another poster has mentioned that he has incurred a problem using an X-lab with his Arione saddle. I looked at the pictures posted on your website’s review. Looks like using an X-lab would be pretty difficult. Especially on a Softride if the beam isn’t cut down.
Any comments?
Here is a picture of what mine ended up looking like.
On a normal saddle, the cages would be straight up and down. Nothing but rubberbands would hold water bottles in.
.
There you go (above). Try using the Minoura bottle cage holder. I t works much better with the Arione and is substantially less expensive (under $20). Also, the bottle and cages do not protrude above the saddle as far as the X-Lab set-up so you won;t risk a big wipe-out mounting and dismounting.
Tom,
You picture brings up another interesting question for me. Do you have any pics of your bike as it was fully set up for IMNZ? Maybe from the transition area just before the race? I’m assuming the pic you posted is incomplete, in that you carried some spares, tools, etc., right?
As I have a Rocket, I don’t know how useful your pics would be for me, but I’m sure some other readers would love to see. And it may give me some ideas.
I’m using the X-Lab Saddlewing with a couple of Specialized Rib Cages - the relaxed angle accomodates the Arione nicely.
-Drew
Try ELite’s “side-entry” cages, they are the PERFECT cage for rear mounted bottle holders. They’ll also encapsualte the side of the bottle so it won’t fall out of the cage like your pictured set up might.
-SD
Tom,
I am getting ready to get an Arione saddle. I heard that a neoprene pad can make it a lot more comfortable but it is hard to find one to fit. Which on did you use on your bike? I heard you talk about the military on previous posts. I was curious about where you where stationed/unit in the military? I was in the army for 11 1/2 years and your name sound familiar. Were you in group?
Tommy
Hmmm… May give the side entry cages a go at some point. I replaced the Tacx cages with the Profile cages, but that still wasn’t very good. I am now using the profile seatpost mount cages - so far, so good. No lost bottles, but only around 50 miles so far.
Tom D.
I was wondering the same thing— about the Arione, not the Army— although I have great respect for all of our Vets.
Hey tommy,
I use the DeSoto neoprene seat cover on my Arione. It is a bit of a stretch to get it on there but it goes and it fits fine. I believe the QR one is the same. They are about $19.99 on the DeSoto website or at your good local tri shop.
For part of my time in the military I was a scout/observer (cross trained in commo) and light weapons specialist in Co. F, 425th Infantry (Ranger/Airborne) Long Range Surveillance Unit. At the time, it was one of only two Long Range Surveillance Units in the U.S. Arsenal. Our unit was part of the Michigan National Guard, and the other unit, Company G, was in Texas (TNG). Between the two units we divided the world in half. We took the right half, they took the left. When federalized we were attached to 18th Airborne Corps. Our deployments took us around the world, including cross training with the SAS on the Beacons Brecons in the UK and to REFORGER in Germany and many other places.
I took my schools at Benning and then other places.
I was never in Group, but my name did circulate among the ranks for a while. I had reasonable success in my military experience.
Tom D.
Did you use the narrow or wide desoto cover on the arione? And do agree with Slowman’s review-- that is is doable, but sloppy? or did it work well for you?
I used the narrow and it worked quite well for me. No problems. It did take some stretching and “massaging” but it went on fine and fits quite well. The stitching on the back of the saddle pad does run over the tail of the saddle on an Arione, but it doesn’t create even the least problem for me.
The Arione fits me just fine so I have no issues just using the saddle as is with my desoto shorts. Makes little difference if I am going 10 miles or 90 miles - I am perfectly comfortable.
Does anybody know if the Desoto seat covers are identical to the Quintana Roo covers?
They look quite similarly and are both available in narrow in wide…
John A.,
How did you set up the tilt of your Arione. I just got mine. With the flite I put the level on the front 5 inches of the saddle and had that perfectly level. I ride at about 80 degrees. Also, with the Arione being a bit longer, did you have that “bit” further in front of the BB or keep the nose in the same position…hop ethat made sense.
Thanks,
You know, I set it up with a level at first, but then just jumped on the trainer and adjusted the tilt until I felt balanced. Made the final adjsutment on the road. I kept the nose pretty much in the same spot as the Aspide I tried.