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Description
All Carbon, All Speed
The Fizik Vento Argo 00 Adaptive Saddle, is the latest and lightest in the new generation of 3D printed saddles without the constraints or limitations imposed by traditional production methods and materials.
The Adaptive saddle padding is crafted by Carbon using their revolutionary Digital Light Synthesis technology. DLS is an additive manufacturing process which uses digital ultraviolet light projection, oxygen-permeable optics and programmable liquid resins to produce parts with excellent mechanical properties, resolution, and surface finish. The 00 model adds an incredibly stiff high-module, full-carbon shell and rails, all tuned for maximum power transfer.
Using Carbon technology, biomechanics and engineers have an unprecedented possibility: to design and manufacture multiple functional zones within the saddle, tuning each of them separately for specific mechanical properties. Each of these key functional zones is engineered for a distinctive cushioning and mechanical response, joined together progressively and seamlessly in the same padding. The result? A 60% reduction in peak pressure through improved weight distribution for increased comfort across the entire saddle surface.
Fizik's most versatile saddle shape, Argo is at home on a variety of bike and surface types. Whether rolling on smooth tarmac or navigating technical terrain, Argo is engineered to help riders find a better posture, putting them in a more planted position for greater stability and improved weight distribution. Additionally, the shorter, drop-nose design provides superior support when adopting a powerful, aerodynamic pedaling position.
Features:
- Adaptive Carbon Digital Light Synthesis 3D-printing technology
- Seamlessly engineered zonal cushioning
- Short-nosed saddle that encourages stability and relieves pressure on soft tissue
- 00: A combination of a high-module, full-carbon shell and rails for maximum stiffness and minimal weight
- Length: 265mm
- Width: 140, 150mm
- Weight: 180/186g
- Rail: 10x7mm
B-Stock - This product has one or more B-Stock units available. These units can be purchased at a discount (see option select). B-Stock units were returned from other customers and may have missing or damaged packaging materials. Saddle rails may have minor scratches. These units are otherwise as new. The full manufacturer warranty applies. Click Here for more information.
Specifications
Length: 265 mm | |
Rail Material: Carbon | |
Discipline: Road | |
Saddle Type: Road Saddles | |
Color: Black | |
140mm Width | Mfg PartNum: 77F2D00A0P003 |
Width: 140 mm | |
150mm Width | Mfg PartNum: 77F2D00A0P003 |
Width: 150 mm | |
Reviews
After checking out one of these 3D printed saddles at a Fizik booth, my curiosity was peaked. I was already riding an Argo, so I knew the general shape agreed with me. Reading the reviews, and all of the hype, I was a bit skeptical-but as a mature cyclist, who rides quite regularly and races occasionally in long gravel events, saddle comfort and performance are very important to me. Well, the reviews ended up being true, the 3D printed padding is quite firm, but the way it distributes pressure is amazing: the saddle distributes the pressure so well that there are just no hot spots, ever. Most comfortable high performance saddle ever!
Make note of the rail dimensions not round.
Also, the website product description talks about various road surfaces. However the product packaging itself indicates road only. I would be concerned about the strength of the saddle on rougher gravel, with repeated shocks. A saddle with more compliance would be good on gravel but not if it breaks. And I'm not going to test it on rough gravel because of both safety and the cost of breaking it.
Also this saddle simply looks un-aerodynamic. And esthetically I don't think it looks good on a road bike. Indeed I don't think it looks good at all compared to a refined smooth saddle.
So I have questions about what this saddle is good for. Not really right or necessary for either road or gravel in my estimation. Maybe for day-long endurance road riding, but I haven't tried that.
Been using the Tempo version until i got my new ride so thought to try out this. All day with no pain in the rear so for that alone, well worth the money. Invest and you will thank yourself later
The saddle is great, I want that to be known. The shape is good and has a good amount of curvature to help rotate the pelvis. A couple things to be aware of however:
1. This version doesn't have rail markings, to be honest I don't know why that really wouldn't add any weight.
2. The saddle has 4 main squish sections, one in the center is very squishy, two on the sides that most of your pelvis and sitbones will be on and then the very back. All the different sections are quite firm and at least for me, I think it would have been a tad more comfortable if these other sections had a tad bit more squish than they do.
3. I assume this is 3D saddles in general but the argo adaptive grips you very well, too well might I say. I never realized how many different micro-adjustments I made while I sit when it comes to going from flat to up or down hills until I couldn't easily make these position adjustments because of just how much this saddle holds you down. In my case, it grips me so well that it holds the bibs in place and you end up slightly moving inside your bibs, which over time produces friction and becomes a bit uncomfortable especially on humid days.
This saddle is great, but 3D saddles in my opinion are not for everyone. I think some people prefer being really planted when riding and if that is you this kind of saddle will be perfect. If however you do like to adjust your pelvis to the saddle based on whether you are riding up or down hills, I wouldn't get a 3D saddle as it will grip you way too much.
This kind of saddle I think is fantastic for time trial bikes, and thats why I have fizik's adaptive tt saddle as it is very squishy all around and allows you to really be aggressive, way more than most other TT saddles. I think there is a time and place for this much grip but on a road bike, for me there is just too much versatility when you ride around and for that reason I will be using the regular vento argo 00 going forward.
I got this saddle after problems and discomfort on the perineal area. After three rides, the saddle is feeling comfortable and the problems have disappeared. I recommend it to older riders with prostate/perineal discomfort. The netting on the saddle is firm but cushions enough to feel relief on the targeted, buttock area. I truly recommend it and for your ass confort, there is no price!!!
Mechanic's Corner
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