Test duration: several specimens between 2,000 and 6,000 km
MINUS: Surface dissolves after a short time
The "Aliante saddle" from Fizik is one of the most popular and at the same time most expensive saddles on the market. The successful shape and the high level of comfort thanks to the elasticated shell in the middle make many road cyclists overlook the prices of 169 euros (with titanium stays) and even 209 euros (with carbon stays). This makes it all the more annoying that many Aliante saddles are ready for replacement well before their time. The model pictured was in use for just three months and a little over 2,000 kilometres. Although this included around 900 kilometres in the rain, this cannot be an excuse for the blatant signs of disintegration of the artificial leather cover. The damage pattern is similar to many other cases known to the TOUR editorial team. At the edge of the saddle shell - where the cover has to withstand the highest tension - the cover tears and then continues to come loose.
Reference/Info: Gsänger, servus-fag-tc@t-online.de; www.fizik.com
Price: 169 euros (titanium); 209 euros (carbon)
Photo: Daniel Simon
