Fizik Aliante R3 K:ium Saddle
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Fizik Aliante R3 K:ium Saddle Info
No one can accuse Fizik of not trying to give cyclists as many options as possible. Basically, they want you to be comfortably seated at whatever price point you are comfortable paying. The Fizik Aliante R3 K:IUM Saddle gives you the same hammock shape as all the Aliante saddles, but with one or two more price conscious material choices.
The main difference you’ll immediately notice is that Fizik uses their k:ium rails instead of the braided carbon. But don’t be downhearted at the thought, since k:ium is Fizik’s proprietary metal alloy, the exact formulation of which they understandably keep close to their chest. However, they have given it a tubular design and a particular finishing process that is intended to reduce potential fatigue of the rail surface. On top of that it offers an 8% weight reduction from the titanium rails we saw on earlier Fiziks, giving the k:ium rails an astounding strength to weight ratio. The only other difference the R3 version has compared to the R1 is that the shell is a composite glass fiber co-injected with nylon is used instead of the carbon Kevlar. But it still offers the same springiness that the Twin Flex provides.
And as with the R1, the same Microtex material covers the saddle, with the rear central section possessing a classy matte finish and scuff guards at the wing points to help keep your saddle looking flash even when someone is less than careful when leaning it up against the brick garage wall. The cover is thermo-welded over a new high-density yet super light padding that's developed by Fizik. The of the Aliante R3 fits into Fizik’s Spine Concept, which simply means that they recognize every rider has a different degree of flexibility, and there should be a Fizik saddle that will accommodate each rider’s needs.
The rest of the Aliante R3 K:IUM has received the same attention to detail as the entire Aliante line. The Italian company has redressed it with a new classy finish, and a sleeker profile. They have learned that the conventional assumption that wider sit bones need wider saddles is simply not the case. Every rider has different needs, which is why there are several options within the Fizik line-up. The Aliante has been around since Fizik brought it out in 1999 and this newer version makes use of the same shape; your bum will still get the benefit of that distinctive hammock design of the saddle surface. The curve of the seat provides support when the rider is sitting back in a climbing position, while giving the undercarriage room to breathe. With just the right amount of padding, you won’t have to worry about sore nads, and for the crux of the comfort, Fizik still uses the Twin Flex system, which allows sections of the hull to flex. The Aliante update results also in a sleeker shape fore and aft, which will make it easy for you to shift your position forward or rearward, depending on what the terrain demands.
If you love the way the Aliante saddles fit your bottom, and price is no object, then there’s probably no reason why you shouldn’t spring for the R1. But if the Aliante is your saddle preference, but you don’t have the endless funds for cycling equipment, then with the Fizik Aliante R3 K:IUM you can still have the comfort and technology without the pain in the pocket book.