In recent months I have had the opportunity to compare two versions of the same saddle: the "standard" Fizik Argo and the one created through the project One-to-One, which promises to give bikers a truly tailor-made product, tailored to the needs of each enthusiast.
But before going into the differences between a commercial saddle and a custom one, it is important to tell how the journey unfolds which leads to the One-to-One product.
From bike fitting to custom saddle
For this test I turned to Drigani Cycles, in Borgaro Torinese, a centre approved by Fizik for this type of service.
To get the finished saddle it is not enough to "choose the size": a in-depth process.
As you know, I am a chiropractor, so anything related to posture, alignment, and biomechanics is my daily bread. I was really curious to see if the test would measure up in terms of accuracy and professionalism.
The answer is: yes it is.
This centre also offers a service of bike fitting, which represents the starting point for any saddle customization. Without a correct riding position, everything else becomes less effective.
Discussion of odds and position analysis
We started by discussing the bike shares, of the difficulties that some modern MTB frames can create in managing the set-up and how to intervene to optimize it.
After taking the bike's measurements and analyzing my physical and postural characteristics, I climbed on the saddle and started pedaling.
Using a roller where to position the bike is the best choice: only in this way can the cyclist's needs be observed in real time, without external variables.
The analysis is done through a dedicated software, which records the weight distribution on the saddle and, based on the data, suggests the most suitable solution.
In my case, the system confirmed the choice of Fizik Argo.
While riding, it became clear that my position on the saddle was causing me to have a strong pressure on the right ischial protuberance, leaving the left side almost empty.
What does it mean, on a biomechanical level?
These data indicated a pelvic rotation, which simulated a "short leg" on the right. To compensate for this asymmetry, the body shifted its weight to that side, placing a greater load on it.
Once the test is finished, the data for the saddle creation is sent and approximately two weeks for the production.
In my case, the saddle was delivered directly to my home; however, normally, for the "typical" customer, the delivery to the store, so as to carry out the saddle placement respecting the dimensions identified during the test.
The Fizik Argo: an already very valid basea
In order to give the most objective judgement possible, I decided to compare the basic model of the Argo with the One-to-One customized version.
The Fizik Argo is a saddle designed for theall mountain:
- he has one generously sized sled,
- very useful feature on modern all-mountain / enduro MTBs, which come with very vertical seat posts.
This geometry allows to obtain the correct retreat, essential for having a pedal stroke that “frees” the ankle and allows the activation of all the muscle chains involved.
Il comfort it's already excellent and the mobility sectors on the downhill sections it is more than adequate.
But then, what is the difference with the custom version?
First rides with the custom saddle: the body must adapt
As soon as the One-to-One saddle is mounted, I didn't notice any huge differences compared to the standard model.
The real surprise came after the first two releases: I felt a neuralgia in the right leg, which lasted a few days.
As a chiropractor, I immediately recognized the back's response to new riding position.
Il more support positioned on the right side caused the pelvis to rotate differently, modifying the position of the lumbar region. In other words, the saddle stimulated a sort of "adjustment” of the column, involving the vertebrae in a new, more correct arrangement.
At first glance this might be seen as a flaw, but in medium term it means a very simple thing:
the back starts to work harder in line.
After the adjustment: more comfort, more fluidity, less pain
Once this first phase of adaptation has been overcome, the difference between a commercial saddle and a custom-made saddle has become very obvious, both in terms of thrust and – above all – of travel comfort.
Also after long steep climbs, where there is often a tendency to "force" the pedaling:
- I no longer felt that sense of heaviness,
- nor the classic lower back pain.
Comfort and pedaling fluidity have improved significantly.
Returning to the traditional saddle: the body immediately protests
The ultimate test came when I returned to the traditional saddle.
Almost immediately I perceived:
- neck pain,
- annoyances to the medium trapezius andlevator scapula,
- un greater lumbar load,
- a feeling of less fluidity of movement.
In practice, the body, once it has experienced a more correct and balanced position, does not at all like to return to a less physiological configuration.
Conclusions: Who really needs a custom saddle?
It is often thought that a custom saddle is a product useful only to agonists, to those who grind out kilometers in the marathon or in long races.
My experience leads me to say exactly the opposite.
A custom-made saddle is a product that I recommend especially to:
- Who does gravel and loves the journey,
- who uses the e-bike,
- The passionate amateurs who have little time to train but want to feel good in the saddle.
The real advantage of the custom saddle it is not only the performance, but the output quality:
less back pain, less compensation, less unnecessary muscle fatigue, both during and after the training.
Paradoxically, it is precisely "normal" amateurs who can benefit the most from it, often:
- less muscle elasticity,
- un suboptimal athletic level,
- many hours of sedentary work behind you.
For these people, a correct position in the saddle It makes the body's adaptations more gradual, more physiological and much less traumatic.
