Fizik Antares Saddle Pro Review - By Twain Mein
- Cost: $199 MSRP
- Comfortable yet very light weight
- Natural Leather Seat Cover
- Made in Italy
- ICS bag compatible
- Weight: Claimed 175 grams. Actual: 177.
This is a review of the Fizik's latest saddle, the Antares. It's supposed to be the "third dimension" between Fizik's excellent Arione and Aliante. I'm not sure what the third dimension really means but what I discovered that it's really a comfortable alternative to minimalist saddles like the Selle Italia SLR.
I decided to compare the Antares not only to it's brethren but also to the Selle Italia SLR. Here's how they measured up:
Width (mm) | Length (mm) | Weight (grams) | |
Antares | 140 | 275 | 177 |
Aliante | 135 | 265 | 215 |
Arione | 128 | 302 | 241 |
SLR | 125 | 275 | 135 |
Comparing the saddles
My first experience with Fizik saddles was the Arione. It's a great looking saddle that is much longer (25mm more than the Antares and SLR) than most saddles. I suppose this is to give you more freedom to move for/aft for spinning or pushing big gear. But despite it being the narrowest of the four--and with it's built in "wing flex", I've found that this saddle hits in the wrong places and is actually a bit of a disappointment; I tend to "get numb" when riding this saddle, especially when on the trainer.
I purchased the Aliante about 9 months ago -- and found it to be the absolutely most comfortable saddle I've ever tried. I believe the secret to the Aliante's comfort is its suspension; the seat is suspended like a hammock. Notice the gold mesh in the picture above; it's essentially a fabric weave that allows floatation. The Arione and Antares have more traditional carbon shells (as does the SLR). The Aliante is supremely comfortable whether pushed back against the upraised back or pushed forward on the padded nose. With the Aliante, it feels like you sit "in" the saddle versus being perched "on" it. I can't say enough great things about the Aliante.
Overall, I still think the Aliante is the most comfortable road bike saddle--ever. The Antares is my second favorite saddle -- a lightweight alternative for the weight weenie crowd that might even prove to be a good solution for triathlons and time trials. I'll update this review when I've spent some time on the tri bike with it.
Value
4 (50$ less than the Aliante)
Overall
4.5