TL/DR: This sharp looking, high performance saddle from Fizik is for someone other than me.
I had used a Fizik Tritone saddle for years prior to upgrading my Tri/TT bike. I thought sticking with the same brand and basic shape would be wise, so I purchased the Fizik Transiro Aeris Long Distance saddle. The first race of my season was in early May and I had taken pains to dial in the bike fit (including the saddle position) over the course of several weeks leading up to the race. The 38 mile bike course is challenging and their were torrential downpours on/off during the 1:46:36 it took me to complete it. Well, as a hit the final climb back to transition, I noticed I had an unusual lack of power (no matter if I was in or out of the saddle) then at some point also realized I had growing severity of discomfort on my sit bones. I got worse by the minute as I dragged myself up to the top of the climb and finally into the transition area. When I finally dismounted the bike I could barely lift my feet enough to walk, much less jog to my rack spot. The pain in my sit bone area was absolutely screaming. . . like a flaming, swelling sensation that was only getting worse. I learned the problem was an acute inflammation of the ischial bursa. I could feel a large painful nodule over each sit bone for days afterwards.
The conclusion is that this saddle is just simply not for me. Could it be for you? That's a question I can't answer? Is it well made? Absolutely. Lightweight, initially comfortable, features a bracket for mounting a bottle cage, etc. This is a sharp looking and high performance piece of equipment, but it put me in severe pain and caused me to DNF my race. I still have some discomfort from it to this day - June 6, 2024.
