Fizik Arione R1 saddle

It might be expensive but the new Fizik Arione R1 saddle is lightweight and very, very comfortable.

Fizik released the first Arione back in 2002 and it has become a modern classic loved by many. It's a little risky, then, to redesign it, but Fizik have released three new models: the 00, this R1, and the R3. For details on the range, check out our previous story.

The R1 comes with a carbon themoplastic composite WingFlex shell. WingFlex? Essentially, the shell is designed so that the sides will bend a little when your thighs push down so as not to impede your pedalling. The nose is just the slightest bit wider than previously and there's a little more padding there.

The cover is Microtex – a synthetic material rather than leather – while the rails are carbon braided – 'a sleeve of braided carbon fibers filled with unidirectional carbon fibres' in Fizik's own words. They support the whole of the shell from nose to tail. In terms of weight, our review saddle hit the road.cc Scales of Truth at 148g – just a smidge higher than Fizik's claimed 145g.

That's light. If you want a lighter saddle you can find one but Fizik say they weren't willing to compromise comfort here - and they haven't. This is the most comfortable Arione I've ever used.

I'm recovering from a broken elbow at the moment (I know, tragic) and so when I'm riding I've been unable to get out of the saddle as much as usual. My arm isn't that strong yet so I'm spending a lot of time sitting down. Despite that, I've been really comfy on the Arione.

I find the amount of flex in the shell and the degree of padding to be bang on. The Arione softens the bumps and checks vibration just enough without isolating you totally from useful road feedback. I have an Arione here from way back that I've always found a little too harsh for long-ride comfort. The R1 is more forgiving; the padding on the nose is more effective. If you don't really notice the saddle too much on a long ride, that's always a good thing, and I've found that to be the case here.

I've got on well with the shape too, particularly the nose width. I'm never totally sure why the Arione needs to extend that far to the rear – it's 30cm long and I never use the whole thing – but it's there if you want to shift your weight all the way back there.

The Arione is intended for riders with a flexible spine. Fizik's Spine Concept is designed to put you on a saddle that's right for your level of flexibility so go to the website and see what they reckon is best for you.

Verdict

Lightweight and extremely comfortable – the only downside is the price.