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New saddle

by Sensible
Thu, Oct 31, 2013 11:21
11

Thinking of upgrading my standard Giant TCR saddle for a Fizik Arione. Firstly, how do you rate this saddle and secondly what is thr difference between a standard saddle or CX. Is it worth paying the extra for K:ium rails over manganese.

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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11 comments

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Sensible | 11 years ago
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Went on the Fizik website last night and found several bike shops within travelling distance. I then sent out emails to those with email addresses.

Today I got replies from a hand full of bike shops that have the test saddles and charge vearious deposits. I will visit one of those and get the Arione and the Antares to test and see what I think.

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LondonDynaslow | 11 years ago
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I get on very well with my Aliante Gamma (gummy black). I think that the spinal flexibility guide on the Fizik website is quite accurate, as that recommended the Aliante (and so did Cyclefit). Do try them out though, if you possibly can.

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Raleigh | 11 years ago
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Will swap my standard white Arione for twenty of your English pounds.

Or a new Planet X superlight team saddle.

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Spooks | 11 years ago
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As has been said when it comes to saddles its a try before you buy, your arse will thank you for it. Find a Fizik dealer and they should have test saddles avail.
I have an Arione R3 and love it, tried it against an arione vs and hated it ,it didn't suit my sit bones at all. I find my R3 comfy upto 180km, defiantly on the firm side but seems I need that. Regards if it's worth the extra for carbon or mag, it really depends if you want really light weight as I see that as the only real benefit over kium. No idea regards the CX to standard.
Remember to not get caught up with looks over function, try other brands as they may suit you better.( must remember that nugget a bit more myself)
Hope this helps

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giobox replied to Spooks | 11 years ago
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Spooks wrote:

As has been said when it comes to saddles its a try before you buy, your arse will thank you for it. Find a Fizik dealer and they should have test saddles avail.

Agreed. Any decent Fizik dealer usually has a set of yellow test saddles given to them by the distributor for customer's to try. They are horrendous bright yellow things with TEST printed in giant black letters on them, presumably to discourage you from stealing them!

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smudge replied to giobox | 11 years ago
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Having worked with saddles and bike fittings for a long time now, saddles are an emotive issue. Where i practise we use a combination of pressure analysis and a saddle switchit to allow customers to try as may saddles as they wish, they get to see the pressure move around. ironically the cause of most saddle problems that we experience are 1. Sit Bones not positioned correctly. 2. saddles not straight or level. 3. Leg Length discrepancies. Point 3 being the most common.

As Giobox has rightly pointed out though any dealer worth their salt has a collection of Demo saddles to try for a period of time.

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badkneestom | 11 years ago
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Loooove my Rivet Independence.
Comfortable, hard but you'd be surprised it doesn't bruise you, the hammocking on leather is real. And it'll only improve!

Their leather is waterproof (and I rubbed some leather stuff on it, was easy) and they have a no questions asked 1 year return policy! Was worried I may have to use it when I felt how hard it was, not so.

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bashthebox | 11 years ago
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Saddles are such a personal thing, it's really really hard to say what's comfy and what isn't. I've had an Arione and my bum now hates it. But you may find it wonderful...
Best thing to do is find a decent bike shop who'll loan you a test saddle and try a few out over a decent length ride. It'll cost you a few more quid than buying online but could save you money in the long run. Or, buy a battered saddle second hand and try that out for very little money.

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Sensible replied to bashthebox | 11 years ago
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bashthebox wrote:

Saddles are such a personal thing, it's really really hard to say what's comfy and what isn't. I've had an Arione and my bum now hates it. But you may find it wonderful...
Best thing to do is find a decent bike shop who'll loan you a test saddle and try a few out over a decent length ride. It'll cost you a few more quid than buying online but could save you money in the long run. Or, buy a battered saddle second hand and try that out for very little money.

I would love to find a bike store that lets you try out saddles etc, but in reality where are these accomodating shops. I live south of birmingham with loads of local bike shops but dont know any that will do that.

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glynr36 replied to Sensible | 11 years ago
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The Pinarello store on Temple Street in the city have the proper fit for Fizik or Selle Italia saddles I think.
It's also worth giving them an ask, you don't ask you don't get!

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Sensible replied to glynr36 | 11 years ago
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glynr36 wrote:

The Pinarello store on Temple Street in the city have the proper fit for Fizik or Selle Italia saddles I think.
It's also worth giving them an ask, you don't ask you don't get!

I will give them a call.
I have also found a list of Fizik dealers on their website. I will give all the local ones a call and see if they have those yellow test saddles available.

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