Fizik Vento Argo R1 saddle

Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Fizik says, "Vento Argo R1 is a performance racing saddle with a short-nose design that improves stability and allows for a more aggressive, aero riding position.

"Where a traditional saddle shape encourages riders to shift their position frequently for better leverage, Argo puts the rider in a more planted position, making for greater stability and better weight distribution.

"Vento Argo's short length allows the rider to sit further forward without placing undue pressure on sensitive tissues. It also features an ergonomic cutout that was developed using detailed pressure analysis and input from medical experts.

"Argo is our most versatile saddle shape and each version suits different riding styles. As the racing option, Vento Argo has been engineered to deliver a riding feel that suits race bikes with aggressive geometry. The padding is made from Fizik's proprietary Type 1 foam formulation, which has a lower profile and is reactive and springy for instantaneous response and optimal power transfer.

"The purposeful shape of its design helps you achieve a better riding posture: the dropped nose supports the pubic ramus when the pelvis rotates forward to add power or to get more aero.

"Argo is a product of the Fizik Concepts programme, a cross-disciplinary collaboration of leading industry experts and academics carrying out research and analysis on technology, design, physiology and bike-fitting in search of ways to improve cycling performance."

Fizik doesn't reference its Spine Concept (the idea that every rider is either a bull, chameleon or snake in terms of flexibility) in its marketing for the Argo saddles. We understand that the brand is about to announce a new measurement system which we'll tell you about when we have the relevant details.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Fizik lists these features:

Argo: versatile short-nose saddle that encourages stability and relieves pressure on soft tissue area

R1: a combination of a ride-compliant carbon reinforced nylon shell and a highly stiff carbon rail

Type 1 foam: low profile, reactive and springy for efficient power transfer

Fizik gives these measurements:

Length: 265 mm

Width: 140 mm

Weight: 179 g

Height at 75mm width: 41 mm

Length from nose to 75mm width: 114 mm

Rail: 10x7 mm

Ours hit the scales at 186g - so just a smidge heavier than Fizik's figure.

The saddle is well made and neatly finished.

Saddles are always a matter of personal preference but I found this to be a comfortable shape with padding that strikes a good balance between cushioning and support.

The size of the central cutout means that your weight is supported by two fairly narrow strips of shell. That might concern you but all I can say is that I've been using this saddle for several weeks and nothing bad has happened!

There are lighter saddles out there but this is a good weight.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

It provides a comfortable perch, especially considering the small size and light weight.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The shape and the padding – which provides more cushioning than looks would suggest.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

It's not so much a dislike as something you need to bear in mind: the 10x7mm rails won't fit all seatposts.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

The Specialized Power Expert saddle that we reviewed is now £120 although it comes with hollow titanium rails and at 233g it is heavier than the Fizik Vento Argo R1. The Specialized S-Works Power saddle has carbon fibre rails. It has an RRP of £230 although it is currently reduced to £154 on Specialized's website.

The Prologo Dimension Nack that we reviewed comes with carbon rails, a central cutout and now has a £179.99 price tag.

Considering the build quality and the prices of other carbon-railed short saddles, £185 is a good price.

Use this box to explain your overall score

This is a really strong product and the price is comparable to that of other carbon-railed short saddles. I think this equates to an overall score of 8.