Fizik Arione Tri 2

The Fizik Arione design has won over a lot of fans in recent years as a road, time-trial and mountain bike saddle. The Tri 2 variant for 2009 has either carbon or Kium rails (the former pushing the price up to £219.99; the latter, tested here, a touch heavier at 209g) and a wider, more padded nose for perching on when using the tri-bars.

The quality of finish and materials is excellent, and the unique ultra-flat styling stands out from the crowd. On the bike the Arione performed well as a time-trial (TT) saddle, the wider nose offering more support than a standard one, and there were also no complaints when using it sat up on the road.

Compared with other saddles at this price point, it’s slightly on the heavy side, which is the only real disappointment. But that said, as an all-rounder, it really is very hard to beat.

Contact : Extra UK 01933 672170 www.extrauk.co.uk