Fizik Arione Carbon Braided

Price Paid:  $127.00 at Backcountry

Favorite Ride:
Mt Tam

Bike Setup:
15lbs rocket!

Summary:
Bottomline is that this saddle is one of the harder bricks out there but still comfortable. Compared to the classic arione the padding is harder but compared to similar saddles in this weight class like the Selle SLR it is way nicer. Also the bibs play a big part, good bibs will make the saddle feel way nicer, i would not pay the original retail price, let's see how long the carbon will last...., 50 miles are no big deal haven't tried longer rides so far.

Strengths:
light, light, cool look,

Weaknesses:
no click mechanism for saddle bag, orig retail price,

Similar Products Used:
Selle Ital filte/ SLR, Fizik Arione Wing flex Ti

Price Paid:  $100.00 at Ebay

Favorite Ride:
Long and alone

Bike Setup:
R3, Campy Chorus through out, Neutron wheels PR3 rubber

Summary:
Have had the standard Arione for some 3 years and had it set up as well as I think you could get it , but was not completely happy. Nearly changed brands but got a bargain on Ebay and cannot say anything but excellent. Where the standard arione is a little boardy and stiff the flex wing takes all of this out and virtually the saddle dissappears underneath. No numbness after hours in the saddle, no hot spots just joy. The saddle will need a little time to soften a little but I am sold on it. Bought an Aliante on ebay as well at a bargain price as I had demo it prior and it was pretty good too, but I was missing the slightly longer profile of the Arione. The Aliante is very good as well and would have been very happy on it compared to the standard Arione but the Carbon Arione is the one and the aliante will be relegated to the cross bike

Strengths:
Comfort and a longer profile

Weaknesses:
Nothing what so ever

Similar Products Used:
Arione, Aliante, Selle Italia,

Price Paid:  $225.00 at Local Bike Shop

Favorite Ride:
Vicksburg National Military Park

Bike Setup:
2008 Specialized Roubiax Pro...full Dura Ace...Zipp 404's

Summary:
I bought this saddle to replace my Fizik Arione Tri Saddle. I rode this saddle for years. I bought a new Specialized Roubiax Pro and went with the braided carbon version for a weight savings. I had the same problem with the previous reviewer regarding the thickness of the rails. It was an easy fix for me. We just pulled another Specialized seat post with a more traditional clamp...problem solved! I don't think the new design is cause for a one-star rating...buy a new seat post!!

Strengths:
Weight savings over the original Arione...looks good...feels good!!

Weaknesses:
NONE!!

Similar Products Used:
Fazik Arione Tri Saddle

Price Paid:  $199.00 at performance

Bike Setup:
Scott Addict R#

Summary:
I purchased this to replace my fizik arione with TI rails. I have used both the TI rail and older carbon rail versions successfully and found them to be the best saddles I have tried. Unfortunately the new braided rails are thicker and do not fit into standard seat post clamps. So I had to return it. I do not know if this was a mfg flaw or a design flaw.

Strengths:
Comfortable

Weaknesses:
Does not fit into a standard seat post clamp.

Similar Products Used:
FIZIK Aliante and Arione. Selle Italia SLR Carbonio (light weight but hard).