Concerns about Fizik durability

[AGW]

Long time lurker/bike porn afficianado

My current saddle (Romin Evo Pro) is killing me, especially on longer rides. I've tried all orientations and sizes and I think it comes down to not being able to tolerate the split tail design. I had similar sit bone pain with a Selle Italia SLK, but the Romin also introduced nerve pain on a particularly bad outing.

I'm interested in trying an Arione or Antares, but I've read so many reviews from people cracking their shells. I've also read that Fizik's warranty service is excellent, but still... Is this a problem that's common for Fizik saddles or perhaps just certain models?

For reference: 175cm, 68kg / 150 lbs, agressive position, slammed stem, yadda yadda

[wasfast]

I've owned at least 8 Aliante Carbon with ti or K'ium rails. Cracked shells isn't an issue and I'm way heavier than you.

The problems I have had (white saddle too):

The covers get pretty funky after 3 years or so (10-15K miles). Microtex has decent wear characteristics, especially the bar tape which in white also lasts a couple years.

The older models had issues with squeaking and general coming apart between the rails and the shell. Fizik has changed the design a couple time, both at the nose and where the individual rails mount at the back.

The saddles gradually get a bit softer all the way around. I just put a new one on about a week ago and it's noticeable stiffer. Still fits about the same, just stiffer.

The Arione has some areas of the saddle that are DESIGNED to "break". It's not a failure, it's intentional to provide the flex based on body weight.

[Bigger Gear]

Much like wasfast I am an Aliante loyalist but I have spent some decent time on the Arione a few years back. At 76 kg, I never had a problem with the plastic base. Most of the reports I have read about cracks are the ones with plastic bases and they tend to split from tip to tail. If you pony up for the Arione Carbon or Antares 00, both of which have a carbon base then I doubt you will ever have a problem.

[wetpaint]

I have 4 Ariones and haven't had a cracked shell yet. My oldest one with 20k+ miles on it finally bit the dust when I got hit by a car and the rails got bent, it still didn't crack the shell.

[motorthings]

fwiw i tried the romin evo pro and it killed my sitbones too. i had been using the toupe, and wanted to try the romin, but after a couple of weeks of pain, i went back to the toupe and have never been happier. the flex of the toupe shell seems to be what makes it so comfy in comparison to the romin.

i know you are asking about fizik, but thought this info might be helpful somehow anyway.

[Burning Dogma]

I think you don't have to worry about it. There are tons of Fizik saddles around without problems. My Arione Kium (nylon shell) has about 16000km and I've never have a problem with it. I weight just a bit less than you (65kg).

[topflightpro]

I ran my first Arione for five years before it was just so worn out it had to go.

I probably should have replaced it sooner, as I was sinking in to it pretty good, but I was just so used to it, and cheap, that I didn't replace it.

The new saddle is much more comfortable, and I have finally gotten used to the microtex texture, which prevents sliding on the saddle.

[jbrandt]

I think most of the nylon based saddle shells break down over time (regardless of manufacturer). I used to ride a Specialized Phenom and I loved it but after about 6 months it would need to be replaced because the shell was no longer providing support.

I tried the Romin but I never found it particularly comfortable. I have had several friends break multiple Romins in the middle of the saddle. They don't seem to have any trouble getting a free replacement saddle but I think they suffer from the same issue with the thin nylon shell breaking down.

I test rode a Fizik Antares and I liked the shape, but I thought the base provided too much flex. It just seemed to get a little uncomfortable on rides greater than 80 miles. It was a test sadlle so maybe the nylon base was starting to break down a bit as well. I finally switched to a Fizik Antares 00 with a full carbon shell and I couldn't be happier. I think the basewill last longer than the cover which is getting pretty torn up after a couple of crashes. But I love the saddle.

I recently tried the Romin Evo (because I am waiting on some carbon rail friendly seat clamps) and I can say that I find it very uncomfortable. In general, I think I will avoid any nylon shell saddles in the future.

[AGW]

I appreciate all the replies. I went a completely different direction and ordered a SSM Regal

I've got 4 straight days to try it starting Monday before I have to leave town, so I should have some idea by the end of next week. I've really got my fingers crossed that I'll love it because the Regal-e would look so nice on my future CAAD.

[Wingnut]

My Arionne started to break down, the carbon shell has started to de-laminate or separate...I think this is a a result of a combination of sweat & saddle cream.

I too have gone back to my San Marco Regal but the original...

[RussellS]

I have a few thousand miles on a Fizik Aliante carbon shell and carbon rails saddle. No problems. Fairly comfortable. I'm 190 pounds. The corners of the "leather" saddle have gotten scuffed up, ripped on wrecks because I saved weight by taking off the plastic corner guards. Super glue fixes the tears in the "leather".

[Wingnut]

I'm interested in trying an Arione or Antares, but I've read so many reviews from people cracking their shells. I've also read that Fizik's warranty service is excellent, but still... Is this a problem that's common for Fizik saddles or perhaps just certain models?

There have been several of the Fizik Kurve range that have cracked...

[quattrings]

I'm also in the same situation again (see this thread viewtopic.php?f=3&t=96876 )

Broke my second ritchey carbon wcs in 8 months time. First the rails let go of their fixture and now I've cracked the shell. I'm thinking it's time for a change and was thinking about the older model selle italia slr 125g. Would that be a sensible choice for a 75kg rider?

[AGW]

Here's an update for yall. I really wanted to like the Regal, but I had to return it after a few rides. It didn't cause soreness but I couldn't find an angle that would let me tuck on the hoods or reach the drops without pressure.

I found a great LBS that has let me demo all the Prologo saddles (Zero, then Nago EVO, and Scratch Pro). After 22 miles on the Scratch today, I was about to give up. Alas... they carry SMP and let me take home a Dynamic. I only had time for 6 miles, but just hopping on to set the height was like a dream come true.

A short ride Sunday and a proper ride Tuesday will seal the deal.

[nspace]

Love the Arione.

No cracks. Couple of these are at least 3-4 years old now. The Kurve was definitely not for me, it is now on ebay.