Published July 22, 2015 01:56PM
Reviewed: Specialized's Power Saddle
Get aggressive on a road or TT bike with a versatile new saddle offering from Specialized.
A perfect saddle is a rare and precious thing, so it's no wonder most triathletes balk at the idea of ever replacing theirs. Good news: most quality saddles will last longer than their riders do. <br><br> "Most people will ride theirs until it shows enough wear that necessitates a replacement," says Molly Raimonte of <a href=http://breakawaybikes.com>Breakaway Bikes</a> in Philadelphia, Penn. <br><br> One sign that a saddle should be replaced is ripped fabric, which can cause chafing and discomfort. A cracked or broken saddle rail is also a reason to find a new seat, as it poses a serious safety hazard for the rider.
Get aggressive on a road or TT bike with a versatile new saddle offering from Specialized.
The new Specialized Power Saddle ($300, Specialized.com) is technically a road saddle, but it was designed specifically for riding in an aggressive position, which makes it a viable time-trial saddle as well. After one month testing the S-Works Power aboard a road bike with aerobars, it performed exactly as advertised, supplying long-ride comfort, even after hours of hammering in the drops or aerobars.
According to Specialized, the Power promotes the best blood flow of any road saddle the company has ever tested. The impetus to create this saddle was the result of feedback from pro cyclists who complained of discomfort during long, tough rides. The cause? While you’re riding hard, your pelvis rotates forward and you typically sit closer to the nose of the saddle. With design cues from the triathlon-specific Sitero, the unisex Power has an extra-wide groove that starts close to the front of the saddle to address the additional pressure placed on your sit bones while riding in an aggressive position. The Power’s cutout spans about three-fourths of its length while a saddle like the Toupé has a much smaller cutout placed farther back.
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The short length of the Power takes a little getting used to since you can’t move around on it quite as much compared to longer saddles. After a few rides, it became clear that the sweet spot is toward the front of the saddle thanks to the placement of the cutout. The Power comes in four different trims: S-Works ($300), Pro ($200), Expert ($130) and Comp ($100). The S-Works model tested has a new carbon shell with oversized carbon rails and feels firm but not too hard with a weight of 159 grams for the 143mm width. Roadies who race and triathletes looking for a lightweight alternative to the Sitero should give the Power a closer look.