The most versatile Fizik saddle is the Vento Argo Adaptive 00, 3D printed with a 7x9mm upgrade.

Combining light weight, maximum stiffness and optimal adaptive ergonomics, Fizik’s new top of the Argo saddle family fits even more bikes than ever with the move to more standard 7x9mm rails!

Fizik Vento Argo Adaptive 00 full carbon + 3D printed saddle

The key point Physicist is highlighting with the new Vento Argo Adaptive 00 saddle is the improved stiffness and additional weight savings that come with the full carbon body and Mobius solid carbon rails, a step up from the previous R1 level to this new top 00. But probably more important is the move from 7x10mm oval rails to previous level R1 and 00 carbon rails, which limited which seatposts could actually match top level Fizik carbon saddles.

In fact, fitting any other modern Fizik saddle with carbon rails to this PRO Discover seatpost wouldn’t be possible without the special 7×10.3mm clamp set that PRO makes for fi’zi:k compatibility.

Technical details

From a technical standpoint, Fizik’s long naming system is quite informative. fi’zi:k Vento Argo Adaptive 00. Vento means racing – road, gravel, cyclocross or cross country. Argo means short. Responsive means 3D printed padding. 00 means light and stiff with a full carbon shell and rails.

Technically, the 00 is the only new part, since there was already a fi’zi:k Vento Argo Adaptive R1 with a reinforced nylon body and 7x10mm carbon rails.

But the move to Mobius 7x9mm carbon rails is a big shift and I hope it seeps into the rest of the Fizik line. Many seatposts that only clamp the top and bottom of the saddle rails, such as the classic Thomson 2-bolt or Ritchey 1-bolt, can work with 7×9 or 7×10 oval carbon bars. But saddle innards that clamp the entire side of the rail – like in this 1-bolt PRO design or a similar ENVE solution – need special adapters to fit oversized Fizik custom rails.

The Fizik Vento Argo Adaptive 00 saddle has the same overall length of 265mm as the other Argos saddles and comes in 140mm and 150mm widths. The 00 versions are also 2.5mm shorter thanks to the thinner carbon construction.

First impressions Installation and riding

This adaptive version uses the same honeycomb pattern TPU padding 3D printed by Carbon Inc. Digital Light Synthesis, which features very different structural stiffness. Overall, it feels quite soft in the hand, but firmer and more supportive while riding.

It provides a super supportive feel on the sides under the sitting bones, getting only slightly softer in the nose area. But the center back panel is soft to the touch all the way down to the carbon shell, while the equally soft center pressure relief zone feels like there’s minimal resistance when you can push through the cutout in the carbon shell.

Fizik calls the new Argo Adaptive 00 “the stiffest and lightest option” in their short-nosed Adaptive line…but that’s a pretty limited window.

In fact, the 140mm Argo Adaptive 00 weighs 175g (ours was only 1g heavier), or 186g for the 150mm version. That’s just 15g/10g lighter than the Argo Adaptive R1 and a whopping 41g/47g heavier than the regular-lined Argo 00.

Compare it to the Antares, which pioneered 3D printed adaptive padding, and the Argo Adaptive 00 is 7g/15g heavier than the longer, narrower form of Antares.

An Overview of Longevity Thoughts

One of my biggest concerns with any 3D printed saddle is that its exposed lattice structure will accumulate dirt and debris. The Argo Adaptive 00 can certainly pick up some dirt and grime. And outside of the central cutout in the carbon shell, dirt really does accumulate in open honeycombs.

I rode with the latest Win Wing rear fender from Ass Savers to keep mud buildup to a minimum. But I still saw some dirt collecting in the open upholstery grille. Interestingly enough (though maybe not surprising), when I carefully flipped my bike upside down after 3 or 4 rides on mixed terrain, a lot more dry dirt fell out of the grate than I could see when the bike was upright.

I’m not sure how this would affect the long-term durability of the padding, as this gripping dirt is inside the grill all the time, theoretically acting as an abrasive on the padding’s internal structure with every impact that the saddle absorbs, or every impact from it. my ass hits the seat.

However, the Fizik Vento Argo Adaptive 00 saddle is really light and very comfortable, especially when riding mixed gravel and road. So I guess I’m going to grind it up to see what happens…

Fizik Vento Argo Adaptive 00 – Prices, options and availability

It is not cheap. In fact, it’s about as expensive as saddles.

This 3D printed full carbon Fizik Vento Argo Adaptive 00 is now available for $400/€400 at partner stores or direct from Fizik. This is 100 euros more than the heavier Argo Adaptive R1, or 100 euros more than the significantly lighter Argo 00 with regular padding. This is literally the most expensive saddle fi’zi:k sells. Whether you can justify this price for the balance of superior ergonomic comfort and slight weight savings is up to you.

I’m curious how it will hold up in a muddy life of mixed road and gravel, so I’ll definitely keep riding it.

Fizik.com