The Fi’zi:k Concepts prototyping project has just released its second commercial product out of the develop lab – the “world’s first racing saddle made with revolutionary 3D-printed padding”. The Fizik Antares Versus Evo 00 Adaptive replaces traditional closed cell foam padding with a 3D printed honeycomb of a carbon composite material to offer “engineered zonal cushioning”.
Update: Now the top-tier Adaptive saddle is also available in black for those not wanting a glow-in-the-dark looking honeycomb under their butt.
Fizik Antares Versus Evo 00 Adaptive 3D printed road saddle
When we first saw Fizik’s prototype Antares Adaptive saddle concept last fall, they talked about how the additive manufacturing concept could mean 3D printed saddles custom-made for the individual rider. But at the time, they told us that was an idea far off in the future. What they didn’t really mention was that much closer to reality, they were working on a version of the saddle based on the extensive rider biodynamic data they already collected to adapt their standard Versus ergonomic road racing saddles to this new manufacturing technology.
The result is the Antares Versus Evo 00 Adaptive, an even lighter version of their top Antares road saddle with improved rider support & comfort, while also adding in unmatched ventilation.
Adaptive 3D-printed tech details
We detailed the additive manufacturing tech with production partner Carbon, when Fizik unveiled the concept last fall. But now they have managed to scale up production to make the saddle available quickly to consumers. The core of the improved fit concept is the custom Zonal Cushioning, which means the saddle can easily offer separate “distinctive cushioning and mechanical response” zones across the saddle, so the rider gets stronger support while maintaining comfort.
One of the biggest questions/concerns we heard about the Antares Adaptive concept was the long-term usability of the honeycomb design. But Fizik claims it is both long-lasting and easy to clean. Just as road debris gets in, you should be able to hose it back out, and the composite construction of the framework won’t absorb water or contaminants. It is also UV-resistant, and Fizik says it has undergone their toughest wear & weathering testing.
Antares Versus Evo 00 Adaptive – Pricing & availability
The new 3D printed Antares saddle is available now, only in Fizik’s top 00 spec and only in the Versus Evo full-length pressure relief channel ergonomic version.
The $400 / 390€ Antares Versus Evo 00 Adaptive features a hi-mod carbon shell structure under the Adaptive padding and a full-carbon, closed loop Moebius rail. The 274mm long saddle is available in two widths: 139 & 146mm, with claimed weights of 147g & 154g, respectively. That makes it 40€ more expensive and 5 or 6g lighter than the previous top-end Antares Versus Evo 00.
No word yet if Fizik’s other top road saddles like the Aliante and Arione will also get the Adaptive treatment. Or if the idea of fully individual support customization is still in the development pipeline.
Update: Fizik has since brought the 3D-printed Adaptive tech down in price with Antares Versus Evo R1 & R3 Adaptive saddles. But, they’ve also now added the lower-key black look for the top 00 saddle as well. Same wild $400 / 390€ price & tech as before, just now in stealthy black, too.
