Fi'zi:k Arione K:1 Saddle
By Jon Sharp

What is it about carbon fiber that makes manufacturers want to use it for everything? Is it the the marketability of it? The hype, perhaps? Or, could it be the genuine promise of greater strength at a lower weight? Perhaps manufacturers just like being able to make it any shape they want. Much to the amazement of many riders, a number of manufacturers produce saddles made entirely out of carbon fiber. Besides the extremely weight-conscious, carbon-fiber-adoring cyclist, there aren't many people who would think this a good use of resin and carbon. (Actually, the fact that there are so many all-carbon saddles on the market proves otherwise.)

Fi'zi:k, though appearances might seem otherwise, went a slightly different route with their Arione K:1. However, like the evening news, I'm going to save the most interesting part for last.

The rails on the K:1--or, I should say rail--is made of one continuous braid of carbon fiber that wraps around both the nose and hind-quarters of this saddle. Thus, this rail system provides much of the structural integrity of the rest of the saddle. Because it attaches at the extreme perimeter, there is more of the saddle that is suspended. (When I say it like that, it sounds all soft and squishy, right?) The body of the saddle retains the familiar and much-loved shape of the traditional Arione. In addition, Fi'zi:k didn't skimp on the Wing Flex(tm) technology which debuted with the original Arione. If anything, it is more pronounced with the K:1.

What sets the K:1 apart from other all carbon saddles is the fact that--well, it isn't _all_ carbon. That is to say, using a patented technology, Fi'zi:k bonds polyurethane Technogel(tm) over the top of the body of the saddle. This Technogel is clear, and has great shock-absorbing properties. And it's a good thing it does, too, because no matter how much vibration damping goes on, carbon is really very hard--especially to sit on. The thickness of the Technogel varies and is, as you might expect, thicker where it counts most. In addition, the Technogel provides another benefit to the saddle. Unlike unnerving slickness of a standard carbon fiber saddle, the K:1 has just enough grip to lend control to the rider. In fact, the feel is not unlike leather in that respect--only it doesn't obscure the beautiful carbon heart of the saddle.

What was that? Did I hear someone sigh and ask about the ride? Listen, a saddle this gorgeous doesn't need to be ridden to be appreciated. But, you retort, you want to know what your $400 gets you besides a more attractive and lighter bike? (Yes, it really does cost that much.)

Having ridden other all-carbon saddles, I can safely attest that this is the most comfortable of the bunch--clearly the Arione pedigree shining through.ÊWith the K:1, though, saddle positioning is much more critical than normal. After much tweaking, we were able to get comfortable on it for shorter rides. However, try as we might, none of us could be comfortable in this for long rides. Once it got around the 3 hour mark, everyone was left standing--or, at least, wishing they were closer to home.Ê

Summary: The K:1 weighs 149g. That's light, but not as light as some of the light-at-all-costs competition--the penalty for the comfort Technogel delivers. Though we couldn't use it as a long-ride saddle, we got a lot further on it than any other straight-up carbon fiber saddle we've had the chance to grace our hind-quarters with. At the price of $400, many of you will start to think you don't care much about weight anymore. Truly, the K:1 isn't for everyone. However, if you lust after carbon, and shy away from long rides--or if you just have a rear-end of titanium--the K:1 delivers. Oh, and it is very beautiful indeed.

Jon Sharp is a contributing editor for GearReview.com. Though often enamored by carbon fiber, he has yet to see the practicality of carbon fiber chamois. Read his blog.

For more information, contact:
Fi'zi:k
Arione K:1 site