What you need to know when choosing between the Bontrager Aeolus and Specialized Power Arc saddles

Words and Images - James Raison

Short, channeled saddles have become more popular than Peter Sagan giving away free bikes and puppies over recent years. They were popularised by Specialized’s first generation Power saddle but they’ve got some competition from within the US-of-A with Bontrager developing their own Aeolus line. I’ve had my arse parked for many thousands of miles on a Specialized Power and reviewed a Power Arc, and more recently reviewed the Bontrager Aeolus. So, I thought it was time to pass on my wisdom to help the unmentionable areas of my fellow cyclists.

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SNUBBED & CHANNELED

There’s good reason why these saddles have become popular. Their short, channelled designed reduces perineum pressure and lets riders slide forwards to perch right on the end of the saddle.

The Gen 1 Specialized Power saddle changed the saddle market when it was first released

It was the first generation Specialized Power saddle that popularised the design. The saddle was initially meant for the womens’ market but it quickly became popular with all their testers before releasing it to the market which purchased them voraciously. Their popularity has caused a scrum of brands jostling for position to capture buyers with Fizik, Selle Italia, Selle San Marco, Bontrager, and more making their own versions.

It’s a versatile design suiting multiple disciplines and a broad range of riders. I’ve spent many thousands of kilometers on road and dirt with the Power Arc and Aeolus Elite under my butt. They’re remarkable good pieces of kit. So, which one should you buy?

WEIGHT

Obviously we start with the most important consideration.

Specialized Power Arc: Expert: 243g, 256g | Arc Pro 193g, 199g| S-Works Power Arc 141g, 145g
Bontrager Aeolus: Comp: 286g, 289 g| Elite: 219g, 222g | Pro: 170g, 173g

The 3-tier structure is a consistent progression of materials across both brands. It starts with a metal rail and plastic shell, goes to metal rails and carbon shell in the middle, and tops out with a full carbon party at the top of the market.

The Power Arc is the lighter choice for each tier so weight weenies have to choose the Spez in your pricepoint, right? Yes, if weight is your only concern. It gets hazy when you factor in price though.

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PRICE

It turns out the saddles will affect your wallet very differently.

Specialized Power Arc: Expert: $180 | Pro $270 | S-Works $350
Bontrager Aeolus: Comp: $99.99 | Aeolus Elite: $169.95 | Pro $249

Bontrager has made the Aeolus line much more accessible with lower prices through all three options. It might be slightly heavier at each tier but we’re only talking about 30-40 grams.

There’s still the original Power lineup which is priced at $130, $180, and $270 for buyers wanting to save some money. My experience with both generations found the Power Arc to be an improvement in every way. You can get the older model but the extra money for the Power Arc translates to worthy comfort gains.

THE RIDE

There’s a noticably different ride feeling between the two seats. I can confirm that they’re both very good saddles, but I certainly have a personal preference.

SHAPE

From nose to tail, these two saddles have sublte differences that add up to significant differences.

The nose and channel widths of the Aeolus and Power saddles are one of the biggest separators. The saddles I tested were 145 mm for the Bontrager and 143 mm for the Power Arc. Those width numbers reflect the rear of the saddle but the major measurable difference is at the front. Digital calipers found the Aeolus to be approximately 10 mm wider than the Power Arc measured at 30 mm from the saddle tip. On-road that extra width makes the Aeolus comfortable and supportive when sat out on the very front. The Power Arc’s narrower nose concentrates the pressure when slid forwards, making it a little less comfortable.

Moving back, and the Power Arc has more pronounced wings on the side and only a small upward sweep at the rear. The Aeolus sticks with its flat profile with a slightly taller rear. Both feel supportive under the sit bones, with the Power Arc edging out the Aeolus for comfort when sat back. I did notice the occasional rub on the inside of my leg caused by the added width of the Bontrager, but that’s only a small gripe.

The deciding factor is where you want more width and your preference for flatness. If you like wider, flatter saddes the Bontrager Aeolus is for you. If you want narrowness up front with a pronounced curve at the rear then the Specialized Power Arc will be a winner.

FLEXITARIANS

The other separator between the saddles is their compliance. The Power Arc Expert is relatively resistant to flex whereas the Aeolus Elite has a satisfying bounce to it. The Aeolus Elite has an elongated flat section of rail to allow for more movement. There’s noticably more flex in the Aeolus Elite’s shell too.

I enjoyed the extra comfort in the Aeolus Elite on both road and gravel bike. The Power Arc, and original Power saddle, still have some flex in them but less so. I’ve still done road and off-road bikepacking on the original Power saddle (including the whole Mawson Trail) so I can vouch that it’s still plenty comfortable.

WRAPPING UP

How any saddle suits you is dependent on your physiology so this guide is meant to help make the decision easier rather than definitively say this one will be the best for you. Saddles are as unique to the person as shoes so there’s no guarantee it’ll be right. Check with your local Specialized or Bontrager dealer about test saddles if you want to try before you buy. As always, we strongly advocate Getting a bike fit to dial your position and help you choose the perfect seat.

The decisive factor should always be comfort when it comes to saddles so the Bontrager Aeolus Elite is the best choice for me. That added width at the front is the deciding factor. I still have, and use, my Power Arc perfectly happily. It’s just a little less comfortable.

Bontrager has done an excellent job making the Aeolus line more affordable than the Specialized Power Arcs. For the weight weenies, the Specialized offerings are the better choice out of the two options.