For those that have ridden both or worked with them can anyone advise on the differences in the saddle shape design between these two?
It seems like the ARC is not going to get the mirror treatment, and the EVO seems to be the “new” design for the power. Wondering if the high hamstring rubbing that the ARC addressed is also addressed with the EVO or whether it is closer to the power?
Yes, the hamstring rubbing is adressed with the new Power. They have intentionally made the “sweep” or “taper” from nose to wings less aggressive and more gradual than on the old Power. I work in a bike shop, so I’m quite familiar with the new marketing spiel from Specialized. In addition to fixing the issues with the taper, they flattened the saddle quite a lot. The old Power tends to push riders forwards which puts a lot on undue pressure on the hands.
In my opinion, the old Power is one of the worst saddles ever produced. The new model looks a lot more promising, but it’s hard to tell without riding it. Sadly, there won’t be any demo saddles available very soon as Specialized decided to only produce the very top end model with carbon rails and charge an insane amount of money for it.
That sounds like a very promising review. Although you hate the current power, there are countless people, myself included, have found it to be the most comfortable option after trying many saddles, having pressure mapping, etc.
I have had a power pro mirror for about 8k miles on pretty decently. Still not obsessed with it and am looking forward to trying the new one eventually. I actually have an extra brand new power pro mirror I need to sell to put towards the new model, just haven’t gotten around to it yet.
I’ve tried probably close to a dozen Specialized saddles over the years, including the S-Works Power, S-Works Power Arc, Power Arc Pro, S-Works Power Mirror, Power Pro Mirror, Power EVO Mirror, S-Works Romin Mirror, and Pro Romin Mirror.
In my experience, the Power is the widest and flattest. The Power Arc has much more curve to it. The difference between the S-Works versions and the Pro (ti rails) version is minimal but they do feel quite different. The Pro versions definitely flex a good bit more. I have the Romin Pro Mirror on my Zwift Ride inddor bike and I can flex the base with my hands. The S-Works versions all use a full carbon base plate which is stiffer and to me, much more comfortable. It’s akin to a stiff carbon sole shoe compared to a plastic sole. The flex actually makes it less comfortable. That said, the shorter Power Pro doesn’t flex as much as the Romin Pro. Either the longer Romin is just easier to flex because of the longer length, or they might not have the same base. I think the Power Pro models still use a full carbon base. Ranking all of them in shape, the Power (not Mirror) is the flattest, Power Mirror EVO second, Power Mirror third. The first Mirror got a little more curve than the original Power, but to me, the new EVO Mirror feels flatter, albeit not as flat as the OG Power. Power Arc has the most curve. I actually wish they would make a Power Arc Mirror because I love the Mirror padding but the Power is too wide and flat. Which is why I have the Romin Mirror on all my road bikes now. More curve than any of the Power saddles. My only complaint is that it’s too long. I want a short nose Romin Mirror.
So to answer your question, the EVO to me feels flatter (less curve) than the Arc for sure, and even flatter than the Power Mirror. But, it doesn’t feel as wide overall somehow. I run 143mm across all saddles and the 143mm Power Evo feels narrower than 143mm but still flat. Which I think does help with thigh rub. They also now make a 130mm version so you could try that. I still prefer the Romin over the EVO for my road bike. The EVO I have is on the gravel bike now.
They actually make a 130mm of the older Power too, the issue is that no one knows it exists lol
I’ve only tried the ARC and the regular Power, but from what I felt the ARC does help a bit with that hamstring rub since it’s got a slightly different curve. The EVO feels more like a refresh of the standard Power shape, so if the ARC worked better for you comfort-wise, it might still be the safer pick until they update it further.
so confusing having this many saddles all called “power”!
i’ve ridden the power, power arch and power mirror. my butt does not get along with the power at all, something about that shape is really uncomfortable for me - i don’t know what but its in the butt, not the hamstring rub others talk about. both the arc and mirror have been really good for me though so intrigued by the evo but uncertain whether it will be better or worse
I too work at a shop and have tried all the saddles. I always come back to the S-Works power mirror. That said every critique I have of that saddle (nose too narrow, not enough padding in the nose area for riding in the rivet, and too much ridge around the cut out) were addressed on the new S-Works Power Evo Mirror. Love it, best saddle I’ve ridden to date. I also have a bi-saddle Hurricane Pro 3D I love but it’s on a very aggressively fit TT bike.