Specialized Mirror Saddle (power version) review
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- čas přidán 2. 07. 2024
- In this video I talk about my experience of using the specialized Mirror power saddle. If you have any further questions on the saddle, Feel free to ask in the comments or find me on instagram @jasons_cyclingunboxed.
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:41 - Anatomy
01:51 - Design
02:51 - Comfort
04:12 - Bib compatibility
05:15 - Surface finish
05:47 - Cleaning
06:06 - Racking
06:42 - Durability
07:16 - Weight
07:57 - Current costs
08:37 - Worth it for me?
09:07 - Outro - Sport
Thanks, this got to be the best saddle review ever! Top job to showing the material on top: how hard or soft etc. Speaking about some issues like "too wide" and "too sticky". I had the original Power Saddle but it was too wide on the sides. I'll start checking the Romin model. I tested the Romin Gel padded saddle. It was quite good but too harsh on the sit bones. I tells me that the sit bones had all the pressure which is good! I bet the Romin Mirror feels amazing!
It’s one I really want to test as well. It’s quite hard to justify the price whilst this one is still going well on my bike
This saddle is the most comfortable saddle I've tried and it's by a large margin. I just wish comfort wasn't this expensive. When I first started cycling I always wondered why cyclists needed bib shorts and why the saddles couldn't just be made properly instead. Even more so now with expensive 3D printed saddles.
I bet the price will come down one day. When other companies manage the technology. Glad the saddle works for you!
There is a company everve….exactly doing this.
Wow, I'm glad I stumbled on to your review. I also have an issue with a point in my left sit-bones protruding more than my right. I finally found the right saddle for me almost 2 years ago with the Infinity E3 saddle since it shifted the pressure point from my sit-bones to the out edges. But, after only 1.5 years and about 6k km. The shell cracked at the rear during the last PBP and since it only comes with a 1 yr warranty, they were only willing to give me a $75 discount for the purchase of a new saddle worth $427! I told them it was clearly a structural failure since I did not crash and took care of the saddle fairly well. After sales support for Infinity Seat is horrendous and am now out in search of a saddle that will work for me. I'm currently trying out the SQ Lab Ergowave 612. Initial impression is its not too comfy. Will try out this Specialized saddle as well. Cheers!
If you do, i will be interested to know how you get along with it.
I just bought one of these today and I'm currently coping by watching glowing reviews lmao (good lawd, I could buy a used Trek Marlin for the cost of this thing!). Your review is the best one out there and makes me feel confident! I have only test ridden it a bit while I get my fit correct and I can already tell this thing is a game changer.
I'm getting the Titanium version, mostly because there's a warning in the manual that says Specialized recommends replacing it every 3 years for S-Works (yikes!). I'm sure they are being extremely cautious and it will likely last many more years, but I figured I'd sacrifice the bit of weight for the peace of mind.
Anyway, I have never had a saddle I've loved, only saddles I've tolerated, if this turns out to be as good as everyone is saying then it will be worth it for me!
Dig the channel, new sub incoming!
I hope it works out for you in the long run!
For me no saddle will ever be perfect but this one just works for the longest period of time on the saddle.
It’s a marginally too wide for my pelvis at the back but it makes up for it by absorbing my lumps and numbs down there.
Nicely done, thank you!
Thanks for the great review. After some initial hesitation at forking out $300 plus for a saddle I made the decision that I owed it to my backside to give this a go. I'm retired and spend roughly 80 hours a month on my bike. I also do a fair bit of long distance adventure touring. So honestly anything that can reduce developing saddle sores and increase comfort on long days on the bike -- is well worth the investment. I really appreciate the indepth, honest analysis of this saddle.
I am glad it could help! I would love to know how you get on with the saddle long term.
@@cyclingunboxed -- I'm heading over to India in a few weeks to spend a month of riding across the Himalayas. I'll definitely be putting this saddle to the test. I'll report back when I return.
Thoughts? @@brianmccloskey6451
Awesome Specialized mirror power saddle but your Specialized S-Works frame colour is super,really easy on the eye's.💯👌🏻✌🏻
The bike came as a red frame but I didn’t want red. I couldn’t find any other bikes to purchase at the time so decided to save up for a re spray too
@@cyclingunboxed Cool,I don't like red either,navy blue and silver also looks awesome as a frame colour.
Looks like the mimic and looks to have the same density very soft in middle and front and firmer at the rear! I got mine the other day not tested it as yet but I'm basically looking at the same thing
I've just ordered mine, going to swap standard Power saddle in my Tarmac SL7. One thing bugs me a bit - you said (and even wrote here) that Mirror sadle is noticeable wider. I'm not big fan of the shape on the back; I'd prefer this widening it not as aggressively. Anyway, I will see - just waiting for my delivery and a better weather here in Europe (which should happen just in 3 months 😀). Cheers 👍
Glad it could help!
Interestingly I am just trying out the power expert with mirror at a 130mm width. I like it a lot more for my pelvis shape.
The full mirror is more comfortable but the width is better on the power expert. If they did the full mirror saddle at the 130mm width I would really like that the most I think.
Got this saddle for my Enduro bike even though its probably not intended for offroad. As it was the same weight (190g) as the WTB Deva TI rail i had on there. So far I'm really happy.
I guess whatever works for you! I think it’s more than fine to use a road saddle off road.
For me, enough water from the hose gets out all the mud from the 3d structure.
@@cyclingunboxed yea a fellow mtb rider I know had the Pro Expert saddle with mirror on his bike so that was my inspiration.
Excellent review and I appreciate the thorough explanation. I recently picked up a Mirror Power Saddle and Im anxious to get it on thee Bike, 🙂
#RobbArmstrong
Let me know how you get along with it!
Hi, have you tried the regular power? Is the mirror one identical to the power shape or more like the Power arc?
I get some chaffing on the back of my leg with the egular power.
Hi, yes I have tired the regular power as it is what came with my bike originally. Bear in mind I am not a bike fitter, The shape is almost identical so I imagine you would get the same chaffing on both saddles. Have you thought about trying the romin eco saddle? It may be a little narrower at the back.
Thanks for the review, it's a lot of money but I have already spend (a lot) more in total on saddles I hate or if not outright hate I only just tolerate. So you say a few years now and at least 20,000 kms, impressive longer term review and your own money too. What would you say was your longest rides on it and was it still as comfy at the end. I have lots of saddles I can tolerate for 100-150 but by 200 we aren't getting on and I dream of 300s, 400s, 600s....and then maybe some big ones, do you reckon the mirror would be up to those?
The I have done 2 250km + rides on it. By then, I don’t think any saddle you ride would be comfortable. I find after 200k it starts to become something I think about. I’m not sure it would hold up for those kinds of distances.
I also find for me this saddle is a little wide at the back as I have a narrow pelvis but they don’t do a narrower version.
I have the same saddle after trying a whole bunch of others out first. It's expensive, but you can't put a price on the comfort of your ass cheeks and other bits! Love it.
Totally agree. The amount of time you spend sitting on it, it’s definitely worth it!
Hi, great review! One question though: what about riding in rain when the saddle might get soaked? Because of the structure it isn’t drying that quickly I‘d guess. Did you experience any sort of this issue?
It’s a good question actually, and the first one like it on here. If you can get your hands on one you will find why doesn’t absorb water.
It’s more of a plastic structure so the material itself won’t absorb water. The difference in hardness on the saddle come from different connections and bridges of the 3d printed material.
The holes are more than big enough that the water just simply runs out. I have never even dried this saddle after a ride, nor after cleaning it. It dries nicely on its own.
If any dirt does get stuck in there a good 30s spray with a hose on a jet/ fan setting gets it out easily (not a jet wash).
I hope that helps a little!
Great video. If you were to compare the comfort of a normal power saddle with the power mirror? Would you say it is a 50% or 100% improvement in comfort?
Ohh tough question to describe. I would say it’s 30% more comfortable but that adds up to an extra couple of hours in the saddle without thinking about it.
I hope that helps
@@cyclingunboxed It does. Thank you so much.
I am choosing between S-Works Power and S-Works Power Mirror. How would you describe the difference between these two? Is the S-Works Power (the one that came with your bike) significantly less comfortable and has less cushioning? Thank you
Yes, the original power is what came with my bike.
The best way I would describe is if you have any nobbles or bobbles along your pelvis bone where you sit then the 3d print will absorb them much better. Just as shown in the video.
Other than that the shape feels very similar to me. I would say the 3d printed one feels slightly wider just because of its design. You notice this toward the front of the saddle more.
I do feel like I am locked in on the 3d printed saddle more and need to move around less although this is marginal.
I hope that helps. Any further questions, don’t be afraid to ask.
@@cyclingunboxed thanks! Would be very interested to see a comparison
anyone having issues with this saddle wearing out bibs ? got my 2 assos bibs weared out only on few rides with this saddle
Very strange. I don’t have any assos shorts, but not had any problems with any wearing. Yours is the first comment to say so
I orderd Power Arc Pro Elaston and it is hardest ever I ever tried by far. Basically, after the first 1h or a ride becomes difficult to sit in continuation for more 1 min at the time. I did a professional bike fit with this saddle. The saddle is directly hitting sit-bones (which is good), and dont have any hotspots or rubbing, but just feels too hard.
I am wondering if the 3d version would solve the hardness problem but it super expensive (no discount found anywhere Europe)
Unfortunately not cheap. Hopefully soon they will bring the cost down as manufacturing becomes cheaper
Sound promising. I'm a mountain biker, not a roadie. But wha ti heard here sounds promising.
Apart from the chafing issue, why is that? Any ideas why? Extra grip holding on to yhe riding shorts? As a mountain biker I wear chamois boxer and baggy shorts. Have you tried this?
How does it perform in subzero temps?
Fabric Scoop shallow race gets super harsh in even - 1v an dof course gets worse in -10c. But is comfy as soon as it's indoors. And of course in the summer.
I have quite a narrow pelvis and this saddle is slightly wider than the one it’s based off. That’s why I think it chaffs me a little.
I can’t say I have tried it in a MTB short unfortunately so I can’t judge there.
For temp in the uk it rarely gets below 0C so I can’t say for -10. It does get harder as it gets colder but still hold up just fine up to 0. At -10 though I think you would be pushing the saddle quite hard.
@@cyclingunboxed That makes sense. Should've d tried the narrower version then. If it's fine at 0 it's likely fine at -1C, not massive difference in temp. So sounds promising. I've been been to their regular saddles do well in cold temps too. IF I don't feel like I'm sitting on just the rails I think I will be fine. As the design looks good.
Is there much of a difference between this and romin? I can’t decide!
The shape of the roamin is much more traditional. Please take this with a pinch of salt because I haven’t tried the roamin (although I really want to).
If your position is really agressive, I would think the power saddle would suit it more. For a more traditional position I would think the roamin would suit better. Just from looking at it to, the power suits a wider pelvis shape and the roamin would fit a narrower shape.
I hope this helps a bit.
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!
What’s the skeleton’s name?
It does actually have a name, it’s Winston 😂
How about rubbing on the inner thighs. Any issues? I find the power saddles have wide wings in the back.
If I could I would personally get this saddle in a 130 configuration. It does come out a little wider than the normal power saddle at the front but same width at the back. So over time, if you are in this saddle 4-5 times a week, I find this is what causes issues. If just 1-3 rides a week I find it’s ok
What’s the difference between this and the S-Works Power Mirror Saddle ?
This is the S works Power Mirror saddle with the carbon 6x9 oval rails.
They do have other versions
Power mirror power PRO saddle (Titanium rails)
Power mirror roamin Evo (traditional shape)
I hope that clarifies a bit better.
Hi.What's the reference of the saddle bag ?
The saddle bag I am using at the moment is the silca Mattone.
Imagine if this technology develops further and starts to be adapted by motorcycles and cars, it has soo much benefits except maybe for price
I agree. I do think the price will come down over the next 5 years as competition comes in
With this saddle
bibs are they necessary ?
Yes, for me definitely. The saddle is still alot firmer that it seems on video, it just absorbs different shapes better.
@@cyclingunboxed
What a pity !!!
Some bike shops that do fittings will let you bring your bike in and put it on a trainer to try saddles.
That’s good! I haven’t heard of one that does that before
I have this saddle and I don't like it. It's not comfortable. The Romin is also not comfortable. The cut out on both saddles are not big enough. I went back to the Selle Italia SLR Boost.
That’s a pretty big cut out on that saddle but I guess it fits your pelvis a lot better
I have own two but have tried all 3; the mirror romin and power, and thr 3D print slr.
For absolute comfort, the power is first in class. For a individual with thicker thighs, romin.
For a firmer feeling with good bibs, I’ll use the slr print.
How much they paid you for this
I have 1000 subscribers. No one is paying me for anything 😂
@@cyclingunboxed HAHA! 🤣
Yes, because anything good to say about an expensive product MUST be a paid advertisement.
I mean, no way that an expensive luxury product can be superior to your budget affordable sensible alternatives.
The cheap stuff is always better, while expensive luxury products are always worse because it’s just a status item for stupid fools.
@@slowcyclist4324 Problem is, its not. For this price range you get a fully custom saddle made out of carbon and 3d printed material that will last at least as long as this saddle and is in the same price range.