I've ridden an Aliante saddle for years. My current Aliante was looking pretty worn after 7 years (45,000 miles) and I thought I should replace it before it became an urgent matter. The Aliante has always provided more comfort than any other saddle I've tried, and at some point you get used to the minor discomforts, but in replacing it I wondered if another saddle, perhaps an open saddle, might provide even more comfort. After trying others I came back to the Aliante, but this time, based on Fizik's recommended saddle size for my weight and average power, got the large size which is a notch above the regular in fit for me and I couldn't be more satisfied.
I have used the Non Carbon version of this saddle on every one of my bikes for the last 10 years and loved it. I thought I'd step up to the carbon version for the weight savings and this saddle does not disappoint. Its stiff, but comfortable and the carbon really does absorb much of the road vibration.
I've been riding on Aliante Saddles for years. I currently have the Aliante Versus saddle on my bikes. I thought I'd give the new R1 a try. Expensive mistake. The padding is much firmer. It's not even close to past Aliante saddles. Reminds me a little of the Specialized Romin.
Pricey, but any saddle in this one's category is easily as much if not more. I've tried a few, and only this one remains unreturned. I'm a rider that does not do well with center relief channels, you that's you, this is your saddle.
