Specialized Power Arc Vs Power saddle REVIEW!

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[@EditioCastigata]

Thanks for the presentation, mate. The background music is too loud, though.

[@Forevermentera]

I've been using Power saddle on both bikes (road and mtb) since 2016, but bow I use ARC on the mtb. In my opinion, first generation Power saddle is better on road bikes because of the lean points, the cyclist position is more static. Power ARC is better on mtb because the riding position needs more movement, and your 'isquions' (spanish word = bones that lean on the saddle) can rest on the saddle but not as static as on the normal power saddle. I use both with the front end 1 or 2 mm down. I use a Small bubble level

[@tewaewae]

Thanks for the review, my power S works just broke along the narrow bit next to the cut out. It happens quite often according to google results. The Arc has thicker carbon through that area.

[@00brs]

I'm using Power saddle right now and there are 2 crucial things I've noticed about it. One thing is to find a correct way to adjust the angle of the Power saddle. The starting position is with front of the saddle (narrow part) be adjusted pretty much flat. This is what was suggested to me by people that use and sell these saddles. Then you tilt the front of the saddle up a little every time you ride to find your optimal position. What do I mean by optimal position? The starting position is shifting your body's center of gravity to the front and puts more pressure to your hands which can be an issue to some degree. So when adjusting saddle nose up you'll need to find that sweet spot where this will no longer be present. Bare in mind that every bike and human body is different so the sensation of leaning forward might be different with every person. Second thing is the butt breaking time. Especially when before Power you were using more typical, longer saddle. Power gives you relief on the soft tissue, especially where your prostate is but at the same time it shifts all pressure towards your sitting bones. This will be new to your body and will need some adjusting time for your muscles around sit bones. At first I was not impressed by this saddle but after 4 days of riding on it all day long and few days of rest after, my opinion changed completly. So I believe this saddle is poor with first impression but you still have to take the consideration that Power don't have that comfort level of padding for very long rides. It's rather sporty saddle.

[@nizarfakhoury]

If this saddle works for me, then you would have saved me 3 years of saddle troubles ever since I started riding. I'll let you know, thanks for another great review.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Cheers Nizar! I always recommend talking to a bike fitter and getting their help with your setup. The Power Arc is a damn good saddle but an expert will help you get it, and you, in the right position.

[@Warmeater]

How does it end m8?

[@ashzz999]

I have the first gen, the best saddle I have ever. Ridden for 10 years, had 4-5 saddles before Power

[@billysallie1197]

The Power arc expert solved all the enigmatic butt problems and discomfort seating on a bike saddle. This saddle is awesome in the right saddle size. 100% satisfaction.

[@somnumna2606]

The power dug into me a little on the rear wings and the power arc is more curved and fits me perfectly. I have 3 of them now. The best saddles are the ones that you don’t realise are there…that’s the power arc.

[@SR-fm1ft]

If the power saddle doesn't work for you, then try to set the nose of the saddle down and try it out again. Setting the power saddle up correctly is key. It's the best thing to happen in cycling in like, EVER!

[@JustRideAdelaide]

I agree. I angle the nose down a couple of degrees normally, and when I was in full aero bar setup I went for full -6 degrees. It was awesome!

[@aidanpieper404]

I just picked up a Power Arc saddle. You are totally right! Angling the nose down a bit made it instantly comfortable. Thanks a ton.

[@noam3d]

Wow -6 degrees? How do You measure the angle? On front part of the saddle or rather in the middle? I am using my iphone to measure the angle but -6 degrees (measured on front even part of saddle) seems to be pretty big! I always read that -1 up tp -1.5 degree should be max.

[@BrianMaynardLetsDoThisThing]

Yes I would also like to know how you measure the angle. For me this saddle is very unconformable and is the first saddle that I've used that actually resulted in perineum pain. I'm sure that it has something to do with the setup. I am now trying it with a -3 degree angle measured by placing a level surface from the front to the back. This setting results in the front part of the saddle been pretty much level. Is this correct?

[@CanIHasThisName]

@@BrianMaynardLetsDoThisThing If you feel pain there, than you're most likely sitting too far forward on the saddle. The nose is extremely uncomfortable to sit on. You need to support your weight on the rear portion of the saddle. The cutout is there so that you can comfortably get into a more aggressive position.

[@gabrieledalessio6707]

I totally agree with your review. Felt always the same with my original power saddle, the wings lack in flex and/or curvature. This usually led me to a more forwarded position where i started feeling the ridges. All in all a good saddle but with a few not so minor criticisms. Anyway looks like a lot of brand are starting producing short saddle (san marco, prologo..) and there's always SMP saddle whit a different design but same intention and result (if not better)

[@matthewkramer8613]

With the power saddle, the name is fitting when setup on your bike correctly. I tried this on a cross country mountain bike in hopes to find the perfect saddle for long climbs. The sit-bone area lends itself to good leverage over the peddles with its platform and trough shape. And the sitting area with a wider wings is helpful in climbing in an upright to semi upright position. The power saddle was not right for me when moved to a more aggressive position. the cutout and the ridges was in the way and causing me some discomfort. I also also tried adjusting the angle a bit. When Descending the saddle shape did not lend itself to scooting to the back end and the saddle and the shape seemed to be in the way (the wing shape). For Extreme grades dirt climbing like 13+ , the nose of the saddle becomes more important, all the rider weight must go to the front of the bike. Granted, this stretch of trail is usually not more than 100 feet but the need for sitting area is still ideal. The power saddle with the shorter nose obviously is at a disadvantage as its designed to be a short and not much room to sit when this position is required. For me I feel a more traditional shape is required for my XC mountain bike. I did like the added comfort in climbing, but the other things mentioned left me yearning for something else. What I am looking for is a saddle that allows multiple positions, but also not going to be uncomfortable when climbing for a few hours. I currently demoing a Fabric Scoop shallow 142. So far it seems pretty good however I still need to take it for a good test climb. I ride with padded bib shorts of decent quality so my issues I think lie with the right shape and a precision fit. I may try out a SQlabs 611 or an Ergon SM later. The power arc might be a good option as well which may work better for varied positions.

[@TheFartGallery]

Thanks for the music dirge in the background. It forced me to concentrate harder 😴

[@SR-fm1ft]

Fantastic video and great content👍You gotta keep em coming!

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Thanks so much, really appreciate the comment!

[@oscarflores7188]

I love the power saddle I have it on my mountain bike and on my road bikes and specialized have money back guarantee on all their products which if you don't like it you can return it can get better than that

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Nice! I'd love to get the Elaston version for my MTB. Looks plush

[@duncanhacon2641]

Great review. No need for the music, your personality is enough fun already , good onya :)

[@dmeador11111]

I just bought a power arc pro elastan it should be in the post today can't wait to try it . I bought because of this review.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Great to hear Dustin, hope it gets along with your ass!

[@louismatherne6808]

And how has that Power Arc Pro Elaston worked out for you?

[@dmeador11111]

@@louismatherne6808 its really great no complaints.

[@rafdegreve]

nice, but horrible, horrible background music. why?

[@fredhubbard7210]

Terrible quality mike doesn't help anything either.

[@Naxxn]

Hey James. How do you level this saddle? From tip to tip or from front to the middle?

[@steve-d0]

Another good video James. FYI KZbin decided to hide this video in my feeds for some reason even though it sent through notifications. Had to access directly from your page. Just in case your views were down that may be a reason why.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Thanks for that info Steve, that's useful to know. I've noticed a drop in views on this and my last video just after upload. I've noticed my personal feeds tend to favour content from new or unwatched channels rather than those I've watched before or subscribed to. I suspect it's a KZbin algorithm change where they're trying to keep users on the platform by curating new content all the time. Man KZbin can really feel like a pain in the ass! Always like you're trying to hit a weirdly moving target.

[@rrrseajay]

I switched to the Arc when my Toupee wore out. I second the comments about being a bit nose down. Once I made that change the Arc has been fantastic.

[@noam3d]

What angle exactly and how did You measure it?

[@TomGibson7777TG]

Good info but hard to hear with background music. Way too loud and detracts from what you are conveying

[@JustRideAdelaide]

A lesson hard learned in how compressing the video for KZbin changes the sound from Premiere Pro :S

[@juanabogadocanosa]

I need an advice.... it’s the first time that I’m planing to use a saddle with a short nose....what saddle will be better for me.... the power or the power arc

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Wellll I'm hesitant to give you firm advice on what's best for you so I'll just say that I found the Power Arc to be more comfortable than the Power. They smoothed it off in a few places which made it better overall for my tastes.

[@juanabogadocanosa]

Thanks my friend I’m going for the Power Arc 👌🏼

[@matiupriddy3621]

awesome video, just bought the power arc expert :) love the music too

[@chesshooligan1282]

Couldn't watch the whole video. You've gone crazy with the background music.

[@thexardas8395]

in less then 2 years power arc expert developed horribly loud screeching sound. It is loud enough for people to turn heads and can be used instead of bike bell. It is super nice saddle don't get me wrong. I can spend 2-3 hours on a bike in regular casual pants and feel fine but now I need to replace it coz sound is beyond annoying. That means another 160 or upgrade to $275 to be on a safe side if it is Cro-Mo rails issue.

[@gurugamer8632]

Hi just wanted to ask do you recommend the ROMIN EVO PRO SADDLE or the S-WORKS POWER CARBON SADDLE or the S-WORKS ROMIN EVO CARBON SADDLE ?

[@spaceghost8995]

Do they compare well with Selle Italia Boost?

[@joselarrarte6964]

Non stop chafing, I have tried every saddle out there. Today I order my arch, will see how it goes... fingers cross

[@FisherFAST]

Care to update after a couple of years of use? I'm the same situation.

[@joselarrarte6964]

@@FisherFASTfinally I received my power arch two years ago. So far, it has been 2 years of a happy bottom. This saddle changed everything for me. No more chafing like with any other saddle. Be mindful, it has to be setup property: since it is a extremely short saddle, it has to be set from the rear to the front. As expected, your body will need a couple of rides to adjust, expect pains and aches. I have mu saddle set about 1.2 degrees nose down. Many people talk about lo g saddle to move around this and that…. However, it is not completely true; whenever you move around on your saddle your fitting changes. Thus, moving is not something you can sustain for longer than a minute as much. I will throw a video soon with my review. Note: if you buy, do not buy the cheapest, go for the Expert which is the intermediate; the cheaper one, due to cushioning, probably will be prompt to chafing. I 100% recommend this Specialized Power Arch saddle.

[@FisherFAST]

@@joselarrarte6964 Thanks for the response! I'm currently on the 3D printed Specialized saddle (Power Pro with Mirror). Unfortunately the back of my legs hit or press into the wings or rear flared parts of the seat. Hoping that the rounded or downward sloping wings of the ARC will solve this!

[@joselarrarte6964]

@@FisherFAST correct, it was the reason I went for the arch. I have a muscular body type. My thighs are wide and they rubbed and touched the sides as well. But the arch has a nice contour. Keep me posted.

[@deborahbarrett2134]

How wide of a tire can it accept?

[@Tkdmaster1991]

Looking at the new arc, I'm concerned that the channel has been shrunk down the center a lot. that is the one thing I LOVED about the old model especially, as all the other ones I've tried with similar/slightly narrower cutouts still caused me numbness.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Give the Bontrager Aeolus a look. I've been testing one for a couple of months and the channel is friggin huge!

[@Tkdmaster1991]

@@JustRideAdelaide Actually, I just ordered Fizik's Vento Argo R1 saddle, alot like the power pro, but lighter, cheaper, and bigger cutout than the new arc range

[@flintyman.]

just bought the argo vento r3. how are you liking the saddle? specialized has kept their prices high because everyone loves the power saddle now haha so i jumped when i saw the cheaper fizik

[@rolighed1277]

@@Tkdmaster1991 How did you do with the Vento? Good?

[@rolighed1277]

@@flintyman. How did you get along work the Vento? Good?

[@finnnation]

Another good one.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Cheers mate ! :)

[@sanchomill]

Hi. As it is more curved, would you recommend to take a wider saddle ? I tried a 143mm Power Comp (recommended by Specialized measurements). The first hour was great, then I always began to feel pain on the sitbones.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

It's hard to give fit advice on touch points because everyone is so different. If you have soreness then it's worth exploring other options. Finding the right saddle could be a long and annoying process but riding without pain is a worthy goal. Give the wider one a shot if the narrow one wasn't any good. I don't know if it'll help but it could! I always recommend talking to a fitter too.

[@notsponsored103]

Where have you been? Welcome back! Just the video for me too, I'm in the market. Love to hear your thoughts on the PRO Stealth compared to this.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Unfortunately I haven't used to PRO Stealth so I can't compare. Here's an article that I reckon will be right up your alley though: cyclingtips.com/2017/10/specialized-power-vs-pro-stealth-stub-nose-saddle-comparison-review/

[@notsponsored103]

Thanks James, it might be a case of adopting my wife's shopping philosophy, "I cant decide, oh well, I'll just get both" Ha!

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Now that sounds like a fun way to buy bike stuff!

[@iamcrazyguy05]

Music not loud enough

[@Whitehawkvisionfilms]

Power Arc is NOT a new generation Power Saddle... it is a completely different model.

[@ranga8038]

Did anyone else actually really like the music?

[@paul_hd1875]

I think it's worth mentioning that a rider using the original Power Saddle, and wants to switch to the Power Arc, should strongly consider going up a size. The hip bone contact area tapers down with the Arc, thus providing slightly less stability on the width. This can cause serious issues for those whom may suffer from sciatica, but are choosing the Power Arc, for more comfort behind the hamstrings and soft tissue region.

[@allanhecox9081]

I have the original power saddle elaston but it's a bit wide. I have the 155 and after about 3 hours I get soreness where my hamstring and glutes meet. Do you think going to the 143 of the arc would drop the width a lot?

[@texbaz2]

@@allanhecox9081 I know this is old maybe you'll get a notification and answer. I also have the original Power cant finish a 40 mile ride without the same discomfort you experience. Any chance you bought the Arc

[@tom39712]

If I already have pro stealth should I go for Power saddle arc?

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Hard to say mate. If you're comfortable on the Pro Stealth then nope. If you are uncomfortable on it then it might be time to look at other options. It really depends on if it's uncomfortable, and why it's uncomfortable.

[@tom39712]

Thanks for the reply! looking forward your next video, Greeting from Hong Kong

[@lbmcr]

How does it compare with the Romin saddle

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Oh man, I haven't ridden on a Romin for about 6 years. I remember liking it but it was way too long ago

[@lbmcr]

Ride Adelaide .. considering one of the two saddles at present.

[@erginguneysf]

Nice and helpful review, but you gotta be kidding me with that background music. I couldn't finish watching it due to all that stressful noise.

[@lidobitesize]

Turn off the music. Can’t even hear you

[@tomcolls9264]

How does the Power Arc compare to the Romin Evo? Love my evo (random Bike Society purchase), but i'm always chasing more comfort.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Ohhh it's hard to say! I haven't ridden a Romin in about 6 years. I remember liking it, but I really love the Power saddle. I just chucked the gen 1 Power on my MTB for a bikepacking trip and it was so good. No saddle sores in 7 days of bumpy offroad trail riding.

[@tomcolls9264]

@@JustRideAdelaide I might have to give it a go. These saddles aren't cheap, so it's hard to commit to the price when I already like my Evo so much. I wonder if there's anywhere in Adelaide that will loan me one for a couple days. I've been following your ride on the gram, looks like fun. Want to tackle it myself on my mares at some point

[@JustRideAdelaide]

@@tomcolls9264 Hell yeah do the Mawson for sure! And yeah saddles are such a bastard to try out. Maybe Bike Station will have some demo units for you to try. Power Saddles do tend to fit a wide variety of people so fingers crossed it works for you. I just did the Mawson on the gen 1 Power saddle and it was great. The Arc is still better but it's very good for a road saddle to do an offroad trail and be comfy. No saddles sores at all!

[@tomcolls9264]

@@JustRideAdelaide for sure. You may not have heard, Noel closed up bike station. No longer in business

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Oh woops! I meant Bike Society. I always got them confused...

[@Dawnofthedead001]

Music over top of talking nope.

[@marmarcberserker5503]

Ehhhh what is wrong with your mimic :/

[@jdee4215]

Knock that stupid music off

[@Camoarchitect]

MAAF mean sorry

[@Chris-0703]

Nerd