So I'm pretty much ok with the stock saddle that came with my ride but last week got an awesome deal on a brand new Fizik Arione.

Like I said the current saddle (Selle Italia Filante) is OK. Meaning it's not what I would call comfy but it doesn' hurt. Not much riding being done now outside the daily commute and the weekend training rides with Team in Training. So should I make the trade now since saddles are built to last anyways or save it till next year or till the stock breaks down?

This is from a guy who really does not know the long term durability of road biker components yet so forgive me if I sound quite ignorant.

If it's a killer deal and you'll end up with one eventually anyway, go for it! Thre, purchase justified. That's what you're really after anyway, right? Justification?
JMO, Ariones rock.

Cole

unless you crash a whole heck of alot you're seat should last you awhile. I say just switch it now, the arione needs to break in anyway.

For most of my bike purchases I would have said yes but the saddle along with a sweet deal on Sidi Geniuses has put me in content mode.

Believe or not I've browsed thru Performance and nashbar and not found one thing that "I must have". That being said I am a bit obsessive compulsive so I don't liek doing things then finding out that was a bad move later on.

Thanks for the advice though, the saddle should come on tomorrow

hooray

The arione is a sweet saddle. If it fits yer rear you're gonna be happy

slightly off topic...anyone seen the new san marco saddle with actual roller bearings to cut down on saddle chafing?

I am thinking of getting an arione......mainly because if the long 85mm rails and 30cm total length that offers more riding positions. It had better be comfortable.

Weird feeling isn't it? do you find yourself straining to find things you want? I've been in the same boat recenty. I found a Ferrari jersey which I've been searching for for about a year now. I've got a bike I'm building, but it won't be ridden 'til May anyway.
My latest obsession is track bikes. I don't have one yet, so I need it bad! That and a pair of knee warmers....

Sure hope that Arione works out for you. Haven't heard a negative remark on it yet! I love mine!

Cole

A former pro racer once told me that it makes the most sense to spend your money for upgrading the parts where you contact the bike (saddle, handlebars, shoes/pedals, etc). I think he was right on the money, as these are certainly the things you'll feel the most! If the Arione is more comfortable, why waste time on a less comfortable saddle? As the miles add up, you will never wish you were less comfortable.

PS - To clarify my previous post, upgrading a bike's wheels can potentially make a noticeable difference in the bike's performance. The point is that you won't ride well if you're not positioned correctly and comfortably. Saving a few grams on a lighter seatpost, rear derailleur, headset, or bottle cage won't improve your performance nearly as much as having the proper fit.

Arione's are good comfort-wise, mine has lasted a while but haven't had it too long to really tell. I don't like the length, too long if you ask me, it gets in the way of my legs/arse when sprinting.

the revor? pretty crazy looking...and uncomfortable looking. its got a bi dip in the middle, I hate saddles like that, you just slide down until you're at the low point, and then you're sitting on the nose.

and to the original poster: i had a saddle wear out, it was once of my favorites. after riding in the rain too much, the leather just started to disentigrate, and eat my shorts.

I have had wicked problems with the durability of the Selle Italia SLR. My legs wear out the leather along the sides of the front of the saddle. I usually get about 8 months of riding out of one before I wear through the leather. I am riding the SI Flite Kit Carbonio for the winter since it does not have the sharp edges along the nose of the saddle, but I have a brand new SLR put away for next summer since I think it is the most comfortable saddle made.

So I rode the saddle this morning and an honest assesment is that it didn't make the ride outstandingly better. I say this for objectivity's sake as I do realize that the benefit wil come once the saddle breaks in and on longer rides. Once I did get my butt on the back part of saddle there was definitely a slight AHHHH factor there.

That being said I was a good fit on my last saddle and I was wondering if I should position the new one at the exact same place (as saddles have the measurement thingies on their rails) or does each company have slightly different measurements?

I'll take it...

Install it so that the part of the saddle that your butt will be resting on is in the exact same place as the place on your old saddle. In other words, if you sat dead in the center of your old saddle and where you sat was 8" behind the BB and 31" above it, and you like sitting on the back of the Arione, place the back of the Arione 8" behind your BB and 31" above it. Voila.
BTW- just FYI, try not to sit on the very back of your saddle all the time. If you have your saddle adjusted so that you sit on the back of it while you're riding on flats, you won't be able to scoot back when going up hills. JMO.

Cole