Anyone switch from an Arione Tri to the Fizik Ares?

Triathlon Forum
1

Has anyone made this saddle switch? I started with an original Arione Tri, it was fine, but I didn’t like the “hammock-y”-ness in the center of the saddle and the way the tail flared up. Switched to the Arione Tri 2 a couple years later and much preferred the flatter shape.

However, I am now considering the Ares, I don’t do UCI events, so it’s not for setback reasons, just comfort. I sort of feel like the Arione is too long for me and wouldn’t mind s shorter saddle and a slightly wider nose. When I am up on the bullhorns, there is probably an inch or two of the saddle nose I can see sticking out from between my legs. When down on the aerobars, I always tend towards the front of the saddle, however, with the long nose of the Arione and my tiny hips and butt this puts me no where near the wider part of the saddle and I am perched entirely on the nose.

I know I am not looking to be sitting on the meat of the saddle when in the aerobars because the nose allows you to rotate your hips forward and have more thigh clearance, however, I would like at least a little more support than just what nose-riding the Arione provides.

So is the nose of the Ares a little wider than the Arione Tri 2? And would the shorter length of the saddle possibly provide more support. I sort of feel like with the Arione Tri 2 I have two different saddles (the rear portion when seated upright and the nose when in the bars) and that I don’t really love either position and would prefer something in the middle.

2

I went from the Arione tri to the specialized tri saddle. Love it.

3

I went from the regular Arione to the Fizik Antares and love it.

H

4

On a road bike or tri bike?

The Ares and Anteres have similar shapes. If you are riding the Antares on a tri bike that could give me hope as the Ares is shaped similar, just shorter (which is something I think I would prefer).

5

On my road bike, but I believe I would enjoy the saddle on my tri bike too.

6

Has anyone made this saddle switch? I started with an original Arione Tri, it was fine, but I didn’t like the “hammock-y”-ness in the center of the saddle and the way the tail flared up. Switched to the Arione Tri 2 a couple years later and much preferred the flatter shape.

However, I am now considering the Ares, I don’t do UCI events, so it’s not for setback reasons, just comfort. I sort of feel like the Arione is too long for me and wouldn’t mind s shorter saddle and a slightly wider nose. When I am up on the bullhorns, there is probably an inch or two of the saddle nose I can see sticking out from between my legs. When down on the aerobars, I always tend towards the front of the saddle, however, with the long nose of the Arione and my tiny hips and butt this puts me no where near the wider part of the saddle and I am perched entirely on the nose.

I know I am not looking to be sitting on the meat of the saddle when in the aerobars because the nose allows you to rotate your hips forward and have more thigh clearance, however, I would like at least a little more support than just what nose-riding the Arione provides.

So is the nose of the Ares a little wider than the Arione Tri 2? And would the shorter length of the saddle possibly provide more support. I sort of feel like with the Arione Tri 2 I have two different saddles (the rear portion when seated upright and the nose when in the bars) and that I don’t really love either position and would prefer something in the middle.
I ride the Arione Tri2, but I recently test rode the Antares (the Ares is a shortened version of the Antares, and I it also has 3mm of extra padding all over) and Arione CX. Ultimately, I didn’t like the squared of nose of the Antares. I prefer the more rounded contours of the Arione. The Arione CX is a really nice saddle. I actually think I may prefer to it the Arione Tri2, as you sit more “centered” on the saddle due to less padding.

One thing with the Ares to be concerned with is being able to get your bike steep enough (if you ride steep), as the nose is very short. All the length is cut FROM THE NOSE. Assuming you can get steep enough with the short nose, the Ares should be a nice saddle for you, with a slightly wider nose than the Arione Tri2, but a lower profile. Ultimately, that’s what I liked about the Arione CX, with the higher density foam, it was comfortable, but more stable. I think the Ares would be similar, but with a wider nose, which is what I did not like about it, but which it sounds like you do want.

7

The Arione CX is a really nice saddle. I actually think I may prefer to it the Arione Tri2, as you sit more “centered” on the saddle due to less padding.

The Arione CX is just a low profile Arione basically right? It’s funny, you’d think padding would equal comfort, but not necessarily. I started with a Selle San Marco TriathGel, then an Arione Tri and then an Arione Tri 2. Each probably has less padding than the one before but was more comfortable. I have come to realize it is a lot more about shape than padding.

I recently test rode the Antares (the Ares is a shortened version of the Antares, and I it also has 3mm of extra padding all over)

Any idea how this padding compares to the padding on the Arione Tri 2? I realize that the Arione Tri2 is a more padded version of the Arione, which is a more padded version of the Arione CX. Where would the Ares fit in there? It seems the Antares would be close to the Arione CX, you say the Ares has 3mm more padding than the Antares, does that put it in standard Arione padding range or Arione Tri2 padding range?

One thing with the Ares to be concerned with is being able to get your bike steep enough (if you ride steep), as the nose is very short. All the length is cut FROM THE NOSE. Assuming you can get steep enough with the short nose, the Ares should be a nice saddle for you, with a slightly wider nose than the Arione Tri2, but a lower profile.

Yes, when I ride the Tri2 I find myself liking the shape of the nose, just wishing it wasn’t so long. The saddle is so long it feels like if my aerobar position is correct, when I slide back to sit on the meat of the saddle when in the bullhorns my reach becomes to long. It’s literally like having two different saddles, but wishing there was one somewhere in the middle. When in the bars I would like a little more support, which I think the shorter Ares and its wider nose could provide (as long as it isn’t squishy) and I’d like the reach of my seated position to not be so drastically different from that of my aerobar position.

What would the fit implications of this switch be? I would just need to keep the nose of the saddle in the same position relative to the bottom bracket correct? I am in the forward hole of a P2 seatpost, but in the middle of the rails on my Tri2 saddle, so I don’t think I am so steep this would be a problem.

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The Arione CX is a really nice saddle. I actually think I may prefer to it the Arione Tri2, as you sit more “centered” on the saddle due to less padding.

The Arione CX is just a low profile Arione basically right? It’s funny, you’d think padding would equal comfort, but not necessarily. I started with a Selle San Marco TriathGel, then an Arione Tri and then an Arione Tri 2. Each probably has less padding than the one before but was more comfortable. I have come to realize it is a lot more about shape than padding.

I recently test rode the Antares (the Ares is a shortened version of the Antares, and I it also has 3mm of extra padding all over)

Any idea how this padding compares to the padding on the Arione Tri 2? I realize that the Arione Tri2 is a more padded version of the Arione, which is a more padded version of the Arione CX. Where would the Ares fit in there? It seems the Antares would be close to the Arione CX, you say the Ares has 3mm more padding than the Antares, does that put it in standard Arione padding range or Arione Tri2 padding range?

One thing with the Ares to be concerned with is being able to get your bike steep enough (if you ride steep), as the nose is very short. All the length is cut FROM THE NOSE. Assuming you can get steep enough with the short nose, the Ares should be a nice saddle for you, with a slightly wider nose than the Arione Tri2, but a lower profile.

Yes, when I ride the Tri2 I find myself liking the shape of the nose, just wishing it wasn’t so long. The saddle is so long it feels like if my aerobar position is correct, when I slide back to sit on the meat of the saddle when in the bullhorns my reach becomes to long. It’s literally like having two different saddles, but wishing there was one somewhere in the middle. When in the bars I would like a little more support, which I think the shorter Ares and its wider nose could provide (as long as it isn’t squishy) and I’d like the reach of my seated position to not be so drastically different from that of my aerobar position.

What would the fit implications of this switch be? I would just need to keep the nose of the saddle in the same position relative to the bottom bracket correct? I am in the forward hole of a P2 seatpost, but in the middle of the rails on my Tri2 saddle, so I don’t think I am so steep this would be a problem.
The key thing to remember is the DENSITY of the foam changes. The Arione is a low profile version of the Arione Tri2. The CX has different - higher density (I think) - foam, which makes it a very different saddle, IMO. I am not sure what density the Ares and/or Antares use. But foam density is a HUGE part of comfort.

In terms of switching saddles, the best way to do it is on a fitbike. Otherwise it’s a lot of tinkering on the trainer. Shell height is different on each as well (as is the amount they compress), so saddle height can be a bit of a bugger, especially if you sit somewhere different on each. You can do it without a fitbike, it’s just a slower (and more annoying) process. Generally, though, you want to keep BB setback and height through the saddle clamp the same. That’s a good starting point anyway.

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So something you can compare, the standard Arione vs. the Arione CX. As I said, I have the Tri2 on my tri bike and like the shape, but wish it was shorter for tri purposes.

However, I am looking for a mountain bike saddle and was considering a standard Arione, because on the mtn bike the longer saddle will be nice for moving around a little bit. So I figured if I liked the shape of the Tri2, the standard Arione would be a good mtn. saddle. Never even really considered the CX, but your favorable review has me considering it.

So is there any reason you would choose one over the other (Arione vs. Arione CX) for a mtn. bike? The higher density foam and more stable platform seems like something I’d prefer. (That’s actually why I was going to go with the standard Arione vs. the Tri2 for the mtn bike, same shape, more stable platform b/c of the less padding, however, maybe the CX would be one step even better).

10

Ares and Antares are really nothing alike. I have tried both in a tt set-up. Antares killed my nuts and it hurt to pee for half a day.
Arione tri2 and Spec. Tritip are really to soft for me. I sink into them and everything falls asleep.
Arione or Arione CX would be better choices for me as they are not so soft.
Ares is comfy, even though it feels firm. Good support. Ares sets up different from most saddles. Probably 2.5-3.5cm different in terms of setback. I am running mine 5cm behind the bb and it puts me in a steep position. My saddle height is 72.5. My knees are pretty far forward of the pedal spindles. So someone who rides at 0 behind the bb could probably use the Ares at 1.5-2.5 behind bb for the same position.
I believe that it was designed this way so that the intended user (mostly UCI tt riders) can ride steep under the UCI 5cm rule.
Because of all this I am still working out the changes in cockpit length needed to go along with this saddle.
I would like to hear feedback set-up tips and experiences from other Ares users.

11

the ares have been design for the UCI rules… remember that the nose have to be 5 cm back from the bottom bracket… that is why it is irrevelant to me for triathlon… it’s just a way to be stepper and still UCI compliant. That’s it!

Rode a arione CX (road and tri bike)

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I know that. But the Ares could still be a good saddle for non UCI if you set it up right. However, an Aroine CX might be similar in firmness and offer more options.

13

you might be right… but If you are doing some hilly race… I speak for myself… I do travel a lot on my seat… from the back for uphill. To the front when I feel the need of speed… that is why, I’m not buying the Ares… But if you do some flat race… it seems to be an good upgrad if you want to save 50g.

14

Arione tri2 and Spec. Tritip are really to soft for me. I sink into them and everything falls asleep.

That’s my problem with the Tri2, I sink in and go numb. I like the shape mostly, just think it is a touch too long and a little too soft.

The Arione CX would solve the firmness issues, but still be too long for me for tri purposes. I don’t move around much on the saddle, so am thinking the Ares could be good.

I also am looking for a mtn bike saddle, was considering the Arione, but am now thinking the Arione CX. I tend to shift around quite a bit on my mtn bike saddle, so want the length of the Arione, however, trying to decide between the standard and the CX.

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Besides hunting for a tri saddle, I am also looking for a saddle for a mtn bike. I like the shape of the Arione Tri2, just find it too long for me for tri purposes. However, on the mtn bike I tend to slide around the saddle a lot more. Therefore, knowing I like the shape of the Arione and want the length for mtn bike purposes, I was considering a standard Arione.

However, my Tri2 is a bit soft and I find as I sink in to it I start to lose feeling. For that reason I am actually now considering the Arione CX for the mtn bike as opposed to the standard Arione. Any thoughts on how it would be for a mtn bike saddle? Any idea how the firmness of the three (Tri2, standard Arione, CX) compares? I believe the actual shape of the saddles is exactly the same.

16

Besides hunting for a tri saddle, I am also looking for a saddle for a mtn bike. I like the shape of the Arione Tri2, just find it too long for me for tri purposes. However, on the mtn bike I tend to slide around the saddle a lot more. Therefore, knowing I like the shape of the Arione and want the length for mtn bike purposes, I was considering a standard Arione.

However, my Tri2 is a bit soft and I find as I sink in to it I start to lose feeling. For that reason I am actually now considering the Arione CX for the mtn bike as opposed to the standard Arione. Any thoughts on how it would be for a mtn bike saddle? Any idea how the firmness of the three (Tri2, standard Arione, CX) compares? I believe the actual shape of the saddles is exactly the same.
Tri2 – much softer than → standard Arione – a bit softer than → CX

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And you said you really liked the CX? Any thoughts on it as a mtn saddle if I like the Arione shape but want something with less padding?

I used to have a Specialized Toupe on my road bike and thought that was a pretty stiff saddle and it didn’t bother me if that provides you with any sort of reference point.

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If you are a Fizik fan- the tundra is a nice mtb saddle. Nice and flat, unlike the old Fizik Gobi.

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Nice discussion on this thread. I use the regular Arione road saddle. The Arione Tri did not work for me.

Like you in the aero position I am way up on the nose. I want my boys hanging in the air in front of the nose, so I actually have my saddle 1 cm behind the BB. This gets me plenty steep. But it literally means that one sit bone is on the nose and the other one is almost hanging in the air cause the saddle is too narrow at the point on the nose. A shorter nose would mean that I’d be able to sit on the “fatter part of the nose” and get both my sitbones on some saddle.

The beauty of the Arione is that when I am sitting up like on a hillclimb, I’m literally in a roadie position on the fat part of the saddle, however, like you mentioned, I find myself “reaching a bit”. Ideally, I would ride an Arione with a nose that is 3-4 cm shorter…is this effectively what the Ares works out to?

So you guys want the geometry calculations (on a Kuota Kalibur):
Mid saddle to middle of BB = 68.7 cm Seat angle at “middle of saddle” = arccos {(14.5+1)/68.7} = 76.9 Seat angle when riding 7 cm back from nose = arccos{(7+1)/68.7} = 83
As you can see, the UCI rules would unduly penalize shorter riders who happen to ride the fat part of the saddle, so you’d need to move the fat part forward without moving the nose forward, which is what the Ares is designed to achieve.

Dev

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Sounds like you and I are very much in the same boat. I like the shape of the Arione, it’s just too long.

The fact that the Ares is a bit shorter in the nose (~35mm I believe), has a slightly wider nose, and a thinner, denser padding than the Tri2, are all reasons I am seriously considering it.