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review

Specialized Romin Evo Expert Gel Saddle

7
£105.00

VERDICT:

7
10
A supportive saddle that allows you to put the power through the pedals really effectively
Weight: 
267g

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The Specialized Romin Evo Expert Gel Saddle is fairly firm but comfortable over long rides, and allows for decent power transfer.

  • Pros: Solid construction for power transfer, gel inserts for endurance comfort, supportive
  • Cons: Might be a little hard for some

As with every saddle review, what works for me may not work for you, and a saddle that is uncomfortable for me could be comfortable for you. Always try to have a test ride before you buy.

> Find your nearest dealer here

One of the key elements of this saddle are the gel inserts. Specialized claims these help to keep you supported and the blood flowing even in aero positions, with the added bonus of dulling some of the bigger bumps in the road.

Specialized Romin Evo Expert Gel Saddle - detail.jpg

They certainly add support but aren't as cushioned as the kind of foam you might be used to in your saddle. Although there is a fair amount of padding, it isn't 'squishy'; it maintains its form and offers a firm base.

The saddle is actually pretty firm throughout, helped by the carbon reinforced shell and the titanium rails used in the main saddle body. It creates a great platform for putting power through the pedals. If you're looking for a saddle with flex that can absorb bumps, there are better options available. Specialized has also used a durable Micromatrix cover, which gives it an extra level of robustness against scuffs and marks.

Specialized Romin Evo Expert Gel Saddle - nose.jpg

I didn't find it an uncomfortable saddle; the gel padding really does help with blood flow, aided by the slight cutout that reduces pressure on the perineum. I didn't find myself shifting around even after a few hours in the saddle like I normally would with firmer saddles.

Specialized Romin Evo Expert Gel Saddle - top.jpg

Elsewhere, the round titanium rails make it simple to fit, and despite not having too much additional grip on the clamping area they didn't slip at all. Some useful guides along their edge help with fitting the saddle correctly.

Specialized Romin Evo Expert Gel Saddle - underside.jpg

Coming in at 267g and £105, the Romin is a bit weighty for the money, though in its defence it does have those gel inserts. The Selle San Marco Mantra Supercomfort is £30 more but 229g, and Fabric's Line Titanium saddle is cheaper and lighter: 237g and £69.99. Weight and price aren't the only factors, but it's only 13g less than the £35 Madison Flux.

> Buyer's Guide: 20 of the best saddles

Overall, though, I liked this saddle. I found that it offered a good amount of support while still providing an excellent base from which you can really put the power through the pedals.

Verdict

A supportive saddle that allows you to put the power through the pedals really effectively

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: Specialized Romin Evo Expert Gel Saddle

Size tested: 143mm width

Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

It's for those looking for the ability to put the power through the pedals whilst still remaining comfortable on longer rides.

Specialized says: "Keep it low and aero without sacrificing comfort. The titanium-railed, lightweight Romin EVO Expert Gel is road saddle contoured to put you in a position for optimal power transfer and comfort as you put pressure on your competition."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

From Specialized:

Patented Body Geometry design is lab tested to assure blood flow to sensitive arteries.

Stiff, carbon-reinforced shell for longevity and all-day riding efficiency.

Lightweight and supportive PU foam with gel inserts for increased comfort on long rides.

Lightweight, durable, and hollow titanium rails.

Tough, lightweight, and water-resistant Micromatrix™ cover.

Level 2 padding: Medium density foam for bike feel with additional cushioning.

SWAT™-compatible mounts moulded into the saddle base allow for sleek and integrated storage solutions.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Seems well made with a durable material on the top and strong construction beneath.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

Did everything it needed to, providing a good base for putting the power down, good support and comfort over long rides.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
 
5/10
Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
 
7/10

This is always subjective, but despite not being the best over bumps, it offers good support over long rides.

Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

It performed well, reducing pressure and letting me stay in the saddle over several hours without too much discomfort.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The support – it may not be the softest saddle in history, but I like the way it holds you in place over long hours.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

It's a little on the firm side.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

The Selle San Marco Mantra Supercomfort is lighter but £35 more.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

It may not be the best at sucking up the biggest bumps, but it offers comfort over long hours. It is also a great foundation for putting the power through the pedals thanks to a decent construction and titanium rails.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 29  Height: 6 ft  Weight:

I usually ride: Cinelli Gazzetta  My best bike is: Cannondale Supersix Evo

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking

George is the host of the road.cc podcast and has been writing for road.cc since 2014. He has reviewed everything from a saddle with a shark fin through to a set of glasses with a HUD and everything in between. 

Although, ironically, spending more time writing and talking about cycling than on the bike nowadays, he still manages to do a couple of decent rides every week on his ever changing number of bikes.

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