Test of the Specialized Power Expert saddle with Mirror

In addition to its Power and Romin saddle range with 3D printed Mirror technology (offered at the S-Works and Pro levels), Specialized launched a third-tier model a few months ago with a slightly softer shell and partial use of this innovative padding process. The Power Expert Mirror is a mid-range saddle that provides a lot of comfort, whatever surface we have it on tested.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr/DR

In 2020, Specialized launched the first Power saddle (short shape with a widened crescent, a shortened beak and a wide central one) at the S-Works level (with carbon shell and rails) equipped with revolutionary padding technology. In principle, instead of traditional foam, we find placed between the hull and the covering a complex 3D matrix printed from liquid polymer, to create a frame of thousands of independent crosspieces capable of deforming very precisely and very locally. A technology that allows the saddle to adjust to each person's anatomy without creating long-term deformation of the structure, since the absorption of deformations is obtained thanks to the multitude of small hollow parts in the middle of the matrix. Seat support and flexibility that provide adjustable density and support distribution impossible to achieve with traditional foam.

A few months later, the American brand adapted the concept to its saddle model Romin Evo S-Works (same range level, but a thinner and more elongated shape), then on Pro-level Power and Romin Evo (with titanium rails). Before finally launching this Power Expert in the summer of 2023, a more accessible but no less comfortable model.

More accessible technology

For the Expert level Power, at the third level of the range after S-Works and Pro for those who are lost, 3D printed technology is only partially applied, and in addition to more traditional foam. The honeycomb structure pattern can be seen under the traditional saddle cover, where the sit bones are normally positioned. This strategic placement is a good compromise to limit costs while ensuring optimal comfort., especially since the fact that the 3D matrix is ​​hidden by the saddle covering prevents the accumulation of mud and other dirt. Which makes the Power Expert Mirror suitable for use on both route than in Gravel or MTB.

The saddle obviously takes up the now famous shape of the Power, with four width options to fit all body types. If the widths of 143 and 155 mm are classic for the route, the 130 and 168 mm options open up new possibilities, for pure touring or e-bike riding for the wider model, or for mountain biking trials or downhill riding with the narrower model (so that the bike remains perfectly manageable between the legs).

On the Power Expert, the shell is a little softer than on the Power S-Works and Pro. It therefore deforms a little more under the weight of the cyclist and requires long-term monitoring to check that the saddle position settings do not sag over time. However, this relative flexibility also provides additional comfort on the roughest terrain, such as gravel for example. The structure of the saddle is completed by hollow titanium rails, strong and relatively light, so that the Power Expert remains a first-choice model, with an excellent comfort/weight/price ratio, at €180.

Finally, like all Power saddles, the Expert Mirror benefits froma long central passage, designed to optimize blood flow to sensitive arteries. In practice, this cutout does not at any time disrupt the stability of the seat on the saddle and the edges are perfectly progressive, unlike other competing products which sometimes turn out to be sharp in this area. The Power saddle is designed to limit as much as possible unpleasant tingling and urinary problems linked to poor support after several hours on the bike, and it is clear that overall the concept is very efficient.

The Power Expert Mirror saddle in use

For testand this saddle, we put three cyclists of different profiles to it, on three types of bike. Rarely has a saddle model been able to achieve such unanimity, whether for outings on route 5 hours, Gravel on stony paths, on a time trial bike in an aggressive position on the front, or with a beginner female cyclist who had just discovered the first small inconveniences of regular cycling! If the latter finally turned to another saddle model more specific to the female morphology (Power Comp Mimic), she was first able to appreciate the difference in comfort between her first saddle and the Power Expert Mirror, which opened the way to her first 100 km outing.

Overall, For a saddle whose primary objective is comfort, the relative firmness of the seat appeared remarkable., which avoids many chafing and other irritations in the long term. We are certainly on a softer shell than a saddle intended for competition, but we feel little sagging or pumping sensation when pedaling, except for the heaviest athletes (over 75 kg).

As always with this type of saddle, adjustments can be a bit tedious., especially in terms of saddle setback (forget the reference to the saddle nose, since it is very short) and the angle relative to the ground. Fortunately, a highlighted mark in the middle of the saddle provides a reference value that can be very useful later. And once the saddle is properly adjusted, the feeling of being wedged is really there. This impression is reinforced by the saddle covering, which seriously limits the risk of slipping, even in position on a time trial/triathlon bike. Be careful when adjusting the saddle on this type of machine, because the saddle nose of the Power Expert Mirror remains very firm and is not really designed for prolonged support without the appearance of pain. Here again, for effective wedging of the pelvis and to avoid feelings of crushing or compression at the perineum, you will need to take care of the setback and orientation of the saddle.

testBuilt in Gravel with settings identical to those defined with a classic Power Pro, the Power Expert Mirror stood out over the kilometers, where I was able to appreciate the effects of a slightly softened shell and above all a seat which perfectly fits my ischial bones, which are particularly sensitive, especially on the right side.

I am a regular rider of Power saddles, I like their shape and dimensions, and between the Power Pro, the Power S-Works Mirror and the Power Expert Mirror, only the rigidity of the shell and the padding technology used change. Once in position, the differences that can be felt are subtle and are especially noticeable over the kilometers. Therefore, I can confirm that The Power Expert Mirror is an excellent, extremely versatile saddle that ideally combines comfort, sportiness and durability.. You can adopt it with your eyes closed.