Fi'zi:k Plateau Saddle
By Jon Sharp

Have you ever been on a long ride, where the only thing keeping you from going further is your sore rear end? No? Alright, wise-acre, are you using a heavy saddle that's comfortable, but turns your biking in to a brick? Still no? Okay, how about this one: Do you ride mountain bikes? I thought so. You're just the person who should read this review. Here's what we thought about Fi'zi:k's latest mountain bike saddle, the Plateau.

There are many things to like about the Plateau. The top is made of synthetic material, which is highly weather-proof. This material is also slightly gummy such that it offers good grip, even when wet. All the way around the edge of the saddle, Fi'zi:k uses a Microtex, a smooth fabric that allows the thighs to slide freely, so as not to interfere with pedaling. In the end, you have a saddle that is slick where it needs to be, and rough-enough where it needs to be. In addition, there are plastic scuff-guards on the rear of the saddle, and a plastic guard under the nose of the saddle to aid in portage (of the bike, not the saddle--well okay, the bike, and the saddle).

In addition to their standard padding, the Plateau comes in a Twin Tech version, wich uses RoyalgelŪ. Without adding significant weight, the Twin Tech version lends itself to an even more comfortable ride. You can choose either titanium or chromoly rails. All of these features can be found on previous Fi'zi:k saddles. Unlike their previous mountain bike saddles, the Plateau weighs in at a scant 245g (titanium rails).

Not only is the saddle engineered well and light, but it's also very comfortable. Very comfortable. I found that on both long and short rides, the Plateau was very kind to my backside. That is to say, it always felt as if there was just enough padding, and never too much. The saddle wasn't ever obtrusive in its size. I never ran into (no pun intended) problems when I had to get behind the saddle for a steep descent. When I had to move to the nose of the saddle on a steep climb, I found the padding there more generous than expected.

Summary: The price of the saddle depends on its configuration. The base model with chromoly rails retails for $79 USD. One of the more unique features of Fi'zi:k is their Fi'zi:k website. Before buying a saddle, you choose the various colors of the different parts of the saddle--the top, sides, and plastic scuff-guards. You choose the padding material. You also choose the rails. In the end, you can purchase a fully customized saddle. Considering those options along with the Plateau's overall quality and comfort, I recommend this saddle to anyone who likes to ride mountain bikes.

Jon Sharp is a contributing editor for GearReview.com specializing in mountain biking.

For more information, contact:
Fi'zi:k
fizik@fizik.it
www.fizik.com