All About Specialized Saddles
Specialized is known for their expertise in bike saddles. Coupling the core principles of Body Geometry with a mastery of materials, Specialized saddles take on-the-bike comfort to the next level.
The Big Three Saddle Shapes
With three shapes and a variety of widths and tech options, there is a Specialized saddle for every rider.
Power
Low/Aero to Moderate
All-around – Road/Gravel/XC
Short nose, flat profile
Since its launch in 2015, the Specialized Power Saddle has taken the cycling world by storm. Quickly becoming one of the most popular saddles on the market, the Power saddle takes classic saddle design and reimagines it – with a shorter nose, flat profile, and anatomical cutout. Originally, Specialized touted this saddle as the right choice for riding in a super low aero position; however, it has become apparent that this saddle can do much more than that – making it truly an allrounder.
Romin Evo
Low/Aero to Moderate
Road – Low and Aero
Slight ramp at the rear
A direct descendant of the original 1997 Body Geometry saddle, the Romin Evo is designed to place the rider in the optimal position for power transfer and comfort. With a timeless saddle design, it’s obvious why professional cyclists like Peter Segan choose to use the Romin Evo saddle. A longer classic shape, the Romin Evo features a slight ramp at the rear of the saddle that allows riders to shift their position to the back when climbing.
Phenom
Moderate to Upright
Trail MTB or Distance Road
Longer with a rounder curve
Designed with all-terrain riding in mind, the Phenom has established itself as one of the most versatile saddles in Specialized’s lineup. The rounded anti-snag tail and low-friction panels on the front and rear make it easier to get on and off your bike. The Phenom is perfect for mountain bikes, gravel bikes, and road bikes – so long as the rider is in more of an upright position.
The Other Saddles
Sitero
Aero
Time Trial and Triathlon
Wide center channel
Made specifically for the demands of time trial and triathlon, the Sitero saddle features a wide center channel and progressive shape that facilitates long rides in the aero position. There are two versions of the Sitero saddle, the base model, which features medium-density level 2 padding, and the Sitero Plus, which features low/medium-density level 3 padding for an extra cushy ride.
Bridge
Moderate
Road and Mountain
Classic
Created as an allrounder for road and mountain, the Bridge saddle comes stock on many Specialized bikes. Designed to suit the needs of newer riders, most models of the Bridge saddle feature higher levels of padding (such as level 3). While this extra padding is great for shorter rides, it can lead to discomfort on longer rides of 3 or more hours. This is a great saddle for getting into cycling; however, more advanced riders will most likely prefer a Power, Romin, or Phenom saddle.
Saddle Subjectivity
Saddles are not one-size-fits-all. And what works for one rider, might not work for another. The quest for the perfect saddle can be a long and arduous journey. Many experienced riders are still searching for the throne of their dreams. It can take a lot of trial and error just to figure out what you look for in a saddle.
Saddle Technologies
MIMIC
Originally designed specifically for women, MIMIC technology uses multilayer materials to maintain equilibrium and prevent swelling in soft tissue. MIMIC utilizes different densities of foam where each section is optimized for the corresponding anatomy. After launching this technology in women’s-specific saddles, Specialized discovered that MIMIC technology enhanced comfort for many men too. The technology has since been rebranded for unisex use.
What Specialized saddles are for women?
While all Specialized saddles are technically unisex, many women find that MIMIC saddles are the best fit. All three of the primary Specialized saddle shapes are available in a MIMIC version. The 3D-printed Mirror saddles may also be a good fit for some women. In general, women have wider sit bones than men so it’s worth taking the extra time to measure carefully and determine the correct saddle width.
Mirror
Created using a unique 3D printing process, Mirror saddles take the principles of MIMIC and step it up a notch. With the ability to carefully fine-tune each section, Specialized engineers alleviated hot spots and crafted a saddle that revolutionizes saddle performance.
Arc
While many riders love the short nose and flat profile of the Power saddle, it isn’t perfect for everyone. Specialized released the Power Arc saddle as an option for riders who want the benefits of a Power saddle coupled with a curved shape that contours to your body and makes you feel like you’re in the saddle rather than on it.
SWAT Compatibility
All Specialized saddles include mounts for SWAT storage. This provides a clean and secure way to carry your inner tube and tools along for the ride.
Saddle Tiers
Just like with their bikes, Specialized makes multiple levels of each saddle. With saddles, the comfort and fit of each tier are nearly identical and the difference between models comes from the materials used in the rails and shell.
Shop Specialized Saddles by Tier
Rail Material
The biggest difference between each tier comes from the material of the saddle rails. Comp and Sport level saddles usually use chromoly or steel rails which offer exceptional durability but are also relatively heavy. Pro and Expert level saddles usually use titanium rails which are ultra-strong and lighter than steel. S-Works level saddles use carbon fiber rails, which are by far the lightest option. Carbon fiber rails are oval shaped which means that they require a special saddle clamp. Additionally, S-Works saddles have a 240 lbs rider weight limit to account for the decreased strength of carbon fiber compared to titanium or steel.
Learn more about rail material
Shell Material
The material of the saddle shell can have a big impact on overall weight. S-Works models will usually have a fully-carbon shell whereas lower tiers use a slightly heavier combination of nylon and carbon to keep costs down.
Padding
Specialized utilizes three levels of padding in their saddles. Level 1 padding is the lightest level of padding – providing riders with the most direct connection to the bike. Level 2 padding, which is the most common padding on Specialized saddles, uses a medium density foam that is suitable for most riders and all terrain types. Finally, Level 3 padding provides a much more cushioned saddle; however, a softer saddle may put riders at risk of other discomfort such as chafing.
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