Saddles are a very personal component, yet most manufacturers have to make their saddles in a shape that will fit many riders. Not just a few. But what if you could individually tailor each saddle to their new owner? That sounds like it could result in a more comfortable perch, and it’s something that may be on the horizon for Fizik.
Working with a company that is a pioneer in the 3D printing space named Carbon, Fizik has added Adaptive to their Concepts program. Just as it sounds, the Concepts program is all about searching out new ways to improve existing products to improve performance and comfort. In this case, Carbon is using a process called Digital Light Synthesis to create a flexible padding that includes “engineered zonal cushioning.”
The lattice-like structure should allow for some advanced padding designs, while also potentially offering rider-specific saddles. Fizik doesn’t actually claim that this will be available any time soon, but states “These unique features mean it will be possible in the future to produce saddles tailored to riders’ individual biodynamic data.”
In the mean time, Fizik has plans to use the technology in their first Adaptive saddle, the Antares Versus EVO OO Adaptive. The weight and price are both TBA, but it appears the saddle will be offered in two widths – 139mm and 149mm. Other than “coming soon”, there’s no indication of when this saddle will actually be available. But if you want one, you should sign up to receive notifications when it is.
