3D-printed Fizik Antares Versus Evo R1 & R3 saddles hit the road, now in stealthy all-black

Fizik have added two new models to their 3D-printed Adaptive range, the Fizik Antares Versus Evo R1 and Evo R3 saddles. The newcomers feature the same revolutionary 3D-printed zonal cushioning of Fizik’s Adaptive 00 model, now available with a carbon-reinforced nylon shell with Carbon or Kium alloy rail options.

This time, the aesthetic has improved immensely with both options offered in an all-black colorway.

Fizik Antares Adaptive is back… in All-Black

The Fizik Antares Versus Evo 00 Adaptive saddle was the “world’s first racing saddle made with revolutionary 3D-printed padding”. Now, the Antares Versus Evo R1 and Evo R3 saddles join it, also rocking the lightweight design.

These saddles basically replace traditional closed cell foam padding with a 3D printed honeycomb of a carbon composite material. Fizik call it “engineered zonal cushioning”.

Antares Versus Evo R1 and Evo R3 Adaptive Saddles

The Fizik Antares Versus Evo R1 and R3 saddles feature a ride-compliant carbon-reinforced nylon shell underneath that 3D-printed honeycomb cushioning. On the Evo R1, that shell sits on super-stiff carbon rails. Meanwhile, the Evo R3 sits on Fizik’s Kium hollow aluminum rail.

A continuous channel down the centre of the saddles provides pressure relief around the rider’s perineal area for prolonged all-day comfort.

Both Fizik Antares Versus Evo saddles are available in 139mm and 149mm width options, each measuring 274mm in length. At a width of 75mm, the saddles have a height of 58mm.

The narrower Fizik Antares Versus Evo R1 saddle weighs a claimed 174g while the wider profile version weighs a claimed 180g. The Evo R3 with its hollow aluminium rails is the heavier, cheaper option, weighing a claimed 209g for the narrow one, and 215g for the wider one.

On the topic of the honeycomb 3D printed design, readers have, quite rightly, raised the issue of durability. Fizik say they have tested the materials thoroughly. They claim the saddle is very easy to clean. Even with the filthiest road muck, all you need to do is hose it down with water. What gets in the holes, just as easily comes out, they say.

Fizik put the material through tests simulating accelerated weathering, UV aging and
wear resistance by following strict protocols:

• Weathering test: +70°C to -20°C for 12 days
• Durability test: Fatigue 1,000,000+ cycles
• Weathering test: Light aging for 300+ H
• Durability test: Wear 100,000+ cycles

Pricing & Availability

The Fizik Antares Versus Evo R1 Adaptive 139mm & 149mm options will set you back $299.99, or £299.99 / €299.00.

The slightly heavier, alluminium-railed Evo R3 version is a little cheaper at $249.99, or £249.99 / €249.00, for both the narrow and wide option.

Fikzik.com