Tour de France cyclist Remco Evenepoel's saddle costs $450, as revealed.
In the world of competitive cycling, comfort, aerodynamics, and functionality are paramount. Two new products, the Specialized S-Works Power EVO saddle and the Swiss Side Aero Cockpit System, are set to revolutionise the sport, prioritizing these aspects to enhance the rider's experience.
### The Specialized S-Works Power EVO Saddle: A Leap Forward in Comfort and Performance
The S-Works Power EVO saddle, favoured by Remco Evenepoel during his victorious 2025 Tour de France run, showcases a significant evolution in bike saddles. This refined piece of equipment provides a substantial enhancement in comfort, adjustability, and rider personalization compared to previous models.
Key Features:
- **Mirror Technology**: The saddle incorporates Specialized's patented 3D-printed honeycomb matrix made from liquid polymer, known as Mirror technology. This structure provides precision support and pressure relief that traditional foam cannot match. The EVO model features a denser support system with 47,000 struts and 21,000 nodes compared to the older Power Mirror's 14,000 struts and 7,799 nodes. - **Pressure Reduction**: It delivers substantial pressure relief with 28.8% less sit bone pressure, 34.1% less nose pressure, and 18% less midline pressure than foam saddles, significantly boosting comfort, especially for long rides and intense efforts. - **Bio-based Material**: The Mirror material is now 40% bio-based, improving sustainability while reducing moisture absorption. It resists sweat, sunscreen, and chamois cream, enhancing durability and maintaining cleanliness and appearance over time. - **Saddle Shape & Padding**: The saddle retains the same short 24 cm length but features a 1 cm wider nose with 19.7% more padding in the front, supporting a more aerodynamic position for longer periods. - **Rails and Adjustability**: It has 2 cm longer carbon rails (total clamping space of 70mm versus 50mm before), allowing greater fore-aft adjustability and finer fit customization by the rider.
Benefits:
- **Enhanced Comfort**: The advanced Mirror technology significantly reduces pressure points, which is crucial for elite riders like Remco Evenepoel during grueling stages such as those in the Tour de France. - **Increased Adjustability**: Longer rails provide riders with the ability to find their ideal saddle position more precisely. - **Sustainability and Durability**: The bio-based material reduces environmental impact and resists sweat and creams, maintaining saddle performance and appearance. - **Support for Aero Positioning**: A wider and better-padded nose supports riders holding aggressive aerodynamic positions comfortably for extended periods.
### The Swiss Side Aero Cockpit System: Aerodynamic Efficiency for Time Trials and Triathlon
The Swiss Side Aero Cockpit System, designed for time trials and triathlon, prioritizes comfort, ergonomics, and functionality. The system includes an integrated bottle cage and computer mount, foam elbow pads made from a dual-density EVA foam, and extensions made from T700 carbon fibre with a high degree of adjustability.
The wind tunnel results show an average saving of six watts at 45km/h with the Swiss Side Aero Cockpit System, making it a valuable asset for competitive cyclists seeking an edge in aerodynamics.
In addition to these innovative products, Remco Evenepoel will be riding a gold S-Works Tarmac SL8 bike, while UAE Team Emirates has extended its partnership with ENVE, continuing to supply wheels and handlebars. This partnership, emphasized by Team Principal & CEO Mauro Gianetti, is crucial for the team's success.
Moreover, new Roval hoops are set to feature in Remco Evenepoel's bid for the Tour de France, while the new Vision SC SL 45 and 60 SL wheels aim to bring premium carbon race wheels to a wider audience. The V-600 hub used in the Vision SC SL wheels provides quick, smooth, and responsive performance, even under load.
These advancements in cycling technology promise to elevate the sport, offering riders and teams a competitive edge while improving comfort and sustainability.
The Specialized S-Works Power EVO saddle, with its 3D-printed Mirror technology, aims to revolutionize sports by providing significant enhancements in comfort, sustainability, and adjustability for riders. The Swiss Side Aero Cockpit System, designed for time trials and triathlon, focuses on sports by prioritizing comfort, ergonomics, and functionality to minimize aerodynamic drag.
