It is just the cover, mostly. My first one was all black and the cover wore badly. I only go 157-165 depending upon the season, but do ride a lot. My current road version is the World Champion Edition (I think pioneered by Cippolini): white with the world champ colors stripe down the center. It is now a nice, light pink, rubbed raw on the edges of the leather and wearing down. No rail problems, padding issues, etc. Actually looks 'kinda cool and really “used”, but still - not that great quality for the money, but I sure love the saddle.
I have the Fizik Aliante. I love it. It solved all my problems.
BUT…I have the carbon shell and carbon rail version.
The carbon shell cracked. I agree it’s a lot of loot to pay and then have it crack on you. But I’m not a little guy. I’d crack too.
The pave and aliante are similar. I like the aliante over the arione. Saddles are nuetral it’s your ass that’s wrong for the saddle.