Saddles could make or spoil your trip. They’re a extremely non-public piece of equipment (one of the crucial, IMO), and when you discover a fit – you keep it up. Specialised’s Phenom is the go-to saddle for plenty of on and off-road athletes. It was once my favourite saddle till the Energy saddle arrived at the scene. Then again, the newly minted Specialised Phenom Professional provides a brand new twist on an previous favourite, making it the latest to obtain the Replicate remedy.
(Photograph: Specialised)
Specialised Phenom Professional with Replicate
We see Specialised upload some further options to their saddles with updates like Elaston and carbon rails, however essentially the most impactful is the Replicate improve.
(Photograph: Jordan Villella/BikeRumor.com)
What’s Replicate? Replicate era boasts a 3-d-printed matrix with 20,055 struts and eight,735 nodes within the position of conventional padding.
What does that imply? It’s a 3-d-printed saddle padding that is helping lightly distribute weight over the total saddle, with uniquely designed padded spaces that supply roughly reinforce. With high-resolution power mapping to again it up, the Replicate saddles distribute weight extra successfully than conventional foam.
(Photograph: Jordan Villella/BikeRumor.com)
The 3-d revealed design lets in the dressmaker to put explicit relive zones and toughen excessive hammock zones. I’m a large fan of the texture, however it’s now not for everybody. The Phenom Professional (hollow-titanium-railed) with Replicate claims to cut back take a seat bone power through as much as 28% (maximum Specialised Replicate saddles boast this declare) whilst optimizing blood drift and protective comfortable tissue. That implies much less ache, extra efficiency, and extra amusing.
(Photograph: Specialised)
Convenience Equals Energy
Designed for max rider motion, the Phenom Professional with Replicate measures 27cm lengthy, permitting riders to shift positions with out restriction. I bring to mind the Phenom as an “Off-Highway Romin“, granting the rider some talent to edge ahead on climbs whilst nonetheless feeling locked in. The Specialised Phenom Professional with Replicate is to be had in two widths (155mm and 143mm) to fine-tune your are compatible.
(Photograph: Specialised)
Now not Only for the Spandex Crowd
Convenience doesn’t imply fragile. The concave shell provides the Replicate padding extra thickness with out including bulk, whilst the development is designed to maintain the whole lot from Global Excursion racing to full-send DH runs. Plus, it sort of feels to be the saddle of selection for multi-time downhill international champion Loïc Bruni.
“The Phenom Pro Mirror is my new favorite saddle. I can move around easily, and it’s super comfortable and durable, making it a perfect fit for my trail and DH bikes. I’m stoked I got to help test and shape this saddle and finally see it come to life!”
— Loïc Bruni, 6x DH Global Champion.
(Photograph: Jordan Villella/BikeRumor.com)
Tech Main points – Specialised Phenom Professional with Replicate
Saddle Period: 27cm
To be had Widths: 148mm, and 155mm
Weight: 257g, 148mm
Availability: Now
Value: $325.00
(Photograph: Specialised)
First Impressions:
It’s been some time since I’ve ridden a Phenom saddle. As discussed above, I switched to the Energy round 2016 and not seemed again. Then again, personal tastes alternate as time passes, and it was once just right to get again on a Phenom, particularly at the mountain motorbike. After I left the Phenom, your best option was once the PU foam Stage 2 padding design. It was once nice on the time, however I have in mind short of extra of a cradle or perch, and the Energy scratched that itch.
Specialised Undertaking Black S-Works Replicate prototype 3-d-printed saddle, Retul are compatible checking out. (Photograph: Specialised)
Then again, you’ll sink into the saddle with the brand new Phenom with Replicate, giving it a extra planted, locked-in really feel. The 3-d Replicate subject matter cradles a lot more than the PU foam.
(Photograph: Jordan Villella/BikeRumor.com)
Should you’re a rider who likes to transport up at the nostril reasonably when on climbs or looking to squeeze each ounce of Energy out, you’ll have the ability to do this at the new Phenom Replicate saddle. The form lets in for ease of motion with out feeling caught at the saddle (from time to time 3-d-printed saddles can really feel that method).
(Photograph: Jordan Villella/BikeRumor.com)
The Phenom’s convenience ranges are excessive, and it’s very noticeable off-road or on the rest with slight bumps. It seems like slightly of suspension (with out overselling) —it’s a just right feeling. The nostril is further sculpted, with extra reduction spaces that grant further reinforce—now not up to the Mimic padding, however someplace between that and the OG stage 2 padding.
(Photograph: Jordan Villella/BikeRumor.com)
Setup and Dial-in
Setup for the 3-d Replicate saddles may also be difficult, and I discovered this to be the similar with the Phenom. My default -2 deg felt like an excessive amount of. That is because of the additional suppleness of the 3-d padding, which reasons a sensation of slipping. So, for the Replicate (and every other 3-d-printed saddles), I run them a point up from my default place.
(Photograph: Jordan Villella/BikeRumor.com)
Having the hole titanium rails is a pleasant contact. It helps to keep the cost reasonably less than the S-Works model of the Replicate saddles. It additionally helps to keep the seatpost choices open, which is sweet.
I used to be proud of the sensations on my rides with the Phenom Professional Replicate. After I were given the placement dialed, I had 0 problems with posterior ache or scorching spots. I did, alternatively, run into some “non-compatible shorts” that looked as if it would make a slight squeak when at the saddle. There’s something concerning the 3-d-printed Replicate subject matter and shorts with a slight teeth, however I’ve discovered to stay the ones bibs within the drawer when using this saddle.
(Photograph:Jordan Villella/BikeRumor.com)
General, my revel in with the Phenom Professional Replicate was once very good. I don’t know if I will be able to business it in for my Energy anytime quickly, however it’s at the shortlist. I like to recommend the Phenom Professional Replicate for any rider on the lookout for most convenience in a reasonably conventional form with steel rails.
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