Specialized S-Works vs. Power Comp: Expensive or cheap - what can a €450 bike saddle do?
Marc Strucken
· 19.09.2025
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With the S-Works Power Evo Mirror has launched a further development of its Power saddle onto the market. The new model utilises the company's own mirror technology and, according to the manufacturer, should generate significantly less pressure than conventional foam saddles. The 3D-printed structure consists of 47,000 struts and 21,000 nodes, which are made from a 40% bio-based polymer.
So far, so impressive. Specialized explains that this mirror technology uses a patented honeycomb matrix that is 3D-printed from liquid polymer. This construction is said to enable precise comfort and support zone tuning that cannot be achieved with conventional foam. The cutout has also been redesigned. This construction eliminates pressure-generating edges of the previous design. This was our main criticism of the Phenom: after more than 2 hours, the edges of the cut-out were pressing immensely into the dam.
Further developed saddle shape for more freedom of movement
The S-Works Power Evo from Specialized retains the 24 cm length of the original Power saddle, but has a modified shape. The nose is 1 cm wider and offers 19.7 % more mirror material for better support in a forward-facing riding position. The Wing Flare design has been revised to reduce thigh discomfort.
The rails have been extended by 2 cm and now offer a 70 mm clamping range for greater adjustment flexibility. This design is aimed at riders who prefer a sporty, forward-facing position. The saddle is available in 4 widths: 130 mm, 143 mm, 155 mm and 168 mm.
Construction and materials
The saddle combines a flex-tuned carbon shell with 7x9 mm carbon rails. The Mirror system uses the aforementioned 40 % bio-based material, which is said to be more durable and less moisture-absorbent. The 143 mm version weighs in at 221 g. We tested the 155 mm saddle, which weighed 227 g on our scales. Price: 449 euros.
The cheap one: Specialised Power Comp
The Specialized Power Comp bike saddle - also in the Body Geometry design - was developed for both women and men who are looking for maximum efficient power transmission and optimum pressure relief, even in aggressive riding positions. It differs from the Expert model only in its Cr-Mo steel saddle rails. The cut-out here is also long and wide and the saddle is equipped with medium-hard PU foam (level 2).
Here, too, we tested the saddle in size 155 mm with a weight of 253 grams. At a price of 99 euros (>> available here). A whopping 350 euros cheaper than the 3D printed saddle, but only around 25 g heavier.
Bicycle saddle test duel: S-Works Power Evo Mirror versus Specialized Power Comp
How good is a bicycle saddle for 450 euros? Very good. How much better is it than its 350 euro cheaper colleague from the same company? We wanted to find out and tested both saddles on a gravel bike (Rocky Mountain Solo), an XC MTB (Trek Supercalibre) and even a touring e-MTB (Trek Fuel EXe) clamped.
Both saddles want to be ridden more aggressively, i.e. in a sporty riding position. This is particularly noticeable on the touring bike, and especially on the expensive Power Evo Mirror. Here you have the feeling of having "too much" saddle on the back of your thighs. It's not uncomfortable, but other saddles can certainly do it better. So let's switch to the gravel bike.
The riding position is perfect on both. After the first ride of more than 50 kilometres, it's clear that both saddles are no longer squeezed by the pinching edge of the S-Works Phenom. There is even a little air coming through the honeycomb of the S-Works saddle, but the large hole in the cheaper Power Comp allows more air to circulate.
The central question: Does the honeycomb structure protect against pressure peaks?
On the Gravelbike I usually ride in a more constant riding position, pedalling calmly and tackling longer, moderate climbs. This is where the expensive Power Evo saddle really comes into its own for me. The pressure is well distributed, the sit bones are relieved and I rarely have to get up out of the saddle to loosen up. However, the saddle builds up quickly, so some people may still feel that there is too much saddle on the back of their thighs. However, the saddle nose is wide and padded enough to be able to sit and pedal for a while.
On the XC mountain bike the use looks different. The padding of the expensive S-Works seems softer than that of the cheaper Comp saddle. The latter also offers more rear support on steep, seated sections. The rear of the Power Comp is slightly curved upwards - the S-Works saddle is straighter. The straight nose of the S-Works is also less comfortable on the shoulder when carried. When seated, however, the flat top gives it a clear advantage.
BIKE conclusion
The expensive Specialised S-Works Power Evo Mirror saddle is a top saddle if you don't sit too straight on the bike. It is suitable for use on road bikes, gravel bikes and cross-country MTBs. The honeycomb structure in the cut-out inhibits ventilation, but provides some protection against dirt and water.
But: For the immensely high price of 450 euros, I only get an adequate seating experience if I sit on it constantly. If the riding style - as is more common on an MTB - involves many changes of position and weight shifts, the extra 350 euros are not really worth it.
In direct comparison, the Specialized Power Comp, which originally cost €100 and is now sold at street prices of around €70, is a sporty saddle with plenty of support on steep climbs and good damping with sufficient feel for the ground.
What is priceless about the Specialized S-Works Power Evo Mirror, however, is the attention it attracts. Whether in the beer garden, among friends or fellow cyclists: Many people want to know what kind of saddle it is - and whether it was made just for my bum.
Marc Strucken
Editor
