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With the S-Works Power Mirror saddle, Specialized enters a new era of comfort. The concept originated from a 3D-printed structure that replaces traditional foam between the shell and the cover. An innovative way to improve pressure points, even if the initial sensations are quite unsettling.
By Guillaume Judas – Photos: 3bikes.fr / Specialized/Etienne Schoeman
For many years, Specialized has offered a complete range of clothing and accessories, which is much more than a set of rebadged products designed to equip cyclists riding a bike from the brand. In parallel with the development of increasingly high-performance bikes for all disciplines, the American brand is also at the forefront in the areas of rider positioning, comfort, and safety. Thus, the product range extends from helmets to shoes, including clothing and lights, as well as tires, cockpits, and saddles.
In this last area, Specialized first 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 discussing bike seating. A reputation that is not unrelated to the Body Geometry (now Retül) positioning system also offered by the brand. Body Geometry is a whole concept, with products designed and focused on the user.
A Power saddle that has already redefined the standard
Constant research first led to the creation of the Power saddle in 2014/2015, a saddle shortened compared to standards (between 3 and 6 cm less) with a truncated nose, a hollowed-out central channel, and a slightly wider rear than average. By wanting to favor riders who ride in a lower and more aggressive forward position – 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 Specialized’s lead with the Power saddle, offering at least one short saddle in their catalog.
Mirror technology now brings the ultimate evolution to the Power. Shapes and dimensions are not modified, nor is the principle of the cutout designed to relieve pressure under the sensitive parts of the anatomy. Thanks to a 3D-printed structure (named Project Black 3D), Specialized eliminates the traditional, more or less firm foam placed between the saddle shell and the cover. A slightly lighter concept, but above all more comfortable thanks to small deformations linked to pressure (from the cyclist’s weight or road shocks) that are perfectly localized and not “globalized” as with classic foam.
A complex matrix
Instead of foam, a complex 3D matrix is printed from liquid polymer to create a framework of 14,000 independent lattice structures capable of deforming very precisely and locally. This technology allows the saddle to adjust to each individual’s anatomy, and it does not create long-term structural deformation, as the absorption of deformations is achieved through the multitude of small hollow parts within the matrix.
This optimized support and flexibility of the seating surface offer “adjustable” density and pressure distribution impossible to achieve with traditional foam.
The Power saddle with Mirror technology is currently only available in 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 risk 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 leaning the bike against a wall or any other abrasive surface.
Comfort on road and off-road
Tested on two big Gravel rides and on rough terrain, as well as on road over short and long distances, the S-Works Power Mirror saddle initially proved surprising in terms of pressure points. Not at the rear, where sensations are comparable to those experienced with the classic Power or any other short saddle, but rather in the middle of the seating area, under the parts of the anatomy that are normally most sensitive.
It’s a bit like floating, the impression of being suspended, that “something” is missing compared to traditional saddles. However, there is no shell flex when pedaling, nor any bobbing when making an effort. The shape of the saddle and the rough coating prevent slipping forward, and the nose, with a little less padding, provides a kind of support that helps keep the pelvis in place. But this lack of firmness under the perineum is initially surprising, and it feels far from a sporty saddle. A very comfortable softness that challenges all habits, especially compared to a position that one previously considered “sporty.”
This sensation fades over the kilometers, not in terms of comfort, but rather that one gets used to this absence of localized pressure, eventually forgetting the saddle. And it must be said that after several hundred kilometers, one feels neither pain, nor discomfort, nor burning due to any friction.
With the S-Works Power Mirror, Specialized opens the way for a new technology designed to promote comfort, without falling into the opposite effect. So-called “comfortable” saddles are generally very (too) soft, heavy, and not suitable for dynamic pedaling. Here, while initial impressions might suggest the same, one eventually forgets the saddle over the kilometers, and above all, there seems to be no loss of efficiency.
Moreover, the Power with Mirror technology has the advantage of being suitable for everyone. The very design of the saddle provides custom support, without long-term deformation, which ensures that all riders should have the same experience with this model.
However, to fully benefit from the comfort of the Power, and therefore the Mirror model in particular, we advise you to pay particular attention to the saddle’s tilt adjustment, with the nose needing to dip slightly forward. This is to avoid hitting the front of the saddle and feeling too much localized softness in the middle.
| SPECIALIZED S-WORKS POWER MIRROR |
| Rating: ***** Pros: Comfort, finish, concept Cons: Very high-end price, unsettling pressure points at first Carbon shell 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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