Sure, comfort is everything in a saddle, but that doesn’t matter if you can’t afford it. Last summer, Specialized evolved a much more complex structure of their 3D-printed Mirror padding with the S-Works Power EVO, calling it the “most comfortable high-performance saddle” they’d ever measured. Now, with the Power EVO Pro Mirror, the cost of that comfort just dropped 25%, adding just 30g with the shift to ti rails. We’ve been riding the new saddle since January, benefitting from the Evo’s revised Power shape that lets riders move around without sacrificing comfort.
And yes, the new Power EVO Pro Mirror is still a really expensive saddle. But Specialized also have added a Power EVO Comp level with more conventional adaptive foam padding that costs less than 1/3 the price of the S-Works version.
Specialized Power EVO Pro Mirror comfy 3D-printed saddle
The S-Works level Power Evo Mirror debuted last summer with 47,000 3D-printed Adaptive Support struts to offer improved ergonomics, with 34.1% less nose pressure, and 28.8% less pressure at your sit bones. Compared to the original 3D-printed Power saddles, that’s more than twice as complex an internal structure. On top of that, the EVO’s flatter shape gives you support across a wider range of positions, perfect for riders who like to move around on the saddle, and longer rails for more front-to-back adjustability.
Now, you can effectively get the exact same Mirror support and comfort at the Pro level.
What’s new?
The Power EVO Pro Mirror saddle top is still the same 3D-printed thermoplastic material, just a different, slightly more closed design reminiscent of the original S-Works Power Mirror. And it still features the same virtual Body Geometry pressure relief central cutout made possible by the variable density 3D-printed structure.
That Pro-level also means the shell moves to a slightly lower-cost, and more durable carbon-reinforced nylon. It also switches to 7mm round hollow titanium rails. (Compare to full carbon shell & oval carbon rails for the S-Works version).
The difference is a matter of just about 30g.
Power EVO Pro Mirror – Tech details & pricing
- flat Power EVO shape, tuned for dynamic movement
- 40% bio-based Digital Light Synthesis 3D-printed elastomeric polyurethane Mirror padding & cover
- composite 15% carbon fiber chop and 85% nylon shell
- 2-bolt SWAT accessory mount compatible
- 7mm round hollow titanium rails
- 70mm long rail clamping area – 2cm longer rails than the Power Pro for more adjustability
- 240mm long overall, just like the original Power
- 4 widths available: 130mm, 143mm, 155mm, and 168mm
- 248g claimed weight (143mm)
- 253g actual weight (143mm)
The new 3D-printed Specialized Power EVO Pro Mirror saddle with ti rails sells for $350 / 320€. That’s still undeniably expensive. But compared to the $475 / 450€ S-Works, it looks like the Power EVO Pro is a better value with increased durability and very little weight compromise.
Riding the new Power EVO Pro Mirror
Like Jayson, I had ridden the original S-Works Power Mirror saddle on a gravel bike, then had spent a lot more time on the Pro-level of the Power Mirror when I was testing Specialized’s latest Levo 4 eMTB. The same shift to ti rails and carbon-reinforced nylon made a lot more sense to me for high-impact off-road riding on an ebike. But while the Power Mirror offers pretty great comfort, I simply move around too much to stay comfortable on it for longer rides. So, when the Specialized told me the Power EVO would get the same Pro Mirror treatment, I was fully on board.
Riding with the Power EVO Pro Mirror, I get every bit of tech I love with Specialized’s latest Body Geometry saddles.
I love the flatter EVO top that lets me move around, and the wider nose that I can perch on for extra steep climbs. Then, I get top-tier Mirror comfort with its 3D-printed padding and zero perineal pressure, meaning padded shorts aren’t needed for my MTB riding. Plus, I did a Body Geo fit test, and my 112mm-wide sit bones are perfect for the 143mm saddle. And on top of that, the Pro-level offers a more resilient (and not too stiff) shell and tough ti rails that fit every seatpost.
It’s better than the S-Works on every count in my book. The only big issue is that it’s still so expensive, but…
There’s now a much more affordable Power EVO Comp saddle, too!
The new Power EVO Comp truly makes the new EVO shape accessible to many more cyclists (who move around as they ride.) The Comp saddle doesn’t get 3D-printed Mirror padding (and it doesn’t hide it inside like the affordable Power Expert). But Specialized says that the Comp features a much-improved conventional foam padding that offers “Adaptive Support” for reduced saddle pressure, similar to their much more expensive model. 4/5 Sit Bone Support & 3/5 Midline Pressure Relief compared to 5/5 & 4/5, respectively for the Power EVO Mirror saddles.
The Power EVO Comp features a conventional synthetic upper with a normal pressure relief cutout. It gets a basic nylon shell and hollow tubular chromoly rails. It’s still the same 240mm length, available just in 143mm (267g) & 155mm widths now, with a 168mm version coming soon.
The new Specialized Power EVO Comp’s claimed weight is only 19g heavier than the Pro-level, but it costs a lot less – just $150 / 99€.
Specialized.com
