Interaction with women's pro cyclists who ride in race aggressive positions helped drive the development of the Power saddle. The goal was to develop one that truly eased the pressure and pain from soft tissue interaction with the saddle. The shortened length, shaping, and general features proved some advantage, and surprisingly tested well with men. Still, the Body Geometry testing and design team became aware and reassured that while a central cut-out relief channel could be effective for many men and some women, many women still had serious issues. The team began to understand that proper support could be much more comfortable than a void. The result of the co-development process drove the design of various foam technologies that could offer the proper level of support, at a reasonable recess from the saddle platform, and how it would need to be adapted from the primary central zone, through the nose of the saddle. As the design served to mimic the shape and requirements of the female anatomy, it was called MIMIC, and here it is integrated into the S-Works Power Saddle with MIMIC.

The aptly named Power saddle line from Specialized represents the push for the best combination of power, efficiency and actual physical health and comfort while riding in an aggressive position. Yes, it is designed for forward hip rotation, such as what you'd find while riding in the drops, or simply having more overall drop from the saddle to the top of the bars. The shorter structure of the saddle is often referred to as "stub-nose" though not all short models truly fit that term. By removing the forward extension of the saddle, where few people actually truly ride much, the Power reduces the area forward of the main sit bone contact points.

This adjustment eliminated a friction zone, and it also had the effect of keeping the rider in-place more, to the physical location where an informed bike fit process would identify the best extension and fore-aft for an efficient and repeatable powerful pedaling action. The S-Works Power design has been shaped for this posture, with a proper width and central relief channel derived from the Body Geometry system. It is designed to reduce pressure on soft tissue and get sit bones placed and lifted in the proper width support zone to reduce pressure on soft tissue, as well as impingement of nerves and arteries. Development though lab and rider testing directly informed MIMIC. The result was a design and material combination to make numbness and pain disappear with a system that mimics the body’s response to different types of pressure to create equilibrium within soft tissue. New saddle features and relief shapes were integrated with new and existing platforms as the team applied innovative MIMIC technology, which uses a multi-layer system and various foam materials to maintain equilibrium and minimize swelling in soft tissue.

This brings to the specifics of the S-Works Power Saddle with MIMIC. At first glance one can see that the open cutout of the standard Power design appears gone. Actually it is still there in the shell itself. The full length recessed relief channel is mostly there, but the key central soft tissue zone is partially filled in and has smoother transitions all around, with a somewhat stepped transition forward towards the nose. The MIMIC materials are applied in various configurations based on location and need, and visually Specialized is highlighting the zone in silver. At the rear of the saddle the standard Level 2 PU foam and the shell provide sit bone support- lifting the bone structure to reduce pressure on arteries, nerves and soft tissue. The MIMIC zone starts in the shell cutout, with soft memory foam that delivers anatomical support to prevent soft tissue swelling. Moving out towards the nose, soft foam eliminates pressure. The overall effect is proper blood flow, with less harsh pressure points, and supportive equilibrium even when in the aggressive riding posture the Power was optimized for.

Of course, this system is also tied in with the saddle width concept used by Body Geometry, which ideally finds the general saddle width and shape that hits the sitbone widths of the rider. MIMIC is unlikely to be effective if a rider chooses say a 143mm saddle and actually needs a 155mm version. Specialized dealers have the means to assist you with this rather personal assessment, but when you are shopping online it can be more challenging. Understanding saddle widths, models, and shapes that have been better for you in the past can be very helpful in this regard. A saddle that is too narrow means the sitbones aren't being supported, and likely brings soft tissue into conflict over a larger area, while stressing the sitbones and pelvic floor. A saddle that is too wide can force the legs outward from the pelvis, impacting pressure, pedaling alignment and again, increasing certain pressure zones.

The S-Works Power Saddle with MIMIC comes in two widths 143mm, 155mm. There are two crucial components making it an S-Works level product. The lightweight, stiff FACT carbon fiber shell was designed for top-level competition use. This platform is flex-tuned for support and ride compliance, wonders of carbon as an applied material. The second is the very light, very stiff FACT oval carbon rails. These provide incredible overall stiffness when combined with the FACT shell, and the integrated structure delivers the best pedaling platform in the line-up while still mitigating road vibration. Despite that the saddle is still compatible with the SWAT saddle-mounted accessory system.

Ideal for aggressive road cycling and racing the S-Works Power has been embraced by serious enthusiasts and the racing community. If you have struggled with soft tissue discomfort and pain, the MIMIC system may very well offer significant relief. With so much variability in body type and human anatomy, no product can claim to be perfect for everyone, and a huge amount of time riding a bike of any kind involves direct saddle pressure. Finding the greatest level of comfort and performance in a race saddle that mitigates the most possible tissue and structural discomfort is the goal of every pro. It's time to match your saddle performance with your talent and dedication with the Specialized S-Works Power Saddle with MIMIC