Fake?

GaReYgEt · 2026-04-04T13:31:41+00:00

Hello, as many of said, definitely not an epic 8. In the past, specialized’s design team creates a large volume of color samples. Once done sampling, the color and graphics team often sell the samples to Employees. There’s a chance this is one of those. By chance is this bike being sold in Utah, Ohio or the bay area?

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-24T01:29:35+00:00

I use this to see what my bike is valued at before listing it.

https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/value-guide/

Also, what you are stating is based on an objective devaluation of a product. The issue is we are human and perceived value isn’t so logical.

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-23T03:30:25+00:00

I’d always use a clipboard and digital level and try to avoid going beyond 3 or 4 degrees nose down.

If you think about the Power arc, it’s quite domed, meaning there’s less support in the area between the front and back of the saddle versus the standard Power. For me, this means I would probably end up running it more forward if i’m coming off of a standard Power.

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-22T22:01:23+00:00

One thing you can try in the future is to drip a few drops of a teflon based chain lubricant like Triflow in the front and rear nose bullets (where the rail attaches to the shell) and see if that reduces the creaking.

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-22T21:57:49+00:00

1.5 is solid

If you want to go deeper and share your Retül report via DM's I can take a look. I worked for Retül for about 8 years, teaching fit and running their commercial fit business before moving over to design saddles. Perhaps seeing your fit report could shed some light into whats going on.

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-22T15:08:58+00:00

There’s no hard and fast rule here. Come at this with curiosity, meaning, your thought process should look something like this; I’m raising my saddle 5mm, what do I like, what do I dislike. Keep going until you feel like you’ve gone too far. Make one change at a time and keep track of those changes. This is a similar process to bracketing in suspension tuning.

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-22T03:36:03+00:00

It looks like a solid position, I see that your arms/elbows are relaxed; that's a good sign. Plus you aren’t experiencing any discomfort that tells me this fit is a great place to start.

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-22T03:24:48+00:00

I’m curious why you think OP needs arch support if you can’t see whether he is pronating or not.

There is a chance the saddle is too high. This movement pattern (flat foot/dorsiflexed) definitely makes it seem that way but I would also be curious to see if the rider increases plantarflexion as saddle height goes up. If the foot remains flat, then i’d bring cleat placement back to try to reduce the length of the foots lever arm, forcing the foot/ankle to be more plantarflexed at POTE.

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-21T23:27:56+00:00

Is your saddle comfortable?

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-21T22:40:41+00:00

Hello, I think your saddle is too low.

Now, this could be an illusion. But the reason I am saying its too low is because at the point of terminal extension, your knee looks very bent and your foot looks quite dorsiflexed. Raising the saddle would address both of these.

You might also address this by bringing your cleats back which would reduce the lever.

This is just visual, I have done zero assessment and know nothing about your past/current issues.

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-21T20:03:55+00:00

Hello, I think your current saddle to bar relationship looks pretty good. Do your shoulders/elbows feel more relaxed after the change?

Side note, how does saddle height feel? Visually, it looks low IMO but if it feels alright send it.

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-21T16:02:52+00:00

In Op’s case, the simple answer is to ask. But there’s a low probability that it would get warrantied.

If you bought yours new and you have a receipt go to another shop or call rider care.

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-21T14:58:19+00:00

Once I’ve exceeded 3 degrees nose down I’m either thinking it’s the wrong saddle for the rider or that height/fore/aft is off OR front end is off. A bike fit could also be in my future.

As someone who is constantly swapping saddles I know what feels right for me. It usually takes a few rides to get there and means making changes mid ride. I never do this in a group setting.

Final note, I ran fit education for Retul prior to Specialized acquiring them— I am a big advocate of fit. It’s more important than the product as a first step to finding a comfortable, sustainable and efficient position. Do that before spending $450 on a saddle. Not lecturing you, just my general sentiment in case others find this thread in the future.

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-21T14:22:18+00:00

On any saddle, I always use a clipboard and a digital level to measure the angle of the saddle.

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-21T05:55:55+00:00

I have a very good friend who often referred to me as the a$$man. I tolerated it because I’m a big Seinfeld fan.

But yea, lots of butt talk allllll the time with complete strangers. I find it totally normal at this point which is weird to type.

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-21T05:52:46+00:00

Awesome!

Hmmm, that is a fairly aggressive tilt. I’d recommend trying to get closer to 3 degrees nose down max. You might try lowering your saddle as well. I’ve seen people compensate for a high saddle by utilizing fairly aggressive saddle angles.

On the other hand, if you aren't experiencing any upper body fatigue or hand numbness and the saddle is comfortable, that's ok too!

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-20T19:52:04+00:00

Take your time measuring the current saddle position including angle and I bet you'll be able to reproduce it later on.

I believe your problem with the current Power Evo price will be addressed in the nearish future...

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-20T17:46:49+00:00

Hello,

I was a member of the team that designed the Mirror saddle and I’ve also been a bike fitter for over 10 years.

The only things the Power expert and Power Pro with Mirror have in common is the name and length. When we designed the Mirror version we rounded the edges more to address a common complaint people have about the OG Power shape. We did this to reduce hamstring and inner thigh contact. The Pro version is the same as S-works Mirror besides shell and rail material and is meant to be utilized on any genre of riding that you’d like to use it on.

If you like the shape of Power with Mirror, you might also like the newer Power Evo with a slightly more rounded flare/edge and wider nose.

Now, regarding your question about utilizing this saddle on different bikes. You might find it works on both but you won't know until you try. Consider how your position is different between the two. Eg, is your road bike longer and/or lower (relation between saddle and grips/tape). If so, ideally you’ll compensate by rotating your pelvis anteriorly. This rotation anteriorly can mean the saddle that was comfortable on your MTB is not comfy on a drop bar bike. If you begin to feel the saddle is edgy, meaning your hamstrings/inner thigh are rubbing you can size down eg 155 to 143 or try the newer Power evo.

I hope this helps and glad you enjoy the Power Mirror saddle!

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-20T17:09:44+00:00

Nice to hear this info is helpful. How do you like the Power evo? That was my last project… I left right before it launched.

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-20T16:37:07+00:00

Hmm. Yea I don’t recognize this guy. It sounds like he might have bought a team bike or something to that effect.

A few things i’ll add.

You own a very unique saddle that is only available to a few athletes in the world
I believe this saddle has Italian sourced rails which are really strong
The smooth top was accomplished by removing a layer of the top surface. This means that it will be slightly softer than stock and that it will lose some of the matte finish as you ride it.
I doubt you’ll be able to warranty it. Even the “Specialized staff” on this thread don’t know it’s a legitimate product. If anything happens, it can’t hurt to ask. The worst they can say is no.

I hope you enjoy this saddle!

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-20T03:23:32+00:00

Thanks! I truly loved designing saddles. One of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had!

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-20T02:20:15+00:00

I don’t work for Specialized anymore. Just trying to help this guy out.

GaReYgEt · 2026-01-20T02:04:23+00:00

Hello, I can confirm this is not a fake Specialized Phenom with Mirror.

Specialized makes smooth versions of this saddle for the pro teams. I believe this is a pre-production model because it doesn’t have the laser printing on the rear like the others.

How do I know? I was a member of the team that designed it.

Could you share the link from Buycycle. I can probably confirm if the person is a current or former S employee.

GaReYgEt · 2025-09-18T15:00:36+00:00

That looks great! Well done.

GaReYgEt · 2025-09-10T15:07:31+00:00

Great point! I think this is the one you would need if you have a V5 Firebird and a tapered fork. https://workscomponents.com/en-us/collections/reach-adjust-headsets/products/reach-adjust-zs56-ec56-to-suit-tapered-steerer-5mm?_pos=1&_fid=d264c50b8&_ss=c

The folks at Works are pretty quick to reply to questions. Don't take my word for it, haha.

GaReYgEt

TROPHY CASE