Fizik has relaunched the Arione saddle. The long, flat, narrow, low-weight saddle was launched in 2003 and became a must-have for racers until the mid-2010s, when short-nosed saddles came into fashion.
The relaunched Arione is available with lightweight materials, with a conventionally padded upper as well as a new 3D-printed version.
Fizik says the flat profile and narrow width are designed to offer freedom of movement when racing. It states that this enables a rider to find their ideal power and comfort centres, and reduces pressure when adopting an aero position.
There are two widths available for the Arione, 135mm and 145mm, both with 284mm length. That’s almost 40mm longer than a typical short-nosed saddle.
Adaptive or EVA padding
The 3D-printed Adaptive padding is designed to offer zonal cushioning, relying on a more yielding central section for comfort. Fizik claims the 3D-printed surface improves weight distribution and offers a 60% reduction in peak saddle pressure.
The second option includes injected low-profile EVA padding with a non-slip surface texture. While the Arione originally had a flat surface, the relaunched saddle includes a central pressure-relief channel in the EVA top.
Both saddle tops are mounted on Fizik’s R1 shell, which combines carbon rails with a carbon-reinforced nylon shell.
You can also get the new Arione and Arione Adaptive saddles on Fizik's lower-spec R3 shell, which combines a carbon-reinfored nylon shell with the brand's patented Kium alloy rails.
The standard Arione, with its padded upper, is also available on Fizik's R5 body with S-alloy rails and a carbon-reinfored nylon shell.
The 135mm saddle has a claimed 184g weight with a 3D-printed upper and 147g with EVA padding. The 145mm width has a stated weight of 190g with a 3D-printed upper and 152g with an EVA upper.
For triathletes, the Arione offers the option to add a bottle cage at the rear.
A retro choice?
The relaunched Arione is the longest saddle Fizik offers and bucks the modern trend for short, wide short-nosed saddles.
Short-nosed saddles have been promoted for their ability to hold a rider in one position, without shifting while riding – precisely the opposite of Fizik’s claims for the Arione. This potentially reduces the risk of saddle discomfort from saddle sores and lower-back pain.
They’re favoured, too, for their comfort in a more aggressive aero position and enable the saddle to be positioned further forward over the pedals. In combination with the steeper seat tube angles favoured on modern race bikes, this can open up the hip angle and potentially enable the rider to deliver more power.
For racers, a short-nosed saddle also lowers the risk of contravening the UCI’s regulation requiring the saddle nose to be 50mm behind the bottom bracket centre.
As such, the relaunched Arione saddle is rather regressive, tending to favour a ride position that’s more set back. Will it catch on again? For some riders, the ability to shift around when riding will be welcome, while others may still prefer the locked-in feel of a short-nosed design.
Fizik Arione prices
- Arione Adaptive R1: £299.99 / $329.99 / €299
- Arione Adaptive R3: £259.99 / $289.99 / €259
- Arione R1 Light: £199.99 / $229.99 / €199
- Arione R3: £149.99 / $174.99 / €149
- Arione R5: £99.99 / $119.99 / €99
