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I’ve been riding an old Fi’zi:k Nisene for a number of years that came to me already used. It’s super comfortable, and I’m impressed with how well it’s holding up. Of course when Fi’zi:k offered to send me a new saddle to test, I wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth… So to speak.
They sent in the Fi’zi:k Aliante XM Gamma, a similar high-performance mountain bike saddle. Like the Nisene it’s manufactured in Italy by Selle Royal, and it features the same rugged design, complete with protective bumpers. The Aliante is not a super lightweight saddle. At 260 grams, it’s heavier than some less expensive saddles, but this one’s designed for durability and comfort. Fi’zi:k saves some weight by using a proprietary alloy for the rails that’s said to be stronger and lighter than titanium.
The other technical features of note are flexible shell, gel padding and a perforated cover. They bond Kevlar to carbon fiber for a flexible shell that creates a hammock of sorts. The perforated synthetic leather is designed to breathe, but a solid material seems like it would last longer. To that end, the saddle gains an extra level of durability from the Kevlar reinforced tail. Because it’s designed to withstand off-road crashes, the Aliante holds up well in an urban environment where a lot of saddles get scuffed up from being leaned against walls and such.
The Aliante XM Gamma retails for around $139. Visit www.fizik.com for more info.
first! arione fo life.