Price Paid:  $200.00

Favorite Ride:
rollin' hills

Summary:
In theory this is a clever idea, in practice - goddam awful. Great sexy shape, long seat rails but after trying to break in for many months tossed in the bin. Could not get comfy, got numb, adjusted seat angle all over the place... back to the trusty Flite

Strengths:
Shape is great (no chaffing or sores) and extremely sexy - lovely design and great build quality...

Weaknesses:
...but could not get comfy... I like a saddle to 'lean back on' and push hard... here you fall off (almost). Seems to push up into male plumbing zone - not comfy. On long rides damn shocking... not for me (but lots like 'em)

Similar Products Used:
Selle Italia (Flite) - the best, Turbomatic - awesome (they don't make them anymore), San Marco Era (double ouch!)

Price Paid:  $140.00

Bike Setup:
Serotta Atlanta

Summary:
After 10 years I had to replace my Selle San Marco, so I listened to the guy at the bike store and bought this saddle. From day one I've never been comfortable on it and am finally in the process of replacing it. I guess being popular isn't all it's cracked up to be. This product is overrated, especially at the premium price I paid. But saddles are a tricky thing, you never know until you ride it and by then it's too late. Caveat emptor for this baby!

Strengths:
Build quality.

Weaknesses:
Fit.

Similar Products Used:
Selle San Marco

Price Paid:  $120.00

Favorite Ride:
Anytime I can

Bike Setup:
S-Works Tarmac with Ultegra and Dura Ace mix.

Summary:
Started out with a Toupe on my S-works, but my tail was getting numb and my knees were really hurting. Got adjusted and it still didn't work for me. So someone suggested the Fizik Arione. I tried it and got an adjustment and haven't looked back since.

Strengths:
Longer saddle provides more positions
Not much flex like the toupe had. Just enough.

Weaknesses:
Weight. It's much heavier than alot of the other saddles out there.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Toupe

Price Paid:  $124.00 at Performance Bikes

Favorite Ride:
Anything with hills

Summary:
I went in search of a great saddle to replace the brick that came with my bike and saw the Arione. One of my biddies that rides professionally suggested it and said it was what his team and most teams are using. I can sum up my experience with the Arione in one word. PAINFUL. This saddle was down right torture. The only good thing I could find with it was that after about 5 miles everything went numb. I spent the majority of my ride trying to find a comfortable spot. I have switched it out for a San Marco Aspide Ti. Saddles should be purchased based on what fits you and this one did not fit me.

Strengths:
Looks cool.

Weaknesses:
Weight, size, uncomfortable.

Price Paid:  $135.00 at Cyclab

Favorite Ride:
Any ride with no wind

Bike Setup:
K2 MOD 3. Al frame with carbon forks, back stays & seatpost. 105/truvativ groupset

Summary:
I couple of months after buying a new bike I had a professional fitting - I was getting knee problems. they adjusted the bike to fit me an strongly recommended a new saddle (the bike came with a cheap Selle Italia). I reeled a bit at the price ... but it was the right move.

The Arione took a while to bed in but now on most rides I don't notice it's there, which I guess is the best compliment!
I occasionally suffer some numbness but Only after about 4 hours on the road.

I've had no problems with the quality in +- 5000 miles over 2 years - but I'm light 75kg

Strengths:
Comfortable
Room to move backwards & forwards!
Good quality
Looks good

Weaknesses:
Price

Similar Products Used:
Selle Italia