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Fizik Vento Argo Adaptive Saddle uses Carbon 3D Printing for Zonal Cushioning

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Fizik has added an all-new 3D printed model of their Argo road saddle, weighing a claimed 190g in its 140mm width option with carbon rails. The Fizik VentoArgo Adaptive gets the same 3D printed honeycomb lattice seen on the Antares Versus EVO 00 saddle, with its so-called “zonal cushioning”. We spotted this one at the CORE Bike Show where Hannah Wilson, representing Fizik’s UK Distributor, Extra UK, gave us a first look.

Fizik VentoArgo Adaptive 3D-printed saddle

fizik argo adaptive honeycomb lattice top view
The lattice is created using Carbon 3D’s Digital Light Synthesis technology

The Argo saddle was originally developed in collaboration with bike fit expert, Phil Burt, who coincidentally has most recently focused his attention on designing the EGM sole inside Endura’s new range of flat pedal and clipless mountain biking shoes. I digress… the Argo is Fizik’s short-nose saddle (265mm long) designed to encourage stability and to relieve pressure on soft tissue, particularly during periods of increased power output and when riders are in an aerodynamic position. The Fizik Vento Argo Adaptive builds on that pressure relieving design with “zonal cushioning”, created using this 3D printed honeycomb lattice.

fizik argo adaptive road saddle zonal cushioning

The idea is that the 3D printed lattice is more firm in places where the most support is required, i.e. at the sit bones, while it is much more supple at locations that take less load. In our hands, the difference in suppleness across these zones was super obvious; the sit bone areas are quite firm while the very back of the saddle is less firm. Meanwhile, the area that sits above the pressure relieving cut-out is super supple, as evidenced by the fact that you can push it down through the hole with relative ease.

fizik argo adaptive r3 saddle pushing supple region of 3d printed lattice through pressure relief channel

There are two models of the Vento Argo Adaptive; The R1 gets carbon rails and weighs a claimed 190g in the 140mm width option, and 196g in the 150mm option. The R3 model shown here is a little heavier; it runs Fizik’s K:ium alloy rails. The 140mm weighs a claimed 224g while the 150mm weighs a claimed 230g.

Argo Adaptive side profile fizik road saddle
Fizik says the Vento Argo Adaptive creates the perfect platform for those who want exceptional, long-lasting comfort on a versatile saddle that provides both stability and balance

Pricing & Availability

The Fizik Vento Argo Adaptive R1 with carbon rails will set you back €299 | £299 | $299, while the R3 with alloy rails is a bit cheaper, priced at €259 | £259 | $259.

fizik argo adaptive r1 carbon rails road saddle

Fizik.com

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nooner
nooner
1 year ago

Wait, is this Specialized?

alex
alex
1 year ago
Reply to  nooner

No but the same maker in Italia . Is less expensive price of Specialized for a better quality ….

mattydubs
mattydubs
1 year ago
Reply to  nooner

Both the Specialized Mirror saddles and the Fizik ones (this is the second 3d printed saddle Fizik has made) are partly made by the same firm in California, Carbon 3D. At least the 3d printed shell.

I’d be curious how the Argo Adaptive compares to the Power Mirror. The scuttlebutt on the Antares Adaptive was that the Specialized saddle was better.

It will still be some time before any of these saddles get below the $200 mark though this is a good bit cheaper than the Big S models. 3d printing doesn’t work so well for mass manufacturing.

That said, I have the Power Mirror and it really is the best saddle I have ever used. Even on rides over 6 hours, I feel fresh as a daisy.

Robin
Robin
1 year ago
Reply to  mattydubs

Yup. Cycling Tips did a Nerd Alert podcast about 3D printed saddles and talked to people from Carbon 3D and Fizik. It was the Dec 13, 2021 episode if anyone is interested.

TypeVertigo
1 year ago
Reply to  mattydubs

Spez has since come out with a Romin Mirror not too long ago, as well. Same tech as the Power Mirror but with a traditional longer nose

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