johngwheeler

I did a 100km ride last weekend, which was my longest ride to date, using a Fizik Antares VS saddle on my Giant CX bike.

After about 50km I really started to notice saddle pressure both around my sit-bones and pretty much all of the soft-tissue in contact with the saddle. It wasn't painful and didn't cause any numbness, but it was uncomfortable.

Back home on the trainer I measured by saddle set-back compared to my other bike, and it was slightly further back (maybe 80-85mm vs 75mm). I also found that the Fizik saddle (pictured) has a relatively short length of "wide section" and I had to shuffle back to locate my sit-bones in the wide area.

FixizAntaresVS.jpg

I moved my saddle forward about 12mm (about as far as it will go), which I hope will make my sit-bones fall more naturally onto the wider section.


I'm curious whether the Fizik saddles have a "sweet-spot" that is further to the rear than other saddles? I haven't noticed this problem with the stock saddle fitted on the bike, but then again, I never rode the same distance with the old saddle.

The potential down-side of this is that I may have moved my balance point a bit further forward because I have less saddle space to push by butt back onto (e.g. when getting low on the drops). This in turn means I have a bit more weight on my hands and can't lift my hands off the bars without tipping forward (unless I sit upright). I need more core strength I think to overcome the compromise between saddle set-back, balance and bar reach.

SevenTwentyNine

No idea - I'd say it's more about your angle of sitting. I ride with the Fizik Arione VSX and have a relative high saddle to bar drop because it's friendlier to leaning at lot more forward. Even then every once in a while I will sit back.

I'm just putting you issue as more likely down to the length of the ride than anything inherent with the saddle. Sit in any position long enough and the pressure/contact point will let you know via sending pain to your brain.

You're riding Antares so you're more in the middle range, I'd say try to find that middle balance, if it continues, lean forward more, if it doesn't get better sit up more. All trial and error.

johngwheeler

Ah! good point! It does feel more comfortable if I get into a more aggressive low-down position by pivoting forward and bending my elbows more. I chose the Antares as a sort of middle-ground, although I'm quite capable of touching my toes with my legs straight.

I'm wondering whether the wider Aliante would be a better choice for longer rides where there is more time spent in a more upright endurance-riding position.

Jazzguitar

I would take their fitting "system" with a grain of salt. Based on their flexibility chart I would be a snake or chameleon but having owned both the Antares and Arione I actually prefer the Aliante saddle. Try a bunch out and go with whatever feels the best.

Silvercivic27

I think the question is...have YOU found the animal that is within you?

Fiery

I would say that the sitting position on the Antares is, if not average, actually a bit further forward than average. However, I found it not supportive enough for my anatomy and preferred position; even though the rear is wide, the transition to the nose is very abrupt and the middle section sinks between the rami bones and causes pressure on the soft tissues. This can be alleviated by sliding further back on the saddle, but then the wings dig into the thighs. But everyone is different, so maybe sitting a little further back will work for you.

johngwheeler

Thanks. I also found that the wide part is only comfortable at a pretty limited position along the length of the saddle. I was getting too much pressure if I was only about 1cm (subjectively) further forward. I've moved the saddle forward a bit (12mm) so I'll have to see if this is actually more comfortable, or whether I get any friction issues.

rpenmanparker 

Maybe you just need a wide saddle, period. I found that going from 127 mm to 143 mm fixed my saddle issues.