3D printing technology allows companies to develop designs and products that wouldn’t be feasible with traditional production methods. Fizik’s Adaptive lineup of saddles embraces the technology to incorporate 3D-printed padding to create a unique and supportive honeycomb design. In this review, we’ll be looking at the latest Fizik Vento Argo 00 Adaptive which combines the 3D-printed padding into a full carbon base for the ultimate lightweight and supportive saddle. This is the top-of-the-line $399 variation in the Argo Adaptive series and utilizes a full carbon base and rails to achieve a featherlight weight. Fizik also offers a $299 carbon rail R1 version and a $259 alloy rail R3 options that are marginally heavier. As a part of the Adaptive lineup, the saddle features a unique 3D printed pad along with zonal cushioning to optimize comfort on the saddle. Fizik currently offers the saddle in two width options: 140 mm or the wider 150 mm shown in this review.
The Fizik Vento Argo 00 Adaptive combines a 3D printed padding with a high performance carbon fiber base and rails.
| Retail Price | $399.99 |
| Rating | 9.2 / 10 |
| Measured Weight (in g) | 196 (150mm width) |
| Likes | + 3D printed pad + Zonal cushioning provides support where it is needed + Multiple widths cover a wide range of riders |
| Dislikes | – Premium price particularly for full carbon version – Open faced 3D printed padding is difficult to clean |
| Where to Buy (US) | Fizik |
UNBOXING
The Fizik Vento Argo 00 saddle comes in a simple cardboard box with the Fizik logo printed directly on the top lid. A cardboard backing holds the saddle in place along with specs and warning information printed on it. Inside the box you’ll find:
- Vento Argo 00 saddle
- Safety pamphlet
Despite the premium price point of the saddle, the packaging itself is simple and eco-friendly with logos and text printed directly onto it.
FIT & FINISH
The Fizik Vento Argo adaptive saddles combine the popular race-ready Argo saddles with innovative 3D printed padding. While this 3D printed design is visually similar to the Specialized Mirror lineup of saddles, believe it or not, Fizik offers this technology at lower price points. Currently, the Adaptive lineup consists of three variations in both the Vento Argo and Antares Versus saddles with carbon and alloy options. The Vento Argo Adaptive saddles are only available in this matte black finish with subtle ghosted branding. If the light hits the saddle at the right angle you can see the Fizik logo on the back and Argo Adaptive printed along the center outlines. In terms of profile, the Vento Argo is one of Fizik’s most versatile designs with a short nose and slightly inclined profile.
With the Adaptive saddles, the 3D printed padding is the star of the show as it combines a multi-layered honey-comb structure with zonal cushioning. The padding has a one piece appearance with different density materials used in each region. It’s softer along the center pressure relief channel and on the rear to provide comfort with stiffer material along the tip and edges. Unlike traditional saddle covers, there are no ugly seams or bunched up fabric along the edges of the saddle. Instead you have a nice sharp line between the base with no signs of molding lines or unfinished edges. Interestingly, the saddle features a center cutout in the base to reduce pressure but uses softer padding in the center instead of removing it entirely.
What makes the Vento Argo 00 the top-of-the-line version of the saddle is the full carbon shell and oval 7×9 carbon rails. It’s a surprisingly simple base with no exposed carbon fiber and simple branding printed on the center. Aside from the center cutout with the see-through 3D-printed padding the base is smooth and uniform. The rails feature Fizik’s Mobius design which has a low-profile wrap-around design with a wide flat mounting area. This gives the saddle a sleek appearance from any angle without exposed hardware as you can find in traditional saddles.
ON THE ROAD
While the Adaptive saddle’s 3D printed padding gives the saddle an exotic look, the padding feels comfortable and supportive. With our wider seat bones, the 150mm wide version was a perfect fit for short easy rides or high-effort sprints. The saddle felt very similar to our Ergo SR Pro saddle and provided a direct connection to the bike without any pressure points. We found the zonal cushioning was well designed with no pressure points. The only real downside we found with the 3D printed padding is that dirt can easily get stuck inside the multi-layer structure and requires a high pressure hose instead of a simple wipe to clean. Aside from that, the rails offer plenty of space to adjust the fit or attach a saddlebag to.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Fizik Vento Argo 00 Adaptive saddle is an innovative and supportive bike saddle. The unique 3D printed padding gives the saddle a unique appearance and light weight. It’s a very well finished saddle with no rough edges, folded fabric or exposed hardware. While we were impressed with the full carbon 00 version, we’d recommend going with on of the more affordable Adaptive variations unless you are really a weight weenie. Otherwise, we found the short nose design and flat profile of the saddle to be comfortable in the aero position and more relaxed positions on long rides. If you’re looking for a light and unique saddle the Fizik Vento Argo Adaptive saddle lineup is one you should definitely try out.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Fizik. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.