Combining lightweight, maximum stiffness & the peak of tuned Adaptive ergonomics, the new top of Fizik’s Argo saddle family will even fit on more bikes than ever, thanks to a shift to more standard 7x9mm rails!
Fizik Vento Argo Adaptive 00 full carbon + 3D-printed saddle
The key point Fizik is stressing with the new Vento Argo Adaptive 00 saddle is the improved stiffness and additional weight savings that comes from the full carbon shell & one-piece Mobius carbon rails in the step up from the previous R1 level to this new top 00. But probably more important is the shift from the 7x10mm oval rails of previous R1 & 00 level carbon rails that limited what seatposts could actually fit Fizik’s top-tier carbon-railed saddles.
In fact, mounting any other recent carbon-railed Fizik saddle to this PRO Discover seatpost would not have been possible without the special set of 7×10.3mm clamps that PRO makes for fi’zi:k compatibility.
Tech details
From a tech perspective, Fizik’s long naming system is quite descriptive. fi’zi:k Vento Argo Adaptive 00. Vento means racing – road, gravel, cyclocross, or XC. Argo means short-fit. Adaptive means 3D-printed padding. 00 means light & stiff with full carbon shell & rails.
Technically, the 00 is the only part that’s new, as there already was a fi’zi:k Vento Argo Adaptive R1 model with a reinforced nylon shell and 7x10mm carbon rails.
But the upgrade to 7x9mm Mobius carbon rails is a big shift, and one I hope filters through the rest of the Fizik lineup. Many seatposts that clamp just the top & bottom of a saddle’s rails like the classic Thomson 2-bolt or Ritchey 1-bolt can work with either 7×9 or 7×10 oval carbon rails. But seat guts that clamp the entire side of the rail – like this 1-bolt PRO design or ENVE’s similar solution – need special adapters to fit Fizik’s non-standard oversized rails.
The Fizik Vento Argo Adaptive 00 saddle shares the same 265mm overall length with the other Argos, and comes in 140mm & 150mm widths. The 00 versions are also 2.5mm shorter in height, thanks to the thinner carbon construction.
First Impressions Installing & Riding
This Adaptive version uses the same Carbon Inc. Digital Light Synthesis 3D-printed TPU honeycomb patterned padding, that features vastly varying structural stiffness. Overall it feels quite soft in hand, but more firm & supportive while riding.
It gets a super supportive feel on the sides under your sit bones, only getting a bit softer at the nose. But the center rear panel is soft to the touch down to the carbon shell, while the same softness central pressure relief zone feels like there is minimal resistance as you can push through the cutout in the carbon shell.
Fizik calls the new Argo Adaptive 00 the “most stiff and lightweight option” in their short-nosed, Adaptive range… but that’s a pretty limited window.
In reality, the 140mm Argo Adaptive 00 claims a weight of 175g (ours was just 1g heavier), or 186g for the 150mm wide version. That’s just 15g/10g lighter than the Argo Adaptive R1, and actually a full 41g/47g heavier than the conventionally padded Argo 00.
Compare it to the Antares which first debuted the 3D-printed Adaptive padding, and the Argo Adaptive 00 is 7g/15g heavier than the longer & narrower Antares shape.
Review thoughts on durability
One of my biggest concerns with any 3D-printed saddle is how its open lattice structure will accumulate dirt & debris. The Argo Adaptive 00 certainly can pick up some mud and grime. And outside of the central cutout in the carbon shell, the dirt does collect in the open honeycomb.
I’ve been riding with Ass Savers’ latest Win Wing rear fender to keep heavy mud accumulation to a minimum. But I still have seen a few bit of dirt collecting in the open lattice of the padding. Interestingly enough (although maybe not really surprising), when I carefully turned my bike upside down after 3 or 4 mixed-surface rides, a lot more dry dirt fell out of the lattice than I could see when the bike was upright.
I’m not sure how that might impact long-term durability of the padding, as that capture dirt is sitting inside the lattice all the time, theoretically acting as an abrasive against the internal padding structure with every bump the saddle absorbs or every impact from my butt smashing down against the seat.
That said, the Fizik Vento Argo Adaptive 00 saddle is truly lightweight, and it really is comfortable, especially over mixed gravel & road riding. So, I guess I’m going to grind it to see what happens…
Fizik Vento Argo Adaptive 00 – Pricing, options & availability
It’s not cheap. Actually, it’s about as expensive as saddles get.
This 3D-printed full-carbon Fizik Vento Argo Adaptive 00 is available now for $400 / 400€, through partner shops or direct from Fizik. That’s $100€ more than the ever so slightly heavier Argo Adaptive R1, or $100€ more than the significantly lighter Argo 00 with conventional padding. It is literally the most expensive saddle that fi’zi:k sells. Whether you can justify that pricetag for the balance of supreme ergonomic comfort and a bit of weight savings is up to you.
I’m curious how it will survive the dirty life of mixed road and gravel riding, so I’ll certainly keep riding it.
