Fizik Arione and Bikefit

mr_mojo

I turn up for my local bike shop ride on Saturday morning and one of the shop employees start giving me a load of grief about my saddle choice, a Fizik Arione. According to him it is the worst saddle for fit and power output, he claimed I would gain 20 watts by changing to a different (not stating what) saddle.

I have the Arione on six of my bikes, although I’ve never had a bikefit I don’t find this saddle uncomfortable or any noticeable drop of power. My local bike shop is a reputable shop with a good record for bike fit setups. Anybody else heard of this about the Arione or can advise it what is been said is true.

earthvspace4XTuUWcX

Lots of pros use them, and sure they wouldn't want to lose 20W, I think he's talking rubbish.

amrushton

He wouldn't happen to have the ideal saddle for you in the shop would he? Name and shame the shop. How does he know about the fit and power output? Has he sat watching the power output of every rider using that saddle on a display. It's what works for you.

cougie

20w is huge. He's talking rubbish.

paulwood

This thread was started on 1st April right?

If genuine then I use Arione saddles despite being the wrong body shape according to Fizik and I find them just fine.

aberdeenal

Damn! I could have saved ££££££££'s if I had just changed out my Arione saddle!

mr_mojo

Genuine post, no April Fool joke.

I didn’t believe what was said, I struggled to understand how the saddle can make so much difference to my power when I find it comfortable.

shirley_basso

Then the guy is completely wrong.

Easy way to find out. Do some form of FTP / ramp test on your bike on an accurate / repeatable turbo trainer. Following week repeat with another saddle.

pippi_langsamer-2

What an utter pellet.

Probably knows that changing saddles is potentially very lucrative for him/them. Half-dozen saddles at (for example), £80 each? That's a lot of £££ for a retailer. Been there, done that.

I used Ariones for over a decade on all my bikes. Fantastic saddles if they suit you. I just got to a point I decided I needed a cut out and something a bit more forgiving of my 46 years

Sutton_Rider

Have you asked him how he reached this conclusion and what evidence he has? Put his statement to the Manager and ask for verification. If found to be bull, name and shame.

svetty

Sutton Rider wrote:

Have you asked him how he reached this conclusion and what evidence he has? Put his statement to the Manager and ask for verification. WHEN found to be bull, name and shame.

joey54321

I would stop using that shop.

greasedscotsman

Sutton Rider wrote:

If found to be bull...

Probably better off with an Aliante...

https://www.fizik.com/uk_en/spine-concept-evo-animal

joey54321

Svetty wrote:

Sutton Rider wrote:

WHEN found to be bull, name and shame.

I don't believe the bull, snake thing. According to them I should be a snake as I have very flexible hamstring and can very easily touch my toes/lay my palms on the floor. However, I find the Arione to be very uncomfortable (which is a shame as it looks great! :P )

I would name and shame the shop now.

mrb123

Inform Fizik. See if he still dishes out that advice after he has had the "cease and desist" letter from their lawyers...

philbar72

I've seen slight improvements from saddle changes, but 20 watts is nonsensical. a lot of bikefitters don't seem to like the oem saddle that comes with the bike

First.Aspect

It is quite a heavy saddle, which could account for a few hundred watts. Plus all that flex means you are wasting energy heating up the carbon fibre of the shell.

These statements are as accurate as the advice you've received.

Bumo_b

He is right about the saddle. I also have a cream I can sell you for £80 that you rub on your temples and it will save you another 40W.
The only way his statement can be true is if you are riding an ill-fitting uncomfortable saddle. Since you find it comfortable, it is a load of Bollix!

Alejandrosdog

If you’re not a triathlete, there’s no need to believe him