In this article I will review the Fizik Arione R1 Versus Evo Carbon Braided Saddle, for the new Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8.0 Di2. The Fizik Arione has been my preferred saddle series for many years, but it feels like Fizik is slowly discontinuing this line, and focusing on all the new adaptive saddles with the 3D honey comb structure (like other saddle brands) .
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key design features Fizik Arione R1 Versus Evo Carbon Braided Saddle
On the product page of the Fizik Arione R1 Versus Evo Carbon Braided Saddle you can read the following product description:
With full-channel comfort and advanced technology, materials and craft, Arione R1 Versus Evo is a leading performance road saddle for riders who want a flat saddle profile and a pressure relief channel.
Made for riders with high body flexibility and no pelvic rotation while pedaling, the Arione is longer than any other fizik road saddle, flat from nose to tail and with a narrow nose, so you can move around to find your power spot.
Arione R1 Versus Evo features a composite Carbon-reinforced nylon shell – with Wing Flex technology which enables flexibility where your thighs meet the saddle – and a light, strong, Braided Carbon rail. A Comfort Core foam layer beneath the neat, durable Microtex cover provides comfort, and is enhanced by the full-length comfort channel which reduces pressure on the rider’s sensitive soft tissue and ensures that all weight is correctly supported across the whole surface of the saddle.
Like all performance fi’zi:k road saddles, Arione R1 Versus Evo is light, flexible and agile. It’s designed for pros, with pros and raced by pros. With full-channel comfort and advanced technology, materials and craft, Arione R1 Versus Evo is a leading performance road saddle for riders who want a flat saddle profile and a pressure relief channel.
On my 2014 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 9.0 there is a Fizik Arione VSX Braided saddle (2016 model) that has kept me both comfortable and performant during many rides, and a Bikefitting Bioracer Motion at Golazo Energy – Bakala Academy also confirmed that a Fizik Arione is a rock solid choice for my body (and sit bones).
When I purchased a new Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8.0 Di2 road bike this year I was searching for a Fizik Arione saddle. It felt like Fizik is slowly discontinuing Arione line, and focusing on all the new adaptive saddles with the 3D honey comb structure. Luckily I’ve found the Arione R1 Versus Evo Carbon Braided Saddle, it is simply the successor of the 2016 model I have on my older bike.
So a proven pressure relief channel and a flat profile on top of a carbon-reinforced shell. Compared to the old model the Fizik Arione R1 Versus Evo Carbon Braided Saddle is slightly harder. But it just took two longer rides to get used to that, but overall the feeling on the saddle is pretty much the same as the old one. Compared to the stock Selle Italia SLR Boost Superflow S saddle, the feeling on the Fizik Arione R1 Versus Evo is directly familiar (feels like coming home, which is not surprising).
In order to use the Fizik Arione R1 Versus Evo Carbon Braided Saddle on the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2, one needs to install the Canyon GP7453-01 Adapter Oval Rails or the Framesandgear saddle clip converter 7*9 for Canyon which both have a price point of around € 35,00. It is simply because of the oval rails shape, that doesn’t fit the Canyon EP2352-01 Saddle Clamp for saddles with 7×7 mm round steel rails.
The Fizik Arione R1 Versus Evo Carbon Braided Saddle feels more refined, more optimized for weight compared to the older Fizik Arione VSX Braided saddle. The saddle weighs xx grams on my kitchen scales. It gives me the comfort and support I personally need during endurance rides on rolling slightly hilly terrain. Contact points like saddle and shoes are very personal (Sidi Wire SP shoes with Speedplay Carbon Sole).
Concluding thoughts and wrap-up
The price point of the Fizik Arione R1 Versus Evo Carbon Braided Saddle is now € 155,00 which is significantly less than it used to be, but also less than half the price of a honeycomb 3D structured saddle from Fizik or Selle Italia. Without the availability of the Arione R1 I would have needed to go back to Bikefitting Bioracer Motion at Golazo Energy – Bakala Academy and try to get a next best or even better personal saddle option.
- What brand and model of saddle are you using ?
- Are you still a fan of the Fizik Arione line?
Purchasing an adapter for oval 7×9 mm rails is quite normal, when you go for carbon rails. And it is a one time purchase for a reasonable price point. So this is not a dealbreaker for me. On all my bikes I have saddles with a flat profile given my body flexibility.
- Selle Italia Flite Boost X-Cross TI 316 Superflow Saddle
- Selle Italia X-LR Air Cross TM Superflow S Saddle
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