fi’zi:k already offers VERSUS saddles with a longitudinal channel to reduce pressure on sensitive parts of a rider’s anatomy. The new VERSUS X range aims to evolve the concept further, with a much deeper channel. The VERSUS X channel is 20mm deep. It required fi’zi:k to re-engineer the padding formulation to retain performance and comfort.
Performance and durability
fi’zi:k added that most saddles with channels or cutaways rely on material being removed from the shell, but this can lead to excessive flex and premature failure. fi’zi:k’s VERSUS X saddles are ‘designed for performance riding, making power transfer and durability very important.’
In order to build a saddle with a deep channel that remains stiff and strong, VERSUS X saddles use a unique shell design with carbon-reinforced nylon construction. fi’zi:k adds that the VERSUS X shell is as stiff as a conventional saddle but with the added comfort benefits of a deep channel. On top of the shell is foam padding specially developed for the VERSUS X.
Each VERSUS X saddle has a different combination of foam densities to fit the characteristics of different saddle shapes. VERSUS X technology is available in fi’zi:k’s Arione, Antares and Aliante shapes, with each shape suiting a different riding style.
fi’zi:k’s Spine Concept categorizes riders according to their flexibility, from the most flexible ‘Snakes’ to the least flexible ‘Bulls’. The different saddles are shaped accordingly. With the different shapes of the Spine Concept plus the VERSUS and VERSUS X channel options, fi’zi:k adds that it has ‘a saddle to suit any rider’.
Range options
Each VERSUS X saddle design is available with a choice of K:ium rails or ultralight, stiff braided carbon. Weights range from 210g, ‘meaning that there’s very little weight penalty if you’re a rider that needs a deep channel for comfort.’
Pricing
- Arione VERSUS X Braided – Suggested Retail Price €199 / US$220
- Arione VERSUS X K:ium – Suggested Retail Price €149 /US$170
- Aliante VERSUS X Braided – Suggested Retail Price €199 /US$220
- Aliante VERSUS X K:ium – Suggested Retail Price €149/ US$170
- Antares VERSUS X Braided – Suggested Retail Price €199 /US$220
- Antares VERSUS X K:ium – Suggested Retail Price €149 /US$170
Weight
- Arione VERSUS X Braided – 215g
- Arione VERSUS X K:ium – 255g
- Aliante VERSUS X Braided – 229g
- Aliante VERSUS X K:ium – 270g
- Antares VERSUS X Braided – 209g
- Antares VERSUS X K:ium– 240g
