Not content to keep their 3D printed saddle tech to just one design, the S-Works Power with Mirror has a new friend. Now, you’ll be able to find that same Digital Light Synthesis foam-less 3D printing tech on the longer, more traditionally shaped Romin EVO platform, only this time with even more struts and nodes…
Power saddle on left, new Romin Evo Mirror on right.
That’s referring to the unique lattice structure that is 3D printed to create ‘tuned’ struts and nodes to provide support where you need it, and relief where you don’t.
Compared to the smaller, firmer Power with Mirror saddle which has 14,000 struts and 7,799 nodes or junctions, the new S-Works Romin EVO with Mirror saddle has 22,000 struts and 10,700 nodes. In addition to a difference in “travel” of the 3D printed material, there is also a large difference in saddle shape with the Romin measuring 26cm long vs. 24cm for the Power shape.
Calling the Romin EVO with Mirror “a 150mm trail bike” compared to the Power with Mirror being a “100mm XC bike”, Specialized means to say that the tuned flex of the Romin should offer a bit more comfort than the firmer Power saddle. Which is all part of the infinite tunability of the design. The construction allows more freedom than traditional foam to offer sit bone support and soft tissue relief, which in this case includes an ergonomic cut-out in the center of the saddle.
As for actual numbers, Specialized offers this below:
When compared to a traditional foam saddle, we measured a statistically significant reduction in pressure in all three bar positions:
- Tops – 18.25% (p= 0.005)
- Hoods – 17.51% (p=0.02)
- Drops – 25.95% (p=0.003)
- 10 subjects – 5 men, 5 women
Validation by Todd Carver – Specialized Human Performance Manager
Combined with a FACT carbon shell and 7×9 oversized FACT Carbon rails, the Romin EVO with Mirror weighs 190g (143mm width) and will be offered in 143 and 155mm options. MSRP is $450.
Specialized always has their own science to back up their claims. At $450, definitely needs to be a try before you buy or comfort return policy.
The Power version of the Mirror Saddle has been sold out all year.
Honestly, I was plenty skeptical before trying a $450 saddle, but out of saddle sore desperation, I bought the Power Mirror a few months ago. It is wonderful, and has solved the sore issue that I tried everything else on- new bike fit, other saddles, different bibs, every chamois cream made- you name it.
I get the skepticism. I had it and expected to return the saddle after a few rides. Instead it fixed a problem that kept me off the bike, and in addition to that added cushioning that I wasn’t looking for but is welcome. That’s worth the egregious price tag to me. YMMV
Bjorn Cycles have a 3D printed/carbon saddle that’s lighter and cheaper.
I guess you haven’t figured out it’s not about the weight and the price, it’s about the comfort and performance. I have four of them and they’re worth every penny!
And next to no padding
You don’t really understand the lattice structure concept do you?
Bring back the 130mm.
Our Spesh Rep told us that they are working on a power mirror version with Ti rails to bring the cost down into the more reasonable category. However, considering the power mirror carbon rail version has been sold out forever, I wouldn’t count on this being any time soon. These things take a lot longer to make than a normal saddle.
Also, having ridden both the fizik’s 3d and the mirror.. There is a night and day difference between the two.. The fiziks is not good at all IMO. The mirror is incredible. Just as a bike shop employee I don’t make the kind of $$ for one right now. Even with EP, it’s expensive.