probable556

Are they handmade and worth it or just a designer item with a huge markup?

unbelievably

Are they really so dear?
Seems to me,
that around here they are in the upper,middle range of saddle pricing.

the beef

Most road cycling stuff, especially the kind that's discussed here on BF in high regard, falls into the second category.

DrPete 

They're a small-volume product that's made out of fancy materials (the shells of the higher end models are made of CF under that padding.

I had an Aliante that was extremely comfortable, but I had a problem with the carbon fiber rails, i.e. they broke. But I'm a big boy (200#), so take that for what it's worth.

Avalanche325

Because Italian leather, composite frame, and titanium rails are for the discriminating buyer.

A slice of dead cow's skin, plastic, and a couple of metal tubes just won't cut it.

grahny

ummm... isn't that called a "Brooks" ... must be some high quality dead cow

DXchulo

Anything that makes your taint happy is worth the money.

DrPete 

+1.

DXchulo

I'm actually considering one of these, which is convincing me that I'm losing my mind.



Not cheap, either.

johnny99

Fizik has several models under $50. They don't get much press, though.

probable556

I agree 1000%.

I don't mind spending that much on something that I'm in contact with almost the entire ride. Problem is that if you spend $200 and don't really like it you are stuck. Guess you can always resell on ebay. No chance I spend $150 on a CF stem.

daytonian

or light

Proximo

The Aliante Sport Ti is a much cheaper OEM-only version of the Aliante Ti and can be found regularly on ebay in new or like-new condition for ~$30. The Sport model is cheaper primarily because it has a plastic frame instead of carbon fiber. Other than that, it's hard to tell them apart. I have one of each and both are pretty comfy.

DrPete 

I should add that Specialized saddles seem to be the sleeper that not many people think about. When I broke my Aliante I was able to get a quick replacement and team discount on a Specialized Toupe, so I reluctantly switched from my tried-and-true Aliante to the Toupe, and I've been very pleased with it so far, in fact quite comparable in comfort to the Aliante. Super comfy, very light, lots of bling, and cheaper than the high-end Fiziks by quite a bit. Just a thought.

And probable, I see you're in NoVA. Capitol Hill Bikes actually has both the Fizik and Specialized saddles in the shop, and the Specialized ass-o-meter to size your saddle.

DXchulo

You'd get most of your money back on eBay for a Fizik for sure. It's a better gamble than trying a bunch of cheap saddles that nobody will buy back.

FrankBattle 

I'm convinced the more it costs, the more we make up cuckoo reasons it must be worth all the money.

I won't say anything about or against said saddles as my bum prefers ones with cutouts in them; some of those cost just as much, but I don't buy those.

SaddleBags

I'm a big fan of the Fizik Arione and want to try the Toupe but haven't gotten the courage up to go up to the sales guy to measure my sit bone area.

CrimsonKarter21

I paid $90 for my red/silver Arione Ti with a the standard carbon shell. It was brand new on Ebay, came in it's box, and it's cardboard carrier, too. I'm willing to trade it FYI, it's in the trade topic.

Shifty

They cost more because they NEVER hurt the bum! Pay it, you'll never be sorry!

Oleanshoebox

+1

Cutouts are the best.

monk

They're well-made, light and comfortable. Don't regret the $200 I spent on my Aliante.

oilman_15106

No more expensive than other high end saddles. Mfg. suggested price is a figment of some bean counters dreams.

DrPete 

Don't worry. The ass-o-meter is just a memory foam pad that you sit on for a few seconds. Your sit bones make an impression on it, then you measure the distance between them and factor in the type of bike/riding you do to find the right saddle width. I promise you won't feel dirty.

clausen

Spent more on my Selle Italia flyte gel flow then my arione. The arione I also find much more comfortable and lighter.

cs1

Saddles made from dead cow hides routinely fetch retail on ebay in used condition. The sellers call it "broken in." Used Fizik's are called broke. For some reason the used Fizik isn't held in as high esteem.

Tim