Bike Reviews

There’s nothing worse than an uncomfortable saddle. Going out for longer rides on a saddle that doesn’t fit is no fun, but the thought of heading out for long day number two, or even long day number three on that same saddle is enough to bring tears to your eyes.

After trying several saddles over the last few years and not finding the right one, I thought I’d give Specialized a shot and picked one up. It turned out to be a wise choice for me as the shape and width of the saddle provided a comfortable ride for extended time on the bike.

Specialized has upped the ante in their saddle line, having recently released a couple of new mountain and road models. I decided to go with the 143mm wide Phenom Gel mountain bike model, which retails for $95 and weighs in at around 295 grams. The feature that sets it apart from the rest is that it includes a thickened section of padding at the nose of the saddle. The idea is that when you are climbing while seated you will typically lean forward and put more pressure on the nose. The extra padding in this area is designed to provide a little extra cushion for pushing hard against the saddle on tough climbs and the flexible shell helps soak up the rough stuff. They have also included some hardened plastic corner edges at the rear to help protect the saddle in a crash. All are good ideas that seem to work.

Seeing the word Gel in the name of any product always makes me think of those huge overstuffed gel padded saddle covers that you see on comfort bikes. In this case, however, you’ll find a saddle that is light and lean, without any extra fluff. The main body of the saddle is covered in a light padding that’s a mix of gel and foam. There’s just enough gel in there to give a little extra cushion, but not enough that you can feel it squirming around underneath you.

Specialized has done a lot of R&D in the design of their Body Geometry line of products. On the saddle front they have consulted with medical professionals to develop saddles that relieve pressure on your sensitive parts, and ensure that blood is flowing to these vital areas. Specialized has also developed a measurement system that includes a memory foam pad that you sit on to determine the spacing of your ‘sit bones’. Saddles are available in as many as 3 widths, depending on the saddle you choose. Just choose a style and match up the size to your measurement.

Saddle choice is a personal thing - we’re all different. There’s no saddle on the market that will provide the perfect fit for everyone. Specialized has produced a design that has some thoughtful features that can make your time in the saddle more enjoyable. Check out there line – you should find a comfortable saddle to suit you needs.

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