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Fizik Arione...which one?

by slowclimb
Mon, Aug 04, 2014 10:24
4

On my seemingly never ending quest to find the perfect saddle I am going to give the Fizik Arione a go.
I've spoken to a load of people who recommend them highly and I did the Fizik flexibilty test thing which pointed me towards the Arione.
However I cant decide between these 2, does anybody have any experience of them? I am tempted by the one with the slight cut out but a few reviews I have read says the channel chafes a bit 39

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/fizik-arione-saddle-with-kium-rails/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/fizik-arione-versus-saddle-with-kium-rails/

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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4 comments

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Jamesgraemer | 9 years ago
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I had a similar experience with the Versus. The channel and extra padding was just in the wrong place for me. Switched to an R3 and it's much better.

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slowclimb | 9 years ago
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Thanks for the advice chaps.

I've seen a lot of the same comments about the channel on the versus so I reckon I'll go for this - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/fizik-arione-saddle-with-kium-rails/

Theres no shops easy for me to get to that do the fizik try thing really, but I think I'll go for the arione anyway. I think the perfect saddle doesnt exist really anyway! Its a constant battle 2

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sorebones | 9 years ago
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Hi slowclimb.

I have used the Arione Kium, Arione R1 and Arione Versus models so hope I can help. First thing though - take that Fizik flexibility thing with a pinch of salt IMO. I am certainly no 'snake' and don't have the flexibility they suggest that requires, BUT I prefer the Arione saddle as it fits my sit bones. At the end of the day that is what matters.

I had the original Arione with Kium rails and sold it - unfortunately after a proper bike fit it turns out I could have probably kept it! I used a Versus model for about 3-4 months but it just wasn't for me. The nose was really comfy, but the cut-out section for your 'gents luggage' means that there are two ridges that run along the surface of the saddle. If you are unlucky like me, these will run along right where your sit bones are and the result was a really uncomfortable saddle. I saw a similar comment by a tester in a recent review.

After a proper bike fit I went back to an Arione (well the after a couple of Fizik Kurves that broke, but that's another story) and ended up with the lovely R1. It looks like it should be a crippler, minimal padding etc, but it is the best saddle I have ever owned and comfy for any length of ride.

In answer to your original question they are both great saddle IF they fit. I would say an Arione would suit the majority if it is the right width for your sit bones - the Versus can cause more issues than it solves. Fizik have demo saddles available to try before you buy as Derny mentions above - do you have a local bike shop who supply Fizik?

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Derny | 9 years ago
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I have used the flat Arione for around 10 years and I'm pretty happy with it. I haven't tried the one with the channel but I have lately considered it due to occasional perineal swelling during high-mileage periods which can result in sitting slightly off-center.

I'm not sure why chafing would be an issue unless there is hip-rocking going on, or some other unwanted movement between rider and saddle.

Better bicycle dealers offer saddle trials, since picking a saddle without riding it is rather difficult, as you have probably noticed.

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