Reverence: Fi’zi:k Aliante
The saddle has got to be the most important piece of equipment for the cyclist when it comes to comfort and performance. If your ass is rubbing the wrong way, causing chafing and sores, or all circulation is cut off rendering you unable to locate vital organs for nature breaks, then it’s fair to say you don’t have the right saddle. And just as it is with significant others of the human kind, finding ‘the one’ is usually a trial and error process that can take years before you hit on the perfect companion for your nether regions.
Most pros will have a favourite saddle they will use throughout their career, and despite sponsorship commitments will often go to great lengths to ride the same model, perhaps disguised to try and fool the fans or appease said sponsors. Or they’ll just insist that their new team gets on board with the seat supplier to keep them happy. It’s that vital. Rumour has it that Mark Cavendish insisted on Sky teaming up with fizik when he joined them for the 2012 season. And having been riding on their Aliante for the last month, I can see why.
I’d had an early version of the Aliante on an old Giant TCR back in the mid 2000s, and it was a great fit for me. The curvy shape seemed to work with my riding style and/or body shape pefectly. I did a long road tour of Tasmania on it, riding 2500 kms in ten days with nary a grumble from downstairs. Then they released the Arione, longer, flatter and firmer, and I was attracted to it and switched over. While I never hated it, we just didn’t seem to get on as well and I consequently moved on to many more relationships, most not very long lasting and ultimately unsatisfying.
When the Keepers Tour partnership with fizik was in its conception, I was excited about their new shoes, but a touch apprehensive about the saddles; I checked out the website and looked into their Spine Concept, where you can enter information about your body type and riding style and be recommended one of the three shapes on offer. All my characteristics pointed me back to the Aliante, as I’m apparently a ‘Bull’. The shape and profile of it also was most compatible with the older school styling of my Profetta. I requested a black cover with braided carbon rails, as the weight weenie in me influenced my decision. But how would it handle the cobbles and long days ahead in Flanders and northern France?
Well, I think if I ever find the perfect woman, she’ll be a lot like the Aliante. Shapely, sexy, reliable and great to sit on. Ok, maybe not the last one. This sadlle is awesome. To be able to ride for over five hours in a sitting (pardon the pun) on the roughest ‘roads’ in Europe and still be able to tell what’s going on down there at nature breaks is all you can ask for. I didn’t get a hint of a saddle sore or any chafing, even without chamois cream. The carbon rails survived the constant pounding and the cover endured some pre-tour crashes with flying colours. When my seatpost head loosened and slipped a cpuple of times on our second Roubaix ride, our mechanic Matthias was leery of cranking up the bolt onto the rails. He asked what the torque was, and not knowing I replied “as far as you can go”. It was torqued so hard that when I tried to loosen the bolt to fix the seat clamp, it took an extra long allen key with a pipe on the end to budge it. That’s some serious torque, but the carbon wrap didn’t even have a mark. Impressive.
I think I’ve found my perfect match in the Aliante. At least that’s what my boys are telling me, and in this case it’s better to be doing the thinking down below than up top.
Congratulations, brett, on finding “the one”! It can be a daunting slog. I have a Fizik Gobi on my cross bike and really dig it.
Now the question: which is more challenging – find “the one” Velomihottie type, or finding “the one” saddle edition?
Both are darn difficult!
smithers – that is wild! Awesomeness for sure, and I’m jealous. But, I think you can always be jealous…I wish I had that view! I wish I was on the Keepers Tour. But, to stay sane you have to be happy with what you’ve got – I only had an hour to ride tonight but hit some trails on my cross bike. City roads, bike path, park, trails, gravel, pivo stop, home. Can’t beat that!
Incredible view though & thanks for sharing. I’ve loved my time in Australia.
yup I have the same saddle Brett – albeit mine has red bits to match my black/ red Cervelo…. its a pretty sweet saddle.
I’ll add my vote to the Arione camp. There’s something eerie about the way I feel suspended in it – as if the entire saddle disappears except for the sit-bone support.
Always a personal choice these saddle discussions.
For my 2c –
Arione on Bike No.1 – lovely
Prologo Nago Evo on Bike No.2 – lovely
Antares on Bike No.3 – comfy enough but not as lovely as the other two
Gobi on the MTB – okay for how I use it.
I still have an old Pave on the fixie, which, while smaller than all of the above, is still quite comfortable. The Arione and the Nago I find to be as comfortable as each other. The Antares is quite comfy but as I spend more time on the other two bike, when I hop on to No.3, the difference is noticeable of course.
I bought the Nago to try a Prologo and have been very impressed. If I were to need a new saddle tomorrow, it would be a hard choice between a Arione or a Nago….I’d have to flip a coin I think.
Back in 1998 I was spec’ing a new race bike and saw a review of a new saddle from a new manufacturer, it was called the Giro Fizik Pave. At the time I was a big Giro fan and assumed that they had moved into the contact point market and besides, it had “Pave” in the name. I have ridden Fizik saddles ever since.
Like Brett I checked my body/spine type on the Fizik website to discover that I am also a Bull, I have never been the most flexible. But having ridden an Aliante for the last year I’m not convinced and am trying an Antares and so far it seems more confortable than the Aliante.
I would love to get a Kurve, but given the price tag that is just going to have to wait a while
@Marcus fuck me that Selle SMP Stratos is ugly.
@smithers
Stunning view. I lived on Musgrove Street, down near the pier for a couple of years then moved to Royalist Road on the other side of Mosman Bay. Still miss getting the ferry to work on days like that. was a shock to the system moving back to the UK and getting the tube every morning.
@Jarvis
Quick Jarvis – look at my setup for relief.
For anyone looking for a Kurve, this place is doing them at a pretty good knock down price and the shipping doesn’t look too bad within Europe. I’ve no idea what they’re like as a shop though.
Good stuff all, but as we often do, we are all stating our fav saddles but adding little science – as a Newbie, can someone add some small print for the likes of meself
I’m definitely finding some persistent reduction of sensation in the Bishop in recent months, with one ride (bike) causing significant pins and needles in said member of staff
Definitely think Roubaix ride made things worse (hoping no permanent damage done…) – so I need to do something about my saddle – so facts please
Is it
1. science
2. trial and error
Talk of seat bones (ischial bones) is of interest – are these meant to rest comfortably on the rear winged part of the saddle – I think my saddle (Specialized Toupe +) may be too narrow in the seated platform? If my sitbones are parked on there, I find the pressure gets worse on my adductors (innermost groin tendons) – I’ve always had very tight adductors, so maybe I’m a freak – if I ride on the font have of the saddle, the wiener goes numb
I’ve been lent a saddle by a friend – AMAO racing ISM – whilst it clearly doesn’t have the aesthetic qualities of the fi’zi:k saddles, I’ll give it a go – I’m far too too young for a dead piece of wood
If that ain’t helping, I’ll go back and try some fi’zi:k (did the trial thing last year, but couldn’t get a comfortable one from those on trial)
@Dr C this is the Velominati, science counts for nothing here especially as I doubt many of us have any physiology qualifications. But, if you read about the subject Specialized measure the width of your sit bones, Fizik use body shape and others make ugly saddles.
I’ve only ever had saddles that I thought looked good – Turbo, Turbomnatic, Rolls, a green Flite to match a bike, Fizik, breifly a Specialized and a SDG. The whole issue of “dead wood” I would argue is bollocks (so to speak). I’ve ridden for 20 years, have never used for saddles to protect my bits and I’ve got kids. In fact I don’t know of anyone who has ridden a bike and hasn’t been able to have kids.
Saddles are one of the most contentious subjects out there simply because it is down to the individual. You just have to try different saddles until you find something comfortable.
@Dr C
Selle SMP – the best way to alleviate pressure on the perineum by removing that contact point with the saddle.
Makes you strong. Like bull!
Took me about one ride to be converted.
@Dr C
By the way- just like the other saddles you need a width (different models diff widths) that matches your ischial tuberosities (so much better than saying sit bones). Check their website and get yourself an arseometer. Two bits of bread work fine.
I spent most of my riding life on Flites, believing that it was more a case of bedding my arse into the saddle rather than vice versa. Decided to take the plunge and kitted a new MTB out with a Fizik Gobi XM and was converted. The road rig now sports an Arione, and I wonder why I wasted so much time on Flites.
For the record, prior to buying the Gobi I did the whole Specialized arse-o-meter thing and tried their saddles but couldn’t get comfy. Despite needing a mid-width Specialized, I get on fine with the skinny looking Arione. But then again I’m flexible enough to touch my toes.
@Marcus
Aaarrggh fuck it you’re WRONG. That distance that is measured by the sit bone device changes the further forward you lean, or the further back you sit. It’s a fucking gimmick. the only thing of value it tells you is you’re either a midget, normal or a giant since there are only three fucking sizes of saddle anyway and you don’t need to squish two pieces of bread to your arse cheeks to figure that out.
But to change the topic to something important, what the fuck is the point of AFL? The only good thing about it is you can smash people who don’t have the ball. Ball bouncing poofs.
(I’m so going in the ditch if I ever actually meet any Strayaminati)
If you live in the London area, check out Elite Sports located at the Crystal Palace Sports Centre. You can try all of the fi’zi:k saddles and test them on a major tour climb on the simulator – cost is £50 but is instantly rebated against the cost of the saddle if you buy http://www.elitecycling.co.uk/fizik-saddle-centre.html.
I always have this latent desire to try out new saddles. I don’t know why. With some seat posts putting on a new saddle can be damn hard. And then you have to monkey with the position of the saddle for a few rides. And then you realize you don’t really like it. And you’ve back to the original. It’s like a disorder.
I think I must have adaptable nether regions, since I like a few different saddles just fine.
@minion
You are a frustrated little Elmo. You don’t even have sit bones.
As my name implies, I am more than a bit retro and find it difficult to understand how people can sit on modern day razor blades.
Fortunately, when I returned to road cycling about 20 years ago I immediately found my ideal saddle, the San Marco Rolls :
Not only is it all day comfortable but it looks splendid with its gold rear band and nose badges. The band is immediately identifiable on peloton photos from the 80’s and later. I suspect there may still be a few in use.
Unfortunately, nothing seems to stay perfect for ever and San Marco have replaced the smooth, shiny leather covering with a matt patterned version which does not look so good and also seems to stop you easing your position on it. Not the lightest of saddles but comfort comes before grams and a version is availble with titanium rails and (horror !) even in colours.
I’ve been searching for my ideal saddle for a few years now after an uncomfortable experience with a Spesh Alias (despite getting measured with the memory foam). I really liked the look of the Aliante but just couldn’t bring myself to shell out over £150 without the opportunity to try it first. Instead, I bought the similarly-shaped but cheaper Prologo Scratch Pro Ti 1.4 and, while I’m getting on with it quite well, a little voice keeps telling me I should have gone for the fi’zi:k, or maybe the San Marco Regal-e.
It’s a pity there isn’t a saddle exchange service somewhere where you can trade in your nearly-new saddle that doesn’t suit you for another model that someone else has traded in, thereby eliminating the risk of buying an expensive saddle in the first place.
I can understand why some of you have stockpiles of a favourite model!
Now let’s talk real mens saddles !
A Brooks Team Professional from the late 60’s. I recently acquired this from a clubmate whose behind, if he ever rode it, has left absolutely no impression. But this was the saddle of choice for the hard road man of the era and carefully taken with them when they changed bikes.
You can, ofcourse, buy a Team Professional today, and I have a couple and delightful saddles they are, but wimperly the nose is now covered in leather obscuring all that lovely exposed metal work. I am building up a 531 racer of the period at the moment and intend the Brooks to go on it. However, I have a feeling that I shall feel rather intimidated the first time I throw a leg over it.
Memories and experiences from those who have ridden these monsters would be welcome.
@Vin’cenza
I don’t think I will, just in case it happens that they fit better! I’ll then feel bad about stockpiling Aliantes. I do love the Aliante so much that I’ll just stick with them.
@snoov
Five isn’t really enough, whenever they come up on eBay I just keep buying them (just in case!)
@Clips and Straps
Watchoo talkin bout… I am looking at a two year old Swift and a four year old Team Pro, both with identical copper riveting at front and back.
If anything I would say the Team Pro is slightly more cut away in the mid section, but otherwise identical, with most of the screw exposed.
@minion
So your point is that of three choices one still should get a saddle that fits – and I have never done the bread thing. I just like perpetuating really stupid activities. By the way, how far do one’s sit bones move laterally when ones body moves the few inches between being on the drops or on the top of ones bars? Millimeters? Which brings me to your question about “AFL” – the sport you refer to is actually Australian Rules Football. The greatest ball sport in the world. But I won’t bother trying to convince you of that.
Mini, we would never throw you in a ditch – you would just end up working in one if you came over here. You are just another well balanced kiwi (chips on both shoulders) who would fit in with all your other countrymen over here who perform menial (your name is spot on) tasks in Australia. To paraphrase Judge Smails, our country needs ditch diggers too.
I changed from a normal Arione to the Arione Vs model which fits my body much better. I’ve never had any numbness though, only sore sit bones and soft tissue during and after a long ride, with the Vs, soft tissue pain nearly totally gone.
Copper rivets, yes, but an exposed screw ? I am suprised. None of Brooks current road saddles have this.
http://www.brookssaddles.com/catalogue-and-shop/saddles/road+&+mtb/
Perhaps you were able to get your hands on some old stock, in which case good for you.
@Marcus
It’s like you couldn’t decide if you wanted to play cricket or rugby so you combined the worst of both.
BTW, fuck digging ditches in this place it’s be full of snakes and kill you. Seems like there’s plenty of well balanced career minded Aussies willing to take on that task though.
@Marcus
@minion
Both of you could attempt to do some research concerning sit bones — on your own merit. And then apply to your saddle as you see “fit” ((pun intended here)) and avoid sounding petty.
@Vin’cenza
No no, I like watching them fight about which island is better.
@Vin’cenza
Calm down Champ. You obviously haven’t been around these parts long enough to understand the symbiotic relationship that Minion and I share. Our “petty” exchanges are a key part of this website.
And on that score things have been too nice around here for a long time. I couldn’t give a fuck about a bunch of losers’ having some shit trip to the bowels of Europe. I would like to argue with people about cycling matters. To that end I say that Australia is now the finest all-round cycling country in the world.
@RedRanger
Uh….because I’m an idiot and never mentioned it! In my defense, we did it on the spot and I’d had a wee bit o’ beer by the time we did the interview. Those are a total blast and @packfiller and I are currently discussing how we might collaborate more regularly. Stand by.
I have been through a bunch of saddles in the last few years before finally settling on a Kurve Snake. I tried all of the sit bone measurement tools etc but have found that the sit bone position is less than half the story. Some worked well climbing but were uncomfortable on the flat, others fit the bones but rubbed the inside of my legs etc. for me the only way to choose a saddle is find a shop that lets you try out a variety of saddles on training rides to find the one that suits.
@Marcus
Well touché then — and fuck off !! Mate !
@frank
No worries. Totally enjoyed the interview. Thanks again for the translation. I have a
Rather strange question about setting up a saddle, namely the Arione, when setting it up level how are the rails oriented? I ask cause any time I see a pro bike with the Arione it looks like the rails are actually close to level but that leaves the actual saddle tipped down. Maybe it’s just a trick of perspective but it has me wondering.
like this
or from the cdale site itself
@Clips and Straps
Since all those photos are taken from the rear and above its hardly surprising you don’t see the screw at the front beneath the nose.
Here is my Swift – a thing of beauty and comfort.
@Vin’cenza
Excellent
We were first introduced when I was just 19. I didn’t realize at the time that we were made for each other. Within a few short months, and following our first good rides, it became clearer – the fit was perfect. A decade of near bliss ensued. And then, although nothing had changed, I noticed I began to look at other saddles. Worse still, sometimes others men’s saddles too. I knew it was wrong, but it was so easy and felt exciting. There was nothing wrong with mine, deep down I knew this, but I began to think that another one could be better – they looked younger, racier, and faster. It wasn’t long before my pain began, but I kept going back for more. Saddle number 1 was discarded.
Now, a further ten years on, I have realized my folly. A saddle is for life. And, actually, comfort is everything. Today I’m without a saddle at all, unless you count the cheap plastic ones I use from time to time. Most days it is just me and my seatpost.
I’d give anything for the return of saddle number 1.
My name is Monty. And I’ve been a completely selfish idiot.
@Marcus
On that note, Cobo > Cadel, mate!
@RedRanger
I think all of those are Antares, which has a bit of a kick up in the back. One from the site looks pretty level. On the others it’s hard to say; judging by the perspective it’s shot with a wide angle lens which can warp the perspective.
P.S. The Swift has Ti rails so it is a modern version.
On the Rolls, I used to have one of those. I believe Stuey O’Grady used one for a long time too.
Personally I didn’t find it that comfortable – the San Marco Rolls is a formed shell covered with leather, so it doesn’t mold the way that the Brooks does, which has no backing or shell underneath.
It is hard to see in photos but my Brooks are so molded to me they are shaped differently on left and right, as I have one leg slightly longer than the other. Because my right leg comes down more the saddles are noticeably lower on that side.
And for anybody who is wondering why that screw is there, it connects to a sort of frame supporting the leather. You turn it slightly every year to keep the tension in the leather and stop it from sagging. You used to need a special tool from Brooks but in a radical innovation they now use a standard bolt.
I chose to ride fi’zi:k on three bikes, and I’ve never looked back. They each have a different shape and contour, but I have a slightly different position on each bike. My road bike has the Antares, ‘cross bike has the Tundra, and my single-speed rigid 29er has the Arione CX.
@Marcus
Can’t win a a team pursuit or match sprint to save your freckly country though can you.
Keep up princess, I AM in your country, residing in the retirement village you call Canberra, tuning your women and bludging off your social welfare.
Yeah Australia would be a good place to ride if New Zealand wasn’t better. And there was a fucken hill within 200km of anything including other hills.
@Monty
Alright all, I’ll deal with the elephant in the room that is this post.
I was smiling away when I read the first few lines, knowing where it was going, but enjoying it anyway.
Then.
“Today I’m without a saddle at all, unless you count the cheap plastic ones I use from time to time. Most days it is just me and my seatpost.”
WTF??
Too much info, Monty, too much. I really hope you can act on some of the recommendations above and find a good saddle, cos you are definitely in a bad place right now.
@minion
Canberra?!? Great choice. Hope that it’s a really special guy you have chased there.
@ChrisO
Jeepers, I’d be tightening that tension screw quickly before your sag is irreversible!
@Oli
But if that happens he could just go back to the guys he bought it from and claim warranty:
@Blah
Ahahahahaaa! BRILLIANT!
@minion
Two things:
Canberra is not in Australia. It exists in a parallel plane known only as satans bottom. Anything of any nature that has anything or anyone to do with it does not really exist. There is simply no excuse for living there – none – bar the fact it is 1.5 hours drive from the tallest mountain ( kosciusko ) in Australia – and some spectacular cycling country. But you knew that.
Carry on.