I was hoping that this saddle would make so my hind end wasn't sick of the saddle after 50 miles of riding, sadly no joy on that front. It's no worse than two other saddles I've tried on this bike, but it's not much, if any, better than a Specialized Power Comp Pro or a Selle Italia X3. I'm starting to think that my tail is going to be ready to stop sitting on any saddle after 50 miles of riding in a day.
On the plus side, it's got that spider web look so admired by cool biker boys, so I can pose as a cool kid.
So I have tested multiple of these saddles, I tested the adaptive 00 argo vento, regular 00 argo vento, regular r1 argo vento and now the adaptive r1 argo vento and the r1 models have a different shape than the 00 models. On the 00 models, there was just something about them that no matter which width I tried, they didn't feel right and I had assumed that the r1/3/5 models and 00 model were the same shape however they actually are not as I was comparing their images on Fizik's website.
The 00 models have a wider front half in the 140 and 150mm width versions while the r models have overall a slightly more refined shape... the rear wings taper inwards a bit more compared to the 00 models, the 00 models are more smooth in terms of going from the wings to the tip. Additionally, the 00 adaptive models have extremely firm 3d padding while this is similar to the adaptive TT saddles fizik provides, very squishy (though the TT ones are slightly more squishy).
If you are someone who likes a wide front half of the saddle, the 00 models MIGHT work for you however you are paying a heck of a lot more for something that is a lot firmer and in my opinion a lot less comfortable compared to the r1/3/5 versions. I really like this saddle, I was actually going to write off adaptive saddles because of the 00 model of this however I decided to give this a try when I realized the shape is slightly different compared to the 00 model and this is much, much better.
Keep in mind from a bike fitting perspective, these saddles grip you very well so too much saddle tilt on this thing, while it will hold you in place you will start to chafe uncomfortably after about an hour or two.
I've done a lot of multi-day long distance cycling and years ago settled on the Aliante as the most comfortable saddle for me. After prostate surgery I was advised that an open saddle would be preferable so when I started riding again it was on a Fizik Tempo Aliante R3 saddle. At first it seemed too firm and the edges along the open center seemed to dig in a bit, but after optimizing the position, it's become even more comfortable than my previous Aliante. I couldn't be more satisfied.
The saddle is great, I want that to be known. The shape is good and has a good amount of curvature to help rotate the pelvis. A couple things to be aware of however:
1. This version doesn't have rail markings, to be honest I don't know why that really wouldn't add any weight.
2. The saddle has 4 main squish sections, one in the center is very squishy, two on the sides that most of your pelvis and sitbones will be on and then the very back. All the different sections are quite firm and at least for me, I think it would have been a tad more comfortable if these other sections had a tad bit more squish than they do.
3. I assume this is 3D saddles in general but the argo adaptive grips you very well, too well might I say. I never realized how many different micro-adjustments I made while I sit when it comes to going from flat to up or down hills until I couldn't easily make these position adjustments because of just how much this saddle holds you down. In my case, it grips me so well that it holds the bibs in place and you end up slightly moving inside your bibs, which over time produces friction and becomes a bit uncomfortable especially on humid days.
This saddle is great, but 3D saddles in my opinion are not for everyone. I think some people prefer being really planted when riding and if that is you this kind of saddle will be perfect. If however you do like to adjust your pelvis to the saddle based on whether you are riding up or down hills, I wouldn't get a 3D saddle as it will grip you way too much.
This kind of saddle I think is fantastic for time trial bikes, and thats why I have fizik's adaptive tt saddle as it is very squishy all around and allows you to really be aggressive, way more than most other TT saddles. I think there is a time and place for this much grip but on a road bike, for me there is just too much versatility when you ride around and for that reason I will be using the regular vento argo 00 going forward.
