Fizik has launched its One-to-One service claimed to give users "a unique 3D-printed saddle, which achieves unparalleled comfort and performance". It should mean a seat that'll be the best MTB saddle for comfort you might ever ride. However, Fizik's "game-changing service" also comes with an eye-watering price tag.
3D-printed tech has also been around for a while and offers some advantages over traditional seat manufacture, for example, the honeycomb structure can give greater control over padding densities that provide more support and comfort over traditional foam. Specialized recently brought its Power Mirror 3D tech to the masses with the new Power Expert Mirror which has a much lower price point but doesn't have the customization Fizik brings to the table.
Although I've never had any serious comfort issues with most of the best mountain bike saddles I've used, something is appealing about a tailor-made perch, especially with the 3D printed tech, so I delved deeper to see what the One-to-One service has to offer.
A truly custom saddle?
Fizik says One-to-One aims to take comfort to an even more personal fit, making it perfectly suited to each individual. It states that the service has been three years in the making, and is part of its 'Concepts Research Program' which brings together industry-leading experts pushing the boundaries of saddle technology.
The One-to-One service allows riders to undergo a personalized measurement session at participating Fizik dealerships. It pairs them with the most suitable saddle in Fizik’s existing Adaptive range – like the Fizik Vento Argo or the Fizik Tempo, two saddles we've reviewed and rated highly in the past.
During the measurement session, Fizik will conduct a pressure mapping session where biometric data is captured to assess how forces are distributed across the 64 touchpoints used and cover various riding positions and motions. Key areas of focus include peak pressure hotspots, instabilities and asymmetries that can highlight issues like a variance in leg length and differences between right and left leg power output.
The captured data is then analyzed and a bespoke 3D padding structure is designed that is claimed to match the rider's needs and they can then choose between carbon or Kium rails before completing their order.
The saddle is then produced at Fizik’s HQ in northern Italy and shipped to the chosen address. After the saddle has arrived and been mounted, cyclists can return to the dealership for a final session where their new pressure data is compared to their former saddle setup, highlighting the areas of improvement.
Pricing and availability
The Fizik One-to-One Adaptive saddles range is available now and prices start from an eye-watering $499 / £459 / €459 which covers the saddles in the R3 range, while the R1 range is priced at $599 / £499 / €499.
That custom option means a fairly hefty jump in prices with the standard R3 starting at $259 / £259 / €259 and the R1 at $299 / £299 / €299.
To find your closest Fizik dealership offering the One-to-One service, and for more information, visit Fizik.com.
