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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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Make and model: Specialized Romin Evo Expert Gel Saddle
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.
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
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