Fizik has released their 2008 Team Edition Arione saddles in five different versions. Most distinctive is the White/Blue of Team Slipstream, led by Dave Zabriskie and David Millar. There's also the Metal Blue of Team Liquigas, led by Filippo Pozzato. We also have the Black/Silver of Team Saunier Duval - Scott; the Silver/Black of Team LPR; and Black/Red of Acqua e Sapone. It's become a tradition for Fizik to release small batches of special edition saddles every year. In our eyes, the Team Replica special editions they offer are always their most eye-catching. The main body of the saddle in each case is the dominant color of the team, but it features a stripe down the center of the saddle in the secondary color of the team. Like new tires in a color other than black, this is a glorious way to give your bike some fresh electricity. As a free bonus, each of these saddles will come with matching Fizik Microtex bar tape. It's identical to Fizik's cushy Bar Gel bar tape, except that these freebies come without the adhesive gel strips. Nevertheless, it's grippy and super-comfortable. One other interesting detail of these Team Replica saddles is that they are built around Fizik's k:ium rail. K:ium offers an 8% weight reduction compared to Ti rails, and thanks to its use of Silicium and Chrome, it has better vibration-absorption qualities and more corrosion resistance. These saddles are ICS-compatible. This is the CX version for the Arione. It takes the signature virtues of the Aliante and the Arione and combines them into one glorious saddle. From the Aliante you get Fizik's patented Twin Flex shell. The exterior shell of the Arione CX is a 35g piece of multi-directional carbon fiber. It surrounds a 15g bi-directional carbon/Kevlar-woven interior "hammock." The carbon is nearly weightless, but it delivers the perfect amount of comfort and support. The Arione CX then borrows the essential trait of the standard Arione: Wing Flex technology. If you look at the rearward wings of the Arione CX, you'll see that they flex to allow for free thigh movement. Your thighs won't get pinched by the saddle wings with the downward force of your pedaling stroke. This flex -- known as Wing Flex -- gives you a near-custom fit without sacrificing the critical shell rigidity and support you need for optimal power transfer and comfort.
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