New Saddle - Arione alternatives

meesterbond

Ok, so I know everyone's Aris is different and what works for one person might not for another but has anyone moved on from a Fizik Arione with any success.

Been using the Fizik for a while and whilst it's always been reasonably comfortable I'm finding that as my position has got a bit more aggressive, pelvis rotated forward more, it's digging it more. Far more noticeable on the turbo than on the road but even there the numbness of the gentleman's area is starting earlier than it used to.

I'd like to try something else, even if just to get a comparison. It would be nice if it was a bit lighter as well...

Any ideas?

twist83

I am a fan of the Fabric saddles. Take a look at them. VERY reasonable as well. They also let you try one and then another if it does not suit. They do a specific shape for someone who likes an aggressive ride position.

For me the most comfortable saddles have always been the Specialized ones though. But the fabric is a very close second.

cookeeemonster

I just replaced a fizik arione r7 for a fabric line saddle due to the fizik base cracking...I like it a lot. Possibly better saddles out there if you want to pay for it but for £39.99 I was impressed.

prhymeate

I rode an Arione for about 7/8 months which was ok but became a bit uncomfortable after 40+ miles. I tried the Arione VSX with the relief zone and it was the most uncomfortable ride I've ever had. I ended up going for a saddle fit at Cadence in Crystal Palace (not sure where you are located but I'd recommend it if you're local) and came out with a Selle Italia Novus Flow. I have found it so much better...that combined with some new bib shorts and I've never been more comfortable. It's a bit of a pricey gamble if you aren't able to try before you buy though.

bendertherobot

Swapped from arione to r3 aliante. Very nice

flasher

I've been riding Ariones for the past 8 years without issue, then early last year I started to get uncomfortable on longer runs, so have been trying assorted saddles since and after a long and expensive road have settled on the Antares.

JesseD

Moved from Selle Italia to Fizik Antares to Fizik Arione and for the road find the Arione very comfortable although on a couple of rides recently I have found my nads getting a bit sore, but on the rollers I get numb knackers after about 30 minutes.

May have a look at those Fabric saddles as well.

meesterbond

I'd not heard of Fabric but the 60 day exchange looks interesting... the ALM is pretty light too.

bendertherobot

Fabric is what charge used to be

g00se

I've ridden Charge and Fabric for a while but ended up with numb bits on the turbo this winter (even on the new cut-out versions). I've tried Arione and suffered similar. I found the Fabrics much more comfortable - but that's just personal.

I've got a Specialised Power which keeps the old fella happy, especially in the drops. However, not the most comfortable for me. So I'm trying Selle Italia at the moment. If you can try a Power, then do.

For me, I've found the numb issue fixed by a large, forward cutout - not just a standard channel. So may try the Selle Italia superflows next.

singleton

A lot of people seem to make "flat" saddles and "rounded" saddles - to suit different shape backsides.
I now have the same saddle on both bikes - Prologo Nago Evo (wierd name) which is described by Prologo as "semi-round".

There are lots of versions of the basic saddle - different rails, different materials on top (basic rails with regular maerial on my winter bike and the lighter rails with cpc version on my summer bike) and each comes with or without cut-outs (what prologo calls 'PAS" models) of each - so the range is broad and can be confusing.

http://www.prologotouch.com/saddles/

ryanshattered

I had a Fabric Scoop Shallow Elite previously, which is intended for standard road bike position (e.g. compact/sportive type position), I found it very comfortable for short rides but anything over about 10 miles led to significant perineum pressure. Going over bumps in the road was painful.

I've switched to a Specialized Romin Evo and it's great so far, although only done 5-10 mile trips, it feels a lot 'freer' - a lot more like all the weight is on the sit bones where it should be. Going for a 40 mile ride tomorrow so I'm hoping it stays comfortable throughout. I found it quite hard initially, but now I can do my 5 mile commute in un-padded shorts (days where I go to the gym first thing) in complete comfort.

Brian B

I had the exact same issues as the op with my Arione in regards to ocassional numbness and increasing to slight numbness during a 45 minute spin session. I had changed my position on the bike as well and after that the saddle was no longer any good for me. Expensive to change as I had three of them and one was a carbon rail job which at the time was expensive.

I swapped to the selle italia superflo and have to say it's very comfy and no issues at all even doing up to 150-200mils rides. Good quality and you can order a couple of different sizes to suit your sit bones. Don't be put off with the cut out as its very good looking saddle when fitted. Read the reviews on the link below.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/sell ... lsrc=aw.ds

step83

I have the Max flow SLR from Selle Italia seems OK though im half tempted to look at something a bit more friendly. Bonus of the big cuts outs though its you can pick up the bike by them Though does mean you sometimes get crud flicked up there.

JesseD

As it happens my LBS has just started stocking Fabric saddles as I found out yesterday lunch time when I popped in for a coffee, must admit they look pretty well made.

Reckon I am going to try the Fabric Scoop Flat Elite or Shallow Elite and see how I get on.

bbrap

I ride Ariones on both summer and winter bikes and they are OK for day long rides. However, if I am off the bike for an extended period I find them a bit of a pain in the arse till the old botty toughens up a bit. I use a broken in Brooks B17 which causes no issues even when coming back from a 4 month break (hit by car) to get things going then swap back. If I were doing a two week tour I would be using the Brooks no matter what it weighs or looks like on a plastic fantastic.

SCR Pedro

I had an Arione VSX, and didn't get on with it. It was too narrow and hard. I then replaced it with a Selle Italia Max SLS Flow, which weighs the same, is also flat with a cutout, and is a lot more comfortable for me.

meesterbond

Thanks for the all the suggestions. Thought I'd take a bit of a punt and went for the SLR Tekno Flow with the mahoosive cut out. Only 100g or so, so nice and light too!

Either a selection of Ariones or a nearly new SLR will be hitting the classifieds soon.

zefs

I swapped from a Selle Italia Max Flite to R3 Aliante and it seems a lot more comfortable on the long rides (100k's). The max flite was giving me issues on the 50k mark.