Jon_g2 

Anyone use one of these 3D printed saddles for more than a year or so? What I'm trying to find out is if bibs wear out faster with these saddles. I read in different places that the specialized ones wear out some people's bibs faster. I think this is because more people ride specialized saddles than fizik but I have no stats or anything on that. My guess is that the tackiness of the nature of the material doesn't allow for much movement, therefore moving around wears out bibs faster. To be fully honest, I just want one because I think they look amazing.
​​​​​​Currently I get along with the fizik tempo Argo. I want either the vento argo adaptive or the specialized romin evo pro mirror. I ride a Cannondale and didn't want specialized products but I'm slowly starting to get over that way of thinking. I just want to ride whatever is more comfortable.

Barry2 

Jon,
Have you measured your sit bones?

Barry

Jon_g2 

Hey Barry,

Yes I have. My bike fitter measured me at 143. My current saddle is a 150. I also wondered what would happen if I got a 140mm saddle. Is it generally OK to go up a bit in size and not down and/or vice versa? I would assume it's OK to use a slightly bigger saddle since I get along with my 150mm.

Barry2 

Jon,
Not a question I have an answer for.
I get on well with a 135mm, but just purchased two 145mm.
I’d like to try a 145mm indoors in the hope of more comfort.

if you try a 140mm, I would guess you’d need pretty good accuracy sitting on it.
Some bike shops have loaners, it’s a great way to experiment on the cheap.

Barry

Jon_g2 

That's a good point to consider. I guess if I do go fizik I can stick with the 150 and if I go specialized they do make a 143 anyway so I should be good. I suppose it could take some getting used to if going from my 150 to that 143 though. I will definitely call around to see if there are shops that can loan me what I'm looking for. Thanks Barry!

Polaris OBark

I tried a Fizik 3D printed saddle with high expectations, but expectation bias wasn't enough to overcome the empirical reality that it was a literal PITA and also quite abrasive. I immediately sent it back, so I can't tell you how it would have abraded my bike shorts, but I could easily see how this could happen.

Make sure you get the right to return, and put electrical tape on the rails when you try it to keep them from getting scratched. Keep the original packaging.

I love the idea of a 3D printed saddle, but the current products are literally half-assed. When they can take a CAT scan of my rear end, model, and 3D print a custom saddle, I will happily give this another try.

Jon_g2 

Would that happen to be their antares saddle that you tried? I know pushing on a saddle with your fingers is not at all the same as sitting on it but I had that antares in my hands and couldn't believe someone would even consider that damn thing. It was hard as ugly and hard as a rock lol. When their tempo 3D saddle came out it felt much different. I do believe there's a bike shop like 30 minutes from me that loans saddles. Last time I was in there they had the fizik. I am going to call them tomorrow and ask if they have one I can use.

Polaris OBark

Fizik Vento Argo R3 Adaptive Saddle Black - 150mm

Jon_g2 

Dang really? What do you use now?

Polaris OBark

My least uncomfortable saddle is a 10 year old Brooks B17 special edition (I think everything is the same as the normal one except the copper rivets). The second in line is a Berthaud Aspin, which I actually like better, but it starts to hurt after about 50 miles. The best non-leather saddle I have found is an SQLabs 611. My ischial protuberances are 120mm apart, fwiw. However, I have the flexibility of a 5 day old cadaver.

I would have gladly paid the ransom had the Fi'zi:k saddle worked, but I think it was just uncomfortable, no doubt due at least in part to all of the spurious punctuation.

Garfield Cat

Sit bones:

There is the "fixed" which is the saddle. There is the "variable" which is the rider.

A rider's sit bones appears to be fixed if you measure it sitting down. In the dynamics of riding, the sit bones move around, depending on the various moments of each ride. The distance between the two sit bones may be fixed but taken together, they move around.

There are so many things related to saddle discomfort.

Jon_g2 

😂 You never fail to provide a good laugh. Thanks for taking the time to respond with great information in this, and other questions I've had in the past!

Mojo31

I have the Fizik with carbon rails on both bike - one for well over a year and the other for about 8 months, both in size 135. I love them, and they’re super comfortable. None of my PI or Rapha bibs have been abraded. The saddle look like new.

Jon_g2 

Which one? I don't see one in size 135. Would you happen to know measurements of your sit bones?

Mojo31

ANTARES VERSUS EVO R1 ADAPTIVE

Make that 139 size.

Dont know my measurement anymore (did before buying). Wife says I have a scrawny ass.

Jon_g2 

😂 Dang. Yeah I think 139 may be a tad too small for me but that's what I'm trying to figure out; if you are able to get a slightly smaller saddle than what your sit bones measure.

Polaris OBark

I'm guessing your true measurement is 123mm, and the recommended ideal saddle size is therefore 143mm. I am much stockier than the average cyclist, and although down to 185 lbs now, have never been thin (since about age 10). Mine measure at 120mm spacing.

Also, your pelvis narrows toward the front, so the measurement is effectively narrower if you are more aero, wider if you sit more upright.

Jon_g2 

Yes I do believe you are correct! I had an offer for a saddle I wanted at 140mm and I didn't take it. I can't even remember now what saddle that was. I don't think going under 143 to 140 will be a huge deal. If anything, I can del or return whatever I end up with. I am, however, still very indecisive if I want a 3D saddle or not. On Monday I will call the shop near me that loans saddles to see if they have either of the ones I want.

Lamont Cobb

+1 on the Brooks Saddle.

Jon_g2 

I think I am going to check out the cadex amp saddle when it comes out. Giant said they are expected late May

SoSmellyAir

Your fitter (a) measured your sit bones at 143 mm apart or (b) measured your sit bones to fit you on a 143 mm saddle? Big difference there.

It really depends on whether you answer (a) or (b) to the above. If really (a) you may need something even wider than a 150 mm saddle. Doesn't your fitter have a few saddles of different widths for you to try?

It is best to get the one that fits. That is why most saddles come in two sizes and some even come in three.

Polaris OBark

I think in post 18 he says it is (b).

Jon_g2 

Yes I realized I didn't specify that I was at 123 and he added 20mm. I forgot to mention that.