FIZIK ALIANTE TEMPO R5 SAlloy Saddle

Which Fizik saddle suits my riding?

Fizik’s saddle guide starts from how you ride: Road Racing: Antares, Arione, Vento Argo; Road All Round: Aliante, Tempo Argo; Time Trial: Aeris SD, Arione; Triathlon: Aeris SD, Aeris LD; Gravel Racing: Argo X, Antares; Gravel All Round: Terra Argo, Aliante; MTB XC Racing: Argo X, Antares; MTB Trail: Aidon, Ridon, Terra Alpaca; MTB Trail E-bike: Aidon, Ridon; MTB Gravity: Ridon, Terra Alpaca, Gravita Alpaca.

What do Fizik’s saddle shapes (T-shape, V-shape…) mean?

T-shape (Antares, Arione): Saddles in this group have an abrupt nose-to-wing transition, resulting in a longer nose. Additionally, they also have a flatter profile. This provides more inner-leg clearance as well as multiple comfortable fore-to-aft sitting positions. T-shape saddles give riders the ability to easily alter their sitting position during the ride, moving towards the nose when adopting a more forward, aerodynamic riding position and moving back when riding more upright. That’s why it’s a popular choice for proficient riders and racers. V-shape (Aliante): These saddles flare from the nose to rear more gradually, like an arrowhead or a pear. They usually have a waved side profile, too. The sloping tail cradles the lower back while the gradual taper assists the rider with pelvic rotation, bringing them more forward. Because of these factors, V-shape saddles suit riders in need of extra support and comfort as well as those who enjoy long-distance riding. Short nose (Vento Argo, Tempo Argo, Terra Argo, Argo X, Aeris SD, Aidon, Ridon, Terra Alpaca, Gravita Alpaca): With a much shorter nose, these saddles provide a more defined area for where to sit, typically in combination with generous ischial support. As a result, riders are more planted on the seat and move around less, prioritizing stability and better weight distribution. This is Fizik’s most versatile saddle shape, which is why Fizik offers it in many options to suit different riding disciplines and styles. Split nose (Aeris LD): These saddles, as the name suggests, have a nose that’s split into two halves, providing support to the pubic rami as well as the greatest soft tissue pressure relief when sitting all the way forward on the tip of the saddle. They are specifically designed for long-distance triathletes that need firm support and balance for long hours spent in the aero riding position.

What’s the difference between Fizik’s 00, R1, R3 and R5 saddles?

Beyond style and shape, the next consideration to take into account is the saddle platform. The platform is the structural part of the saddle, consisting of the shell and rail, which Fizik offers in four distinct combinations, ranging from the lightest and stiffest to the most versatile and affordable. 00: Carbon (7x9) rails, High-module full carbon shell — A combination of a carbon rail and a high-module, full-carbon shell for unrivaled stiffness and weight savings. R1 / X1: Carbon (7x9) rails, Carbon-reinforced nylon shell — A combination of a highly stiff carbon rail and a ride-compliant, carbon-reinforced nylon shell for responsiveness and comfort. R3 / X3: Kium hollow (7x7) rails, Carbon-reinforced nylon shell — A combination of a Kium hollow rail with a high strength-to-weight ratio and a ride-compliant, carbon-reinforced nylon shell. R5 / X5: S-Alloy (7x7) rails, Carbon-reinforced nylon shell — A combination of an S-Alloy rail and a ride-compliant, carbon-reinforced nylon shell for reliable performance at an approachable price.

Which Fizik saddle width should I choose?

Fizik lists each saddle’s widths and weights in its spec table (shown on this page) but publishes no sit-bone rule for choosing between them. Widths by family: Vento Argo and Vento Antares 140/150 mm; Tempo Aliante 145/155 mm; Terra Argo 140/150/160 mm; Arione 135/145 mm; Transiro Aeris 135 mm. A sit-bone measurement or a saddle fitting in store is the reliable way to choose.