Fizik has unveiled an all-new Terra Aidon off-road saddle they say was “designed specifically for e-MTB” use. Why do you need an eMTB-specific seat? A longer time spent in the saddle, more seated time soaking up bumps, pedaling up even steeper climbs, spinning a higher cadence overall?
If the new Aidon is more comfortable for that, wouldn’t it be nice for an all-day enduro bike too?
Fizik Terra Aidon X1 & X3 eMTB saddles
While the idea of e-bike-specific saddles sounds crazier than e-bike-specific handlebars, tires, or tools… it’s not even the first eMTB saddle we’ve seen. That would probably go to the PRO Volture three years ago. But while e-saddles haven’t flooded the market in the years since (how about this e-Brooks?), I get the sense that more quality saddle options is always a good thing.
And these new Fizik Aidon Terra saddles definitely have some redeeming qualities that could reach beyond just e-bikes…
What makes them eMTB-specific?
Fizik essentially sells the “designed for e-MTB” concept on two idea: e-bikers spend more time seated than traditional mountain bikers AND their sitting position needs extra support for seated climbing.
To solve the first comfort element, the Terra Aidon saddles use a new progressive ‘Type-2’ foam that is thicker and more supportive directly under your sit bones, plus a deep central cutout to prevent unwanted pressure. The open saddle cutout actually includes an integrated ‘mudguard’ that keeps wet tire spray from getting to you, but includes an air scoop so your undercarriage still gets some ventilation.
For the support element, the short overall saddles (255mm long) go wide in two versions 145mm or 160mm, and get a scooped up tail that you can push against while seated and pedaling up the steepest climbs. Of course since you’re going to be seated and pedaling longer, the fiber-reinforced nylon shells get Wingflex edges to move comfortably under your thighs.
Both of those approaches probably would work for adventure all-mountain riding too, where you might spend long days in the saddle, and thanks to modern trail geometry with super steep seat angles, we spend more time spinning up those steep climbs, as well…
Both saddles also feature a wraparound rear grip that extends down protecting the back of the saddle and creating a handle to grab onto when you have to lift your over the rear of the saddle
Aidon X1 & X3 saddles -Detail, options & pricing
The Fizik Terra Aidon saddles come in two spec levels – X1 & X3 – sharing the same shell & padding, with different materials for the rails.
The $180 / 180€ Terra Aidon X1 gets lightweight 7x10mm carbon rails and claimed weights of 205g/215g for the two widths.
The $140 / 140€ Terra Aidon X3 uses Fizik’s 7mm Kium ti alloy rails for weights of 249g/259g.
While it hasn’t been officially announced, we’ve also seen that an even cheaper X5 version should be coming with steel S-alloy rails. For now, both X1 & X3 are available direct from Fizik or through their regular retailers.
