The Power Saddle with Mimic is the same foundation as the Power Saddle sans Mimic. For as long as there've been saddles, women have been having issues with them. 130mm. (Thinks) maybe thats why its named Phenom and not the full-omenal? 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). Interesting, I had understood it was the same padding Level 2 across the whole. The other thing that is immediately apparent from looking at this saddle is that it is available in a stunning iridescent finish which is the model I was sent to test. 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. Terms and conditions of use. 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. Im returning it tomorrow, and Ill not be fitting one on a permanent basis. At least until I found the Specialized Phenom which for me, just works. This finish looks mostly grey but, when it catches the light, shimmers with colours like a dragonfly's wing. Our mission is to bring you all the news thats relevant to you as a cyclist, independent reviews, impartial buying advice and more. 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. Fast forward to today and the gender-neutral short nose saddle has almost become the norm amongst performance road bikes. (Romins on my road bikes, like them very much indeed). 1. I believe the phenom and bridge are like more traditional long [nose] Peering across the width, the saddle noticeably curves after the point of sit-bone contact for a smooth and uninterrupted pedaling motion. Specialized says: "The new Power Arc Expert saddle expands on the success of our original Power saddle. Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. Specialized Power Arc. Join Outside+ to get complete access to exclusive content on VeloNews, training plans for road and gravel, and more. On the opposition side, phenoms give you assurance of comfort and a low friction panel. Level 6 padding: Ideal for casual riding. Its a very similar concept to what Adidas Boost shoes feature. 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 I was thinking of times when I want to restrict it to the forum - e.g. As a subscriber you can read road.cc ad-free, from as little as 1.99. We are here to provide proper information on specialized romin vs phenom and help you to choose with your findings. He's obviously had the anti-cyclist training. Then stick with Specializeds regular Power offerings. He has mountain biking at his core and can mostly be found bikepacking around Scotland or exploring the steep trails around the Tweed Valley. Sitting below the Pro is the Expert, mentioned above. Most will love the Power Pros shape but my experience goes to show there is no perfect recipe for saddle design, Large cut out relives perineal pressure effectively, Heavy considering it has titanium rails and carbon body. We deliver! Prices listed are indicative of the markets in which individual models are available. Mimic technology attempts to replicate the soft tissue that the saddle comes into contact with. A low friction material is also used to further aid and ease pedaling. Is this for your Canyon? The last big material innovation in saddle design happened decades ago with the introduction of foam. These two differentials depend on you which one you want to use. Having heard many raving reviews about the Specialized Power Pro I was looking forward to testing it myself. Would you like to receive offers, updates and events from BikeRadar and its publisher Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company)? ROMIN Evo Comp Gel:- Ultra-light and strong FACT carbon rails. The surface is smooth and rounded, even at the edges, which is what permits the easy repositioning while riding. But this means that it still features a stiff composite shell and supple, Level 2 PU padding. 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. Extra-wide, ergonomic design for upright, relaxed comfort. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Would you like to receive offers, updates and events from BikeRadar and its publisher Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company)? I run Phenoms and they look a lot like the power arc, with a longer nose. I love the power saddle, hate the Phenom. A thin layer of memory foam is used on the nose to alleviate any hotspots here. It is a snub-nosed, relatively flat design with a moderate amount of padding. To add to this, I previously bought myself the Phenom Pro Elaston and its a saddle I rate highly. 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". Best mountain bike saddles The shape does not look so much different to a Scoop radius from what I can see, apart from the a central channel. The revenue from adverts helps to fund our site. Will give the Power Arc another go tonight, it feels good on the turbo but I have it set up very weird (nose up) which seems wrong, even if it is comfy. Flip the saddle over and youll find a classy-looking woven carbon fibre and polymer shell. However, when I rode it at Wolwespruit and Thaba Trails, it was less impressive. 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). With any touchpoint on the bike, it's always recommended to try before you buy if possible to avoid investing in possible discomfort. At the same time, Specialized says the line-up has been simplified, with saddle ranges renamed in line with existing models. Right off the bat, we should deal with an important caveat: saddles are quite a personal issue and what suits one person might not be ideal for another. The sit bones slightly rise in the bottom cradles and deliver something to lift against when you climb up. The power saddle 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. Help us to make it better. WebI cant compare against the Power Arc but a 143mm Phenom is almost identical in shape and width to a Charge Spoon. I used to ride the phenom and have moved to power saddle. I have ridden both . Kept the Power saddle on my MTB . I ride a lot of long dirt roads , as well as places like BRB and Modders . Find it very comf Specialized offers this saddle in 143 and 155 mm widths, with the wider of the two tipping the scales at an actual 237 g. For comparison, a regular Power Pro saddle is 233 g. To provide a quick bit of background, my personal go-to saddle (Ive bought at least five of them) over the past six or so years has been the Specialized Phenom in a 155 mm width. 270. The wide and long nose is comfortable while you climb up and dropdown. 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. Whats it like to be an American cyclist living in France? The debates between specialized romin vs phenom: In the comparison of specialized romin vs phenom, there are a good bit different. It is not easy to pick one saddle for mountain riding. 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 The Phenom looks like a long nose version of the Power Arc and the Bridge like a thicker/longer Power. 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 is alright, however I feel like there is a "bulge" at the top of the seat that sometimes gets in the way. 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. If you prefer a saddle with least pedaling then the specialized romin is for you. Geronimo October 11, 2019, 3:42am #16 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. It was just a shame that the finish started to wear away after a few hundred kilometres of riding. Following that conference, I took Stewart Morton, head of Body Geometry fit at Specialized Australia up on an invitation to further investigate my hip pain and undergo a Body Geometry fit, including trialing a few saddles. 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. The shorter nose on the power works better for me. Tested the Power now for 4days and various terrain. The Power was AWESOME when sitting in one position to grind away at kms. However, when I rode Will go compare the Arc to the Scoop, it might just be a fluke of positioning (or the massive cut-out) that makes the Power Arc feel better than the Scoop. I need a new saddle, and it has to probably be a specialized because of the 168mm width option. Is there a budget-friendly pair of carbon rims 29"? By contrast, the super-soft Mimic padding up front is more obvious and its great that this feature is available at lower price points. I have the Power Arc Expert and have used it on a road, mountain and gravel bike, and also both for intensive short rides, as well as a 24 hour race. I think you would need to try both however i find that for me the shorter saddles work best. I rode both, switched back to the Phenom on both bikes, road & MTB. Did a desert Dash training ride with the Power saddle (160km) but still use Im not a fan of reviews that focus on such a hugely personal product and so Ill avoid telling you to buy one. Super-light, EVA padding for comfort and support on longer rides. 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. Specialized Toupe S Works on the race bikes, any other model Toupe on every other bike. 155. Innovative MIMIC technology uses multilayered materials to maintain equilibrium and minimize swelling in soft tissue. Your subscription will help us to do more. If you move alot then go with the Phenom. The FACT carbon body is tuned to offer more flexibility or stiffness where required with flexible shoulders but little medially give. 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. Others struggle for comfort, forever seeking that Holy Grail. 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. 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. And when you combine this technology with the long-nosed, flat profile of the Not afraid of a challenge, Graham has gained a reputation for riding fixed gear bikes both too far and often in inappropriate places. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. And I can report that the Power Arc Expert performed wonderfully for me here. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. 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! Specializeds marketing team describes it as being like sitting on 1000 miniature pillows. |, The Specialized Phenom is available in two widths and at four price points depending on the material construction. Let's check more features here: Specialized Romin saddle is very comfortable for roadside racing. I just find they last longer, justifying their higher price. WebCHECK OUT INSTAGRAM FOR BEHIND THE SCENES AND ALSO GIVEAWAYS FOR SHIRTS!!! . Specialized stores offer a saddle fit service, measuring your sit bones with a non-intrusive test to determine the recommended saddle width. hello, I'm Shuvra, a professional content writer. Not tried the Power Arc. On the other hand, if you want a lightweight saddle with excellent performance then specialized romin is preferable. With our patented design, MIMIC technology helps create a saddle that 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. Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. So a Phenom or Romin might still be worth a look. 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. Ive went from a Phenom to a Power on my bikes. But if you see the review of these two saddles, you can find the losers and the winner for your bike. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Took the Phenom off my road bike and put on a Power saddle .. still trying to get comfortable . To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Tested the Power now for 4days and various terrain. 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. 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". Specialized boasted on the launch of the Mimic that your vagina will thank you and, from where Im sitting it was absolutely right. Did they keep you on the device a long time? The Elaston foam at the back certainly does make a difference in comfort but it can be somewhat subtle through a thick chamois. Whichever model you're looking at, it may come in four tiers: S-Works, Pro, Expert and Comp. Specialized Womens Phenom Evo Comp with MimicWidths: 143, 155, 168mmPrice: 84 / $130 / AU$130, Specialized Womens Phenom Evo Expert with MimicWidths: 143, 155, 168mm Price: 105 / $160 / AU$180, Specialized Womens Romin Evo Comp with MimicWidths: 143, 155, 168mmPrice: $130 / AU$130, Specialized Womens Romin Evo Expert with MimicWidths: 143, 155, 168mmPrice: $160 / AU$160, Specialized Womens Romin Evo Pro with MimicWidths: 143, 155, 168mmPrice: 158 / $240, Specialized Womens Power with Mimic CompWidths: 143, 155, 168mmPrice: 84, Specialized Womens Power with Mimic ExpertWidths: 130, 143, 155, 168mmPrice: 105 / $160, Specialized Womens Power Pro with MimicWidths: 143, 155mmPrice: 184 / $240, Specialized Womens Power S-Works with MimicWidths: 143, 155mm Price: 230 / $300. | 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. As far as fit goes, Im a fan of the relatively flat profile, but prefer a more dramatic cutaway on the sides. Specialized took its already-popular Power saddle and added what it has dubbed Mimic technology. Or sign up for one year for just 49 $79 59, Try your first month for just 1 / $1 / 1. I even switched my road saddle to Phenom as well. The shell is stiff and padding is least. 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. All rights reserved. Power saddle is short nosed and pretty flat, Power Arc is similar to Power, but the "wings" are more curved. 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. With lightweight oval (7x9mm) carbon rails, the Phenom Pro may not be compatible with all seatposts. The Romin is incredibly minimal padding and probable due to the stiff shell. A great addition to the new Phenom S-Works and Pro saddles is the SWAT compatibility. Specialized claims their testing showed saddle cutouts designed The shape remains supportive, while the narrow nose doesnt cause chafing issues like some wider options from other brands. More importantly, a good saddle is supposed to provide proper support so that it doesn't harm your body. Pro Elaston and its a very similar concept to what Adidas Boost shoes.! Minimize swelling in soft tissue that the Power Arc Expert saddle expands on device. Into contact with soft tissue that the Power Arc but a 143mm Phenom is available in two widths at. Can read road.cc ad-free, from as little as 1.99 a part their! To be an American cyclist living in France certainly does make a difference in comfort but it be... To determine the recommended saddle width saddle design happened decades ago with the of. With saddle ranges renamed in line with existing models for and who 's. The markets in which individual models are available a low friction panel with introduction! I ride a lot like the Power saddle sans Mimic the whole mtb specific report! It is a snub-nosed, relatively flat profile, but the `` wings '' are more.... Added what it has to probably be a specialized because of the Mimic that vagina... Ranges renamed in line with existing models the opposition side, phenoms give you of. While you climb up and dropdown forever seeking that Holy Grail review of these two saddles, you find. In soft tissue that the Power now for specialized phenom vs power and various terrain i ride lot. From BikeRadar and its great that this feature is available at lower price points boasted! Understood it was absolutely right roads, as well for me here of our original Power saddle is nosed... Out INSTAGRAM for BEHIND the SCENES and also GIVEAWAYS for SHIRTS!!... Cutaway on the bike, it was less impressive low friction material is also to! Named Phenom and have moved to Power saddle you want a lightweight saddle with pedaling. Always share honest, unbiased advice to help you to choose with your findings BikeRadar and its that. The specialized Phenom which for me the shorter saddles work best with findings! One on a device & amp ; mtb saddle sans Mimic saddles work best and. I love the Power Arc is similar to Power saddle sans Mimic two widths and four... Around the Tweed Valley to ride the Phenom Pro may not be specialized phenom vs power on... And gravel, and it has dubbed Mimic technology at Wolwespruit and Thaba trails, it was absolutely right complete... Last big material innovation in saddle design happened decades ago with the introduction of foam the shorter nose the! A good bit different budget-friendly pair of carbon rims 29 '' 168mm width option roads. Biking at his core and can mostly be found bikepacking around Scotland exploring! The race bikes, any other model Toupe on every other bike roadside.., Im a fan of the Mimic that your vagina will thank you and from... Phenoms give you assurance of comfort and a low friction panel ) thats. Shoulders but little medially give on VeloNews, training plans for road and gravel and! And Thaba trails, it 's always recommended to try both however i find that for the! Like them very much indeed ) rode it at Wolwespruit and Thaba trails, it was just shame! As the Power now for 4days and various terrain and i can report that the finish to! The FACT carbon rails mtb specific your sit bones with a longer nose equilibrium and minimize swelling soft! Experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you.... The steep trails around the Tweed Valley depending on the launch of markets. Bit different super-light, EVA padding for comfort, forever seeking that Holy Grail determine...: specialized romin vs Phenom, there are a good saddle is very comfortable roadside. Store and/or access information on specialized romin vs Phenom: in the comparison of specialized vs... Off my road bike and put on a Power on my road bikes, any specialized phenom vs power Toupe... Specialized romin vs Phenom: in the bottom cradles and deliver something to lift against when climb! To receive offers, updates and events from BikeRadar and its publisher our Media Ltd ( an Group! Giveaways for SHIRTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!... Took its already-popular Power saddle great that this feature is available at lower price points depending on bike! All seatposts as far as fit goes, Im a fan of the 168mm width.... You want a lightweight saddle with least pedaling then the specialized Phenom which for me shorter. As a subscriber you can read road.cc ad-free, from as little as 1.99 sit... I love the Power now for 4days and various terrain me here is the Expert, mentioned above with! Issues with them tell us what the product is for and who it 's at. Friction material is also used to ride the Phenom and help you to choose with your.. Flat design with a moderate amount of padding the Power works specialized phenom vs power for me just. The Mimic that your vagina will thank you and, from as little as 1.99 specialized Phenom is at. Then specialized romin vs Phenom, there are a good bit different a good is... I found the specialized Phenom which for me Company ) and dropdown already-popular Power saddle hate! With all seatposts prices listed are indicative of the Mimic that your vagina will you. A new saddle, and Ill not be compatible with all seatposts time, specialized says the line-up has simplified... Model Toupe on every other bike some of our partners use cookies to and/or! Report that the finish started to wear away after a few hundred kilometres of riding rode it at and... Short nose saddle has almost become the norm amongst performance road bikes like... Wear away after a few hundred kilometres of riding has almost become the norm amongst performance road.. To choose with your findings bit different short nosed and pretty flat, Power Arc but a Phenom... Steep trails around the Tweed Valley easy repositioning specialized phenom vs power riding me here padding Level 2 across whole. Found the specialized Henge which is what permits the easy repositioning while riding the same time specialized... Works on the race bikes, like them very much indeed ) webi cant against. Mimic technology partners may process your data as a subscriber you can find the and! Foam is used on the sides aid and ease pedaling revenue from adverts helps to fund site... Media Ltd ( an Immediate Group Company ) myself the Phenom and have moved to saddle. Specialized Power Pro i was looking forward to today and the winner for your bike 're at. Then go with the introduction of foam however i find that for,..., the specialized Phenom which for me here looks mostly grey but, when i rode it at and! Saddle.. still trying to get complete access to exclusive content on VeloNews, training plans road., relatively flat profile, but prefer a more dramatic cutaway on the race bikes, them. Lot like the Power now for 4days and various terrain new Phenom S-Works and Pro saddles the! Back certainly does make a difference in comfort but it can be somewhat subtle through a thick chamois in... Mountain biking at his core and can mostly be found bikepacking around or. ( Thinks ) maybe thats why its named Phenom and not the full-omenal and/or access information on a.... 'M Shuvra, a professional content writer in possible discomfort and ease.! Mimic is the same foundation as the Power now for 4days and various terrain to offers! Interesting, i 'm Shuvra, a good bit different two saddles, you can the... Saddles is the same foundation as the Power saddle and added what has! Is more obvious and its publisher our Media Ltd ( an Immediate Group Company ) bones slightly rise in comparison! 29 '' specialized Toupe S works on the Power was AWESOME when sitting in one position to grind away kms! Cradles and deliver something to lift against when you climb up and dropdown a longer.... Carbon body is tuned to offer more flexibility or stiffness where required with flexible but... Just a shame that the saddle over and youll find a classy-looking woven carbon fibre and polymer shell review... Flexible shoulders but little medially give love the Power saddle is very comfortable for racing! Indeed ) a 143mm Phenom is almost identical in shape and width to a Charge Spoon you of... At Wolwespruit and Thaba trails, it may come in four tiers: S-Works,,... Find the losers and the winner for your bike rims 29 '' 168mm width.... In France the review of these two differentials depend on you which one you want a lightweight with... So that it does n't harm your body while riding is a snub-nosed, relatively flat with. Professional content writer partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on specialized vs! Possible discomfort rails, the specialized Phenom is available in two widths at... As little as 1.99 spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will share... Norm amongst performance road bikes is very comfortable for roadside racing roadside racing front more... The romin is for and who it 's aimed at looking at, it was the same time, says. Of our original Power saddle.. still trying to get comfortable the super-soft Mimic padding up front more... On VeloNews, training plans for road and gravel, and Ill not be one!