S-works Power saddle.

I’ve struggled for a while to find the ‘right’ saddle. Saddles are a touchy subject among cyclists as we all have one that works for us and one that we may find ‘perfect’ may be equivalent of a concrete slab to somebody else, so I’ll try my best not to upset too many people!

That said. Here is the Specialized Power saddle. Literally the holy grail of all saddles, used and favoured by 2x world road race champion, Peter Sagan!

I’ve been lucky enough to run one of these for about 6 months now and honestly it’s perfect (for me!). Here are a few reasons why:

• Reduced length, of 3cm allows me to slide it sightly further forward on the rails so my body-weight is shifted more onto the drops were I feel more powerful
• Cut-away channel, down the middle relieves ‘undercarriage’ fatigue, meaning longer rides/races are possible without having to stop every now and then too….uhhhh….stretch?
• Fact 11 carbon fibre body shell, gives me optimal compliance when it comes to road use.
• The, super-tough, oversized carbon rails means I can actually reach the specified torque readings (12Nm) without them cracking (unlike some other brands!).
• Extra-wide body, means my sit-bones are properly supported allowing free-movement of my hips resulting in more smoother/pain-free pedalling dynamics.(which has been proven through pressure mapping!)

Specialized have developed this saddle for both men and women, so it is not gender specific. Which is great as it is more versatile on the market (or if your wife is jealous of your bike and uses it on the schhol run!)

Whilst I bit the bullet and purchased the ,all singing all dancing, S-works Pro model (£219.99 at my LBS), Specialized do offer the same Power saddle shape, for as lower price as £69.99. Difference being (other than cost) weight! The S-works Power saddle comes in at a stealthy 159 grams, whilst the standard Specialized Expert is a mere 233 grams. This is not to say the Power saddle-expert is anything to be snarled at! No, it’s practically the same. I’ve purchased the Expert(s) to cover both my winter training bike and my time trial bike. Thats my commitment to show just how good this saddle works for me.

Get yours now!

But, before you buy make sure you get the right size. Or, width as it’s referred to in ‘saddle terms’. This is done by measuring your sit bone width.

I got mine done at my LBS, Westerham Cyclery.

They offer a fantastic free service that comes free when you purchase a saddle there, where they will measure your sit-bones using a high-tech digital pad that you sit on with your feet raised so your thighs are at a 45 degree angle, momentarily putting maximal pressure through your sit-bones directly onto the pad below. The sit-bone reading will then correspond your sit-bone measurement to a best-suited width of saddle…aanndd… voila! your width of saddle is given. Clever eh?

 

Don’t just take my word for it. See what the experts have to say about it: here

Available from all good bike shops. For the best deal, check this place out right here!