Fizik launches all-new Arione saddle range

Cycling accessories brand Fizik has launched a new edition of its popular Arione saddle. In the brand’s own words, it’s “one of the world’s most iconic saddles” and it has returned with a modern evolution of its design. The Arione earned cult status in the peloton at the time of its launch in 2003, with its 300mm length on the limit of what was permitted by the UCI’s measuring jig, and it was this size that made it a firm favourite in the pro peloton and trusted enough that plenty of pros stuck with it for life.

Fizik says that the iconic design is now “reimagined with contemporary materials and advanced construction methods,” while retaining what made the original so good; flexibility of position, however you like to ride. It’s the comeback of a classic, made for the modern road.

Reinvented rails for all models

Once again, Arione pushes the UCI rules to the limit. Arione is equipped with a new revolutionary rail insertion that unlocks a more aero/aggressive position. Instead of the rails curving back to meet the shell, thus creating limits to the adjustment, the new Arione has a vertical join to the saddle, which allows the user to move it as far forward as possible, thus allowing the saddle to be set to the limit necessary to achieve the ideal forward position to beat the wind.

Water bottle cage mount

Arione borrows the ‘link’ platform from the Aeris saddle family, which allows mounting a triathlon style rear bottle cage to the saddle. Fizik will be offering more options for this mounting point in the future to offer alternative on-bike storage in the future.

The new Arione comes in 5 new models, all a variation of the same core shape and style for different use cases and price points. The varying models are detailed below:

ARIONE R1 ADAPTIVE

Bringing together the flat profile and streamlined shape of Fizik’s high-performance racing saddle with the tailored zonal comfort of their 3D-printed Adaptive padding, Arione Adaptive provides balanced support from nose to tail, for riders who prioritise complete freedom of movement and aerodynamic body positioning. Finished with a carbon-reinforced nylon shell and a weight-saving carbon rail.

The specific 3D-printed padding developed for Arione features five distinctive functional zones, delivering a responsive, race-ready feeling to better connect rider and bike. Thanks to the unique capabilities of this technology, Fizik has designed a padding that incorporates a softer central functional zone, instead of a traditional cut-out, to distribute a rider’s weight more evenly for better pressure relief and improved comfort on longer rides, all while keeping the typical performance feeling of Arione. Each of these key functional zones is engineered for a distinctive cushioning and mechanical response, joined together progressively and seamlessly in the same padding. This has led to a 60% reduction in peak pressure through improved weight distribution for increased comfort across the entire saddle surface.

The evolution of digital 3D printing has allowed Fizik to develop a new type of saddle without the constraints or limitations imposed by traditional production methods and materials. The Adaptive saddle padding is crafted by Carbon® using their revolutionary Digital Light Synthesis™ technology. DLS is an additive manufacturing process that uses digital ultraviolet light projection, oxygen-permeable optics, and programmable liquid resins to produce parts with excellent mechanical properties, resolution, and surface finish.

ARIONE R1 LIGHT

Arione R1 Light joins the wider R1 light range launched earlier this year. In this configuration, Arione R1 Light combines low-profile injected EVA padding with a ride-compliant shell and a highly stiff carbon rail. Engineered for low weight and high-performance riding, R1 Light architecture combines a carbon-reinforced nylon shell with ultra-stiff carbon rails for a responsive, lightweight platform. Raw EVA padding delivers low-profile, reactive cushioning that maintains comfort and support without sacrificing the ergonomic shape or increasing thickness. The result? The bare essentials: a minimal carbon structure with a bare EVA foam layer. A saddle that reduces weight without compromise – ideal for long, fast days on the saddle.

In this configuration, Arione features an ergonomic cut-out, developed using detailed pressure analysis and input from medical experts, that helps to relieve pressure and facilitate blood flow. The saddle’s surface features a grippy texture that ensures a no-slip hold, minimizing unwanted movement that could compromise performance.

ARIONE R3

Arione R3 makes use of the same iconic shape as the above models, but combines a compliant Carbon reinforced nylon shell with lightweight, durable Kium hollow rails. Like the R1 Light model, this version of Arione features an ergonomic cut-out, developed using detailed pressure analysis and input from medical experts, that helps to relieve pressure and facilitate blood flow. The padding on the R3 is made from Fizik’s proprietary Type 1 foam: a low-profile, reactive formulation that delivers springy support for an instant response and optimal power transfer with every pedal stroke.

ARIONE R3 ADAPTIVE

Arione R3 Adaptive brings together the same flat profile and streamlined shape of the R3 detailed above with the tailored zonal comfort of 3D-printed Adaptive padding. Arione Adaptive provides balanced support from nose to tail, for riders who prioritise complete freedom of movement and aerodynamic body positioning. This mode is finished with a carbon-reinforced nylon shell and lightweight, durable hollow Kium alloy rail.

ARIONE R5

Built with low-profile Type-1 foam padding, Arione R5 provides lasting support across all rides. It uses the same shape profile as the above models while making use of a carbon-reinforced nylon shell to save weight and an ultra-durable S-Alloy rail.

In this configuration, Arione features the same ergonomic cut-out as mentioned above, which helps to relieve pressure and facilitate blood flow. Additionally, the padding is made from Fizik’s proprietary Type 1 foam: a low-profile, reactive formulation that delivers springy support for an instant response and optimal power transfer with every pedal stroke.