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EB17: Fizik completely revamps Arione, Aliante & Antares saddles; adds knit, gravel shoes & more!

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Fizik saddles are one of those things you see everywhere, come stock on lots of bikes, but have seemed the same for years. No longer, thanks to a complete refresh of all three models for 2018. The Fizik Aliante, Arione, and Antares all get three new versions, each of which come in two sizes and two rail options. Two of the versions, the Versus.Evo and Open, use central reliefs to reduce pressure on sensitive areas.

2018 Fizik Aliante Versus Evo carbon bicycle saddle with center relief channel

The standard saddles get mostly cosmetic refreshes, with graphics and matte/gloss embossing that matches the new lineup. The real push is the Versus.Evo, which has an entirely new Wing Flex shell and progressive cushioning that work independently to support you.

2018 Fizik Aliante Versus Evo carbon bicycle saddle with center relief channel

Underneath, the R1 models use braided carbon rails, and the R3 gets their K:ium alloy rails.

2018 Fizik Antares Aliante and Arione saddles redesigned to be more comfortable

Using the Aliante as an example, the three versions available are the regular…

2018 Fizik Antares Aliante and Arione Versus-Evo saddles redesigned with better foam and center relief channel

…the Versus.Evo with the full length center channel…

2018 Fizik Antares Aliante and Arione Open saddles redesigned with center cutout relief section to improve blood flow while cycling

…and the Open with a central cutout. All use their integrated clip system for compatible saddle bags.

2018 FIZIK ROAD, MOUNTAIN & GRAVEL BIKE SHOES

2018 Fizik R1 Infinito and X5 Terra gravel and road bike cycling shoes

Fizik’s shoes get an update, with an all new design for their top-shelf R1 and X1 models. Shown above, the R1 (road) also gets a knit version (sense a trend here?), followed by four colors for the standard model with a perforated synthetic Microtex upper.

What’s new? The 2018 R1 Infinito (top) adds additional channels for the Boa lacing to snake through, creating something like an infinity symbol (hence the name). They say this distributes pressure more evenly, and it let them improve their Volume Adjust tech:

21018 Fizik R1 Infinito road bike shoes

The upper channel is connected directly to a wrap-around strip running under your arch, helping to secure your foot inside the shoe.

Underneath are lots of air vents to cool your dogs, plus a replaceable heel tread.

2018 Fizik R1 Infinito road bike shoe

The standard R1 comes in at €350…

2018 Fizik R1 Infinito Knit road cycling shoes

…and the R1 Infinito Knit is €380. The next level down, the R3, gets a lot of the old R1 features and will retail for €275.

2018 Fizik X1 Infinito mountain bike shoes

The top of the line X1 Infinito mountain bike shoes get the same updates, but add a sweet looking rubber and tread surround.

2018 Fizik X5 Terra gravel cyclocross commuter and mountain bike shoes

The Terra X5 is their XC / CX / Gravel shoe that comes with a suede microfiber upper (€175) or Microtex synthetic upper (€150). It has a carbon-injected nylon sole with a similar TPU rubber cleat/tread system.

Fizik.com

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typevertigo
typevertigo
6 years ago

I’m pretty interested in the Versus Evo line. They consolidated the two old “grades” of Versus saddles (VS and VS X) into a single design and adopted a similar construction to Fabric’s Line saddle, but made the bare-shell channel a full-length one. The basic design might be good enough to contend with Selle SMP and Specialized’s Power.

I’m told the Open versions of the saddles have firmer padding – perhaps to make up for the cut-out.

myke2241
myke2241
6 years ago

Wow, this is last weeks news. I noticed the same thing with the 1030 release.

Joenomad
Joenomad
6 years ago

Revamping the same saddle line every year tells me that they don’t have the basic anatomy of the general public figured out. I know that saddles are a personal fit issue, but I have yet to find a Fizik that works.

myke2241
myke2241
6 years ago
Reply to  Joenomad

Huh? You ever see bike companies change just the paint year after year? Personally their saddles work great for me. I have one on all my bikes

Joenomad
Joenomad
6 years ago
Reply to  myke2241

Huh, they weren’t just changing the color of the cover. Like I said, saddle fit is a personal issue. Glad that you are able to find one that works.

myke2241
myke2241
6 years ago
Reply to  Joenomad

They added more options! Did you even look at their site. Their design are pretty much the same as 10 years ago besides added rail and shell options! All their older saddles are still available in addition to these new designs.

Joenomad
Joenomad
6 years ago
Reply to  myke2241

I usually don’t bother with Internet trolls, but reading comprehension helps. From the BR report from the vendor.

No longer, thanks to a complete refresh of all three models for 2018. The Fizik Aliante, Arione, and Antares all get three new versions, each of which come in two sizes and two rail options. Two of the versions, the Versus.Evo and Open, use central reliefs to reduce pressure on sensitive areas.

myke2241
myke2241
6 years ago
Reply to  Joenomad

Reading comprehension on you’re part would have helped indeed. Go to their site and will see. By the way you may want to scrub up on the definition of troll in the text of Internet forums.

pinko
pinko
6 years ago
Reply to  Joenomad

Fizik is owned by sells royal, same family, same people. They have been making saddles since the 50’s and they also own brooks.

Ryan S.
Ryan S.
6 years ago

Ready for new XC shoe this spring, but why oh why must they put the Boa knobs on the outside where it gets hit/broken by rock strikes? Busting a closure on a shoe really sucks; put them on top for MTB.

Hungover
Hungover
6 years ago
Reply to  Ryan S.

Too late now Ryan. They’ve already made ’em!

myke2241
myke2241
6 years ago
Reply to  Ryan S.

Probably won’t be a huge issue. I’m just glad they changed the MTB shoe design. Their road shoes looked really nice but I always wondered what they were thinking with mtb. Still work to do

pinko
pinko
6 years ago
Reply to  myke2241

The boa is meant for quick access, and it is easier/more balanced to reach on the side than on the top. Unless someone races, it is overkill.

myke2241
myke2241
6 years ago
Reply to  pinko

I don’t race and don’t think boa is over kill. It is found on shoes of many levels. Do you own shoes with boa?

Brooke Willson
Brooke Willson
6 years ago
Reply to  myke2241

I don’t race either, but I love my Fizik R5b shoes. The boa dial allows me to micro-adjust the shoe, looser or tighter, while clipped in. And by pulling the dial out, the laces instantly loosen enough to slip the shoe off. The Fizik shoes are as comfortable — literally — as bedroom slippers.

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