With a short-nose shape just updated this past autumn, a new Fizik Argo X1 level of the gravel & off-road racing saddle sheds weight with a carbon rail upgrade. I’ve been riding & training on this saddle in 2 different spec levels for almost half a year, and it’s hard to argue with…
Fizik Vento Argo X1 off-road racing saddle gets carbon upgrade
Fizik revamped their short-nosed road Vento Argo saddles for more off-road riding & racing with the Vento Argo X a couple of months ago. But now gravel, cyclocross, and even cross-country mountain bike racers can opt for a new lighter Argo X1 with carbon rails.
Built for fast-paced off-road riding, the Fizik Argo X rounds off all the corners of its road sibling, keeping the gently curved top that is comfortable as you move around on the bike. Then, it adds a shade thicker foam, a flatter nose to perch on for steep climbs, and a reshaped ergonomic cutout for improved comfort over bumpy terrain. so your crotch doesn’t get caked in mud. Plus, that cutout gets a rubber mud flap so your crotch doesn’t get caked in grime.
Now you can get it with chromoly, titanium, or… carbon rails.
Riding Impressions
Even though it was only officially introduced last November, I’ve actually been riding the revamped Argo X since last summer on the latest Canyon Grail CF SLX, with ti rails. And now, the new carbon-railed Fizik Argo X1 is sitting on my cross bike. Strapped to my indoor trainer for a little warm-up vibes before CX Worlds this coming weekend.
The feel is exactly the same on both bikes. And that’s a good thing. The saddle has firm but supportive padding. Its fiber-reinforced shell is plenty stiff. But then, there’s still a bit of compliant flex in its wings, to not feel unyielding when pedaling. And the large central cutout prevents any undue pressure. While the small mud flap then keeps road & trail spray off my butt, with a tiny vent slit that lets a little airflow through and allows rainwater to drain out on those wettest rides.
The X1 & X3 share identical construction, but for the material of the rails. That’s a great feature in my book. As it means you can pick the model you prefer based on price, weight, and compatibility with your seatpost. My 140mm X1 weighs three grams more than claimed, at an actual 195g.
In my mind, you wouldn’t go wrong with any of the three spec-levels.
Tech Specs
- Length: 265mm
- Width: 140mm or 150mm
- Height at 75mm width: 45mm
- Length from nose to 75mm width: 120mm
- Claimed Weight: 192g (140) & 199g (150)
- Shell: fiber-reinforced nylon
- Rails: 7x9mm oval carbon
- Made in China
Fizik Argo X1 – Pricing, options & availability
The new carbon-railed Fizik Argo X1 gravel saddle sells for $210 / 199€, and comes in 140 or 150mm widths. If that is altogether out of your price range, the same shape, padding & shell are available at the X3 level for $160/150€ with Kium ti rails, or at the X5 level for just $110/110€ with S-Alloy steel rails, 41g & 52g heavier, respectively.
Get them all now at Fizik retailers, or online direct from:
