Bioluminescence

Would it be worth upgrading my stock saddle to a Fizik? I've heard a lot about them, but they seem a bit pricey. So, is the money worth in comparison to other, similar saddles?

BarryJo

Saddles are the most subjective part of a bike.
Some people will tell you Fiz:k, others SMP, while I personally would recommend Specialized Romin.
The best way to tell what's right for your ass is to go to your LBS and ask if they have any demo saddles you can try out for a couple hundred miles.
I had a Fizik I didn't like, test rode a SMP Evolution, and ended up with a Romin for both my bikes.

Bioluminescence

Demo saddles, huh? Do they charge anything?

M_FactorX19

ive never tried one but ive also heard great things. the question really is though is it the right saddle for you. does your stock saddle bother you? if so then yes it is worth trying something new. this can be a long process to find the one that is just right and everyone is different. most bike shops have a saddle loan program to help you find one that works for you without having to buy them to try them. you could also try to find one used and if you like it buy a new one. i really like my Sellle Italia SLR Fibra but im sure its not for everyone.

Bioluminescence

No, not really. I'm just sure there are more comfortable things out there.

BarryJo

Demo = Test, no charge.
I'd stay away from any shop that did try and charge you.

What saddle are you currently riding?

ScoJo

Usually they'll charge you a deposit, which you can get back when you return the demo saddle or they'll credit it towards a purchase.

rangerdavid

I tried one, and sold it shortly thereafter. Too narrow for me. I just bought the Specialized Toupe in the 143 (or is it 145) width. Its the BOMB!! fizik was just too narrow for me.

uncrx2003

I just got the Fizik Antares. I believe it's 145 mm width. Very comfortable so far.

bostongarden

I love my Arione. Indeed, however, preferences vary. Also, good prices on eBay.

ThinLine

Subjective indeed although Fizik does make a very high quality saddle of ergonomic technology. I like their Arione, also riding a Token race saddle.

St_Pete_Speed

I have have been riding my Aliante for years. However, you really need to demo saddles to know.

M_FactorX19

well thats good at least you have something to fall back on. if it doesnt bother you though why change?

inkspot

I have an Arione, very comfortable. Unless there's a trial saddle somewhere, it's tough to drop a buck on a unknown, though.

and1homer

It is totally subjective - no one can say if it works for you, but you. If you want to get a new saddle, you should measure your arse, check it against a sizing chart (like this one), and find a saddle the right width. And/or - as stated above - test ride the ones that might fit, see what works best. Starting with a brand choice is probably not ideal.

For example, I'm swapping out my stock (Giant) saddle. I tried the Fi'zi:k for my width and style (Aliante, for 'Bulls'). It hurt just as badly as my Giant, if not worse.

I have relatively wide sit-bones (120-125mm), and need a wider saddle (145-150mm). None of the Fi'zi:k saddles are over 142mm.

I testing the wider Selle Italia SL Flow (147mm) and it feels great; I'm trying out the Selle SMP Pro (148mm) on Monday.

YMMV.

Wylde06

Definitely try to demo a saddle/saddles at your LBS. I got lucky and the Arione was the first one I tried and ended up buying

mazdaspeed

I like my arione but I think the pave CX HP is far more comfortable, if you can find one.

2ndGen

1) Yes, "if" the saddle fits you and if your OEM saddle is not as good as a Fizik.
2) "pricey" is relative. I believe that they are well priced for the value they provide.
A little research can get you a good deal. Any $100. Fizik is almost as great as their saddles costing twice as much.
3) Yes. It is worth it in comparison to other similar saddles (see #1 & #2 again).

They are handmade and use the best materials.
My Fizik Aliante Carbon Railed Saddle turned my 2 hour limit of riding into limitLESS riding
(my OEM saddles would hurt me far too much after a couple of hours).
IMO, the $185. I spent for it was very much worth it.
I never regretted getting it and appreciate it every time I ride it.
"Better" is always better.

surgeonstone

Fizik is over priced and uncomfortable- for me at least. I put over a thousand miles on the Arione and felt like I was being fisted on every one of them. Then tried the Aliante with the same results. The Specialized Romin is a good and relatively cheap saddle, looks nice as well. I have ridden one of those for several thousand miles now but had to stop due to pain from scar tissue beneath my right sit bone (had a right hip replacement 2.5 years ago). So I thought , which one next. I went back to the old standby, Brooks professional. First mile out on a new rock hard Brooks and the pain was gone, kaput, vanished. A bloody miracle.
A very personal choice-good luck.

Bioluminescence

It's not uncomfortable, it just isn't pleasant after a few hours.

My stock (I have a K2 bicycle that I recently bought off CL to get into the sport).


I'll call the shop later (probably on Tuesday) and see if they would consider doing that. I'll scour eBay and CL too. I do like narrow saddles, so I'll probably end up demoing an Arione, and seeing how it goes.

Thanks for all the opinions/helpful advice! Glad I have you guys!

mazdaspeed

Some asses like fizik, some asses like specialized. Try them both.

MikeyBoyAz

no, the ones at my LBS are UGLY... for the exact reason and everyone riding with you knows its a demo ( and they take down your info and such )... but no cost.

M_FactorX19

and some like Selle (Itallia SLR 4 me)

pgjackson

I have a Serfas Stinger. It has a 60 day money back guarantee. Titanium rails, 190g. $60 at Bicycle Warehouse. The package it comes in says to just take it back to the shop where you bought it if you don't like it for a full refund. Pretty comfortable and much better than the stock seat.
https://www.serfas.com/product_details.asp?ID=61

roadiejorge 

Find a shop that will let you demo Fizik saddles and find the one that works for you. On the Fizik site they describe which saddle would be best based on your riding style and flexibility so you can use that as a guide; they have Snake, Chameleon, and Bull fits....cheesy I know. I have an Arione and love it, but saddle comfort is very subjective so there's no sure way of finding what works unless you try it.