First impressions of the Specialized Phenom SL are a bit intimidating with its rigid design and  ultra light padding geared for longer ride time, and for some, the first ride out of the gate doesn't do much to improve it. But there is a saying about not judging a book by its cover and nothing could be more accurate with this saddle.

Saddle Specs

Weighing in at less than 200g, you will be surprised to find the Specialized Phenom's saddle design is both solid and durable, offering as well a middle cut-out section geared to eliminate undercarriage squish. Creating a sweet balance of MTB riding with a lightweight race-profile saddle, the Specialized Phenom SL also provides recessed scuff guards ensuring snag-free racing as well as a slightly down turned perch for easier seated climbing.

The Phenom is available in two colors: black with silver scuff guards or white with silver scuff guards (however you may still find some of the more expensive 2008 bikes equipped with red scuff guards instead of silver.)

The Phenom is also available in two sizes: 130mm width or 143mm width.

The Phenom is available in four models: the Phenom SL, with hollow titanium rails and a carbon reinforced flex reducing shell; the Phenom, which offers hollow Chro-moly rails versus the titanium; and the two Phenom Gel versions, one with titanium rails, and one with Chro-moly rails.

First Impressions

Anyone familiar with bicycle saddles, knows that it's not always safe to base your decision on a saddle from the first couple rides, however this also means that finding a saddle that feels great from ride one translates to a saddle for life.

I've read other reviews where the cyclist found this saddle to "grow" on them over time; that is, once the saddle was "broken in." I however did not have this problem and found the saddle to feel great even on the first ride.

I am a road bike rider by preference and was intrigued by this saddle as it has been compared to the Troupe, which I love, but does not have the hard tip that the Troupe has, which is my only complaint with the Troupe.
Couple this new feature (or lack of I should say) with the down curved nose, and I experienced none of the pressure points found with other saddles I have used. The sleek design of the Specialized Phenom SL also proved no abrasiveness on my thighs. Always a bonus.

Saddle Conclusion

The Specialized Phenom SL may be billed as a mountain bike saddle, but don't think that means it's not a great road bike seat. Troupe fans will love this seat, and those looking for a sleek design with versatility in saddle positions will agree. This is definitely a saddle worth having in your arsenal.

But don't take my word for it; try it for yourself and then come back to tell us what you think.

Buy On Ebay

Specialized Phenom Saddle Cro Mo Rails    US $5.00

Specialized Phenom SL 143 Saddle    US $45.00

Specialized Phenom SL saddle 143 width    US $1.25

Specialized Phenom Team 143mm White Cycle seat saddle    US $135.50

Specialized Phenom SL 130mm Saddle New Ti rails    US $15.50

Specialized Phenom SL 143 Saddle White New    US $.99

Specialized Phenom 143 Saddle w Titanium Rails    US $31.00

Specialized Phenom Saddle 143 Ti Rails    US $10.00

Specialized Phenom Saddle White 130mm    US $45.62

SPECIALIZED PHENOM SADDLE WHITE 130MM WIDTH NEW    US $40.00

Images

The nose of the Fizik Gobi screams MTB with its large squared off and well padded front zone. The rounded rear of the Fizik Gobi makes getting back and under the saddle a snap. If you're wondering why you would want to get under the saddle, then you're definitely not a Mountain Biker. The patented Wing-Flex allows free thigh movements regardless the rider's position along the saddle, maximizing the energy output while pedaling.

Rounding out the package is a super strong 3D carbon braided rail, filled with a core of uni-directional carbon fibers, increases resistance more than standard rail saddles and allows you to put the power to the ground. We'd be careful if you're a Clyde with this one, the saddle is great but Carbon rails and Clydes probably aren't a good match.

Note: Also available in K:ium rails.

Finished off with titanium rails to reduce weight, this is a high performance, female specific performance bicycle saddle that will not only perform but will look fantastic while it does so. If you don't feel you need the titanium rails and would prefer to go with chrome or copper plated rails then look for the Team Professional S model, it's the same saddle just with the different rail options.

Our Answer

I am not sure on this one, but I know they sell vinyl patch repair kits at automotive stores. I don't know how well they would hold up with the body weight working on it all the time. Maybe someone else has a better idea?

I think the real fix is to probably pony up a few bucks and buy a replacement bike saddle. That's the proper way to fix it.

Our Answer

Traditionally you should adjust your seat height so that your leg is ALMOST vertical when your foot is at the bottom of it's rotation. You should have a slight bend to your knee, but not very much. This is assuming that the rest of your bike fit is correct. This video should give you a better idea of what it would look like, the concept is similar for a mountain bike but some will prefer more of a bend on a mtn bike.

We decided to research and review some of these Brooks saddles to see how they developed this following.  The first thing we came across is the company history.....no wonder.  While many bicycle seat manufacturers lifespan can be counted on the fingers of one hand, Brooks saddles was founded in 1865!!  150 years of saddle making experience comes wrapped up beneath that supple leather surface, plenty of time to master it.

We're impressed so far.

Brooks B-17 Specs

Width: 170mm
Length: 280mm
Weight: 525g

When we decided to review a Brooks saddle, we went right for the flagship Brooks B-17 Leather saddle and we chose the black leather version.  First impressions out of the box were wow, this is much nicer than the picture makes it look.  I've got to admit, the thing is sexy.

The B-17 has been on the market for over 100 years and has been documented as early as an 1898 catalog.  Brooks builds this saddle to fill a need in the long distance touring, trekking market and judging by the devotion of it's fans, it's obvious that they hit the mark.

First impressions after bolting the seat onto one of our trusty steeds was that it looked great, and we quickly stopped admiring it and started riding it.  We haven't logged a whole lot of miles on the saddle yet but first impressions were very, very good.  The saddle is supportive and offers a nice wide support for the sitbones and it looks great.

Our first ride put about 30 miles on the saddle and even being new, it felt great and we only expect it to get better as it breaks in.

Leather saddles require a "break in" period to really come into their own and ours is not there yet as of this writing but it should only get better and we love it as is.  There are a number of ways to break in a leather saddle but basically treating it with leather conditioner such as proofide and riding it should suffice for most.

Specific Models

The B17 has a ladies specific version that is the B17S with the S on the end denoting female specific and offers slightly different geometry to accomodate the female anatomy.  You can also find a few different colors, black and honey being the two that we have seen and they also feature a titanium version that has titanium rails if you want to save a little weight.  The B17 is not a heavyweight but it isn't exactly a weight weenie saddle either.  With comfort, comes a bit of heft but I wouldn't sweat it one bit, you won't notice it at all.

If you are looking for something other than a "touring" saddle but still want a high quality saddle from a high quality manufacturer then no worries, Brooks offers models such as a Swallow, Swift, and Classic to fill your racing or touring needs.  We will be featuring these models in a review in the near future.

Brooks B17 Saddle Deals Online

Saddle Review

I am a big fan of Specialized saddles and have been for quite some time. I remember when I first started cycling how difficult it was to find a saddle that worked for me and I went through a dozen or so before finally finding out about sit bone width and ended up purchasing my first Specialized Saddle which was the Alias.

I still ride that Alias on my Trek but recently had the chance to road test another extremely popular Specialized Saddle and that is the Specialized Toupe road saddle. The similarities to the Alias are many and my expectations were very high that I would like the Specialized Toupe saddle.

First Impressions

One thing you should know about Specialized saddles before you ever put your butt on one, is that they are a firm saddle. By firm, I don't mean hard, they are padded but it's a firm ride. One that your sit bones will have to condition themselves to somewhat. An experienced cyclist should be ok but a new rider will likely have to give it a few weeks before your sit bones get accustomed to this type of saddle.

It's a difficult concept to grasp but you WANT a firm saddle for long distance rides. The more hours you spend in the saddle, then the worse your behind will do with a plushly padded saddle. Trust me on this...firm is good.

Specialized Toupe

Like the Alias, the Toupe offers a very perineum friendly center groove as well as three different widths to choose from as opposed to many seats that only offer a 1 size supposed to fit all model. That's one of the reasons that I like Specialized so much, they get the idea that all people are not the size of a 130lb Tour de France rider and come in different widths, so the seats should too.

It's important to mention that the Specialized saddles being firm, will work best with a rider the sits on the saddle correctly. What I mean by that is you should ride with your hips rotated slightly forward, relaxed arms and shoulders and using your core, legs and arms to support some of the weight of your body. If you plant all of your body weight on the saddle like you were sitting in a kitchen chair, then you may not like the Specialized seating surface. If you do have decent form, then you should love it.

A gel version is available but honestly, you should work on your posture on the bike anyways, it's just good form and will make your pedaling more efficient and your rides more enjoyable. You could almost consider the seat a built in cycling coach. Once your butt starts hurting, you know your form is off.

Toupe Conclusion

The bottom line is that the Specialized Toupe is a great saddle at a decent price that comes in enough different varieties that you can pick one custom tailored to your own body geometry. The specs compare to other saddles in this category with the weight being very rider friendly.

The proven Body Geometry designed saddle features a very familiar center groove for those who might have issues with prostate or perineum soreness and the padding is designed for longer distance riding. It's firm but very butt friendly if you ride the bike the way it was designed to be ridden. Most saddles in this category will require that you practice good habits in order to be comfortable so do not be mistaken that this saddle is any different than most.

We're big fans of the Specialized lineup and the Toupe is practically their flagship model so give it a look and if you buy one then come back and leave your own Specialized Toupe Review.

Buy On Ebay

SPECIALIZED TOUPE TEAM CARBON SEAT SADDLE TITANIUM NEW    US $120.00

Used Specialized Toupe Gel Saddle White Ti Size 143mm    US $68.43

Specialized Toupe Team Saddle seat White Blue    US $41.00

Specialized Toupe Team Saddle 130    US $50.00

Specialized Toupe Ti 130    US $45.00

Specialized Toupe Team Saddle Black Red 143    US $138.06

Specialized Toupe 143 Black Hollow Ti Rails    US $15.50

Specialized Toupe Team 143 Black Grey Hollow Ti Rails    US $16.27

Specialized Toupe Saddle 145 Titanium    US $15.00

SPECIALIZED GEL TOUPE SADDLE    US $51.00

Specialized Toupe 143 Seat Ti Hollow Rails Black    US $12.50

2010 Specialized Toupe Saddle 143 NO RESERVE    US $41.77

The Terry ButterFly Carbon still features the signature cutaway center section that makes for a flexible and comfortable saddle against your soft tissues, which is definitely important. The low profile, flat top features multi-density, injection molded foam that's a bit stiffer in the rear for more power while pedaling. The shock-absorbing, super light carbon rails attach to the shell in an integral suspension bridge design to minimize road vibration.

Available in a smooth finish in either white or black leather. If you're looking for first class performance in a comfortable and lightweight package then the Terry ButterFly Carbon will fit the bill nicely.

The Fizik Arione Carbon features the well known "wing flex" technology for which Fizik has become very well known. This technology is designed to allow the outer edges of the bike saddle to "flex" with the riders motion but still providing enough support to be comfortable. Combine this with the ultra lightweight braided carbon rails and you have a solid, high performance racing saddle that is will keep even the biggest weight weenie happy.

The Fizik Arione Carbon is not for the weak of heart but if you want the best, here it is.

The patented "Wing Flex" technology that has made Fizik famous is an innovation that offers riders a higher level of comfort, performance and relief from the normal saddle-related health issues. It accomplishes this by allowing the rear sides of the saddle to flex downward as one pedals, adapting the saddle to each individual rider's body shape. This design offers more seating position possibilities with no compromise, making for a much more comfortable bike saddle.

Note: Black color can also be ordered from the link below. Just click Order Now and you will be presented with options.