I had an fizik Arione (for "most flexible"riders) on my old bike, and an Aliante ("least flexible") came OEM on my new endurance/gray-haired bike. I put up with it for several thousand miles, but after a few rides on the Arione realized the Aliante was not working for me and I needed a different saddle. Debated between another Arione and the Antares and went with the latter because as I'm over 50 I'm not really "most flexible", if I ever was. I've put a few hundred miles on it, and after the first 150-200 getting used to it and getting the position correct, I'm very comfortable and happy with it.
I did one ride on this saddle. Was going to go longer but had to stop after 20 miles. Afterwards, I ended up having a bad headache and had to schedule a visit to the chiropractor. It was super stiff and I'm apparently not able to ride something like that. I actually had to take several days off to recover from that short ride. And for reference, I'm very athletic, 5'8", 155lbs, and in my 40's. I did 2,000+ miles this year so I'm no stranger to time in the saddle. It felt good in the dimensions, just didn't have enough padding for me.
I rated it 3 stars because while it wasn't for me, it seems well constructed and is probably a decent product. But it was absolutely not compatible with my body physiology. Your mileage may vary (no pun intended) if you prefer less padding.
After this, I bought I switched to a Fizik Tempo Argo R1 Saddle and absolutely love it. I have avg to slightly larger sit bone width so a wider saddle is critical for me. The few extra $$ are well worth it if you're looking for something with a little more width and more padding!
I had an R3 from 2016 that was the most comfortable saddle I've ever owned. Came on my Focus Izalco Max. I bought a second 2018 Izalco that came with a ProLogo that was not so comfortable. I tried two more Fizik Anatares with channels, and neither approached the comfort of the R3. Saddles are highly personal and this may not be the case for you. I'm 6' tall, 185 lbs and ride 25 to 50-miles road rides, 3,000 to 4,000 miles per year. Mid-sixties. Been riding recreationally 40 years.
Saddles are one of those things you REALLY have to try before you buy. I had the good luck of being able to ride one of these for several hundred miles before deciding I thought it was better than my existing saddle. Overall I'm really pleased with the quality and for the price this is done well and light weight. With a few hundred more miles I'm still convinced this is comfortable and nice.
The best saddles are the ones you don't notice. I switched from the Antares VS to the Antares and now to the Antares R3 and I'm happy. Was a bit harsh the first couple of rides but after about a week it's even more comfortable than the old Antares. Matches with Team Sky Blue and Fizik SID Blue bar tape perfectly.
My older antares finally gave out. I like the wider platform on this saddle. That being said I prefer the old covering . The new saddle has a microfiber cover that takes a little getting used to. I have got about 500 miles on it and it is feeling better day by day. It always seems to take a while for a saddle to break in even if you replace it with the same model and brand.
I purchased this saddle after riding a similiar shaped one for about five months which I felt was comfortable and supported me well. The way Fizik constructed the Antares with flexible wings has really improved my comfort on long rides which is what I was looking for versus weight savings even though it weighs 135g's less.
The product is great and when I sat on it is seemed to fit me well. My only complaint is the rough material section. I move a lot in the saddle (probably too often). It would seem it was supposed to add friction so you can push back on the saddle for power peddling, but I am afraid they will wear out my shorts. Will probably try and Alicante next.
I've been cycling for over 12 years and have gone through more saddles than I'd like to admit... I've always gone for the curved style saddles, San Marco Regale, Specialized Power saddle, Bontrager Serano saddle and never really felt comfortable on them, it felt like my sitbones were never sitting on the saddle. I finally purchased a flat saddle, Fizik Antares. What can I say, it's the best saddle I've ever ridden, able to raise my saddle and feel more power transfer because I'm finally sitting on the right saddle. Thank you Fizik for making a great saddle. Highly recommended saddle company.
Replacement seat and is exactly what I wanted
This Antares saddle works well for me. Although if I went by Fiziks guidelines I would use an Arione.
I tried the Arione, and did not like it even though I am very flexible.
The quality of there saddles is very good, the weight is low, and I hope to get many miles out of this one .
Price could always be less, but product is good and comfortable on long rides if fit is good for your body shape.
Sometimes comfortable, sometimes not even with my best bibs. I guess I am still dialing it in. Fit and finish is excellent, a very light saddle too. Will probably try this in the EVO.
