Fizik

I'm writing this review primarily because I was offered the chance to win a $50 gift card if I did so. I am 28, male, 130 pounds (59 kg) and 5� 9� (175 cm). My sit bone width is 120 mm and I purchased this saddle in the 140 mm size. That said, this saddle forces such a high degree of pelvic rotation that I don�t think sit bone width is the best measure for selecting width. I have fitted this saddle to a BMC Roadmachine.

?I chose the R3 model because I didn�t like the conspicuous white branding on the R5 model and the R1 was too pricey. The saddle was recommended to me by a bike fitter.

?When new the saddle was alarmingly slippery but it has gotten less so with use. My first few rides with it were quite painful but my comfort has improved since. The longest ride I�ve been on so far has been about 60 miles over four hours and I had no issues with that distance. I�m not sure how suited it will be for longer journeys. The �forward� position the saddle encourages is indeed racy but I am finding that it is helping with my positioning and posture. The result is that I am in a more aggressive but also more comfortable and stable body position than with previous saddles. In this respect the marketing copy from Fizik has been pretty accurate. The saddle also makes me feel more intimately connected to my bike.

I�ve been most impressed with the saddle�s vibration damping. It does a remarkable job cutting harshness from rough pavement and chip seal. My bike did this well already but the saddle has improved upon it. I find myself checking to see if the rear tire is flat or losing air because of how smooth the saddle makes things. It does so while also being pleasantly taut�other saddles have been too springy on wavy and rippled surfaces. I can hold higher speeds on bad roads without getting pitched about. I did try this on my aluminium commuter bike and it was unpleasantly stiff in that application. I think this will be a good choice if paired to a carbon frame that is relatively compliant to begin with. I mentioned my weight earlier because I don�t know if lighter or heavier riders will experience the same level of compliance.

Finally, with other saddles I�ve struggled with genital numbness and difficulties urinating during and after rides lasting over two hours/40 miles. I haven�t had such issues with this saddle and I believe the massive pressure relief channel is to thank.

Why 3 out of 5 stars? I am liking the saddle more and more but can�t help but wonder if there is a better saddle waiting to be discovered. I have had the saddle for six weeks and ridden about 500 miles on it so far. I�m unsure if I�ll be keeping it.

Saddles are a subjective and personal choice but Aliantes have always worked for me and I appreciate the cut-out, which is why I opted for the Tempo R3. Relatively light and so far comfortable on medium-length rides.

Got these for the really cold days, below 40F. I previously rode with my Bontrager XXX Road Shoes with rain covers. It worked, I wasn't freezing, but I wasn't comfortable either. Switched to these and winter riding is now comfortable even in below freezing conditions.

Fit is good. I�m a 44.5 in Bontrager and it is the same here. Shoe is a bit more narrow, so if you have wide feet, this may not be for you.

I haven't used them long enough to comment on durability. I got them in white (have to match the helmet), so time will tell how the hold up to the winter roads. If they had a HiViz option, I may have opted for that instead considering the short dark days in the Northeast.

Solid shoe. The cleat position can be set so much further back than my Shimano RX8 or Fizik X2 shoes, so way more adjustable. I wanted more walkability than my RX8 and firmer sole than my X2 and these areexactly what i was looking for. BOA is lower level and rhere is more movement in the heel than I would prefer, but hard to beat for the money. Shoe dries reasonably well but not as good as the X2. Comfy walker. Longestride is 200 miles. Typical ride is about 50... Would buy again. Hope this helps.