Test: At first glance, saddles are all somehow the same. But if you deal more intensively with the topic and even try out different models, you can quickly find out that every saddle has its own peculiarities. Thanks to the Fizik Spine concept, every rider should be able to choose the perfect saddle based on their individual type. In addition to the right saddle shape, Fizik also offers variations in the construction of the saddle to adapt it to the respective area of use. With the Fizik Arione R1, the Arione R3 Regular and the Arione R3 Open EVO, we tested three different models from the Arione series.
Right at the beginning we naturally asked ourselves what makes a good saddle, since, as already mentioned, it is all about very individual points. On the one hand, the workmanship was of course a very important point for us, since nothing can be more annoying than a wrinkled upper material, which will almost certainly lead to seating problems. In our case, of course, compatibility with the respective area of application also plays an important role. Are there really differences, is one saddle really more suitable for gravel rides and the other is more likely designed for use on the road?!
Fizik Spine concept
According to the Fizik Spine Concept Evo, rider types are determined on the basis of flexibility and pelvic rotation and, as a result, the right saddle is selected. Because the flexibility of the spine and the rotation of the pelvis determine which saddle fits the respective rider. The following categories were named for this:
• Snake - Has high body flexibility and no pelvic rotation when pedaling; needs a flat saddle, Fizik Arion
• Chameleon – Shows medium body flexibility and low pelvic rotation when kicking; requires an intermediate profile, Fizik Antares.
• Bull – Low body flexibility and high pelvic rotation when pedaling; needs a twisted saddle, fizik aliante.
Fizik Arione R1 Versus EVO Regular - The high-end racer
The new Fizik Arione R1 offers an incomparable level of comfort for racing cyclists thanks to the Versus technology and the Spine concept. At just 185 grams, the saddle offers an optimal mix of performance, comfort and low weight. During assembly, we noticed the roughened struts, which were developed according to the Braided Carbon System and are intended to offer the saddle significantly more support without having to tighten it.
Special feature of the Fizik Arione R1 is the technology of the new Versus Evo series. This combines the proven benefits of the Spine Konzept Evo system and the Versus canal to offer road riders a high level of comfort. Versus is a basic concept with an ergonomic channel running the full length of the saddle. All Fizik Versus saddles, including the Fizik Arione R3, feature a 7mm deep longitudinal channel to reduce pressure on soft tissue. This way you can prevent pressure points and ensure better pressure distribution to make the rides more comfortable. On our test rides you could clearly feel how the pressure was taken off the soft tissue and distributed to the surrounding regions.
In order to increase the elasticity of the saddle cover, i.e. the upper material, the abrasion-resistant Light Microtex cover is no longer glued to the underlying Comfort Core padding when constructing the Fizik Arione R1, which ensures a more pleasant riding experience. Here the entire Fizik Versus Evo range has been designed with a carbon reinforced nylon shell that has the structural flexibility to adapt to the forces acting between rider and road. At the widest point of the saddle, the so-called Wing Flex technology also adapts to the shape of the inner thighs, which means you no longer have to worry about chafing on the inside. Due to the comfortable and extremely light construction in connection with a good pressure distribution, we see the Arione R1 Versus EVO as the perfect choice for thoroughbred racers and those who want to become one.
Fizik Arione R3 Regular – The all-rounder
The Fizik Arione R3 is particularly characterized by its length. Because it is longer than any other saddle and runs completely flat from the nose to the end of the saddle. This allows you to find your optimal sitting position because you have enough space to move. The narrow nose can be a bit annoying, as the pressure can be concentrated there. Due to the length, you can almost tilt the pelvis so that you almost lie on the saddle, which can be very comfortable, especially in aerodynamic seating positions.
Technically, the Fizik Arione R3 is equipped with a composite nylon shell with laminated glass, which offers great support with optimized stiffness at a lower weight. With the so-called Wing-Flex technology, flexibility is improved on the outer edge of the saddle, where the rider's thighs meet the saddle. With exactly 200 grams, the Arione R3 offers a wide range of uses thanks to its long shape and is particularly recommended for sporty beginners. For us, this saddle is a complete all-rounder that can be used anywhere.
Fizik Arione R3 Open Regular – The comfortable one
As the name suggests, the Fizik Arione R3 Open is characterized by its opening in the middle of the saddle. With its anatomical shape and advanced technology, materials and quality finishing, the Arione R3 Open is a saddle for those who want a flat saddle profile and a cut-out to avoid pressure and numbness. The cut-out in the middle is extremely comfortable, especially on bumpy ground, without uncomfortable pressure in the surrounding areas.
The Arione R3 Open features a carbon-reinforced nylon composite shell and a strong, corrosion-resistant K:ium rail. A Comfort Core foam layer beneath the clean, durable Microtex cover provides comfort, which is enhanced by the fully anatomical cutout by relieving pressure on the rider's sensitive soft tissues and ensuring they are supported across the saddle's entire surface.
With the anatomical cut-out shape and advanced technology, materials and processing, the Arione R3 is a performance saddle for those who need a flat saddle profile and a cut-out to avoid pressure and numbness. For us, the saddle is not only used on longer road trips, but also fits perfectly on the crosser or gravel bike due to its comfort. During our test, we were able to determine the greatest advantages of the Open technology here, since on the one hand the pressure is distributed extremely well even on uneven ground and on the other hand the construction of the R3 Open also absorbs smaller impacts somewhat.
Fizik ICS - interface for more compatibility
Each of the Fizik saddles features an ICS interface in the saddle base, which allows for quick and easy attachment and removal of Integrated Clip System accessories such as the Fizik Kli:k saddlebags or the Fizik Lumo and Blin:k lights, for which none tools are needed.