£350 Specialized S-Works Power Mirror Tech saddle FIRST RIDE - Most Comfortable Saddle in the World?
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- Опубліковано 27 жов 2024
- Specialized has used 3D printed tech to develop the most radical new saddle I've ever seen. Does it deliver comfort, what's the tech all about and is it worth the asking price?
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Everyone in the comments saying they can get a bike for the same price as this saddle is obviously missing the point. By that same logic, you can get 5 bikes for the price of a set of Zipp wheels. This clearly is a component for the same people who would buy a Venge or S-Works bike. It's not an entry level component so calm down.
Apollovn I have mine on an S-Works Venge, so your comment rings true!
@@thebelly925 What do you think about it?
There are even many bibs priced higher than this. It's just everything about cycling are more expensive
@@anerdwitdacamera204 a cheap saddle works just as well for me
Right I got mine for like 240$ all worth it. The way it cushions is way different than foam. Similar to Adidas 4d and boost soles. Nothing like it
I've been on this saddle for a week. I bought it under specialized 30 day trial full expecting i would try it out a few times and bin it. But I gotta say its quite nice. I was on a specialized power elaston and this is so much better. Price is horrendous but your tush will be pampered.
I have one and I tell you NYC this saddle is expensive but worth every penny. I love mine and ordering another one for my other bike. So comfortable unbelievable .💯%💯%
Can't wait for that tech to come down in price
I can buy a full bike with that
Just wait for China to make it cheaper, you will see it soon.
Looked at price and felt pain in the butt right away :)
I used to own an sworks power arc which weighed 140 plus grams, I sold it and bought this and instantly felt a a great feel of comfort, its 50 grams heavier but I don't think I will notice the difference and either any person will
Thanks for the review. This has convinced me to purchase one for my bike, as I’ve felt pain during long rides on my current Power saddle . Now waiting for delivery.
No problem 👍
How did it work out for you?
Thanks for review/initial impression, looking forward to your longer term review. I'm looking for a replacement for my Infinity saddle,( a real game changer but not found anything that comes close yet comfort wise ) Unfortunately my third one like 1st & second recently snapped, so had enough. Hopefully Specialized will produce a non carbon rail version for heavier riders (I'm 90kg/200lbs) with a bit of luck.
I hate my Fabric but, testing saddles is an expensive affair!
Important thing to add. The polygon/golf ball like dimples on the seat feel like a vegetable grater if you don't have your bibs on.
I have to admit, saddles is something Specialized do really well. The toupe, Romin and regular power are all 👍
Romon evo is very comfortable
Most comfortable saddle I have used in 30 years+ riding. Worth it if you have issues with saddle numbness like I have suffered from.
$440 USD for a saddle ?!?! This has gone !@#$ bonkers.
over 700 here in Australia
Probably just as comfortable as a cheap gel saddle, maybe just lighter but I would rather save the money on the saddle and spend it on more expensive components where I can save weight and have real performance gains....just another scam from bike manufacturers.
Yeah and during a brutal recession
Hi! Just want to share my experience with this saddle. I will agree that the saddle is very comfortable. I’ve been riding on it for about 3 months (around 800 miles a month). I only weigh 125lbs, but my saddle buckled and crumpled on the nose (with gel oozing out), after about 2 months. I’m sure it was because I put weight on the nose instead of sitting further back (I was dealing with saddle sores so i was constantly adjusting how I sat… sorry if that’s TMI). So if you decide to take the plunge and buy it, just make sure you sit back and don’t put too much weight on the nose.
Thanks for sharing your experience Julia 👍
Are you sure you’re talking about the Power w/ Mirror saddle? I ask because there’s not any gel in that saddle, so I find it your story hard to believe! Please clarify if you could. Thanks!
@@LocalRipper707 Hi! I’m not sure if it was a gel or what the exact substance was. I found it mostly on the underside of the saddle, and only saw it when the nose first crumpled. I thought maybe it could it be some lubricant coming up from the seat post somehow. I don’t know. I have never seen that substance before or since the 3D saddle. Honestly, I was more shocked at the nose crumpling (which started off looking like a fold/crease in the nose, but progressively got worse with each ride). If I could somehow post a picture of the saddle, I would. It looks terrible, compared to my 15 year old Bontrager saddle. Spending that kind of money I expected better durability. Others I ride with were shocked as well, because it’s not like I’m heavy or doing circus tricks on it. So I went online to see if anyone else had a similar experience. Maybe I just got a lemon, and everyone else’s saddles are fine. I’ve since moved on to a different saddle, and haven’t had any issues with crumpling.
@@julianaum2880 Thanks for the update Julia! Sorry to hear that. I’m planning to move my Power with Mirror from my road bike to my gravel bike and have been looking into its durability as such. I will have to keep a closer eye on it. Thanks again for your reply.
@@LocalRipper707 hello Vince , please tell me how is going your saddle on your gravel bike , I already have this saddle on my road bike, and I want to buy another one for my mtb bike, I do XC and Marathon , Specialzed said that this saddle it’s ok for this disciplines but no for enduro, DH or sort jump. I really need your opinion. Tks a lot , and sorry for my Poot English ;(
I just want to try Fizik’s 3D printed Antares. Mostly because the regular Antares is already my saddle of choice
The Adaptive one? Have you tried it?
Wasn’t the general rule that squishy saddles were to be avoided?
Been there. Done that. Mistake. YMMV.
I’ve been looking at this when it’s next in stock. Worth mentioning that the rails are bigger and may not fit all seat post clamp rail systems or require a diff clamp at top of seat post
Its standard carbon rails (?), but of course you need a carbon rail compatible mount.
I will buy that, when I become a millionaire.
I just switched to this on an S works bike, much more comfortable and no more pressure points previous saddle was an. S works phenom.
This guy reminds me of David Arthur
I have been riding Tioga saddles for quite number of years, first the Spyder Twinfoil but they used to break after a year or so then I swapped to the Spider Stratum which has not broken. In spite of the fact they look like a middle aged torture appliance they are the most comfortable saddle I have ever ridden and under £100, a lot cheaper than Spec saddle, though Spec gear is normally 1st class
I was very lucky with my Bontrager Montrose - that one fits me without pressure in any position. I'm unfortunate in the neck area, tho - I'm fighting with onesided neckpain on the Checkpoint since I got it and I wasn't able to get it under control, yet. I'm on it, tho with back/neck training/doctors appointments/and propably a bikefit. I made this my absolute Nr1 goal this year.
I have a Trek Checkpoint too. I have the redshift suspension stem and it really helps smooth out the ride.
I'm 600lbs (42 stone) yea I'm a big lad and this slotted rite between me mammoth arse cheeks like a charm, I ride me ebike 1/8 of a mile per day to the post office AND BACK so I needed a saddle that was up for this level of extensive use, Olympic build quality was the the only way to go I'd say and this little 3D printed beauty is they most comfy saddle that has ever caressed my arse, I feel like I'm on tour da France I do - this is clearly the saddle of the gods. I couldn't be more happy with my purchase.
Sarcasm?
@@onion_wind I would have thought so seeing this saddle is only rated to 240lbs (109kg) he would end up with the seat post shoved up his arse.
I also have two od the oryginal specialized power saddles and one from Aliexpress China EC90 its a very good copy- and i must say its fenomenal and the comfort is the same for only 20 dolars!!!
Holy crap, that's well expensive 😳
Not sure i would want to try and clean it after a wet UK ride.
I’m reckoning I can just blast it with the hose pipe 😃
Hose pipe
same weight as My Selle Italia Flite Saddle - Titanium Rails , my Arse was SORE after the Ride - Looked Amazing
Sold it few years ago now Ride Cheap Saddle WTB Comforft Saddle
Great review David I’m new to your channel and will be an avid viewer from now on
Thanks Alan 👍
If you are spending £5k or more on a bike then a £350 saddle probably seems reasonable but the average price of a bike sold is only about £200 in the UK so can't see the market for this being very large and besides sounds like each saddle takes ages to print anyway. I've bought saddles off ebay for £4 that have been great, just a generic saddle from some huge Chinese factory that makes for other brands as well as sells its own unbranded saddles. Ultimately you can get a decent saddle for less than £10, it's only a small amount of metal, plastic, fabric and foam. Sort of thing a factory probably knocks out for less than a dollar in China.
If its 3d printed can i just print it?!
I think the top mesh thing is printable, the bottom part is carbon fibre - though you might be able to get away with a strong plastic. I think for the mesh they used formlab's flexible resin.
Yes just screenshot this pic and print it
I’ll wait for the long term test review , thanks David for another good initial review . I have a power arch saddle and It work for me .
I own one. It’s fricking a-MAZING!
Was it worth the price?
Scarlett I believe so. Everyone needs to do their own cost/benefit analysis for it. I ride ~20,000 km per year, so an extremely comfy perch is high on my list.
Would love to see it a test where riders test saddles without looking at them and then decide which one was best based on feeling alone.
I'd argue you can only test a saddle based on feeling alone. I've never been influenced by price/brand/design when it comes to saddle comfort. It's either comfortable or uncomfortable for you
It is if it's right for you. Better to do a pressure mapping first and see what that shows.
With so many potentially failing points (holes I mean) the price tag is for those who only ride their bikes once a year. It doesn't seem very durable, I hope I'm mistaken. Would like to try it though if it were flatter.
Hopefully it's more durable than typical 3d printed plastics.
i just got the fizik 3d printed saddle, not cheap 400 bucks us. It's the most comfortable saddle I've used, but the specialized one looks even more comfortable. I hope this 3d printed material holds up over the years. I also hope the costs go down as more people make 3d saddles.
Always makes me laugh when people make comments like “Ohh how ridiculous is the price”. No one forces anyone to spend £350 on a saddle. There are cheeper ones and more expensive ones. If you don’t want to buy it 🤷♂️don’t. Some people buy a Lamborghini that costs the price of a dam good house, would you say “ Ohh nice car , or how much for a car I could buy 20 cars for that price. So if your not in the market 🤫🤫🤫🤫
A custom-designed saddle would be quite cool, but at the price it's going to be far far down the line
I paid for my Bontrager xxx carbon 148mm weight 110g/140g and I paid 3 years ago 440$, so price doesn't surprise me at all, but Specialized especially S_works is always cost more, I also like my Sworks Aerofly 2 carbon bar and it wast cheap, but I spend 150/200€ for pairs of Assos bibs and Santini 🧥, 300€ for Giro Empire acc or Scott RC Road Evo cycling shoes, why not buy somthing like this and especially if I ride 7k€ worth bike. But I understand it is a bit much too much, anyway in 2,3 years you'll get this saddle for under 200 pounds. All in all I already find couple of my favorite saddles and great bibs you can ride from dusk till dawn.
Hi dave. Enjoying your videos and the saddle does look the business. On a side note any more thoughts on the tcr as I see you have been riding it a bit more. Cheers martin
Thanks Martin. I’ve done 1600km on the TCR so far, fair to say I really like its combination of speed, handling and comfort. Full review is coming soon but got a few more videos to work through first
@@davidarthur cheers Dave looking forward to seeing that. Your videos are very informative which helps especially when there is so much choice of good quality products to choose from. Keep up the good work.
Looks like the Saddle stack has increased over the power saddle! I wonder why. Anyone know the measurement and reason ?
Jimmy Pragmatic It measures slightly taller than a Romin saddle, but when sitting on it, I didn’t need to change my saddle height.
Berk composites is still way ahead when it comes to saddle tech.
Great example of what tech can do , but its the Brooks for me , Infact send me it and i`ll do a review on it..........
I reckon the postage would be pretty expensive owing to its considerable weight!
Perhaps so . Worth a try :-)
Doesn't look like it will last, hope it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Put it on your gravel bike do the DK 200 that’ll be a good test for it .
I’d buy that for a dollar!👍🏻
Nice RoboCop reference
David, another great review! How comfortable is this one compared to the standard power saddle or the pro stealth?
Thanks! Good question, and one I’ve been pondering this week. I really like the regular Power and have used the Elaston version too. This Mirror version is comfier but it’s not a massive step forward compared to a saddle I already found agreeable. But it’s certainly noticeable especially at the end of longer rides and on rough roads
@@davidarthur thank you so much! I just bought the pro stealth, but I am gravitating towards the original stealth (and also arc). It's a shame that I haven't found your channel before! I really do enjoy your really in depth content and always liked your articles on road.cc!
Thanks that means a lot! I haven’t tried many Pro saddles over the years I’m afraid but I’ll see if I can change that this year
@@davidarthur this looks like a great saddle, I feel a bit ashamed being stuck on a Fizik Arione.
Specialized says it can't be used on side-clamp seatposts...so it wont fit my Specialized bike with the Specialized seatpost that it came with. Waiting for a Ti rail version.
That's good news. That means I can't buy one for my bike even if I wanted to 🙂
Have you looked into the Specialized carbon rail side mount kit? It requires two oblong inner clamp area shaped outer brackets, one each side (don’t have to replace the inner cups) to replace the round inner shaped outer brackets typically used for the cro-mo and ti railed saddles. Each set of outer brackets is clearly marked alloy or carbon rail. That’s it. Now go drop $450 on that gimmick.
Great review David. There's no price too high when it comes to improved comfort. I've got one sitting in my cart right now ready to pull the trigger but I have a question I need answered before I do and I can't find the specs anywhere. Not even on Specialized website. I thought I might ask you. Do you know if there is a weight limit for the Mirror Tech saddle? I'm bad for breaking carbon saddles at 220lbs. Thanks, Cheers
I don’t know about a weight limit, I’ve had a look around and at the press release but can’t see any mention of a eight limit. I guess that means there isn’t one?!
@@davidarthur Good enough for me, Thank you sir.
Upon receiving the saddle David I noticed a warning label on it. Weight limit: 240lbs - (109kg). Now we know. Thanks again for your content. Cheers
It probably isn't the saddle, it's the Giant TCR!
Where is your review on the cheaper version you promised over a year ago ?;)
I disagree with your comments on the bare carbon seats that they are uncomfortable. I own the Selle Italia SLR C-59 carbon seat and it is the most comfortable seat I have ever ridden. I also own this Specialized Mirror time will tell which is better for comfort.
Any updates on impressions between the 2?
@@ZioComposite they are both great. The SI SLR-59 is a road/race only seat. It is almost dangerous to even think you can do rough gravel with it, light gravel no problem. The Specialized 3D printed short nose is good for anything really. It is on the heavier side but very supportive and comfortable in a sporty way. If people think the 3D saddle will be luxuriously plush think again… it is supportive where it needs to be and it is still very firm.
@@duramaxdemon1 thank you for the update Ben, this will be helpful for others to see. Looking forward to trying out the mirror to see if it contours for proper support.
Saddle is almost the same price as my bike.
Saddles are a personal fit there is no guarantee by price or make that they are a good fit for a person and I would never go for a long ride on a new saddle you could suddenly have a big problem and have difficulty getting home
Let's face it: 440 dollar for a saddle is just bizarre.
Is there a topeak extension adapter for this saddle ?I had to adjust saddle far back on the seat post to get my same reach. Unfortunately my saddle bag adapter doesn’t have space and need to sit on the part of the rails that starts bending up.
Big fan of the Power saddles. Shop owner decided to be the guniea pig on this one since everyone was thinking it was just bonkers expensive. Maiden ride 5hr road ride with 3000m of climbing. No hot spots, not numb once...then took it gravel riding - feedback its a great for road and amazing for gravel, it just absorbs more much more shock. So if you have something like a 3T or Aspero or heaps of other stiff bikes that aren't that smooth out back this could be $ well spent. I'll wait for a ti rail pro version at 60% the cost when it comes and we know it can take 10-20K of hard rides and not fall apart.
is this compatible for a specialized turbo vado 5.0 ebike... I mean with the integrated seat light?
Durable ? I ride 18k miles yearly so I may have to try it
Is it a Power or Power Arc saddle that is 3D printed or a new shape all together?
It’s based on the Power saddle
What seat post are you using on your giant as most D fuse can only take 7mm rails?? This saddle has 9mm rails
This Variant seatpost has been working okay with the carbon rails on this saddle
I hate that they don't offer this in 168mm.
Will this work with a seatpost that has a 7x10mm rail clamp?
I recently bought the Specialized Phenom Pro Elaston Saddle (2019 version). It murdered by sit bones.
I had to go back to using a Brooks B17 Aged, for now.
Dave, can you recommend any comfortable saddles for leisure riding (up to 50 miles).
My bike is a Canyon Endurace AL 7 (2020), if that makes any difference. So an intermediate riding position/angle.
Also I don't wear cycling shorts, just regular trousers, if that makes any extra differences ;-)
Thank you.
They are all designed for padded shorts. Just get a pair of boxer shorts with the padded liner built in, makes the world of difference.
I recommend something relatively flat and with a cutout to start. Make sure it’s level and that it’s positioned so that your sit bones are on the wide section. I’d also strongly recommend cycling shorts. If you don’t want to wear Lycra, then get some mountain bike shorts. Your local bike shop can help you get set up and fitted properly.
@@shapes2000 Thank you for your help.
@@benconnor4848 Thank you for your help.
is it waterproof? i wouldnt want to wreck it
I’ll find out when it next rains 😀
Is this reclining chair?
David is your saddle tilted up slightly?
Is this a flat saddle like the Fizik Antares?
so this is a £350 comfy seat?
Let's get this down to $150 range. 3D printing doesn't lend itself to mass production however. Wonder what the lifespan of this baby is....
Hows cleaning it btw? All those holes in the middle must be a pain to clean
Supposedly you’re suppose to be able to just hose it down
I’ll find out when it gets dirty! Reckon it’ll clean up okay with a hosepipe
I think if you've just payed 350 for a saddle i think you'll convince yourself its comfy there's only so much you can do to a seat
Could you recommend a saddle under 200 thats comfortable?
The Specialized Geo saddles are amazing. I ride one on my XC bike, for 12 hour endurance races.
Fizik argo tempo
What is the width of your sit bone
I wonder about this saddle vs the infinity e3 saddle 🤔
i wish there was more reviews on infinity saddles, considering one
When u say "Specialized" price double up !!! 🤑🤑🤑🤑
There's just no way I can spring £350 on a saddle, plus it's Specialized and I'm funny over companies that I don't like.
I thought the point of 3D printing technology was to ease manufacturing and therefore help reduce cost, not raise them, or did we miss something?
Does this Mirror Saddle require a special mounting bracket?
Carbon rails require carbon specific clamps. They have oval rails.
Let us know how long it lasts before the carbon rail breaks
Don’t trust carbon?
How long will a cheap $440 last?come on man!
Specialized Alias was the worst saddle I've ever ridden. Accordingly I've steered clear of Specialized saddles ever since. That said I have a pair of their shoes which have lasted 15 years and still using them.
fizik has a 3d printed saddle as well. been on the market for awhile now. both are too pricey for my wallet
3D printing was supposed to make things cheaper, not for Spesh I guess
Gorgeous saddle! Price not so pretty 😂
I could buy a new bike for that price... Damn no tnx I'll get it when I'm rich enough
I like the little fart vent
It is good for ventilation 😂
@@davidarthur I heard about professional lady riders needing to get their gentiles operated on after years and years in the saddle. It's apparently very hush hush, nobody talks about it. Is the idea of the cut out in the middle meant to help with pressure on the most sensitive areas?
Yes the cutout is meant to relieve pressure down below for men and women that need or want it
Well if you ride without sitting on the saddle it doesn’t matter
£350 for a seat ??
I thought they meant the bike ,
Come on , seriously.
What if I told you this isn’t even the most expensive saddle in the world?
What if I told you nobody cares
@@paulj5975 Yet you clearly do.
Who is the target audience for this expensive price tag? I thought the idea of 3D printed, it can be customized and it can be printed on demand. But if the cost is so exorbitant, any majority cyclist out there won't be able to afford it. Maybe this is targeted for only pro athlete who makes big money.
I won't spend $350 on an easy boy recliner much less a piece of plastic!
Still love my Bontrager XXX seat... expensive as hell , hard as f♡《k.. garunteed for life.
Damn, some loveseat sofas cost $450.
kind of reminds me of a crok shoe.
The R&D cost a lot. I give you that. But AFTER that, it's hit the "print" key. NO WAY It justify the $450 price. NO WAY. And yea, some lowlife is gonna poke a knife in it (in the US - guaranteed).
So rather than people stealing our entire bike, the bastards just need the saddle now?
fizik has something similar.
They do indeed. I’d like to try that too if I get the chance
It looks really painful
Saddles...It's almost beyond parody that they are still being re-designed. Wtf difference does 3d printed mesh make.
So its easily one of the best saddles you have ridden. What are the others because this is easily the most expensive saddle out there. I’d take a short list option at a fraction of the cost & spend my money on something more important. This is total knob head marketing BS.
I’ve tried pretty much every saddle on the market! Someone has to 😁 Should point out there are more expensive saddles than this if you can believe that!