Our Favorite 3D-Printed Saddles

The Power saddle has been part of my stable for the past 6 or so years - across various bikes and disciplines. When the Mirror version was launched I was very intrigued by the design, as 3D printing allows more customization of the design process which I would hope results in a more comfortable saddle. But the $450 price tag that accompanied the saddle had me hesitating, and in fact, I did not pull the trigger until the Pro was launched.

Coming off the Power Mimic my immediate realizations were that the Mirror had a ‘grippier’ finish that limits you when sliding around on the saddle. The next thing is that when in a more upright position - placing more weight directly on your sit bones - the saddle provides more support. The cushioning on that section of the saddle feels more dense yet forgiving than its foam counterparts. The nose of the saddle is soft yet supportive and I would say provides a similar feel to the Mimic saddle. This is where that grippier finish plays in. When in an aggressive forward position, the nose of the saddle holds onto you better so you don’t slide around. 

After putting some time on the saddle, it became quite apparent to me that this was going to be my go-to saddle, and I was so enthralled by the Power Mirror that I bought one for each of my bikes - so 4 of them! For myself the Power Pro Mirror makes the most sense because you save $125 over the S-Works, get Titanium Rails which should hold up better under rough riding (MTB/Gravel), and utilize the same design profile as the S-Works - all the comfort at 2/3rds the price!

One of my favorite 3D-Printed saddles on the market is the Fizik Vento Argo Adaptive. Fizik has used the word “Adaptive” to mean 3D-printed. Adaptive is a very appropriate way to describe 3D-printed saddles. Compared to traditional foam, 3D-printed structures adapt well to the rider. They aren’t squishy, but are firm and supportive and conform where you want them to. Traditional foam requires the use of a textile cover. The cover is functionally there to protect the foam from exposure to UV, the elements, and your sweat, and of course, make it look like a finished product. But that cover has tension to it and must flex and conform to your contact points. It interrupts how your rear interfaces with the foam of the saddle. 3D-printed saddles eliminate the need for a cover as the materials used don’t require a cover for protection.

It’s pretty obvious that Fizik got its inspiration for the Argo shape from the Specialized Power saddle’s snub-nosed style. I have owned multiple Power saddles over the years and it is a favorite seat of mine. But I do really enjoy the Argo as a nice alternative. With my fit, I tend to find the 143mm wide Power is a great, supportive width for lower and more aero postures, but can be a bit too narrow of a perch for more upright riding on all-day outings or on a gravel bike. The next size up for Specialized is a 155mm – that extra 12mm is a big jump. Fizik offers the Argo in a 140mm and a 150mm. That jump from a 143mm Specialized to a 150mm Fizik of 7mm is much more manageable for me. I can still get in that low riding position for when the riding is full-gas but have the nice width to rest on when the pedaling gets more casual. I know, it’s a bit of the princess-and-the-pea narrative, but I’ve had no regrets with the Fizik Argo 150mm.

I also really enjoy the fact that the Argo has more rounded padding on the nose. I move across my seat a lot depending upon the speed and effort. If I end up a bit too far forward on the nose, the padding is forgiving, especially on rough terrain.

All the cycling attire we use is technical and breathable, but where you make contact with the saddle is a point where not a lot of breathability can happen – You’ve got a waterproof cover on the saddle that you then plant most of your body weight one. The 3D-printed Structure of the Fizik allows for some air flow to happen inside the saddle. Sure, some saddles have cutouts and breath, but the 3D-printed saddle has much more breathability.