Specialized Romin 130mm alternative?
 

Hello all,

I currently have a Specialized Romin 130mm saddle I like, but they dont make the 130mm version anymore.

Would I be better off with a 143mm Romin or a 130mm Toupe I can find used? I have narrow sitbones, so In guessing the 143mm wont work, but perhaps there is not that much difference? Is the Toupe much different from the Romin?

Any other recommendations for something similar to a 130mm Romin? I have tried Fizik Antares and Selle Italia C2 but did not like them. Currently trying to replace a stock Bontrager montrose Comp 138mm that is too wide.

Thanks!

Berk Lupina is a very similar shape, available in 132mm width. I did not have luck with reliability on these saddles, but then I'm a bigger rider (6'2", 195 pounds). I think the Selle Italia SLR (non-boost) variants are also a similar shape, yet much more reliable, and run 128mm to 132mm depending on model. Don't recommend SLR Superflow TM as the padding is too soft, so consider the Ti316 SLR Superflow as an entry-level option to try out the shape. I'm currently running a C59 and an SLR Tekno Flow on my other bike.

I, too, have narrow sit bones. It is incredibly frustrating that the mainstream brands don't offer anything for narrow-boned folks (I'm looking at you, Specialized . . . cause I'd like to try a 3D printed saddle).

Try out the Selle Italia SP-01. Eg.. not too pricey if it doesn't work out:
SELLE ITALIA SP-01

Was on a Toupe for a while, then started doing a bit more climbing, so looked at the Romin with its more raised rear.
Ended up on a Fabric Scoop Shallow model. Has a similar rear raise height to the Romin, but doesn't fall away at the sides that much.

The carbon rail model -and the top- feels way more comfy than the Romin.
Comes in a 134mm for the similar shape but with cutout: Fabric Line Race/Elite Shallow.

I was a huge fan of the toupe shape but they changed it a few years ago. still good but not as. I measured my sit bones on the specialized foam board and although I had always used saddles in the mid 130’s I had no problem going to the 143 new Romin (3D print). Perhaps because it is more rounded than the toupe which is flatter on the top.

I had the Fabric scoop discussed above with carbon rails, great saddle but wasn’t for me. If you’re current Romin is shaped similarly you may like it. Sucks that there are no real demo opportunities around these days. My Fabric scoop is being tried by a friend right now but if he doesn’t like it I’d happily send it to you to try and if you like it you can buy it. I’ve done this with a few forum members before where we swapped saddles in a “pay it forward” kind of way. The others that I have would probably be too wide though

Those are pretty damn good replies.

Since Specialized cancelled the 130mm, and eBay supplies have dried up, I've become increasingly worried.
The old 143mm was ok for me several years ago, but I've been much happier on the 130mm. I haven't tried the newer versions of the 143, but they may be the place to start.

In addition to those mentioned above, the Selle SMP F20 and Selle Italia SLR Superflow look promising.

The Selle San Marco Shortfit Racing is similar in shaping to the Romin and available in 134mm. It's maybe 10mm shorter, but also super light at 175g.


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3d08474fec.jpg
San Marco Shortfit Racing

Not sure why, but I find funny that for saddles, Specialized is now considered a mainstream brand.. you know, versus all those obscure italian brands... ;)

absolutely agree, but I’ll say that although I’ve had quite a few saddles from the saddle brands, Italian and others that Specialized has really nailed all things that I would consider contact points. Especially saddles and shoes. Heck, I’m dying to find problems with them but so far no shoe that I’ve tried compares to the S-Works dual boa (I’ve had the first version from 2013 and just retired them for the new 7’s), same for the saddles, I swear I was hoping that this “Mirror” was just a gimmick but it’s freaking a phenomenal saddle. I also had the Fitzik evo 3d printed one and it’s not even close albeit same manufacturer for both.

I consider Specialized to be a mainstream brand for pretty much anything related to a bike, especially saddles. How far back would you have to go before Specialized saddles were considered a niche product?

I'm not really saying Specialized isn't mainstream, even though it's about half the age of the Selle Italia, SMP, San Marco stuff. It's rather that these historic saddle companies are implied as not mainstream. I just find it amusing.

Thanks for the replies everyone, some good suggestions here.

I think I will start with trying just the 143mm version of the Romin, and take it from there.
The Selle Italia SLR or Fabric Line Shallow and the Selle San Marco Shortfit Racing seem like good options to try as well. Thanks!

That is very nice of you to offer, thanks. But I live in Europe, so I doubt it would be worth shipping halfway across the world :). What I have ended up doing in the past is buying a bunch of saddles used, and if they don't work out, I can usually sell them again for the same price I bought them for.

I am kicking myself for selling a Romin 130mm I had, which had alloy rails, when I upgraded to a carbon railed one.