Home » Misc » S works 3d printed saddle

S works 3d printed saddle


Saddle Mirror | Specialized.com

THE PERFECT REFLECTION OF YOU

Mirror Technology

It’s our obsession to improve the ride through our Body Geometry method that breeds innovation. That obsession led to Mirror technology—a 3D printed matrix with a density that can be infinitely tuned in a way impossible with foam. Mirror saddles deliver the greatest combination of performance and pain relief of any saddle we’ve ever created, all validated by science.

Shop Now

THE PERFECT REFLECTION OF YOU

Mirror Technology

It’s our obsession to improve the ride through our Body Geometry method that breeds innovation. That obsession led to Mirror technology—a 3D printed matrix with a density that can be infinitely tuned in a way impossible with foam. Mirror saddles deliver the greatest combination of performance and pain relief of any saddle we’ve ever created, all validated by science.

Shop Now

UNPRECEDENTED SIT BONE SUPPORT

Mirror Variable-Density Matrix

SOFT TISSUE RELIEF

Supportive Cut-Out

S-WORKS

Carbon Rails and Base

PRO

Ti Rails and rCF Base

How Mirror Works

Unlike traditional single-density foam, Mirror technology allows for infinite density tuning with a single material. Using Body Geometry methodology and Retül data, the 3D printed matrix is tuned to support the sit bones across a greater area, creating a hammock effect that lets the saddle support your weight, not the tissue around your sit bones.

These high-resolution pressure maps show the same rider in the same conditions on traditional foam saddles versus saddles with our Mirror technology. Mirror creates an extended surface of support that significantly reduces the overall pressure and relieves pain, validated by science.

These high-resolution pressure maps show the same rider in the same conditions on traditional foam saddles versus saddles with our Mirror technology. Mirror creates an extended surface of support that significantly reduces the overall pressure and relieves pain, validated by science.

These high-resolution pressure maps show the same rider in the same conditions on traditional foam saddles versus saddles with our Mirror technology. Mirror creates an extended surface of support that significantly reduces the overall pressure and relieves pain, validated by science.

These high-resolution pressure maps show the same rider in the same conditions on traditional foam saddles versus saddles with our Mirror technology. Mirror creates an extended surface of support that significantly reduces the overall pressure and relieves pain, validated by science.

Our Best Reviewed Saddle Ever

“The most comfortable high-end saddle I've ridden! I have not felt that comfortable after a long ride since being 26 years old. ”

- Trace

“The Mirror is beyond my expectations. Checks all of the boxes. Treat yourself to the top-of-the-line saddle.”

- Mike

“This is the best saddle ever made. Probably one of the most impactful purchases I have made in years.”

- EMD

“Without question the BEST saddle on the Market.”

- 6453Nsider

MADE IN RACING

Working With World Class Athletes

We work hand in hand with the world’s best riders on Body Geometry product innovation to help them excel at the toughest races in cycling. Mirror technology is a direct result of countless hours of athlete input, feedback, and testing in the lab and on the road.

IDENTIFY A PROBLEM, SOLVE IT WITH DESIGN, VALIDATE IT WITH SCIENCE

Body Geometry

It all started in 1997 when we solved erectile dysfunction issues facing male cyclists with the Body Geometry saddle—the first ergonomically designed, scientifically tested saddle in history. Since then, we’ve been obsessed with ensuring the contact points where female, male, and non-binary riders become one with their bikes never hurt.

Learn More

TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

RCF - Reclaimed Carbon Fiber

The Power Pro with Mirror's carbon base is built with our all-new reclaimed carbon process. Using carbon scraps from factory production combined with injected nylon, we're building a more sustainable carbon base. This is our first step on the road to closed-loop production.

Learn More

HELPING RIDERS MAKE DECISIONS USING DATA

Retül

Cutting-edge Retül technology at Specialized retailers helps personalize Body Geometry gear to ensure you’re riding with more power and less pain, so you can truly be one with your bike. Learn how to choose your perfect saddle with Retül’s Digital Sit Bone Device.

Learn More

Review: new 3D-printed Specialized Power Pro with Mirror saddle is more affordable & partially recycled

Posted on April 26, 2022 by Jordan Villella

Support us! BikeRumor may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn more.

The new Power Pro with Mirror is nearly the same as the S-Works but swaps out carbon rails for titanium ones, adding a few grams but keeping all the comfort. The Specialized Power Mirror saddle is now available with hollow titanium rails and is $125.00 cheaper than its S-Works brethren.

For those unfamiliar with the Specialized Mirror saddles — let me catch you up. The base of the saddle is the sturdy and well-respected Specialized Power shell and uses the same overall shape. The top pad is 3D printed using a liquid polymer to create an infinitely tunable honeycomb structure; it conforms to and supports all the bits while you sit. Hows does it work? A patent-pending matrix of 14,000 struts and 7,799 nodes can be tuned individually to deliver unprecedented sit bone comfort — very plush.

Specialized Reclaimed Carbon

For all intents and purposes — the Specialized Power Pro with Mirror is the S-Works version with rails that can take more abuse and a carbon shell that utilizes a new sustainable 15% reclaimed carbon fiber.

The saddle’s carbon base is built with an all-new reclaimed carbon process. The method uses carbon scraps from factory production, combined with injected nylon, building a more sustainable carbon base. This process is the first step on the road to closed-loop production for Specialized — creating less waste while maintaining product integrity. We’re optimistic that Specialized will eventually use this new process and shell for most of its saddles.

Hollow titanium rails?

Like most all of the Pro models in the Specialized saddle ecosystem, the new Power Pro with Mirror arrives with Titanium rails. The round titanium rails offer more options for seat post compatibility and added resilience to damage. The swap adds roughly 61g to the overall weight of the saddle, coming in at 235g for our 144mm version. *The S-Works model weighs in at 192g in the same width.

Specialized Power Pro with Mirror Key Features

  • Patented Body Geometry design is lab-tested to ensure blood flow to sensitive arteries.
  • Mirror technology utilizes 3D printing from liquid polymer to create a one-of-a-kind honeycomb structure that offers superior sit-bone support and comfort.
  • Reclaimed carbon fiber and nylon-injected base with 15% reclaimed carbon fiber.
  • Hollow Titanium rails fit many different seatpost and droppers
  • SWAT-compatible mounts molded into the saddle base allow for a sleek and integrated storage solution
  • Sizes: 143mm, 155mm
  • Weight: 253g (143mm width)
  • Available: Now
  • Price: $325

Ride impressions — Specialized Power Pro with Mirror saddle

This review was my first time riding any Specialized Power saddle with Mirror. I’ve ridden other 3D printed saddles, but this was the first for a saddle that I ride daily — the S-Works Power is my preferred saddle.

As for fit, I set the new saddle up with the exact fit measurements as the S-Works Power it replaced on my cross country bike, same tilt, and same height. The padding on the nose and the pad, in general, is much more responsive than the S-Works Power with traditional foam.

The most notable difference is the response and suppleness of the pad. Think of the traditional Power as a traditional casing clincher and the Power Pro with Mirror as a super supple tubular. My changes to the saddle placement were minor. I adjusted the tilt-up slightly (I usually ride the Power at a – 3°), the padding is very responsive, and I felt like I was sinking in a bit more than usual.

Another thing that took some getting used to was the feel of the liquid polymer outer used for the 3D honeycomb printing process. The traditional Power saddle has a smooth surface, one that’s easy to adjust your posterior on and migrate to other sections of the saddle. The Power Pro with Mirror has a tacky feel, not sticky but more like a “locked and loaded” feel. Depending on your choice of shorts, sensations could be a bit different. It took some time but I ultimately adjusted to the new sensation and now prefer it to my traditional Power saddle.

The new Power Pro with Mirror made its way from bike to bike, gravel to the road, and back again for review. The impressions were the same with different bike disciplines; the is a very comfortable saddle, and the titanium rails keep it simple, so you don’t have to swap out the seatpost ears or the post altogether.

I enjoy plenty about this saddle, but there are some shortcomings. The mega-complex structure of the 3D-printed honeycomb can act as a mud trap and clog up on wet rides. The 3D printing could create a slight problem for anyone that frequently rolls around in the mud or gross wet gravel. I’m confident that Specialized didn’t intend this to be their new cyclocross saddle, but the sky can open at different points, and a dry XC course can become peanut butter, just like the US Pro Cup Fayetteville last weekend. The mud (and pebbles) will eventually disappear, but it can take some thoughtful washing and more high-pressure spraying than is customary.

Final thoughts

After spending lots of time on the Power Pro with Mirror, I can undoubtedly say it’s one of the most comfortable saddles I’ve ridden. The fit and comfort are hard to match; the price tag is still more than most saddles on the market, but can you put a price on comfort? Having ridden this saddle on all manner of disciplines and intensities, I can say it’s now my go-to saddle. I’ll go back to the traditional Power for ‘cross season, but until then, the Power Pro with Mirror is the perch for me.

If you’re looking for a new saddle and like the feel on a short nose or are a current Power saddle user, I recommend trying the Specialized Power Pro with Mirror. It might mean a longer ride or less posterior pain in the long run.

For more information check out: Specialized.com

Jordan Villella is a staff writer for BikeRumor.com, specializing in cross country mountain, gravel, road, and race tech. He has been writing about the bicycles and bike culture for over ten years with no signs of stopping.

Prior to BikeRumor, Jordan raced at the professional level and wrote for MTBR and now-defunct Dirt Rag Magazine. He’s covered races, including World Championships and World Cups — where he loves to report what the pros are riding.

Based in Pittsburgh, PA — Jordan spends his time coaching cyclists of all abilities with Cycle-Smart, racing bikes around North America, and adventuring with his family.

Best 3D Printed Saddle: Fizik vs Specialized Combat

3/5 - (1 vote)

3D printed saddle replaces traditional foam with polymer-based slats to reduce weight and increase comfort, but which option is currently the best on the market?

The concept of 3D printing is now a hugely popular phenomenon in the world of cycling, from helmets and gloves to components and even bikes using this new technology, all in search of the perfect fit. We’ve already taken a close look at both the 3D printed Fizik Antares Versus Evo 00 Adaptive saddle and the 3D printed Specialized S-Works Power with Mirror saddle and were completely impressed with what both options offer cyclists in terms of the best road bike saddles to go. However, the same question arises: which of the two options is better? Well, to complicate matters further, we also included the newest addition to the Adaptive Fizik lineup - the all black Antares Versus Evo R3 - and pitted all three options against each other to determine which saddle truly is the best 3D printed saddle. . currently on the market.

Content

Design and aesthetics

Carbon fiber Adaptive 00 Adaptive creates an exquisite appearance

Fizik. Boasting a distinctive but vibrant milky lemon green color, it caught the attention of many, but some argued that the "colorless" grille lacked visual impact. Despite the polarizing appearance, it still manages to evoke a sense of curiosity and intrigue – especially here on Cyclingnews. However, the 00 cannot effectively complement most modern bike color schemes, let alone show dirt, grime and soot. . However, a closer look reveals many incredible stylistic details that are easy to overlook. For example, a saddle is not only about functionality, but also about texture and form. The level of detail is amazing, and the way different textures, shapes and surfaces interact with each other is truly impressive - carbon fiber is heavily used in its construction, while the manufacturer's name and model type are subconsciously sculpted into a central channel that is separated by a 3D printed pillow.

With the exception of a discreet black front, the Fizik Antares Versus Evo R3 Adaptive is almost identical to the 00 pictured here, with the same shape, center channel and zonal cushioning. The inconsistencies only show up after you flip it over and study the platform and rail configuration in detail. You'll notice here that the Versus Evo R3 Adaptive has ditched the carbon fiber monocoque in favor of a plastic platform, so the look and feel is a bit different, as are the rail moldings filled with Kium's hollow rails. Other notable details include a diffuser-style vent grille on the back, which is of course aesthetically pleasing.

The Specialized S-Works Power Saddle with Mirror is the exact opposite of the Fizik Adaptive line and although it uses a black on black color palette for maximum effect, it was not designed as an all-around work saddle. As a result, more padding surface area is offered and the pointed nose design is more suited to comfort. Despite the white "S" logo located under the trellis on the back of the saddle, there are no other visual indications of its manufacturer - a nice touch for those who ride cars of competing brands. Visually, the Mirror shares a similar design to the Power and Power Arc models – a proven recipe when it comes to sitting bone support and pressure dissipation. It’s only on close examination that the differences between its stablemates come to the fore, and that’s because Specialized treated the Mirror with an outer shell to give the illusion of a traditional perch. In fact, of the three saddles assembled here, the Mirror takes on the most drastic—read traditional—package look; the shell, 3D matrix, carbon rail and chassis infrastructure are just superb.

Specifications

At 153g, the 00 Adaptive is the lightest perch here

On paper, the Specialized Mirror pairs perfectly with the 00 Adaptive. Both have monocoques and carbon fiber rails and weigh less than 200 grams each - 190 and 153 grams to be exact. The carbon fiber used in the production of these two saddles is completely different: the Mirror uses TeXtreme fibers, while the Antares 00 Adaptive uses unidirectional composite, which is much more attractive and refined in my opinion.

While the Versus Evo R3 is the heaviest perch in the world at 215g and eschews luxurious carbon fiber trim for plastic and metal, its 3D printed grille is made using the same principles as more light compatriots. In fact, all three saddles are made by the same company, Carbon, a California-based 3D printing specialist. This method uses digital light synthesis (DLS), a photochemical process that balances light and oxygen to 3D print a lattice structure before curing in a forced circulation oven.

Both Fizik and Specialized have studied these saddles for years and claim similar levels of customizability when it comes to tuning the density, damping and resilience of the lattice polymer, with results far beyond anything you can get from a foam equivalent. All three options are comfortable saddles, but it is the adaptive and specialized mirror 00 that stand out for their features and materials.

Comfort and performance

The saddle is pretty hard to criticize, as features such as comfort and performance are subjective. I, for one, am a fierce proponent of a longer, flatter road bike saddle, and the Fizik Arione has long been my go-to perch. However, after much testing of the trio of 3D printed saddles gathered here, it's clear that Fizik and Specialized are aiming their products at opposite ends of the performance spectrum.

First, the pointed nose Mirror saddle with a wider 143mm width is the much more comfortable option of the three. I spent quite a bit of time putting it on the new Specialized S-Works Diverge and found it to provide good all-round support and cushioning. It's not a savory offering by any means - instead, it's squarely aimed at providing comfort and support on long rides, but can still be used as a racing option quite easily depending on whether it's compatible with your buttocks. Although it's not exactly suits my tight buttocks, the forward shift provided an aggressive posture that I like, aided by the softer, slower speed compression of the 3D pad around the nose. However, I did experience some numbness during the last part of the 120km ride, but again, this could be related to my ischium structure. The outer shell I mentioned earlier provides superior grip - perfect for wet and damp items - and is easier to keep clean as a result.

When it comes to racing saddles, the Antares Adaptive range offers some of the best options. As mentioned in my separate review, the adaptive saddle balances comfort and performance well - the 00 saddle is eminently light but offers the same zonal cushioning as its heavier brother the Evo R3, so there's nothing in that regard that separates the two. . However, the differences are due to flexibility. The Evo R3 and its plastic chassis have a tendency to flex, especially on uneven surfaces, which can sometimes “crush” the cushioning – but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it actually helps a bit when it comes to comfort. The 00 Adaptive is without a doubt the stiffest saddle of all, providing a great ride rich in feel and feedback. Although it may not please everyone,

So what's the best 3D printed saddle?

The snub and wide design of the Specialized S-Works Power with Mirror saddle suits those who prefer maximum performance comfort

None of the three options featured here is what you would call an affordable road bike saddle. These 3D printed attachments will appeal to those who want every last thing when it comes to weight savings and communication levels, not to mention finding favor with early trendsetters.

There is not much advantage here, since both companies serve two different audiences. If you are looking for a cutting edge 3D printed high performance saddle the Antares Versus Evo 00 Adaptive cannot be ignored. At the other end of the spectrum is the Specialized Power Mirror, which contributes to comfort while still offering a high degree of versatility and premium aesthetics. However, both of these options are very, very expensive, which leaves the Versus R3 Adaptive.

Saddle Fizik Antares Versus R3 Adaptive costs 249£141 less than its 00 Adaptive stablemate, but with an extra weight of 62g and no fancy carbon fiber trim. It's also 101 pounds less than the Specialized Power Mirror saddle and weighs 23 grams more. So while it's slightly heavier than the 00 and Mirror saddle, it still enjoys the same 3D printing philosophy, performs just as well in terms of comfort/performance, and comes at a much lower price.

My vote went to the Fizik Antares Versus R3 Adaptive saddle.

Fundraising for website development and hosting. Dear friends! Our site is a non-commercial project supported only by our own resources.
However, the maintenance of the site requires certain costs. Thanks to those who responded!

You may be interested in:

Driving a Bicycle - A site about bicycles and everything connected with them

Author: hkc5twrt Repair

Everything you need to know about one of the easiest chain connections. Quick release links can be used to secure the chain, making life much easier for you when servicing, cleaning or returning… Read More

Author: hkc5twrt Adventure

Solo bike tour in Russia Moscow Magadan. Survival alone with a tent on a bike. By bike across Russia. Last 16 episodes not included in the playlist. Magadan is an absolutely extraordinary city…. Read more

Author: hkc5twrt Fitness

Essential tips for preventing sudden, catastrophic power loss. Bonk is a funny name for a terrible feeling when suddenly there is nothing left in the tank, the legs turn into jelly, and to get to the finish line ... Read more

Author: hkc5twrt

Discuss vs. rim discussion is settled. But hydraulic or mechanical? There are some nuances here, especially in the lower price categories. The bicycle industry has long resolved the so-called disc dispute… Read more

Author: hkc5twrt Repair

Here's how to stop any unwanted noise from disc brakes. Disc brakes provide confident and stable braking even in wet weather. In general, these are very reliable and durable components, but disk ... Read more

Author: hkc5twrt Fitness

How to stay fit, eat and be safe while cycling in the heat. Compared to running or any other non-water team sport,… Read More

Author: hkc5twrt

It's no secret that professional racers buy the best, but how much does it cost to copy them? It's no secret that Tour de France riders ride the very best bikes. One of many… Read more

Articles

When to accept different seating arrangements for cyclists on a group ride to be clear and safe. Spring is here, which means it's time to move on from indoor skiing... Read more

Articles

Hand signals are vital to the safety of everyone riding in your group, so here's what you need to know. Whether you are new to cycling or an experienced rider,… Read More

Author: hkc5twrt Fitness

Exercise-induced rhinitis: you may not have heard of it, but you may have experienced it. EIR is a common disorder associated with one or more symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, congestion… Read more

Author: hkc5twrt

Use our guide to help you determine your ideal mountain bike size. “What size mountain bike do I need?”. This question is often asked - and for good reason, because choosing the right size ... Read more

Author: hkc5twrt Accessories

The connecting rod - often referred to as the crank mechanism - is one of the most important parts of a bicycle. As one of the key components that helps move the chain while pedaling, it is at the heart of… Read More

Author: hkc5twrt Accessories

Froom points out Shimano 9 disc brake friction and adjustment problems170 latest generation. Chris Froome once again criticized the performance of disc brakes on road bikes, focusing on an unsolvable problem… Read more

Posted by hkc5twrt News

The International Cycling Union (UCI) has announced that going forward, all professional cyclists racing on the World Tour must install dropper stands on their bikes and use them on all descents. New… Read more

Author: hkc5twrt Reviews

The best tires for road bikes should be fast, light, supple and bouncy. The tires you choose can make or break your ride, so here's our pick of the best. Choosing the Best Tires… Read More

Author: hkc5twrt

Cornering at speed is one of the hardest skills in mountain biking. Once you feel more confident on the trail, cornering becomes one of the most interesting parts of the ride… Read More