Specialized S-Works Romin Evo Mirror professional saddle ordered from the 3D printer

With the new Specialized S-Works Romin Evo Mirror, the Californians bring their second road bike saddle from the 3D printer. A longer saddle with the printed honeycomb structure was a request from the peloton. We have already been able to take a closer look at the Romin Mirror.

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In the hand

First impression

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Specialized S-Works Romin Evo Mirror info and prices

Slide show: Specialized S-Works Romin Evo Mirror: Professional saddle ordered from the 3D printer Start slide show » # Saddle from the 3D printer, the second - the new S-Works Romin Evo Mirror (left) is for long rides in an aggressive sitting position optimizes and supplements the Power Mirror, which we have already been able to test extensively.# The honeycombs made of polymer material can be precisely adapted to the specific pressure in the saddle.# The new S-Works Ronin has a very pronounced relief channel.

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When Specialized presented a new road bike saddle from the 3D printer two years ago, also at the World Cycling Championships, curiosity was great, but also skepticism. How does the honeycomb structure hold up in everyday life, does dirt collect - and last but not least, is the outrageously expensive technology worth the money? Because just like Adidas with its Futurecraft 4D shoes with soles from Carbon 3D, Specialized also charges a lot for this structure, which is differentiated down to the smallest detail to reduce pressure.

After two years with the Specialized S-Works Power Mirror saddle on a gravel bike and further experiences from the MTB-News editorial team, we can conclude that neither pore-deep contamination nor excessive wear are a real problem. On the contrary, the saddlecloth proved to be particularly robust on the gravel bike. For the main area of ​​application "unpaved paths", the outstanding cushioning of the Mirror saddlecloth proved to be a big plus. The typical short shape of the Specialized Power saddle also met our taste when riding actively with a lot of freedom of movement "in front of the saddle".

When it comes to the shape of the saddle, racing drivers in the professional field sometimes have different demands for their work equipment. According to Specialized, many of the sponsored pros would like to see the Mirror technology on the frequently ridden S-Works Romin Evo saddle. Even if some drivers, such as Mark Cavendish, already enjoy driving the power model.

# Of course, the expensive saddle is packaged in a representative way - but with recyclable material.# On the scales, the Romin Mirror keeps what the manufacturer promises in 155 mm.# The holders for the SWAT accessories are located under the carbon saddlecloth.# The Carbon rails place increased demands on the seat clamp.

With the 3D printing process, relief zones can be defined much more precisely than with conventional production methods - the path from the saddle pressure analysis to the appropriate honeycomb structure is significantly shorter (there is an explanation of the 3D printing technology on the saddle on MTB-News).

Power Mirror vs Romin Mirror

The specifications for the S-Works Romin Evo Mirror saddle were different than for the Power Mirror. With a length of 26 cm and a slope at the rear end of the saddle, the S-Works Romin Evo Mirror should offer an ideal shape for riders who like to slide forward for an aggressive, aerodynamic position and sit more back on climbing passages. Unlike the Power with Mirror technology, the FACT carbon saddle shell has a concave shape designed for good flex. According to Specialized, it also offers “more space” for the 3D printed saddle cover. The technicians count: 22,000 branches and 10,700 nodes, which should allow even more "seat travel" than the 14,000 branches and 7,799 nodes on the S-Works Power Mirror.

# The new S-Works Romin Evo Mirror on the left and the S-Works Power Mirror on the right - the stronger "waist" and the longer saddle nose are obvious - by the way, the two do not differ in terms of weight.# specialized S-Works Romin Mirror-18# specialized S -Works Romin Mirror-13

In the hand

As expected, Specialized is presenting the S-Works Romin Evo Mirror in representative cardboard packaging, which commendably does without any plastic, including the fastening materials. On the scales, our test saddle with a width of 155 mm lives up to the weight promise, at 192 g it is barely heavier than the official weight specification for the 143 mm wide model. Like the S-Works Power Mirror, the Romin features asymmetric carbon rails that are incompatible with many side-clamping seatposts. However, Specialized duly points this out.

The first thing you notice about the S-Works Romin Evo Mirror is the significantly wider relief channel in the middle between the seat surfaces – you don’t have to worry about long hot days in the saddle being ventilated in this way, especially since the material itself, in our experience, also lets a lot of air through. Mirror saddles are definitely not sweaty.

Viewed from the side, the saddle shell, which is pulled up at the back, can also be clearly seen. When the front, straight part is aligned horizontally, it promises good support during long climbs. Last but not least, the saddle nose is of course a few centimeters longer, but not narrower.

The thumb test reveals further differences to the Power Mirror. The honeycomb matrix in the seating area appears similarly firm, but the finger sinks less deeply into the structure. Towards the edges, the S-Works Romin Evo Mirror gives in more easily and runs flatter.

# With the Romin with Mirror, the material on the sides is more flexible.# specialized S-Works Romin Mirror-10# specialized S-Works Romin Mirror-8 # We have mounted the saddle and will test it extensively.

First impression

We were able to do a "first lap around the block" with the new Specialized saddle from the 3D printer. But this "first contact" is not enough for a serious assessment, especially not with a saddle that was explicitly created for long rides in a sporty, low sitting position.

However, since the new 3D saddle replaced the 3D-printed predecessor on the test bike, a few differences were noticeable on first contact. The Romin appears firmer right away. The feeling of being "logged in" in the saddle, so to speak, that the power dominated the driving impression, does not arise to the same extent. Nevertheless, this saddlecloth is also one of the grippiest that we have ridden so far. Muscular thighs have more rotational space on the Romin Mirror than with the Power Mirror. Overall, the feeling over the first few meters is, shall we say, more familiar, closer to other saddles for very ambitious road cycling. Further test drives are scheduled for the next few days, and we will then update the article accordingly.

Do you also have experience with saddles with the carbon 3D structure? Write us here in the comments.

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Text: Jan Gathmann / Photos: Gathmann, Specialized