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Specialized Bicycles Phenom Gel | $95
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Specialized Phenom Gel Saddle

BikeRadar verdict

4 out of 5 stars

"Soft nosed, firm tailed saddle for technical trails, but mind your shorts"

Tue 12 Aug 2008, 2:00 pm UTCBy Guy Kesteven & Justin Loretz

Specialized’s latest fat nosed, thin tailed saddle looks a bit odd, but it works pretty well for the right rider.

The Phenom is based on the very thin Toupe road saddle, but without its sharp nut-cutting rear and sphincter-spearing front. Cue a firm split tail back section in either 130mm or 143mm widths that pedals really well, but has a broader nose for comfort when you’re clawing up technical climbs.

The shape makes it as comfortable as many saddles with twice the padding, although you do have to go through a breaking-in period first.

The padding is limited, which keeps the saddle’s weight at a reasonable 278g.

We did catch our baggies on the forked back edge occasionally, which is a shame for a saddle that’s otherwise excellent for technical riding. 

Features include a central cut-out slot for pressure relief and a hint of hammock swoop to keep you centered – thankfully, the Toupe’s sharp scuff guards have been smoothed out on the Phenom.

Specialized offers the Phenom in gel, gel titanium or stripped-down titanium-railed SL versions.

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User Reviews

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  • User review of Specialized Bicycles Phenom Gel

    This saddle was stock on my Stumpy 09 S-Works Carbon. I must admit, the ONLY weak link on the bike. I cleared the garage this weekend, finding saddles I kept and used the past 22 years. This must rate as the worst of the lot. I have cheap BG Spec saddle that is narrow and hard as hell, that I rate much higher than this. I tried and tried to no avail to keep this saddle on the Stumpy, but after 3 saddle sore - 3 more than 22 years of cycling I just couldn't take it any further.

    Saddle is very personal, I have owned and rode on many types, Selle Italia Rolls, Selle Italie Transam (aka Jan Ulrich) BG Spec that was stock on a 07 Epic, Selle Italia Era, Bontrager, 2 Triathlon saddles for Ironman.. so final verdict having a hard @ss, this has to rate as the worst saddle ever I have used. Replaced it on my Stumpy with Fizik Arione which came of my P3 Cervelo, works like a dream!!

    Might work for others but not for me!

    0.3
  • User review of Specialized Bicycles Phenom Gel

    I have the non-gel Phenom on my Specialized Epic Comp. 750km of off-road riding, including a couple of enduro events, and not a single case of numb nuts or sore bottom. Only negative I can think of is the 143 size I have is a little wide and can snag the shorts when leaning back on descents.

    Just goes to show how personal saddle choice and experiences can be, after reading the previous review.

    0.3

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Specification

Name:
Phenom Gel
Built by:
Specialized Bicycles
Price:
$95.00

Weight (g):
278 g
Width (mm):
130 mm

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