3D Printing has been part of cycling tech for quite a few years and the world of saddles has not been left behind as there are many 3D Print topped examples on the market. We compare the Fizik Vento Antares R3 Adaptive 3D-Printed saddle and the Fizik Vento Antares R3 saddle – Apart from the price difference, what did we think?
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: Back in February I was lucky enough to test out the Fizik Vento Antares R3 Adaptive 3D-Printed saddle, and very nice it was, too. But the 3D-Printed saddle might just cost more than you can justify at €259.00, although saddle comfort is worth every penny/cent spent. The Fizik Vento Antares R3 saddle is the same design, but not 3D-Printed and costs €149.00. The question is: How similar are they?
Very similar
The dimensions are exactly the same. If you look at the underneath, the two saddles are mounted on the same rails and carbon-reinforced nylon shell, so they should be the same dimensions. I measured every part for comparison and, apart from the slight differences in the topping, which I’ll come to later, they are the same. You could jump from one to the other and the fit would be the same.
The same base and rails
The fizik Antares is not a ‘short fit’ saddle as is the fashion at the moment. I’ve found that I like to move around a bit and many of the short saddles hold you in one place. Comfortable the may be and suit many people, but I find those extra couple of centimetres suit me better. Probably better for my old lower back.
3-D is slightly heavier
The 3-D Antares is a little heavier, but I doubt you would notice. The Kium hollow rails are the same on both saddles, they are light and strong.
The profile is very slightly different
As with my bib shorts tests, I always try out saddles on the home trainer first. I find this is the best way to get the feel of the saddle (shorts) as you spend more time on the saddle and maybe you also put more pressure on that area when Zwifting (others are available). The ‘normal’ Antares felt the same as the 3-D version. The fit and shape is the same, but there are difference and that comes down to the 3-D Printed top.
First ride on Zwift
OK, so what differences did I find? The padding on the 3-D has been scientifically designed to give support or softness in certain places on the saddle. The non 3-D also has softer sections on the wings and in the centre and harder parts at the sit areas at the back of the saddle. On the whole, the non 3-D saddle is a harder ride, more for the racing man, not uncomfortable, but it is a solid saddle.
Watch out for the cactus
How does the ride compare? For me, the 3-D is more comfortable with more soft sections: On the wings, the central section and the nose. The normal Antares has soft and hard sections, whereas the 3-D Antares has soft, medium and hard sections, which are all in the correct positions for a bit more comfort.
The Antares looks good
Which do I prefer? That is easy. I much prefer the 3-D Printed Antares. Yes, it is much more expensive, but I would say it would be money well spent. Both saddles suited me well and if I had never ridden the 3-D version, I would be quite happy with the ‘normal’ Antares. The shape, for me, is what I like and that is what is important. After all, saddles are a very personal choice, you wouldn’t wear the wrong shoes.
Fizik Vento Antares R3 Saddle
fizik sez: A lightweight, versatile racing bike saddle, featuring a low-profile design, carbon-reinforced nylon shell, and kium rails for balanced performance in a variety of riding situations.
Description
It’s a name that’s appeared in nearly every Grand Tour of the past two decades, earning top podium spots in the Tour de France, the Giro, and the Vuelta over and over again—and it’s only getting better with age. We’re talking about Antares. Since its launch in the early 2000s, our Antares racing saddle has become a fixture beneath the leading athletes in the sport, riders like Chris Froome, Vincenzo Nibali, Alejandro Valverde, Greg Van Avermaet, Wout van Aert—even last year’s TDF winner, Jonas Vingegaard. And now, Antares is back and better than ever. Take your seat at the winner’s circle with the all-new Antares.
Performance Chosen by Pros
As a member of the new generation of Antares saddles, the Antares R3 maintains many iconic design features that made the original one of the most popular amongst leading athletes.
Power Transfer
Antares is a low profile saddle with a transition from nose to wing that helps deliver efficient pedaling in every riding positions. No matter if you’re attacking a climb or holding the tempo on flat terrain, this saddle is designed to support you. Moving fore and aft has been made easier by a flatter, slightly wider nose that acts as an optimal base from which to produce power.
Pressure Relief
Antares features an ergonomic cutout, developed using detailed pressure analysis and input from medical experts, that helps to relieve pressure and facilitate blood flow. Additionally, the low-profile padding has been engineered with a double-density foam, firmer on the ischial bones, softer on the nose, to provide every rider the right support, regardless of riding position, without creating undue pressure.
Lightweight, Strong, Responsive
Antares is designed for riders seeking a performance saddle that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. As our performance option, Antares has been race-proven by athletes around the world, from those competing on roads to cyclocross and cross-country riders.
Technologies/Specifications
- ANTARES: Low-profile performance saddle designed to allow a more connected feeling for optimal pedaling efficiency and power transfer
- R3: Combination of a ride-compliant, carbon-reinforced nylon shell and a Kium hollow rail with high strength-to-weight ratio
- WINGFLEX: The shell’s side edges flex and adapt to the rider’s inner leg movement
- DOUBLE-DENSITY FOAM: Firmer on the ischial bones, softer on the nose, for optimal comfort in every riding position
Specifications
ANTARES R3 140 mm
- Length: 268 mm
- Width: 140 mm
- Height at 75 mm width: 47 mm
- Length from nose to 75mm width: 147 mm
- Weight: 195 g
- Rail: 7×7 mm.
Specifications
ANTARES R3 150 mm
- Length: 265 mm
- Width: 150 mm
- Height at 75 mm width: 47 mm
- Length from nose to 75 mm width: 147 mm
- Weight: 202 g
- Rail: 7×7 mm
- More info at: www.fizik.com.
Fizik Vento Antares R3 Adaptive 3D-Printed Saddle
fizik sez: A high-performance saddle with a streamlined shape and tapered nose-to-wing transition, now available with Adaptive padding, our most advanced 3D-printed padding technology.
The Future of Performance
Part of a new generation of Antares saddles, the Antares R3 Adaptive maintains many iconic design features that have long made the original so popular amongst leading athletes. First introduced over twenty years ago, Antares has appeared in nearly every Grand Tour since. Reimagined in our innovative Adaptive padding, Antares is ready to make history again. Delivering performance and comfort, from road to CX and XC, the Antares R3 balances strength and weight savings with a carbon-reinforced nylon shell and Kium hollow rail combo.
3D-Printed Padding
Fizik Adaptive 3D-printed padding has expanded to the Antares family, creating the perfect match for those who want exceptional, long-lasting comfort on a low-profile performance saddle designed to allow a more connected feeling for optimal pedalling efficiency and power transfer.
Tailored Zonal Cushioning
The evolution of digital 3D printing has allowed us to develop a new saddle without the constraints or limitations imposed by traditional production methods and materials. The Adaptive saddle padding is crafted by Carbon® using their revolutionary Digital Light Synthesis
technology. DLS is an additive manufacturing process which uses digital ultraviolet light projection, oxygen permeable optics, and programmable liquid resins to produce parts with excellent mechanical properties, resolution, and surface finish.
Lab Tested, Road Proven
Using Carbon® technology, biomechanics and engineers have an unprecedented possibility: to design and manufacture multiple functional zones within the saddle, tuning each of them separately for specific mechanical properties. Each of these key functional zones is engineered for a distinctive cushioning and mechanical response, joined together progressively and seamlessly in the same padding. The result? A 60% reduction in peak pressure through improved weight distribution for increased comfort across the entire saddle surface.
Power Transfer & Pressure Relief
Antares is a low-profile saddle with a tapered transition from nose to wing that helps riders deliver efficient pedalling in every riding position. 3D-printed padding provides a responsive, race-ready feeling to better connect rider and bike. Through this technology, we are able to incorporate a softer central zone instead of a traditional cut-out to provide better pressure relief without sacrificing performance. No matter if you’re attacking a climb or holding the tempo on flat terrain, Antares R3 Adaptive is designed to support you.
Check the fizik website for your area for price.
Technologies/Specifications
- ADAPTIVE: Carbon® Digital Light Synthesis
3D-printing technology, offering seamlessly engineered zonal cushioning - ANTARES: Low-profile performance saddle designed to allow a more connected feeling for optimal pedalling efficiency and power transfer
- R3: Combination of a ride-compliant, carbon-reinforced nylon shell and a Kium hollow rail with a high strength-to-weight ratio
Antares Adaptive R3 140mm
- Length: 268mm
- Width: 140mm
- Height at 75mm width: 50mm
- Length from nose to 75mm width: 147mm
- Weight: 220g
- Rail: 7x7mm
Antares Adaptive R3 150mm
- Length: 268mm
- Width: 150mm
- Height at 75mm width: 50mm
- Length from nose to 75mm width: 147mm
- Weight: 225g
- Rail: 7x7mm
- More info at: www.fizik.com .
Note: If you have other experiences with gear or something to add, drop us a line. We don’t claim to know everything (we just imply it at times). Give us a pat on the back if you like the reviews or a slap in the head if you feel the need!
PezCycling News and the author ask that you contact the manufacturers before using any products you see here. Only the manufacturer can provide accurate and complete information on proper/safe use, handling, maintenance, and or installation of products as well as any conditional information or product limitations.
The post 3D Printed Or Not? fizik Vento Antares R3 Saddle Review appeared first on PezCycling News.
