Bytagand the publication "Test of the Specialized S-Works Power Mirror saddle"
Bytagand the publication " Test of the Specialized S-Works Power Mirror saddle »
With the S-Works Power Mirror saddle, Specialized enters a new era in comfort. At the origin of the concept, a 3D printed structure that replaces the traditional foam between the shell and the cover. An innovative way to treat supports, even if the first sensations are quite disconcerting.
By Guillaume Judas – Photos: 3bikes.fr / Specialized/Etienne Schoeman
For many years, Specialized has offered a complete line of clothing and accessories, which is much more than a set of rebadged products intended to equip the cyclist who rides a bike of the brand. Alongside the development of increasingly high-performance bikes for all practices, the American brand is not left behind in the areas of rider positioning, comfort and safety. Thus, the product range extends from helmets to shoes, clothing and lighting, or even tires, pilot stationstagand the stools.
In this last area, Specialized initially disrupted the hegemony of traditional brands (mainly Italian) with innovative and aesthetic products in the early 2000s, before eventually establishing itself today as one of the leading brands when it comes to sitting on a bike. A reputation that is not unrelated to the positioning system Body Geometry (now Retül) also offered by the brand. Body Geometry, it is also a whole concept, with products studied and centered on the user.
A Power saddle that has already redefined the standard
Constant research that first led to the creation of the Power saddle in 2014/2015, a saddle shortened compared to the standards (between 3 and 6 cm less) with a truncated nose, a hollowed-out central channel and a slightly wider than average crescent. Wanting to favor riders who ride with a lower and more aggressive position on the front – the shorter nose facilitating the position – the brand realized that the system worked for many cyclists by providing stability, pelvic support and comfort.
Today, Most brands have followed in the footsteps of Specialized and the Power saddle, by offering at least one short saddle in their catalog.
Mirror technology now brings a final evolution to the Power. Shapes and dimensions are not modified, nor even the principle of the obviously intended to relieve pressure under the sensitive parts of the anatomy. Thanks to a 3D printed structure (named Project Black 3D), Specialized frees itself from the traditional more or less firm foam placed between the saddle shell and the covering. A slightly lighter concept, but above all more comfortable thanks to the small deformations linked to pressure (from the weight of the cyclist or to shocks on the route) perfectly localized and not “globalized” as with a classic foam.
A complex matrix
Instead of foam, a complex 3D matrix is printed from liquid polymer, to create a frame of 14 independent crosspieces capable of deforming very precisely and very locally. A technology that allows the saddle to adjust to each person's anatomy, and which does not create any deformation of the structure in the long term, since the absorption of deformations is obtained thanks to the multitude of small hollow parts in the middle of the matrix.
This optimized seat support and flexibility provides “adjustable” density and a distribution of support impossible to obtain with traditional foam.
The Power saddle with Mirror technology is currently only available as a very high-end model., with a carbon fiber shell and rails, for a weight of 203 g. The slightly rough coating ensures a good finish while limiting the risks of slipping on the saddle, and protecting the structure. However, given the still high price of the S-Works Power Mirror, care should be taken when placing the bike against a wall or any other abrasive surface.
Comfort on route and off-road
Testée on two big Gravel outings and on rough terrain, but also on route over short and long distances, the S-Works Power Mirror saddle initially proved surprising in terms of support. Not at the crescent, where you find sensations comparable to those experienced with the classic Power or any other short saddle, but rather in the middle of the seat, under the normally most sensitive parts of the anatomy.
It's a bit like floating, the feeling of being suspended, that there is "something" missing compared to traditional saddles.. However, you don't feel any flexing of the shell when pedaling, nor any pumping when making an effort. The shape of the saddle and the rough coating prevent sliding forward, and the beak, with a little less padding, provides a kind of wedge that helps keep the pelvis in place. But This lack of firmness under the perineum is at first surprising, and one feels far from a sports saddle. A very comfortable softness but which challenges all habits, in particular in relation to a position which until now we considered “sporty”.
A feeling that fades as the kilometers go by, not in terms of comfort, but rather that you get used to this absence of localized pressure, to the point of forgetting the saddle. And it is clear that after several hundred kilometers, you do not feel any pain, discomfort or burning due to any friction.
With the S-Works Power Mirror, Specialized is paving the way for new technology designed to improve comfort, without having the opposite effect.. The so-called "comfortable" saddles are generally very (too) soft, heavy and are not suitable for dynamic pedaling. Here, if the first impressions suggest that it will be the same, we end up forgetting the saddle over the kilometers and above all there does not seem to be any loss of efficiency.
In addition, the Power with Mirror technology has the advantagetagand to be suitable for everyone. The very design of the saddle provides tailored support, without long-term deformation, which ensures that all riders should have the same experience with this model.
On the other hand, to fully benefit from the comfort of the Power, and therefore of the Mirror model in particular, we advise you to pay particular attention to the adjustment of the saddle position., with a beak that should dip slightly forward. This is to avoid hitting the front of the saddle and feeling too much flexibility in the middle.
| SPECIALIZED S-WORKS POWER MIRROR |
| Note: ***** The +: Comfort, finish, concept Cons: Very high-end price, confusing support at first Carbon hull and rails, Mirror technology, 3D printed matrix. Dimensions: 240×143 and 240×155. Weight: 203 g Price: 399,90 € |
| Contact : Specialized. com |
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Bytagand the publication " Test of the Specialized S-Works Power Mirror saddle »
