Fizik Arione R1 Light review: The iconic long saddle from the early 2000s is making a small comeback with five new versions. One of the new models is light, firm, and still relatively long. Can it replicate the success of the original model?
Saddles are a dime a dozen – but only a very few achieve legendary status. Concor and Rolls, Turbo and Flite are the big names of the 1980s and 90s; the new millennium then saw the rise of this saddle. Introduced in 2003, the Fizik Arione attracted attention with its unusually long, narrow shape and almost completely flat surface, bringing the Italian manufacturer Selle Royal's sports brand into the spotlight for the first time. For a good ten years, it was one of the most popular models in cycling, produced in countless different variations.
Fizik Arione R1 Light: the highlights
- Classic form of the original model, slightly shorter
- Length 284 mm, width approx. 132 mm
- Fixed EVA padding without cover
- Weight 152 grams (narrow version)
- Price 199 Euro
Five variants with 3D, EVA and PU padding
Now it's back and available in four additional versions besides the Fizik Arione R1 Light: The manufacturer offers two Adaptive models with 3D-printed padding, as well as the R1 Light, R3, and R5 in a more "conventional" design, if you can call it that. In the top version, the saddle is quite minimalist, resulting in a low weight of 152 grams in the narrow version. Its shape is almost identical to the original, although the new Arione has been shortened by almost 2 cm to 284 mm. It's also slightly wider, even in the 135 mm version, which actually measures more like 132 mm. Additionally, the Fizik Arione R1 Light is available in 145 mm.
A defining feature of previous Arione models was the longitudinal groove with a cutout in the middle. All five models now share this design. The R1 Light takes a new approach with its padding, which is no longer made of PU foam and a saddle cover, but rather a solid EVA plastic without a protective outer shell. This, along with the carbon-nylon shell and the recessed mounts for the carbon saddle rails, gives the Fizik Arione R1 Light a minimalist, clean look. The only slight drawback is the two threaded holes on the underside, intended for a special triathlon bottle cage. One could, of course, imagine attaching other accessories here, such as a rear light, like the clip-on versions that were once available for the older Arione models. Unfortunately, Fizik doesn't offer such accessories.
Orientation: it all comes down to the nose
Mounting the saddle with the highly oval carbon rails is straightforward, but adjusting it requires a bit of thought: How do you position a saddle that, at 284 mm, is a good 3 cm longer than current standard models? The first Arione also employed a small trick to achieve its effect: The rear tip of the saddle isn't really suitable for sitting on; the nose, on the other hand, isn't any longer than on shorter models. You can use the nose as a guide when positioning the saddle lengthwise. As for the angle, you can initially align the Arione so that the front half is perfectly horizontal.
Mounted on the seatpost, the Fizik Arione R1 Light feels exceptionally comfortable right from the start. Although "comfortable" might not be the right word, as it's certainly not plush. Rather, it's very neutral and pressure-free, and so narrow that it leaves plenty of room for the thighs while pedaling. Even in an aggressive riding position, the saddle proves to be pleasantly pressure-free in the front area.
You have to like firm padding.
On longer rides, the very firm padding becomes noticeable. The new Arione doesn't offer much cushioning in the sit bone area, which is something to consider for those who prefer a softer material in this area. For them, there's the Adaptive version of the Arione with a more compliant 3D padding, which costs only 60 euros more than the R1 Light (and is about 60g heavier). However, the saddle's shape remains relevant even after more than 20 years – unlike the legendary saddles of the past, which eventually became outdated…