Romin product range advice

Sprool

Can someone please explain to me the Specialized Romin , phenom and toupe range of saddles? Theres a lot of similar products in this range, what is the difference between them all? The expert, pro, evo, etc. etc.?

ricky1980

I would be interested too. I went for a toupe cos it was flatter and wider where romin drops off more on the sides. But the pro evo expert etc makes no sense to me

alihisgreat

They're just different spec levels:

Expert = titanium rails
Pro = Carbon rails, lighter etc.
S-works = lightest/'best' etc.

Oh and the Evo saddles are slightly different shapes (eg. I think the Romin Evo has a slightly narrower nose)

jameses

Would be interest in this as well, specifically what are the differences between romin/toupe/phenom? Are they aimed at different types of riding (racing/endurance)? The specialized site is a bit vague on that, the descriptions all sound the same.

ricky1980

i have a toupe+ expert (i guess i got the right variant in terms of rails) so what's the different between toupe+ and normal toupe

northpole

Hope this isn't breaching forum protocols - I found the thread below on another forum quite informative:

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/specia ... 73244.html

Note that the pro and s-works models have carbon rails whose larger diameter will not fit every seat post clamp. (A bit like the Fizik Kurve magnesium oversized rails).

There's not alot in it from my experience between Toupe and Romin. I suspect it has more to do with the individual's physiology and therefore difficult to decide from threads like this rather than borrowing/ renting from an lbs who stocks Spesh saddles. I found the Toupe easier to set up than the Romin - I think in part due to the slight kick up at the back of the Romin which to my mind made getting the level/ tilt of the Romin more critical to comfort and difficult to judge other than on longer rides.

My Toupe also suffered failure of the plastic or carbon support rails within the body of the saddle which prompted me to switch to a Romin which I have used without problems for a couple of years. Having said that, I have a Toupe Pro sitting waiting to replace the Romin when I get round to it. As you can see, it's not a clear cut process deciding between these two saddle types. Equally, I can say that they are both great saddles and the best suited I have come across.

Peter

maddog 2

Toupe is flatter. Romin more curved/concave/ramped at the back. Not sure about the Phenom, might be half way between the other two?

Evo was a different nose shape, I think. Maybe softer too (memory is hazy on this...)

Other than that it's rail material. Oh and there may be a gel version?

I've got non-Evo Romins in steel, ti and carbon.

Spatulala

I have a Phenom because it was what my LBS had in stock when I hated the saddle that came with my Trek. I think it was originally intended as a lightweight MTB saddle, these manufacturers notes from the review on Bikeradar:

- This minimalist race-profile saddle is the perfect balance between our World Cup MTB riders obsession with ultra lightweight and the rocky reality of off-road racing. Christoph and Liam asked for a saddle that delivered similar ride quality to the Toup, but with recessed scuff guards for snag-free racing and a slightly down turned perch for seated climbing. This versatile saddle is also ideal for road riders who prefer a shell that is slightly more firm than the Toup.

Grill

I had a Romin Evo Pro but couldn't get on with it. I swapped it for a Toupe Pro and broke it in on a 12hr TT. I also have a Toupe S-Works (da bomb) and a Toupe Gel on my winter bike. The Gel is the least comfy as during hard efforts there's flex which isn't ideal. The Pro and S-Works are solid as, just be sure you have a compatible seatpost.

antonyfromoz

maddog 2 wrote:

Toupe is flatter. Romin more curved/concave/ramped at the back. Not sure about the Phenom, might be half way between the other two?

Evo was a different nose shape, I think. Maybe softer too (memory is hazy on this...)

Other than that it's rail material. Oh and there may be a gel version?

I've got non-Evo Romins in steel, ti and carbon.

my understanding, based on conversations with specialized sales staff and others, is that the romin is aimed more at riders who spend more time in the drops or on aero bars (or tt bikes) than the toupe so it is more curved to aid blood flow and minimise numbness. the evo varient has a narrower nose than the non-evo one too as some people were complaining that the wider nose was causing rubbing. Can't help with the others, sorry!