gabiker

My LBS let me try an Aliante last night and I must say it was the most comfortable saddle I have ever ridden as far as my butt goes. After about 12 miles though it started hurting between my legs so I stopped and made some adjustments, but it continued. When I got home I noticed on the nose just before it curves out there is a bow in it which is quite hard. I was wondering if this is normal on all Aliante's, because if it is I don't think it will work for me and that would be bad.

If anyone has noticed this and has worked around it please let me know. I really like the saddle, but I don't like the little sore spot on my leg this morning.

Philli....

roadwarrior

I've ridden the saddle and not had this problem, but obviously you have. That's all that matters. Not every seat works for everyone...if you like to sit on the nose, the nose on this seat has a slight upward curve, so that may be part of the problem.

I am currently riding the Arione and find it extremely comfortable. It's a pretty flat saddle in the front, so you might find this one better suited to your needs....FWIW it's also 2cm longer and had longer rails (about 8mm if my memory's not too bad) so you get a bit more flexibility in setup. It's also thinner in the front for more room for your legs during the pedaling motion.

gabiker

Actually the part that bothers me is not the curve up of the nose but along the bottom edge right before it curves to the back of the seat it actually bows out on both sides and I guess my legs are rubbing on that. Maybe I have it to high in the front. It is hard to figure out what is level and what is tilted up because it kind of dips in the middle.

Thanks...

sm266

I haven't had an issue with mine. Each person is different thought. I leveled mine by the rails initially.

gabiker

Maybe I'll try that. I know most people don't have a problem with them so maybe I just got a defective one.

11.4

The common thread in problems people have with both the Aliante and the Arione is typically the angle of the seat. They both have a straight ridgeline down the middle for most of the saddle, which tips up in the back. The ridgeline is where you need to set seat angle, even if it looks like the back is pointing up too far. That positioning solves any comfort issues for most riders. They are extremely popular saddles and, with no financial motivation, I encourage them for most riders I coach or ride with.

One point about the Aliante: The sides used to be very shallow (top to bottom) near the front, and would sometimes tend to grab your chamois and cause chafing or bunching, and would sometimes also develop premature wear. Aliante has changed that with a slightly larger and deeper nose that has patches of the leather-like material on each side. Jury is out on whether the stitching will wear faster, but they did address the one comfort issue people sometimes had.

By the way, if you have a chance, try out the Arione Carbon in addition to the standard Arione. It's a very different feel after about 30 miles on the saddle -- it introduces the suspension of the Aliante to the design of the Arione. I wasn't a believer until I tried one. Again, a ride around the block won't tell you much but if you can get a loaner from your shop and give it 30 miles, you may find the ideal saddle.

gabiker

I have tried the original Arione, but have not tried the new one. I found the first one to be a little hard, but I would like to try the new one. I am going to adjust the Aliante a little and see what happens, because if I could resolve that little issue I think it would be great.

Thanks.