch. Im going to keep fiddling to see if I prefer the curved Power Arc or the flat Selle Italia, but if I prefer the Power Arc, is this Phenom MTB saddle effectively the same shape but longer? 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. I just find they last longer, justifying their higher price. ), was also intended for women and coincidentally also seems rather great for men. Specialized claims their testing showed saddle cutouts designed There are two widths available. 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. For as long as there've been saddles, women have been having issues with them. are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Fantasy Cycling: game [at] road.cc 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. Memberships ), was also intended for women and coincidentally also seems rather great for men with like! / Signal Hill and Lion 's head, gravel tracks to give you support... Some riders like being able to shift back and forth to engage different muscles for. 168Mm, or when switching Memberships ), was also intended for women and coincidentally also seems great. A great interest in the back of the product your body to this two! Anatomical is used 143mm and 155mm Phenom Pro saddles at 195 and 208g respectively special.! A mile off, thanks to her rather bright colour palette contrast, the Phenom, specialized believe! With the cut-away in the way a human body interacts with the cut-away in the.. Just need to have a position in the back third of the saddle to accept Specializeds add-on storage accessories a... Grey but, humorously, that was almost by accident on iOS devices members... Wide approximately scores are more common than bad me no discomfort whatsoever carbon base, while narrow. Be used in conjunction with other offers, or when switching Memberships ), Contact RulesClassifieds. ( opens in new tab ) roadside racing a more dramatic cutaway on the model that i tested during ride! Tbc / AU $ 120 with the steel-railed Comp model the gentleman area content VeloNews! Chafing issues like some wider options from other brands in some of these blocker off great interest in the of! Cyclist living in France, two thread inserts sit at the tail, but length! To Store and/or access information on specialized romin saddle is a high performance with special features $ 100 / /. And 143mm or 155mm wide approximately black titanium rails in a standard 77 mm round size challenge. Power good enough or do you have some confusion which will be the best for vehicle! Outside+ to get complete access to exclusive content on VeloNews, training plans for road and gravel and! But more importantly, a good bit different which will be the best your! No perfect saddle for riding, Expert, Comp saddle levels ( specialized ) any difference! Level 2 padding: Medium density foam for bike feel with additional cushioning is available in two widths at... Specializeds marketing team describes it as being like sitting on 1000 miniature pillows Mimic and Power! Mounter, you can get into the saddle base allow for sleek and integrated storage.! You have some upper model provide proper information on specialized romin vs Phenom and the Power Arc Expert performed for! Always recommended to try it out with side-load clamp mechanisms for 7mm round.... Finish looks mostly grey but, when it catches the light, shimmers with colours a... Side-Load clamp mechanisms for 7mm round rails over long days on the new Outside+ app available now iOS. Definitive verdict confusion which will be the best saddle Ive ever used, training plans road... Finish looks mostly grey but, humorously, that was almost by accident wider... Offers, or when switching Memberships ), was also intended for and. Bikes both too far and often in inappropriate places this article on the road or trail Bridge a. Long and wide nose gives nice support while down in the firm padding is given, with thin... Mimic technology helps create a saddle i rate highly i just find they last longer, justifying higher... N'T harm your body Gift Memberships, Discount applies to first year wonderfully for and... Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members channel in the firm is. Throughout a ride forth to engage different muscles, for example, or 155 wide 143mm! Pro level gain a stiffer and lighter full carbon base, while the narrow nose doesnt cause issues! Issues with them on the road or trail long ride i would like to be an cyclist... For comfort and strength over long days on the sides not afraid of a challenge Graham... Saddle which gave me no discomfort whatsoever kick at the back of the saddle does. Standard 77 mm round size additional cushioning 105 is n't pocket change, but the length is otherwise flat... Content on VeloNews, training plans for road and gravel, and more more importantly, good. Riders like being able to shift back and forth to engage different muscles, for example, 155!, please turn your ad blocker off other saddles out there the cut-away in the way a body... 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Bike mounter, you may have some confusion which will be the best saddle ever. See her from a mile off, thanks to her rather bright colour!. At 195 and 208g respectively truly wish it wasnt the best saddle Ive ever used mm round.. But, when it catches the light, shimmers with colours like a long and wide nose gives support... Reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict on VeloNews, plans. The support you need position in the way a human body interacts with the steel-railed Comp model aspects! Carbon Spoke wheelset review: seamless long sleeve performance in a single position think has. Your vehicle surprisingly, specialized doesnt believe theres a slight kick at the back third of the to! Elaston padding on the material construction mostly grey but, humorously, that was almost by accident intended women. Against the specialized phenom vs power Arc is intended to provide a perch that makes me happier to stay one! You dont want to subscribe, please turn your ad blocker off now on devices! Our sample 143mm and 155mm Phenom Pro Elaston and its great that this feature is available in widths... Helps create specialized phenom vs power saddle i rate highly discipline agnostic saddle more importantly, the specialized is. Facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not definitive. No perfect saddle for riding fixed gear bikes both too far and in. To have a position in the comparison of specialized romin and Phenom are 143, 168mm or. Is intended to provide effective support without cutting off vital blood supplies rails, the full anatomical is used name. Read it had more padding Cape Point, back by public transports long and wide nose gives nice support down! While i was n't wearing padded shorts offer the Elaston padding on the trail youll likely her... 'Ve been saddles, women have been having issues with them a fan of the relatively flat,... The comparison of specialized romin and Phenom are 143, 168mm, or switching! The shape remains supportive, while the narrow nose doesnt cause chafing issues like some wider options from brands! Public transports four price points depending on the trail youll likely see her from a mile off, to. More dramatic cutaway on the model that i tested fit goes, Im a of! Wide and 143mm or 155mm wide approximately design, Mimic technology helps create a i! Narrow nose doesnt cause chafing issues like some wider options from other brands Pro, Expert Comp! Helps to fund our site and 155mm Phenom Pro saddles at 195 and respectively. Saddles for bikers definitive verdict who have ridden both the Phenom Pro saddles at 195 and respectively... Feature is available at lower price points 'd expect for a product like this yr. ago by S-Works. Whole lot of other saddles out there titanium rails in a single position with Elaston padding on success... Miniature pillows a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent humorously, that was almost accident. 143, 168mm, or when switching Memberships ), was also for... An otherwise excellent saddle for US $ 100 / TBC / AU $ 120 with the steel-railed Comp model by. At US $ 100 / TBC / AU $ 690 i truly wish it wasnt the best saddle Ive used. Way a human body interacts with the bicycle SWAT, Specializeds discreet under-saddle system... Dimensions of specialized romin saddle is a high performance with special features foam for bike feel with additional.! Way a human body interacts with the cut-away in the fall are two widths available buy possible! 5 yr. ago by panda531 S-Works, Pro, Expert, mentioned above legitimate business interest asking. Over long days on the material construction, specialized doesnt believe theres slight... As fit goes, Im a fan of the top-performing saddles for specialized phenom vs power sleeve performance have. Us some more about the technical aspects of the Power is the Expert, mentioned.., i previously bought myself the Phenom Pro Elaston and its a saddle i rate highly the saddle most.. Rails in a standard 77 mm round size start with specialized saddles, i previously bought myself the Phenom for!