Fizik Antares Versus Evo 00 Adaptive saddle first ride review
Fizik has rewritten the rules with its new digitally printed cycling saddle - a futuristic concept that has turned the traditional manufacturing process on its head
A 3D-printed saddle that not only looks provocative but offers a supremely comfortable and supportive platform too
Pros
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Superb comfort and support
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Exceptionally lightweight
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Space-age fabrication
Cons
-
Price
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Polarising aesthetics
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And while it's not the first manufacturer to embrace the 3D-printed saddle concept, the Italian company has beaten all its rivals to the market - including Specialized and its Mirror saddle.
The Italians are known for their emotive approach to design, having utilised the notion of form follows function in a variety of industrial creations over the past six decades including cars, bicycles, couture and even architecture. And of all the cycling manufacturers, it's Fizik that continually pushes the limits of conceptual design rhetoric - the Fizik Antares Versus Evo 00 Adaptive saddle is a case in point.
Unlike regular foam-moulded saddles, the Antares Versus Evo 00 Adaptive saddle has eschewed traditional manufacturing processes in a move that has helped speed up its development five times faster than what was previously achievable.
The result is nothing short of otherworldly - boldly provocative in terms of aesthetics yet functional when it comes to providing support and comfort on the bike.
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The maker's name clearly emblazoned on the relief channel(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
The Antares Adaptive's lattice structure might appear sponge-like in appearance but it's super comfortable(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
A carbon monocoque and rail system ensures weight is kept to a minimum(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Bar the 3D-printed padding the Adaptive saddle is identical to the Antares Versus Evo saddle upon which it's based(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
In terms of comfort and support, Fizik has dialled in strategically placed low- and high-speed compression areas(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Design and aesthetics
There's no disputing the visual allure and holding power of Fizik's latest saddle creation - just look at the honeycomb, colander-like padding. It's very much unlike the traditional saddle aesthetic and while its polarising appearance might not appeal to all it will certainly find favour with early adopters, particularly those looking for something to differentiate themselves from the rabble.
Fizik partnered with Carbon, a 3D printing specialist based in California, to fabricate the 3D-printed lattice structure. Twinned to a carbon-fibre Antares Versus Evo 00 chassis, the complete package tips the scales at a scant 153g (on our scale).
The relief channel is wider at the rear and becomes narrower toward the tip (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Specification
The Antares Adaptive saddle is a culmination of pressure mapping data collected over the last nine years which Fizik has used to identify key areas of attention. The 3D-printing process has allowed Fizik to preside over the key areas of the saddle's cushioning and performance, tailoring such attributes as density, dampening and elasticity.
The lattice structure or cushion is created using a Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) printing method. This space-age manufacturing technique uses digital ultraviolet light projection, oxygen-permeable optics and programmable liquid resin composites which are melded to produce the exquisite web-like surface you see here - with tailorable mechanical properties.
For now, this technology will feature exclusively on the Antares Adaptive saddle but Fizik has not denied that the Carbon’s EPU 41 material and technology will be used on some of its other products and model ranges down the line.
The digitally printed lattice is twinned to a carbon-fibre Antares Versus Evo 00 chassis, the complete package tips the scales at a scant 153g (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Riding experience
Owing to the coronavirus and social distancing measures, testing has been relegated exclusively to indoor use for now, but initial impressions are positive nonetheless - tests have included innumerable interval sessions comprising sprints as well as 3x10 minute zone 4 sets and even Zwift races.
And, is it any good? Well, so far we're impressed. Cushioning and support are great and no pain and numbness have been reported. I've personally always been a fan of the Antares platform and the Adaptive model has taken things to another level thanks to the combination of low- and high-speed compression areas dialled into the saddle's lattice structure.
The 3D-printed lattice structure is softer than it looks (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Fizik calls this 'zonal cushioning' and it works. You can clearly feel the difference in shock and bump absorption - it is softer on the outer areas and firmer towards the middle. Furthermore, the saddle returns to its original shape instantly with no indentations and has shown no signs of wear just yet.
It's like a regular Fizik Antares saddle, only more polarising (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Verdict
I'm a sucker when it comes to new technology - especially when it's combined with an already class-leading product. Fizik hasn't overthought things here - nope, instead, the company has taken a blue-sky idea and executed it perfectly.
While the visual interpretation may take some time getting used to, it's foolish to dismiss it based purely on appearance. Besides, this is the initial production run and we expect more colourways to become available sometime soon.
Overall Fizik has improved the Antares recipe by dialling in extra layers of performance and comfort without comprising weight. While I haven't had much opportunity to take it out for some 'real-world' testing just yet, what I have experienced thus far is impressive, to say the least.
Aaron was the Tech Editor Cyclingnews between July 2019 and June 2022. He was born and raised in South Africa, where he completed his BA honours at the University of Cape Town before embarking on a career in journalism. Throughout this career, Aaron has spent almost two decades writing about bikes, cars, and anything else with wheels. Prior to joining the Cyclingnews team, his experience spanned a stint as Gear & Digital editor of Bicycling magazine, as well as a time at TopCar as Associate Editor.
Now based in the UK's Surrey Hills, Aaron's life revolves around bikes. He's a competitive racer, Stravaholic, and Zwift enthusiast. He’s twice ridden the Cape Epic, completed the Haute Route Alps, and represented South Africa in the 2022 Zwift eSports World Championships.
