Why These Saddles Will Change Your World: Specialized And Fizik 3D Printed Saddles Tested
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.ย. 2024
- Nothing ruins a bike ride like an uncomfortable saddle and thankfully saddle design has come a very long way in the last couple of decades, but right now we're glimpsing the future of saddle construction: 3D printing. These two Fizik and Specialized saddles are the most exciting in the world right now and I've been riding them both to see if they deliver better comfort than a regular saddle and if they're really worth the high prices they command.
Specialized S-Works Power Mirror review • £350 Specialized S-Wor...
Follow me:
Instagram: / davidjarthur
Twitter: / davearthur
Facebook: / justridebikesvideo - กีฬา
You'd think one of the main benefits of 3D printing would be that they could be custom-made to your anatomy and preferences... and for the price, they should be.
I reckon that'll be coming in the future
custom made shoes require a cast of your foot...custom made saddle is a little different...saddles will always be a subjective part of cycling.
It’s already here. There’s a Czech company called Posedla who do just that. They have a saddle sizing kit they send out and you send it back and they make your custom 3D printed saddle.
@@johnwedlake5543 I spec'd one out... it was $398.00
@@dennisrosenfeld4347 Good 2 know & thanks -
I got the Spec Mirror saddle after my prior saddle surpassed its lifespan… yes the price point was absurd, but it’s been a game changer in comfort and “no slide” ride ability. Comfort speaks for itself, but the gripping nature of the saddle means I don’t have to keep repositioning myself when I’ve slid forward on it. It literally holds you in place. So I when I purchased it, I cried once at the price and was done. I’d rather do that, than cry twice. Great review! 😎🍻
Really good point about how the saddle holds you nicely in place
I have the Fizik and love it. It also looks dope on the bike. Wanted to get S-Works but it was sold out. So much for the ridiculous price…
@@Edmond347 Exactly! I told the LBS that I didn’t even want to hear the total when he rung me up… just tell me when to do ApplePay with my phone… 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@davidarthur Yup, I noticed that the first day out. Didn’t make the price paid any better, lol, but definitely an appreciated aspect!
I originally tried the Specialized Power Mirror and the Fizik Adaptive 3-D saddles. Both were not as good as I expected for me. The Power was just the wrong shape and caused some leg fatigue on the inside quad muscles. Every rider is different. The Fizik felt better at the start but on a long ride it still got less comfortable. But the Specialized Romin Evo Mirror was just right. The shaped was better but most importantly the upgraded cushioning with 2X more struts and nodes was perfect. It was a lot of money but the money is gone now, and I'll never miss it in the future. It's forgotten. All I'll remember is having so much comfort that I don't even think about saddle comfort anymore, except to realize once in a while that I have forgotten all about it. I have a saddle that feels the same after 3 hours that it felt after 1 hour. It's amazing! I feel like my search for saddles is over. I don't think I will ever regret buying it because it is so good for me. I tried about 8 saddles in the last 3 years, but now I have the one saddle to rule them all ... at least for me!
I’m always wondering how people do try that much saddle ?? You buy them and resell them if they don’t fit you ? At the end it costs so much money…
Just a reminder to many TREK riders, they don't make a saddle rail clamps in 7 x 9 rails that the Specialized saddle needs. For my Domane and the new Emonda they only make round rails or 7 x 10 which makes Fizik the only choice between these two saddles. So, Fizik it is as soon as I can find one.
That is auctually not true. There are available saddle clamps to purchase from a local Trek dealer. 7x9 is not something new as other brands use that standard.
If you spend 3.5k (or pick a larger/smaller but still chunky number) on a bike, then 350 is not ridiculous for the most important contact point in terms of ride comfort - obviously assuming that you find it to be the most comfortable saddle you’ve ever tried, which I found to be the case with Specialized (and I hated the Fizik). This was my 4th saddle, and it took me from having discomfort after 50km rides to doing 150km without an issue, so it was immediately a good investment. Saddles are so personal that you need to try it, and if it doesn’t work for you, or your current saddle is perfect, then you just saved yourself some budget for something else on the bike. So it’s a win-win!
I have the s-works power mirror and it is the best cycling purchase/upgrade I have ever made. If it is $1000 and I know what it does for me and the performance and comfort, I would definitely pay it.
Yeah I'd also waste $1000 if I got free stimulus checks all the time. Bru. That's ludicrous pricing for a saddle if not you are a proper baller.
Specialized with Mirror here - eye watering expensive - still one of my best upgrades ever, Have on all my bikes now.
In the 1970's many of us racing dinasours rode on hard plastic shells. 50 years on as an athlete, coach, and retailer here is an observation: Every year as the warm weather arrives and the mileage goes up, my pro shop was flooded with saddle buyers. as the spring arrived and turned into summer, saddle sales slowed to zip. Go ride a horse and you cannot walk the next day but you don't blame it on the saddle. Most people could ride through this mileage increase ( with frequent intervals of standing and heavily padded shorts) and be fine with their existing saddle. One would do well to remember that these early miles are base spinning miles and there is more weight on the saddle. As the pressure on the pedals increases the weight on the butt decreases..... and, of course, there are people who do need a different saddle. At our house we have been 3D printing for 10 years and these should be much less expensive!
Actually, for me it's the opposite. since I live in a region where we have a 6-month winter, so 4-5 months of indoor cycling, when I ride outside, I put my carbon saddle without cushion rigid as my frame!!!
I kind of figure riding a single speed in the early season would be good. You’ll spend most the climb either standing or walking around here. Downhill you’re off the saddle too. So that would be a nice slow bum break in.
I just finished a 110mi ride yesterday with some rough sections on my Romin Mirror and I have zero feeling below that I even did a ride the day before. Usually I have to stand and reposition myself at 60-80+ miles on other saddles, but I just settle into one spot the whole ride, no inner thigh rubbing, no sit bone pain, it really is amazing. I agonized over a year about the outrageous price, but now that I've put in some centuries on the saddle, I'm now thinking how I can get this technology on my other 5 bikes. Fingers crossed for trickle down technology where they make this with heavier rails, FRP base, etc. to get it under $200USD. I'd switch out all of my bikes if the price were more reasonable.
I have the specialized and i’m leaving it. It is confortable but the shorts don’t slip causing “skin irritation” in long rides. Also, the more dense cover should cover the sides like in power saddle . And is very annoying having to lift of the saddle to adjust our position instead of just slide back or forward
Can I have it ?
I have the Specialized one and that would be my only criticism as well. Super comfy but you have to up-shift-back-down-again to change position. Apart from that, game changer for comfort.
Not being able to move on the saddle is my one reservation w/ these printed saddles. I love my Fizek Antares R1 as it has just the right amount of grip w/o making it impossible to slide when needed.
My previous saddles have been a SMP & a SQlabs both have me locked in so I think this would suite me .
I got the new Fizik Argo R3 adaptive 3D printed saddle, and I absolutely love it. I don’t think I’ll ever ride a gel saddle again.
I have the Sworks power Mirror, for me it has been the greatest thing I’ve ever purchased, totally eliminated pressure points for me.
People will drop $1000+ on new carbon wheels without batting an eye but complain about $450 for the biggest contact point between the rider and the bike, I don't get it. Had a chance to ride on the s-works mirror saddle on a century ride over the weekend and it made a night and day difference in comfort over my already expensive power pro saddle. If you're just doing 20-30 mile club rides as your worst case scenario then maybe it's harder to justify but over longer distances the difference really stands out and it starts to make much more sense.
I have the Fizik and it's a fantastic saddle. super comfortable and doesn't slide around.
Berk Lupina all day long for me - great comfort, 90gms lighter give or take, well constructed and considerably less expensive.
Hello David! I was curious to hear an expert opinion about these new revolutionary saddles, and here it is! I currently ride the S-Works Power with Mirror (bought it on big discount ~250 euros as a replacement for a cracked Power saddle on my new bike). It's very comfortable and feel no fatigue at all even on cracked/paved roads. Worth every penny! Thank you for the nice video(s) you made.
Nailed it. Really great review. I too have been agonising over which one I prefer. The relief channel is the key issue for me. As a light rider who does big miles, that channel is great, but it's the ridges that cause things to get a bit too "squirmy" after a while. Nice to see Specialized actually putting some science into this issue in their design. Key test for me is the 3.5hour winter miles turbo ride in Z2/Z3. I'll be putting the Roman Evo Mirror through it's paces.
Any update???
1:30 Sorry if someone else has already commented on this, but the left one is S-Works and the right one is Fizik. Hope the viewers do not get confused.
I have the Specialized Power Mirror. I know saddles are subjective, but it is the best saddle I've ever owned. I've had a handful of high end ones and none of them made me forget about my butt like this one.
I have the Fizik. It's a game changer for me. Well worth the cash for a comfy backside. Plus, it's cheaper than the Specialized version for the same technology.
I purchased a Fizik alloy rail version for $250 to replace my road bike saddle. After a few hundred miles on it I bought another one for my gravel bike. Needless to say it but I liked it enough to drop another $250 to replace a perfectly good saddle on my gravel bike.
I was going to do try and make this video a few months back to help people with their research, but as a non-TH-camr it would’ve been very amateur compared to this. I got the Fizik first and it was horrendous for me. I lent it to a friend who also hated it. Got the Specialized and never looked back. Funny that they’re made by the same folks in the same factory. To be more specific on the Fizik, I found that the larger holes grabbed my bib shorts when I made even tiny shifts as I cycled, and caused skin abrasions. You still have to rise up a bit to shift on the Specialized, but the hole edges are smoother - you can see it clearly even in this video’s thumbnail pic. Also prefer the channel and nose on the Specialized.
The carbon is unique in that it’s not actually layer by layer. It’s a continuous pull that blends the layers together so you don’t get that stepped pyramid effect. Uses an oxygen permeable clear surface to create a non reactive area and a light curable layer at just the print bed.
I am totally in on 3D printed saddles. Just going to wait until the technology trickles down a bit.
Watching the trend I expect it to trickle up, in a few years there would be $1000 saddles, they will be comfier than your couch at home and will make you faster than Pogacar.
Haven't tried either one but just as mentioned the softer edges of the channel on the Specialized looks more comfortable. If the price drops to $200 U.S. then I'd try it.
Using the Fizik adaptive since I customize my Noah Fast. Great product no complaints 🙌🏼
Great unbiased review... thanks David very informative video.
I need to get one of those speakers
Great review, i have the fizik saddle & been using it for about 3 months mainly indoors on Zwift & i have no issues with it. the only downside is the price of them!
That was very informative, thank you!
Very useful video as usual David, have already got a Romin, so will add this to the new bike, Cycle to work scheme should help a lot with the price 👍
Im using S-Works Power Mirror Saddle. Worth every $
Brooks B-17 and C-17 are the best!!!!!!!
Brooks C17 has all the flex I need for a lot less money
Sounds like these are kind of similar to the Cane Creek eeSilk? Also a game changer. Slightly heavier for sure, and expensive. But no grip/rub issues.
The good thing with the Spesh saddle is you can push the allen key through the mesh which makes installing and adjusting the saddle a lot easier. For my shape hoever, I prefer the Fizik One. On long rides, the long nose matters as you have more positions to choose from, especially if you happen to have tribars on the bike as well. Both great saddles, but I expect China will catch up soon enough and they will be 1/10th of the price.
Excellent review David!! I'm currently on the fence as which Mirror saddle to buy: the Power Evo Mirror OR the Romin Evo Mirror?? From what I've seen, the main difference between these two is that the Power is a short-nosed saddle, where the Romin is a traditional long-nosed, enabling more room to move fore and aft. I hear that the saddle material is a little grippy and can make it difficult to slide on, requiring the rider to rise up from the saddle to reposition. Do you feel that the Power provides better overall comfort of the two or the longer, slimmer Romin? For me, when it comes to comfort, price is NO object!! You've reviewed BOTH, and have ridden BOTH, so which of these two would you recommend and why? Keep up the fantastic reviews! Cheers!!
Ditto. Wondering about this
Same question.
Hey David, I’ve ridden as a hobby rider on and off for years, but never ever found a saddle that doesn’t leave my sit bones swollen after a 60 plus mile ride.
I’ve had saddle fits, bike bits, (Retul)you name it.
These are expensive and I deffo can’t afford, but I would buy tomorrow if they would sort this issue! My rides after a few hours just become a pain endurance near 60 and above.
I have the fizik, the issue I have is that the bigger holes seem to be very rough and if you use normal shorts it will wear a hole in them. Looking at the thermal mold due to this.
As you said, at half price I would go for one of them. I ride the standard Antares large and it matches my rear end quite well.
Some products are only worth it at a discount for most of us. My all-time favorite pair of bib shorts was the Castelli Mondiale. I absolutely loved them, but I wouldn’t have spent 300 bucks on them. The day at saw them at 150.00, though… mine. Hahah
I prefer a flat shape rather than one that has a bow in the middle - i.e. Selle Italia Flite Boost compared to the SLR Boost. The Fizik seems the more flat out of the two. Is that right?
Great saddles, I use the Specialized Mirror and the comfort is great. But don't use them on 10 hr+ rides or multi day ultra races as it will give issues as I experienced two times. I spoke to a Specialized designer who used it himself in the Tour Divide race and he had the same issue and had to scratch from the race due to saddle issues... Don't know exactly what it is but probably due to the rubber kind of texture the skin does not like this on long rides
You mean 3D not good for long ride ?
@@user-nu5fx6en9h I think the rubber surface of the saddle causes irritation to the skin on long rides. I did not had issues on 6 hour rides but did have issues on rides of 10hrs and longer. It's a personal think of course but I spoke to someone (as written in my comment) who had the same experience and had to scratch from a multi day race as a result
Title: "...These Saddles Will Change Your World..."
Video: "...not a game changer..."
Message: Changes worlds, not games! 😂
Nice job!! Unfortunately, these products are not made for someone in my economic category. Like you, I will revisit this product when it's price is half of what it is today.
Great review again. Thanks for sharing the differences. Obviously the major variable is price and it is probably more for people doing >20,000km/year than my 10,000km. I have no pain issues and never use cream. I am surprised you did not feel major differences between the saddles even if you had different width. I could see a difference when i was using a 149 vs 143mm saddle.
I am running a Stella Italia, Novus - Boost Gravel saddle - and its been impossibly comfortable in all ways. Those designs look interesting but I can only see a lot of places of dirt water and stuff to get trapped in - and man that price tag * LOL NOPE!
If I wanted one like this - I'll wait a few years til it's less "bleeding edge/ cutting edge" !!
Owch yes expensive, but potentially good. To be fair I generally use Charge Spoon or equivalent for MTB/Gravel bikes which seems to work for me, I do have a somewhat thinner padded Fabric Scoop which I’m trying at moment and seeing how it works
I recently sold my Mirror Romin Evo. It was causing numbness and I did not like how soft it was. I tried to match my bike fit to the saddle I was using prior(S Works Romin Evo), but in the end it didn’t work out. Felt like it was digging into my lower area. I was able to tolerate it on the road, but it was more noticeable when I was on the trainer. Looking into either a Berk saddle or the Selle Italia slr boost next.
Bought Romin evo mirror for my Tarmac and Brompton! value for money for sure!
PS: The labels are the other way around BTW :)
Great review. I struggle with rides over 4 hours due to pain around my sir bone area. I’ve tried loads of saddles just to reach that 4 hour mark. I’ll keep looking but not expecting to get a perfect saddle any time soon.
Safe prediction: these high prices will encourage 3rd-party knock-offs under $100 within a few months. Looking forward to a new saddle in 2023.
In New Zealand the price would be $600/$800. For that sort of money it is better to invest in a 3D printer and make your own saddle that fits you perfectly.After the initial cost of the printer the material cost is quite low,and you can make many parts. Now I just need a printing press to make money. In 1990 I bought a new Mongoose mid range mtb with Deore LX for $900.
I'd assume most people are already own a saddle that doesn't cause them pain, at least I'd hope. If your bike hurts to ride, it's a problem with the bike fit.(or the saddle but dont go buying 5 million saddles)
Also I'd guess these saddles are only super expensive because they're a novelty at the moment, not because the manufacturing is that much more expensive than making a normal saddle. In fact I thought 3D printing was cheaper than other ways of making things(but idk)
Dave, random question, but do you have any tips on two particular things: 1) what have you found the best tilt on the Romin?; and 2) any tips on the best way to adjust the top-down screw on the TCR seatpost without a full cutout through the saddle? I’ve been using a wrench, but it’s slow-going for sure. Thanks!
Maybe anyone tried this romin evo mirror against fizik aliante? Are they similar? So far only aliante saddles I found to be comfortable for me...
Just a random question, have you ever have problem with ur cyclying short tearing by rubbing on these saddle too much?
Nothing bad to report in terms of worn shorts yet after a year of riding these types of saddles
Thanks for the vid
I’m using specialized 3D printed mirror saddle on my Domane bike! My riding was 3 hrs per ride and I still felt uncomfortable! Should I tilt in downward? Now im setting it flat!
By the way David, there are 3 versions of the Fizik not just 2!
Any issues with the material ripping? Just read that certain areas of this saddle (the Fizik one) will rip easily.
I used to have saddle discomfort, one B17 and no more discomfort, even years later.
Привет Дэвид, тоже поставил седло Fizik adaptive, очень комфортное и не скользит .
I’m super interested but I’ll give it another couple of years for the price to come down.
Something really helpful to mention. Specialized has a fit guarantee that is returnable and unfortunately fizik does NOT Really worth knowing when you’re spending that kind of money on a seat.
I like the slimmer nose and the curved sides of the Fizik but the extra padded area of the Specialised will be more comfortable.
I guess I have to put aside the price and consider the advantages…..
Nice to see some real 3D printing tech. producing a game changing product…..
The last saddle I really bonded with was a WTB, although the BG Spesh I got with my Allez isn’t too bad….
Elsewhere in the world of dodgy 3D printing…
I still drop in on the Indiegogo Superstrata page…..’3D custom printed frame (which ditched the multitude of measurements and ended up sized like any other frame….by seat tube length) which is actually nonsense…nowt extra.
And the missing seatpost resulted in a peculiarly beefy frame, somewhat dissimilar to the expected design.
And……despite tales of bikes delivered and suchlike, it would appear the majority of gamblers (backing a project where you stand to lose your stake cannot be considered an investment) have yet to get a bike. Investment Capital gone? How long until it’s declared bust?
The shell of the Fizik has a habit of cracking or snapping right in the middle. The reason I won’t spend the money giving it a go as I’m a fizik fan boy
What blows my mind is that no one talks about how sharp the seat is if you don't wear your bibs. Not the holes but the little dimples on the mirror feel like a vegetable grater against your skin.
Hi David, I ride a relatively flat shape saddle with medium/light padding. I find sinking into heavy padding very uncomfortable after 30 minutes or so.
I really want to try this saddle as I have back issues, but would like some assurance before purchasing as it is soooo expensive .
Thanks Dave
Honestly 3d printed saddles should be waay cheaper, not because i desperately want one, but because the technology isnt all that spechial. The price is just inflated as it is „new“
In 10 years these saddles should be relatively cheap. These companys just need a little more competition
The prize is … speechless 😶
Good review…I have the Fizik and have been using it for about 9 months, I feel that the rubber material has collapsed and is now not comfortable at all. I have spoken to Fizik USA, and a warranty saddle is on the way. I am just not sure if I will install it or sell it.
I have had 3 power with mirror saddles in the past year. All 3 have deformed and become uncomfortable. They now say they have improved the construction. I have a replacement. We will see.
Just need the 3d template so John down the road can sort me out
I've got a all carbon saddle, no padding, and i love it. But i crashed it, so i do need a new one.
Very interesting. How are you fitted? Using an Ergon SR Road - pretty good for me - but not perfect so this is interesting
Honesty is best policy. I want one but I can wait. You can’t get them anywhere right now except for profit bandits on the auction app. They want $650+. Hold their breath.
Which one is softer or more flexible?
Interesting as always Dave. Fizik in general doesn't work for me as I also find the edges of their cutouts - which are more generous than many manufacturers - too defined. Specialized has abandoned me, going all-in on the foam-filled Power saddles and down the unisex path, seemingly abandoning their women's body geometry legacy line of products. Foam alone just doesn't offer the sit-bone support I need, despite the marketing hype of carbon-infused shells distributing pressure. However, I will say the Spec 3D printed saddle is a shape I recognize, which gives me hope should the price ever drop or Specialized comes to its post-pandemic senses. Until then I'm going to sample Ergon's SMC women's line. Wish me luck!
Have you ridden it in regular shorts (without chamois)? They also seem too grippy.
Why can't they make a white one?
Fizik do
@@davidarthur I think that one is "mint", not white.
Why is the logo of the fizik at the back removable with a clip?
You can add accessories like lights or bags
Hi David, have you tried the SMP Plus / Avant / Lite 209? How do these compare?
From my experience with 20+ saddles used to date, I've inferred that the best saddle is the one you sit in, rather than on. A bit like equestrian saddles. This is the reason why Brooks saddles are such a favourite for many. I personally don't care for Brooks B -series saddles. My saddle of choice is the vegan version (i.e., colour) of the Selle SMP Plus. Here's why:
- It is a saddle you sit in, rather than on. This translates to fairly exceptional comfort along the entire length of the saddle, compared to as good as any other saddle of any sort.
- It's fairly wide, ideally suitable for riders with wider than average seat bones.
- Unlike the leather (i.e., black) version of the SMP Plus, the more expensive colour version doesn't stick to the rider's bottom end and irritate it (particularly, when ridden in warm weather).
- Unlike the Brooks B -series, it does not require a break-in period.
- It has just about sufficient padding - not too much and not too little (although I wouldn't mind a tiny bit more padding, either, but that would come with extra weight for an already heavy saddle).
- It doesn't rub the inner thighs unlike, say, the likes of the Ergon SMC4 Comp Gel (which, if not for its insufferable tendency to rub and cause a great deal of pain in the inner thighs). N.B.: The SMC4 Comp Gel is very comfortable to sit on, due to its padding and the comfortable microfibre cover.
- Unlike the leather version and the Brooks, the colour versions of the Selle SMP are animal-friendly, as the Lion's share of modern saddles.
The SMP Plus / Avant / Lite 209 (, etc.) negatives are:
- Weight: at 350-400gr., they're really rather heavy for a saddle of their class.
- Price: at €200+ for the microfibre versions, they're quite expensive, especially if accounted for their weight.
I'd like to see Selle SMP ditch the leather versions of their saddles - and introduce a 3D-printed variant of their current stock.
£30 saddle from my local bike shop, and it's perfect..... £400 for a saddle they are taking the piss...
Which one is softer?
Hello David. Just wanted to know what clamp did you have to get to install the s-works saddle on your TCR?
Hi, great video, does the wider rails of these saddles fit a giant tcr 2022 ?
hi thansk for the info, are they both have oval railings?
Hi do review cadex saddle too
I have the fizk saddle and just did a 6hr ride and my ass is good.
Why so expensive, made only of plastic,rubber etc
Those saddles look great, but I’d rather have a soar rear than a empty wallet. I just bought a $100 saddle and I’m still upset about it. Can’t focus on my ride because I keep trying to determine if I spent too much $ for a saddle. The Spcialized for me, looks better, but I know it’s all about how they ride.
Cool review
It’s only $450. How will that empty your wallet? Dude you need better financial management if this purchase is enough to be anywhere near emptying your wallet or bank.
$450 is literally a tenth of the average persons monthly income. How is that a large expense?
@@slowcyclist4324 when you can buy a quality saddle for less than $100.00 I cannot justify spending that kind of money on a saddle. There are other components on my bike I would much rather spend the money on. Each to their own.
Maybe you like to recklessly spend money on something that is questionably worth the amount asked for it, I do not. I have zero desire to spend 1/10th of the average person’s monthly income when I can spend much much less than that and be perfectly happy. Instead of suggesting that I need better financial management, maybe you could question your reckless spending on things that you can purchase that are arguably as good or better for a 1/4th of the cost. Do you only feel happy when you can brag about the obscene amount of money you needlessly spend on yourself?
I have family and priorities, Bicycle components are not “mission critical” in my life, so I try to be as sensible as I can….most of the time anyway.
Questioning how a $450 saddle is a large expense is laughable. I believe a large majority of riders would NEVER consider spending that much on a saddle.
For someone who competes, or for someone who is reckless with their money, a $450 saddle is ideal. For the regular enthusiast, that’s WAY too much money. Interesting that you are not intelligent enough to know this intuitively.
@@slowcyclist4324 and since you could not identify the “theme” of what I was saying when I said “emptying my wallet”…. That’s regular guy talk for “wow that’s really expensive”. It does not mean literally empty my wallet. Although I do not caring around $450, so it would literally empty my wallet and then some, but not my bank account.
Hope that helps you with casual communication in the future.
I bought a knock off 3d saddle which is nice and comfortable but it’s very grippy on my shorts. Any ideas on how to remedy this? Thx! Poor cyclist.
I have tested both and hated both. Stuck with the Arionne Versus Evo Mevo Bevo with the normal padding.
Power saddles just aren’t for me. I can’t be stuck in one position.
But are they compatible with assavers ?
Who’d use one of those 🤪
Anyone who values their ass
I wish they would make one of those in cheaper segments - no carbon rails, no carbon base. Just the 3d printed for confort. My indoor trainer would be nice,
Fizik do already and I reckon it's just a matter of time before Specialized do as well
Yes, Fizik sells 3 different version: reinforced molded shell with metal rails, reinforced molded shell with carbon rails, and carbon shell with carbon rails. Be aware though that the Fizik carbon rails are 7mm x 10mm oval, not 7mm x 9mm like everyone else uses!
I've recently had reason to upgrade my Selle Italia SLR Superflow which I've been riding for 3-4 years because of doing more indoor training. What I've experience through a few options is the shell seems to make the most difference.
Adding a gel cover to the old SLR did nothing to prevent discomfort. I put this down to the unfashionable long nose of 275mm, so looked for a shorter nose saddle. What I ended up settling for was a SLR Boost Tour de France edition. Whilst the padding was a little more pliable (gel) the shell was significantly more flexible. Selle Italia has a comfort Model X with a thick gel pad but a rigid shell and this was no more comfortable than the old SLR.
I was drawn to the Pro Stealth but the shell seems very rigid so I didn't bother with that one. I'm wondering whether stiff shells on these are leaving some comfort on the table....
Hi David, do you think these 3d printed saddles could replace a suspension seatpost for comfort?
No a suspension seat post offers a lot more comfort than these two saddles, but they are more cushioned than firmer saddles
I'm skeptical regarding their durability. Any thoughts?
I talked about durability in the review... But so far no issues after several months or riding in all weathers
@@davidarthur For what It's worth, I've ridden both saddles a significant amount. The Fizik "padding" began to fail directly where my right sit-bone falls. (I only weigh 61kg, so definitely NOT a hard user!). The surface of the saddle looks fine, but the printed padding in that location (only on the one side) is failing underneath. About 8000 miles on the saddle in 9 months. Fizik (the company) directed me to Fizik USA. Fizik USA sent me to where I bought it (which is from Merlin Cycles in the UK), Merlin directed me to complete a lot of paperwork to send it back... and then they would "look at it". So... I contacted Carbon 3D (the company that 3d prints the padding for both Fizik and Specialized) and told them I would send them the saddle and they could just keep it for failure analysis. The had zero interest in seeing it (very surprising). This is a saddle that supposedly has a 2-year guarantee. I have not been impressed with Fizik's (or Carbon 3D's) lack of interest. No blame on Merlin... they have always been very good with everything I purchase, but just can't see paying the money to ship it to the UK, and there is likely a good chance Fizik will not help them out either. In the meantime, I bought the Specialized saddle you just reviewed, which I like even better than the Fizik. So far so good, but if the padding ever fails, Specialized is only a 2 hour drive from my house and I will go there directly.
$500! There are plenty of working saddles out there for even less than half that. The industry has gotten greedy. Sad.
Nobody has said there aren’t still lots of very good saddles available for much less money than these two, and they’re so much better than the choices 20 years ago. What you have to realise is this is the latest cutting edge tech
I dunno am I the only one here who thinks first of all the cost of both are mental plus 188g isn't that heavy and comfort is a relative thing because I've no doubt if you're a lighter individual then they probably are but if like me you're a carrying a few extra pounds then I doubt if they'd be very comfortable.