We're taking a look here at the saddle round-up we brought you in Issue 30. While saddles aren't always the most exciting piece of equipment to look at, they have a very definite impact on your riding enjoyment and are key to your comfort. See some of the latest saddles here and maybe you'll find your next seat.
by The CXM Test Crew
Saddles, like helmets, have gone through a number of technology and construction changes recently. Even if you think you found the right shape for you a long time ago and have been loyal ever since, it’s worth a look and test ride of the latest generation of saddles to see if there’s a more comfortable ride.
Until recently, shopping for saddles has been mostly about finding the right shape, and then perhaps deciding how much padding you wanted. Maybe you also decided whether you wanted to save some grams through tubular rails or exotic materials. More recently, cyclists and cyclocrossers could opt for a cut-out for potential pressure relief or water cooling during a wet race.
Now, construction techniques, shock absorbing materials, width options and even new rail designs are all being touted as the secret to a more comfortable ride, especially when the terrain is not smooth asphalt. And for those of you with new bike lust, but a new chain budget, a new saddle, paired with some cushy new bar take, can be the ultimate trick to feeling like you got a new ride.
We put seven of the latest saddle designs to the test in Issue 30 to see which ones are deserving of your upgrade dollars. Saddle up!
Specialized Phenom
The big S has cornered the market in making sure everything on your bike and body fits you perfectly, and they even have an easy non-intrusive way to measure your sit bones. Even though you’ve preferred narrow saddles, the test might reveal you might be more comfortable on something wider. In fact, a fit by Specialized with one of our testers revealed just that. The recommended result was a medium-width Phenom, pushed forward a tad to better use sit bones. The Phenom was the first cut-out saddle we’ve really embraced, and paired with a bit of padding and flex in the shell, the Phenom is a nice choice even if it lacks some of the fancy shock-absorbing technologies of other saddles seen here. Many of Specialized’s saddles feature rail and color options, and three different widths. The best part of it all is that a Specialized shop can measure you and fit you to one of them, and let you try it out. Online shopping can’t beat that.
Price: $130 USD
Weight: 243 grams
Options: 2 colors and 4 widths
More info: specialized.com
