Holy Saddle: Fizik Vento Antares R3 Adaptive Review

Saddle construction has remained basically the same for all of our lifetimes. Metal rails are mounted to a hard shell, which is then covered in soft material and then wrapped up in synthetic leather. Yes, that’s overly-simplified, but you get the idea. This has changed with the latest developments in 3D printing, which is how the Fizik Vento Antares R3 Saddle is made.

Fizik Vento Antares R3 Adaptive Saddle Features:

• 3D printed padding
• Tailored Zonal Cushioning
• Softer central relief zone in place of a cutout for more even weight distribution
• Hollow Kium 7×7 rails
• 60mm rail adjustability
• Available in 140mm and 150mm (tested) widths
• Weight: 285 grams (150mm, actual)
• MSRP: $259

Holy saddle, Antares

We’re seeing 3D printed everything these days — notably bike components and accessories. And, at this point, Fizik has a wide array of 3D printed saddles and can even custom print one for you, using their One-to-One program at a local shop. Their standard Adaptive saddles are optimized using large datasets of riders physiology and are intended to cover the needs of most people. The Antares shape is a classic in the Fizik lineup, so it was great to see it built using their Adaptive 3D-printed technology and I was anxious to get on it.

My first rides were aboard the Ari Veyo, but its proprietary seatpost didn’t allow me to get it perfectly level. The closest I could get was about 3-degrees nose-down. I installed it and rode it that way for a few rides, but it just wasn’t quite right. So, so when the Ari Suncrest arrived with a standard seatpost, I was able to get it set up perfectly level and that’s when I was able to get down to business.

The mesh printed surface and guts are supported by Kium rails and a carbon-reinforced nylon shell that’s permanently bonded to the 3D-printed saddle itself. Available in either 140 or 150mm widths, I’ve had the 150mm on test for my wider sit bones.

I had anticipated the saddle to feel squishier than it actually does, which supports Fizik’s claims that the Vento Antares R3 is more supportive and pressure-relieving than their standard design. The saddle is beautifully-crafted and really stands out against traditional saddles.

With my moderate bike fit profile, I’m not a “slam that stem” kinda guy, who seeks the most aerodynamic position possible. Because of that, I sit more squarely on my saddles and don’t need one optimized for an extreme riding position. My sit bones are well-positioned on the Vento Antares R3 and the center relief channel provides notable relief across a wide variety of chamois tested (Velocio Utility Bib Short, PEARL iZUMi  Attack Air and GOREWEAR Ultimate Bib Short+, to name a few).

The wide saddle shape offers excellent support and delivers a great pedaling platform that curves around my backside — keeping me in position. Once situated, I can comfortably pedal up the Alpine Loop’s 3000 ft. ascent, mostly seated. Power transfer is great and the saddle provides good support through the wide nose as well. When positioned forward on steep climbs, I did wish for a little more comfort. Everyone’s bodies differ, but my body wasn’t too keen on inching forward on this saddle. Looking at the forward attachment point and rail’s flat angle as it attaches to the nose, I believe that limits the flex at the very tip (but that’s just a guess).

When moving in/out of the saddle to vary my position or provide occasional relief, I found the surface of the saddle to be a touch grabbier than traditional saddle surfaces, like the Bontrager Verse Elite. Particularly, with the lightweight fabric on the Velocio Utility Bib Short, I had to plop down in just the right position, or the fabric would get caught and stretch out. In general, it’s easy to hit the sweet spot, but when I don’t, the bibs would often snag on the surface.

Some saddles feature extreme rail adjustability, but the Fizik Vento Antares R3 features a standard 60mm fore/aft adjustment. That should suit most fit requirements, but if you’re on the fringes of needing a setback post, for example, you may wish for just 10mm more.

Fit: I’m 5’11” and 175 lbs with a 2.5″ saddle-to-bar drop. I set up my saddles level, for the most part. I used a level long enough to span the entire length of the saddle to set it up.

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