FIZIK SADDLES


2012 Fizik Arione Tri 2 CarbonT win Flex K:ium Saddle

The Fizik Arione Tri 2 Carbon Twin Flex saddle can be confounding. It's flat, but curved underneath. It looks stiff, but has flex. It is what it is, yet it is different than what it seems. It's a road saddle, but really it's a tri saddle. Set all the contradicting qualities aside for a moment and accept that this is a purpose-built time trial-leaning saddle that has some incredible features.

Let's go back to the beginning. In 2004, Fizik introduced the Arione Tri, and it went on to become the winningest TT-specific saddle in history. Over time Fizik learned that while the Arione shape was loved by women, their male sponsored riders wanted something a bit different. Something that was closer to the road Arione, but flatter across the top and with a bit more padding from the middle on forward.

So Fizik gave the Arione Tri a bit of a facelift. The forward part of the shell by the nose was reshaped, flattened, so there's more room for padding. And the mid section got more padding as well. For more thigh comfort and flex while hammering there is both Wing Flex on the sides and Twin Flex through the middle of the saddle. That allows plenty of give on an otherwise stiff carbon/nylon saddle.

The K:ium (pronounced "Koom," rhymes with zoom) rails offer a better ride than the standard titanium rails. They're 8% lighter, have greater strength to weight ratio, and damp more vibration. The damping is thanks to the Silicium. The shiny look is thanks to the chrome content. The chrome increases corrosion resistance, which helps with overall durability.

The length of the Tri2 Carbon is 302mm. The width is 132mm at the widest. The cover is perforated White Microtex, with Dark Grey suede thigh glides. The weight of the Fizik Arione Tri 2 Carbon saddle with K:ium rails is 209g.

Please Note: The Carbon TwinFlex shell on this saddle is not compatible with Fizik's ICS lights and saddle bags.