Saddle Choice – Down to 2

I want to try a new saddle on mt MTB. My Fabric Scoop is alright, but noticeably uncomfortable on easier terrain like roads where I’m sat in one position for longer. Seem to get quite sore on my sit bones.

Torn between trying a Specialized Power or SQ Labs 611. After measuring using the cardboard method, my sit bones are about 105mm apart, so I’m leaning towards the 611 in a 13cm width, rather than the 143 width Power.

But it seems no one had a bad word to say about the Power. Anything that should sway me one way or another?

What about the 130 Power with Mirror….?

Ah, I hadn’t seen that the pricier Powers came in 130. The cheaper Comp models don’t seem to.

If you want to try a regular width Power saddle for cheap get an EC90 which is a knock off for about £20.  I did this, liked it and then bought the proper version for my posh bike and relegated the EC90 to the commuter.  I really like the Power saddle.  Currently running the Expert Mirror on my road bike, but had the standard Expert on my previous bike and not a lot of difference comfort wise for me.

I have tried loads of saddles over the years, and the last 12 month been on a spesh power, best thing ever made.

Used Specialized Henge 143 as my go to saddles for years. Got a bike with a Power Mimic 143 two years ago and it’s so much better. Didn’t think I would get on with the Stubby nose but it’s not noticeable.

Got one on three bikes now and daughter also converted

My arse is considerably wider than yours, and SQlabs seem to change their saddle designs with regularity, but with those caveats in mind, here is my 2p

The sqlabs saddles definitely favour a certain type of rider – one who doesn’t move about too much in the saddle. They’re fairly flat saddles, and I think you’ll find them quite comfy in contrast to your Charge (which I also don’t get on with).

I can’t speak for the latest iteration of the 611, but I tested one of them a few years ago (a 611 and a 612 I think) and found them very comfortable, especially on long distance rides. Personally I found them better suited for road than MTB, at the time. If you’re at the chunkier end of the spectrum, weight limits weren’t particularly generous, and I’ve bent a couple of sq labs saddle rails without crashing them (I was at the upper end of the weight recommendations at the time, but I didn’t exceed them). The max weight for the 611 these days I think is 90kg. I can’t find the review on the site though, soz, but I mention the 612 here (which looks very similar to the modern 611 ones)

I’m actually testing the 60x ergowave for this here site at the moment, which I lik – it definitely encourages a slightly more forward seating position than I’m used to. The ‘shelves’ on it, for want of a better term, seem somewhat more pronounced than the ones on the 611 you’re considering, so that might not be as much of an issue.  I have absolutely no idea what makes one saddle (this one) ebike suitable and another one (the 611) not, mind you.

The Power comp I only bought recently as a bit of an experiment, and I *really* like it. I think it encourages (or forgives) a little more positional adjustment than the sq labs 60X, but it’s still a relatively flat saddle, in the overall scheme of things. Speccy suggest it’s a road saddle more than a mtb one I think on some of their marketing, but it works really nicely on the mtb. The stubbiness isn’t an issue either, even on longer climbs. The massive hole in the middle it something of an issue on wet days without mudguards though, if you’re adverse to a thoroughly moistened gooch.

Not sure if any of that will help, and everyone’s arses are different, but hey 🙂

Thanks everyone, some good thoughts. Seems like really can’t go wrong with the Speah, better see if I can do some overtime!

Don’t know the Power, but I’ve got a Bridge Comp (with Mimic apparently) and it’s very comfy. Specialized seem to be on their game right now

Ergon for me , tried a few spesh saddles

WTB volt , charge spoon and a fizik one

Specialized Bridge Comp with MIMIC…. superb saddle, solved all my discomfort problems. It can also be had for around £60ish. It really is a brilliant saddle, good shape, comfy, good padding and lots of adjustment…

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Bridge-Comp-Saddle-with-MIMIC_236274.htm?sku=785880&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=Specialized&utm_campaign=shopping&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgJyyBhCGARIsAK8LVLMn-OwmuPyVR0Ky6rDgOzPlJjrUm3A3ko4D8B9PL_fNIzUaG5Zw7IQaAtJbEALw_wcB

I’m using the 155 currently with sit bone width measured at 140mm.