When Specialized introduced the new Power saddle line, many wondered what happened to the rest of the saddle. In the end, it’s short design is one of its strengths, but it does require an aggressive rider to get the most out of it.
Specialized Power Expert Saddle Features:
- Patented Body Geometry design maintains blood flow to sensitive bits
- Carbon-reinforced shell with minimal PU padding (Level 2) is stiff for longevity and all-day riding efficiency
- Lightweight, hollow titanium rails
- Perforated, water resistant cover
- SWAT-compatible mounts
- Sizes: 143, 155 (tested) and 168mm
- Weight: 233, 235 and 238 grams
- MSRP: $130
Saddle size does matter
I’ve spent the better part of my cycling life in search of the perfect saddle. When new ones come along that look promising, I’ve always got to try them out. As a recent addition to the Specialized Body Geometry lineup, the Power Expert Saddle is made for speed. With its stubby design, wide platform and huge cutout, you’d swear it was a triathlon saddle. While it certainly can handle tri-duty, it is made for road cycling.
The test saddle was the mid-sized 155mm version of the Power Expert and suited my body just fine. To determine your proper saddle width, your best bet is to head to your local Specialized dealer who can help you find the right width for your backside.
Again, the Power Expert is stubby and seemingly-wide. Setup is a little bit tricky, but the included instructions will get you close to the optimal setup. They suggest a 3cm setback from the nose placement of a standard-length saddle. For me, I was closer to 2cm and it didn’t take too long to figure that out. Your setup may vary, but start at 3cm and go from there.
Specialized shoots straight with the Power Saddle and says that it “helps deliver superior performance while in a more aggressive position.” Yeah, I’ll second that statement. If you’re in search of a saddle that can be ridden in an upright position, there are better ones for you. But, if you are looking for a saddle that can provide comfort and performance in the drops, this one is fantastic.
All of my testing was done aboard the Wilier GTR SL Ultegra and was a significant improvement over the stock saddle on that bike. Initial rides felt uncomfortable and stiff until I became more aggressive. Regardless, it seemed as if it took about 10 min for my backside to get used to the saddle — even after hundreds of miles on it. I’d get awkward pressure points that would come and then go away for the remainder of my ride.
The beauty of this saddle is that when riding in the drops, I could ride forever without any numbness or lingering discomfort. Long climbs or flats were equally comfortable, but you do have a little less saddle length to work with. That shorter length is matched with a wider nose, so it’s kind of a give-and-take kinda thing.
The Good
- Rewards the aggressive rider
- Solid perch for power transfer
- Flat shape supports the sit bones
- Huge cutout ensures a numb-free ride
- A variety of color options for men and women
- Smooth cover
- Works well with all kinds of chamois designs
The Bad
- A little discomfort at the beginning of every ride
- Will take some fiddling to set up
- Casual riders should look elsewhere
The Bottom Line: Specialized Power Expert Saddle
If you’re an aggressive rider in search of a wide saddle that will support your backside, the Power Expert should be on your list. Don’t be afraid of the stubby length, just embrace its uniqueness. Get in those drops and drop the hammer for miles at a time and you’ll never even think about this one because it becomes invisible.
Buy Now: Visit Specialized.com
In Summary
If you're an aggressive rider, the Power Expert should be on your list to check out. With a proven Body Geometry design, this one is comfortable for all day rides in the drops.
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Comfort
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Durability
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Fit
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Aesthetics
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Rail Compatibility
7 Comments
Thanks for you review!
I’ve got a question after reading it .”Long climbs or flats were equally comfortable, but you do have a little less saddle length to work with. ”
Will the length of nose affect the riding performance or feelings when climbing or sprinting?
Thanks!
Thanks for the question. I don’t specifically recall thinking that I was limited while climbing. Again, you can’t scoot forward on the nose but it doesn’t seem to affect actual climbing power or comfort.
I’d like to challenge the persistent comments that this saddle is appropriately for aggressive riders, but not for — in your words — “casual riders.” I’m 67, 240 lbs., ride an endurance bike on the hoods and average 13.5 mph. I’m only in the drops going down a long hill or in a stiff headwind. The Power is far and away the most comfortable saddle I’ve ever ridden, and that’s a LOT of saddles: Fizik, Brooks, Selle Italia, WTB, Fabric, Bontrager, and others from Specialized. It is the best combination of relief from genitalia to sit bones. It’s not the saddle I would put on a sit up and beg city bike, but for any bike with drop bars — even if not ridden in the drops — it is a brilliant saddle at any speed and any wattage.
Thanks for your comments, Brooke! Sorry for throwing broad strokes to this saddle (casual vs. aggressive). Certainly, a saddle is so personal that it’s hard to categorize it definitively as such. In general, this saddle is aimed at riders who remain in an aggressive riding position for long periods of time. However, it’s worth a shot for all rider types and abilities.
Most of all, I’m glad you love this saddle. I’ve recently been riding it aboard the 2020 Specialized Venge Pro and have been quickly reminded why I like this saddle so much. It’s definitely a good one.
What is the angle of Your Power saddle when You put the ruler across the saddle from the nose to the tail? Can not find good angle. Some people recommend that the nose should be a little bit upward
I always set mine up level (0-deg), then may move it 1-deg nose-down, if necessary. I believe I set this up level. Hope that helps.
Nose to tail, I feel, is not helpful. Start by leveling from the middle of the saddle forward, and then adjust from there. My sweet spot is with that plane slightly down. Find the spot where your butt feels good.
Mine is also slammed back almost to the limit of the rails. Not only does that help my hands, it puts more spring at the back of the saddle.