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On test: fi'zi:k Antares, December 16, 2008
And Antares makes three
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Fi'zi:k adds a third distinctive shape to its lineup with the new Antares and Cyclingnews technical editor James Huang finds it to be a marked departure from the existing Arione and Aliante.
Saddle companies typically maintain a mostly consistent overall fit and feel across their respective lineups but fi'zi:k has adopted a different approach. With the introduction of its newest Antares road model, fi'zi:k's lineup now includes not one, but three distinct shapes.
The Antares uses a generously proportioned rear like the hammock-like Aliante and a relatively firm carbon-reinforced shell like the arrowhead-shaped Arione but the distinctly flatter profile feels like neither one on the road - the Arione is similarly flat front to back but more dome-shaped from side to side.
As such the Antares feel significantly bigger than it is even though it measures only a few millimeters wider than the Arione and most of the rider weight ends up firmly on the sit bones instead of distributed evenly across your rear end as with the others.
The stiff shell offers excellent support for long rides and the Antares is also reasonably well-padded with high-density foam. Foam thickness at the rear is expectedly sparse - but still effective - but the nose padding is deceptively thick given the saddle's low profile. In fact, Fi'zi:k claims it measures a surprisingly generous 10mm in depth though we measured closer to 7mm at best.
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Either way, it's rather commodious for the segment and the nose is nowhere near as painful a place to spend some time as we've come to expect for some other lightweight saddles. Even after lots of miles were behind us we didn't suffer any aches that can sometimes accompany even well-shaped saddles that are lacking in padding.
However, we're somewhat perplexed by the omission of fi'zi:k's excellent Wing Flex feature. We've found it to be surprisingly welcome in the past with the similarly stiff Arione shell and, if anything, a similar amount of edge flex would be even more helpful on the wider Antares.
Our standard Antares tester with generous 75mm-long k:ium rails comes in just 10g overweight at 185g though a bit pricey at US$199. In comparison, the carbon railed version sheds 30g and adds just US$30. Thankfully, at least either price also includes the high construction quality we've come to expect from fi'zi:k and true 'made in Italy' cachet if that's important to you.
Assuming the flat shape meshes well with your anatomy and suits your preferences, the Antares is one of the cozier lightweights out there. Just be sure your bank account is topped off before writing the check.
Price: US$199
Weight: 185g
Pros: Supportive shell, surprisingly generous padding, excellent long-distance
comfort, well made, lightweight
Cons: No Wing Flex feature, expensive
Cyclingnews rating: 
More information: www.fizik.com
Photography
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Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com
- The new fi'zi:k Antares borrows design elements from the Arione and Aliante but feels like neither one on the road.
- The two-tone Microtex cover is keenly styled and neatly stitched.
- Unlike the slightly domed Arione, the Antares is nearly flat from side to side and puts more of your weight on the sit bones.
- The carbon-reinforced nylon shell is firm enough for good support but has just a bit of flex for comfort when hitting unseen road debris.
- The removable fi'zi:k nameplate can be replaced with a clip-on bag or LED flasher.
