nesdog

I know it's all subjective. Having said that, now looking at the Aliante and Antares, both in the Versus model and the Flite. So some feedback requested. Particularly if you switched to the VS model from the standard.

I have an Aliante standard and rode it for several years. It was comfortable but did create some manly issues. So I jumped to the Avatar, going for a cut out saddle. After several months, and two fittings, I'm having so many knee issues I never had before. I'm convinced the problem is the shape of the saddle in how it causes my legs/hips, etc. to line up. Okay, maybe sounds stupid but that's what it is.

But don't know if the Aliante VS channel is more hype or actually does anything. I'm considering the Antares as it is described as flat/wide. (the Aliante as waved and wide)

Thanks.....

kleinboogie

Also would like to hear reviews on the Antares VS. I have the regular Antares carbon rail saddle and love it. Cheers

Adrianinkc

I own two aliante's and one is the VS, I do like it better in the sense of no pressure in the middle. It does feel different than the regular saddle, but to be honest I find both very comfortable.

nesdog

How does the VS model feel different? Some months ago, I tried out the VS. It felt more solid than my regular Aliante however I chalked that up to the fact that I bought mine on Ebay somewhat used plus it had broken in over time. I wasn't sure if I could feel the difference of the channel though. Is it noticable for you?

Adrianinkc

I do agree about more solid, I believe it's because of the edges of the channel. The channel is noticeable to me in the form of pressure relief. When I bought my saddle I was able to talk to a fizik rep and he said fizik saddles do not break in, you just get used to it or you don't.

kleinboogie

I guess I should mention that I'm looking at the VS for my TT bike. Thanks

nesdog

Unless the saddle is made of concrete, it will break in somehow, even if it's a small amount. If you are getting pressure relief, then that would suggest feeling more in the sitbones. This was what I found right away with the Avatar. It's not uncomfortable, just different.
Don't mean to get too picky...so in going between your two versions, regular and channel, you are still feeling the same basic level of comfort? I remember when I first tried out the Aliante a few years ago, it felt like a nice hammock compared to my SLK. Don't want to lose that but definately need to get that relief working so I am hoping it's the same saddle just with a channel.

BlueWilier

I moved from a really light Selle Italia to a Fizik Antares VS. I like it. I have to run the nose up just slightly to make me "naturally" want to put my bones on the back, but the recessed taint trough is great! I have really large junk so, perhaps this isn't a problem for everyone, but for the gifted (such as myself) this seat is great!

Pace

I've tried several saddles from Fizik and the Aliante VS is very comfy.

Adrianinkc

IMHO, the hammock is there but you don't feel it. I do like the VS better.

nesdog

Thanks. Think I'll take a swing by the LBS tonight after work and see what I can do. Given everything I've tried, I'm pretty sure that the shape of the Avatar is creating my problem with getting proper fit...maybe a touch tall in one spot, short in another, either way, it's wrecking havoc. Weird...nonetheless, guess I'll end up selling the Avatar and trying out the VS.

Appreciate the feedback. I'll post back results when I know 'em.

Spacemunky

Get a Specialized Romin....I went from Aliante to Arione to Romin and I can safely say you arent sitting on your sit bones with anything fizik makes even though I love their look.

You cant lean into your sit bones with a center pad crushing your taint, if you can, you're just sucking up the pain for no reason

Terex

Selle SMP FTW. I have Arione and Antares. SMP, in the proper width, set up correctly, will be the best. See Steve Hogg bike fitting blog.

I assume that you are looking for a saddle for static riding postion. For more dynamic riding (combination of hills, rollers and flats) Arione is best.

jfdawson

I have both the Aliante and the Max Flite Gel Flow. The Flite ( 130 ) and the Max Flite ( 146 ) so the "max" version is for wider sit bones. I prefer the Max Flite over the Aliante. My reason is the Aliante is more of a "sit in one place" type of saddle and difficult to move around. I find it to be a great saddle for < 50 miles, but longer rides I start to get tired putting more of my weight on the saddle vs. my legs. Having limited ability to move around makes it sort of uncomfortable on longer rides. The Flite and Max Flite are a more flat saddle so you can move up to the nose of the saddle or sit back and it's fine in both positions. For this reason, I give the edge to the Max Flite. I have the Kium rails on the fizik and Vanox rails on the Max Flite.

Hope this helps..

JD