Fizik has launched the Vento Argo 00, the lightest version yet of its Argo short-nose saddle.
Designed specifically for road race bikes, the saddle is available in two widths, and Fizik claims the 140mm version weighs 134g and the wider 150mm version weighs 139g.
For context, this shaves 45g off the claimed weight of the 140mm Fizik Vento Argo R1 and 47g off the claimed weight of the 150mm version of the Vento Argo R1.
This weight saving will set you back a fair amount of money, though. The 00 version of the Vento Argo costs £275 / $275 / €275, whereas the R1 costs £184.99 / $224.99 / €199. The Vento Argo 00 is available now.
Carbon shell and injection-moulded padding
Fizik says the Vento Argo 00 utilises a number of different design features in order to achieve its low weight.
The saddle has a high-modulus full-carbon fibre shell and carbon fibre rails, Fizik says, in order to reduce weight and ensure stiffness.
The carbon rails are described by Fizik as a “one-piece Mobius strip”. It appears this means the rails are in fact a single piece of material that loops from one rail, round to the tail-end of the saddle, into the second rail, and towards the nose of the saddle.
On top of the carbon fibre shell is injected EVA padding, which Fizik says helps to reduce weight, presumably when compared to the foam used on its other Argo saddles.
This padding has a low profile to minimise mass and, according to Fizik, helps maximise power transfer.
Why a short-nose saddle?
Short-nose saddles have boomed in popularity in recent years, with the release of saddles such as the Specialized Power and the Pro Stealth Superlight.
A number of short saddles have also made their way into our pick of the best road bike saddles, with several reviewers citing how the short designs allow you to remain comfortable even while riding in an aggressive position.
This is something that’s echoed by Fizik’s own press material, with the brand saying the design of the Argo allows riders to sit further forward than a traditionally shaped saddle without placing “undue pressure on sensitive areas”.
There is a large cut-out section in the middle of the saddle, too, that is said to be ergonomic and the result of “detailed pressure analysis from medical experts”.
The saddle shape is said to be designed specifically for road bikes with racy geometries and to place riders in a planted position, making for better weight distribution and stability.
The drop nose on the Vento Argo 00 is said to support the pubic ramus when the rider rotates forward on their pelvis to produce more power or adopt a more aerodynamic position on the bike.
Fizik Concepts
The Vento Argo 00 is said to be part of Fizik’s range of Concepts products, which includes the Fizik Antares Versus Evo 00 Adaptive saddle and Fizik Vento Stabilita Carbon shoes, among others.
The Concepts programme is said to be a “cross-disciplinary collaboration of leading industry experts and academics” researching and analysing technology, design and physiology “to improve cycling performance”.
Fizik says it also works with professional athletes, such as riders from its sponsored WorldTour professional teams, Movistar and Team Ineos Grenadiers, to develop products for its Concepts programme.
