FizikVento Argo R3 Saddle(Return to Product Page)

I've never thought much about saddles, just about any saddle seemed to work for me. But then I started track cycling and also bought a smart trainer. Spending more time seated pedaling, without the natural occasional standing on the pedals to absorb bumps or stopping that comes with riding outdoors, made it clear I needed a better saddle. I tried a few, including an expensive 3D printed saddle, before finally giving the Fizik Vento Argo a try. As the review summary says, I liked it so much I bought three and put one on each bike I regularly ride plus the smart trainer.

I have long used a Fizik Arione and I have been looking to replace it with an open concept saddle. This has been a good replacement. A little broader in the back than the Arione but the nose works similarly to the Arione minus the pressure. I find the material a bit too big in some places for me but part of this is adaptation. I'd recommend this as a good choice, fit dependent

I've tried all the different Argos Fizik makes. This saddle has the right padding and shape to be the most comfortable saddle I have used in over 40 years of riding.

Excellent product

I'm writing this review primarily because I was offered the chance to win a $50 gift card if I did so. I am 28, male, 130 pounds (59 kg) and 5' 9' (175 cm). My sit bone width is 120 mm and I purchased this saddle in the 140 mm size. That said, this saddle forces such a high degree of pelvic rotation that I don't think sit bone width is the best measure for selecting width. I have fitted this saddle to a BMC Roadmachine.

?I chose the R3 model because I didn't like the conspicuous white branding on the R5 model and the R1 was too pricey. The saddle was recommended to me by a bike fitter.

?When new the saddle was alarmingly slippery but it has gotten less so with use. My first few rides with it were quite painful but my comfort has improved since. The longest ride I've been on so far has been about 60 miles over four hours and I had no issues with that distance. I'm not sure how suited it will be for longer journeys. The 'forward' position the saddle encourages is indeed racy but I am finding that it is helping with my positioning and posture. The result is that I am in a more aggressive but also more comfortable and stable body position than with previous saddles. In this respect the marketing copy from Fizik has been pretty accurate. The saddle also makes me feel more intimately connected to my bike.

I've been most impressed with the saddle's vibration damping. It does a remarkable job cutting harshness from rough pavement and chip seal. My bike did this well already but the saddle has improved upon it. I find myself checking to see if the rear tire is flat or losing air because of how smooth the saddle makes things. It does so while also being pleasantly taut'other saddles have been too springy on wavy and rippled surfaces. I can hold higher speeds on bad roads without getting pitched about. I did try this on my aluminium commuter bike and it was unpleasantly stiff in that application. I think this will be a good choice if paired to a carbon frame that is relatively compliant to begin with. I mentioned my weight earlier because I don't know if lighter or heavier riders will experience the same level of compliance.

Finally, with other saddles I've struggled with genital numbness and difficulties urinating during and after rides lasting over two hours/40 miles. I haven't had such issues with this saddle and I believe the massive pressure relief channel is to thank.

Why 3 out of 5 stars? I am liking the saddle more and more but can't help but wonder if there is a better saddle waiting to be discovered. I have had the saddle for six weeks and ridden about 500 miles on it so far. I'm unsure if I'll be keeping it.