Specialized Romin SL Road Saddle Review - BikeRadar

How does it compare to the older but lighter Toupe?

azi:

I've ridden a Toupe extensively, too, and find this one more supportive on longer rides with less of a sense that you're sitting on two points. I'm not going to say that it's 'better' as saddles are hugely personal but at least for me (and most of the folks I've spoken to who have tried this thing, too), it's as close to not sitting on anything as I've encountered: no soft tissue pressure, no hot spots, no unwanted sliding around. I think it's also quite telling that I've noticed many of the Saxo guys switching to this model as well and pros are notoriously picky about where they spend the majority of their waking lives.

Major flaws - you can't find them. That means you found 'minor' ones so 5 stars doesn't mean perfect.

Surly those minor flaws added up to half a star deduction...

Chunkers1980:

Aside from the 'h' and the 'o' rubbing off from my legs on the "hollow Ti" printing on the rail, no. Seriously, this saddle is as close to perfect as I've found - at least for my personal anatomy.

To reiterate, saddles are always a very personal item but the vast majority of folks I've spoken with who have tried this saddle have only overwhelmingly positive things to say about it which is quite rare.

Am using the standard Romin at the moment for MTB mostly XC. Done a few long days in the saddle inc 10 under the ben and still happy(ish) to jump back on the saddle the next day

I've been in possession of a test saddle for a week now. My 3 year old Toupe was in need of replacing so I thought I might as well try out Specialized's new offering.

Now I love my Toupe but I think after a week, the Romin is ever so slightly better. It weighs slightly more than the Toupe [+/- 30g] but is just that little bit more comfortable, especially on the drops or aero tuck.

I'm not entirely sold on the looks over the Toupe, but the comfort outweighs it.

Thanks for the feedback, looks like there might be a Romin on my shopping list when my Toupe finally wears out

Is it any easier on the sit bones than the toupe, I found that one very painful?

antfly:

The Romin doesn't have any more padding than the Toupe but it feels like a higher density, though, so it's more supportive and doesn't compress all the way to the shell as easily. Also, as compared to the Toupe, the Romin seems to do a better job distributing your weight over a slightly bigger area so there's not quite as intense sensation that you're putting all of your weight only on the points of your sit bones.

In all honesty, I think if you were to sit on one at a shop you'd be able to notice a difference right away.

Thanks for that, I may give it a go.

Angryasian,

Many reviews and dealers emphasise this saddle as being for those who spend a lot of time in the drops, whereas others say its good for the tops/hoods too.

I'm quite interested in the Romin because of the proclaimed benefits - I suffer with numb bits and want a bit of relief!

Any views?

I've been rinding on a regular Romin now for about a month and is getting used to it. It take som time to get in position since it's not flat, it's either "nose up" or "nose down" if you don't have a seatpost with non fixed modes. I am at the moment having my Romin at a "nose up" position and it's working real good. Most of my riding time is on the hoods and rest of my time is in the drops and on the tops. I have no problems in either position with this sadle, but if I adjust it to "nose down" it's more easy to stay in the drops for longer periods, but it's result more weight on the arms.

I used to ride on a Fizik Gobi XM before switching to the Romin. I never testad the Toupé but I tried an Avatar (using it now on my 1986 steal horse) and the Romin feels more comfortable. I cant do any longer rides (50km +) on the Avatar (weird back pains) but there is no problem riding 100km on the Romin. On this years Vatternrundan, 300km race i Sweden, I used the Fizik Gobi but next year I will be using the Romin.

Just got done with my first 50 mile ride on this saddle. I am glad I bought it. Have been riding one version or another of the flite saddle for the past 20 years. When the latest one wore out, thought I would give this saddle a try based on what I have heard.

Went to the LBS and sat on the "Assometer" to check what size to buy. Was right between the 143 and the next size up. Went with the 143.

Was a bit nervous when the saddle came in. It is firm. Once I got it on the bike and hopped on, I could tell right then that I was going to enjoy riding her. Still felt the same way after riding 50 miles on it my first time out.

Stopped a few times to make adjustments....its a new saddle. As you can tell, initial impressions are good.

Did rub off most of the lettering for the Hollow Ti as well as half of the positioning numbers on the rail. Seat also slid back some in my Easton 70 seatpost. Hopefully getting some grit in will make it stick.

Specialized got this one right.

Hi there,

Does anybody know or feld THE difference between THE romin sl and THE normal romin? I know theres à difference in weight but any difference in comfort? There is à big diffenence in price.

Thanks

Hi Silversurfer, the difference is 25 grams. The standard one has hollow chromoloy rails and the SL has hollow titanium rails. That's less than a pound a gram, I went with the standard.

Just bought 2011 Romin expert $ 100 list at LBS(got 15% discount as a frequent flyer)Guess what,208 grams size 143 hollow ti rails.Identical to 2010 Romin SL at 2/3 the price.F.Y.I.Full review to follow.

This is an update to the post back in August.

The more I ride this saddle, the more I like it. It no longer feels hard when I get on it. It has made riding a bike even more fun.

Just put it on my new Salsa Pistola (steel is real) and looking forward to getting some miles on the new rig. The first ride went well.

This has been a great saddle and is worth a look for sure. Only downside is that I did not have it the past 20 years.

Hope this helps.

Riden for for 200+ miles,SIts bones measure 105 on Specialized's butt measurer,reccomended a 143,tried it ,traded for a 130mm. Previous saddle SLR carbon/flo with cutout,carbon rails,actual weight 135g(claimed 125g)The Romin is just as comfortable,recent 6hour ride,does not require a special seatpost,and is much cheaper.Noticed the initial hardnessas did slimboy,,this was not sustained .

My LBS fit guru claimed that Specialized told him not to ride fully back on saddle,but slightly forward,b/c that is it's most comforable position.I tried both ways on the 143,he was right.On the 130mm,didn't have to slide slightly forward.Wt close to 200g for Romin sl in a 130mm.Paid $127 for sl,no 2011 experts in my shop at time of purchase.See previous post.

Well I bought one of these, the narrow one in white, more out of curiousity than anything. I hated the toupe and wasn't really expecting to like this. I have only used it twice but have to say so far it is much more comfortable than I was expecting. No sit bone pain and any discomfort is relieved by moving about or standing up for a few seconds. If this gets better the more I use it then I think we could be very happy together for a long time to come and I will have to get one for my summer bike too.

I had specialised alias saddle which i was happy with but was curious to try the romin after reading so many positive reviews, which is a rarity as different saddles suit different people. I wasn't too fussed about saving a few grams so opted for the plain romin rather than the sl. Put simply, its the best saddle i've had and all the good things said about it are true. With the bike on a level surface i got the middle third of the saddle dead level and that was perfect for me. If you fine tune from this starting point you won't go far wrong.

I'm having second thoughts, I found it rather uncomfortable the other day on my longest ride with it so far, it gave me a sore bum. I will give it another chance then flog it in the classifieds.

Are any of you girls (presumably not slimboy)? Any idea if this works for a womans butt?! I have a selle italia SLR gel flow, which is great in some ways ( the independant rear sections have been great for my lower back) but alittle firm for really long rides, even wearing the mighty assos, and hopeless in a tri suit!

having seem all of the rav reviews and the money back if not happy i desided to get a romin sl from aj cycles in northampton.i have done a ride out and am tottally shocked as to how good the saddle is when compared to higher priced saddle from the main top brands, i know saddles tend to good for one rider and bad for another buti all i can say is on the hood or on the drops i have never been as pain free and confident in a saddle as i am in the romin sl, the shop also had a sit bone width measuring device which also helps to ensure you get the right size first time

Can't understand all the favourable comments that suckered me into buying

What is probably the most uncomfortable saddle I have ever tried. Anyone who wants one

at reasonable price please get in touch.

Ive had my Romin SL for about 10 months and put many 100s of miles on it.

Best saddle ive ever used. No discomfort on long rides and is a joy to sit on.

Ive found my HolyGrail !! It might be yours too.

An instrument of torture for me, it felt like it had been inserted internally, I am just not compatible with Spesh saddles. Back to my Arione which is luxury by comparison.