Fi'zi:k

Arione R1 Open Saddle

While Fi'zi:k's lust-worthy 00 saddle might be the cream of the crop in its Snake Spine concept lineup, if you favor the shape but prefer a cutout to help relieve some pressure, you need to consider its Arione R1 Open Saddle. Featuring a shape that’s preferred by a large contingent of the pro peloton, the Arione R1 open pairs high-end materials with a flat saddle profile and a cut-out to avoid pressure and numbness on soft tissue. It trades the full-carbon shell of the 00 for a slightly heavier, more forgiving, and less expensive carbon-reinforced nylon one, and forgoes the Wing Flex technology, however, if you're seeking the cut-out, this is the top-tier version in the Arione family.

Rider's with flexible spines with little pelvic rotation during the pedal stroke tend to naturally position the sit bones to support their weight and will be most at home on this saddle. Regular, 130mm, and large, 143mm, widths exist depending on your particular sit bone width and its streamlined shape and vibration-dampening carbon rails help quell road noise on long rides over rougher roads. If your old saddle isn't cutting it, or it's cutting into you, this is one you should try out.