Fi’zi:k Zea:k Saddle 2008
Wednesday, December 12th, 2007
Fi’zi:k has created a bunch of new saddles for 2008. They’ve categorized their new saddles into a travel category to help the riders out when picking a saddle. Their 7mm Zea:k they’ve categorized into the 140-180mm travel range and inside we show you a bit of what it has to offer.
“Fi’zi:k is the phonetic spelling of the word physique, referring to the form or state of the human body. Often associated with general fitness and athletics, the word is also used in many contexts to illustrate physical strength and superb health. - ie. a powerful physique, a healthy physique.” - Fi’zi:k
Designed in the USA and handmade in Italy by Selle Royal, Fi’zi:k aims to bring you the best saddle possible in all aspects. The Zea:k 7mm saddle uses a black microtex cover to protect it from the elements. The Zea:k logo is cleanly placed on the microtex cover quite subtly that looks pretty great. For the more gravity enthoused, the Zea:k is also available in an 8mm rail option.
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The Zea:k saddle has some small plastic outriggers that protect the saddle from damage should you go down. Additionally, the saddle has thigh grabbers that help you control and maintain where the seat is on any technical maneuver. Often with narrower saddles, they tend to pinch your thighs but the Zea:k’s ample thigh clamping region makes holding the saddle easy.
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The steel railed saddle isn’t the lightest at 336g but does maintain a lot of durability and comfort. The nice thing about the Zea:k is the ample riding positions it allows for. Whether you’re going uphill or downhill, the saddle offers ample comfortable positions to fit most every rider. The back of the saddle is angled slightly and allows for quick and easy off the back maneuvers when the terrain turns very steep. The Zea:k was designed to mirror changing terrain and pitch to help give riders the best positioning on the saddle possible. The nose is well padded and protected as well as designed to have a square profile to offer a bit of grip if you plan on climbing with this saddle.
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The top of the Zea:k is pretty flat towards the rear of the saddle as you can see. This helps distribute your weight evenly. It’s pretty soft in the right areas and offers a good cushion to impacts should you need it.
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The Zea:k also features their integrated clip system (silver Fi’zi:k tab underneath seat comes out) to allow you to attach a multitude of attachments cleanly and effectively. Often I’ve found most seats don’t let you put a pack or light underneath the rails if you want an optimal seating position. The Fi’zi:k I.C.S. system solves this problem.
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MSRP:
$79.99 for the steel railed version (pictured here)
$139.99 for the k:ium railed version (lighter than titanium railed, brighter finish, same resistance)
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The Zea:k is a good seat if you’re looking for a comfortable saddle that packs a lot of features whether you’re going up or down the hill. The price tag isn’t too bad in comparison to other saddles but the Zea:k could stand to loose a little bit of weight if it’s marketed towards the 140-180mm travel range.
Functionally I like the way the Zea:k rides a lot and it’s a vast improvement over some of their other attempts at making a comfortable DH/FR/AM saddle. If you think you’re looking for a saddle that can ascend and descend, try to swing your leg over the Fi’zi:k Zea:k and see what you think.
[Fi'zi:k Zea:k Saddle Gallery] [Fi'zi:k Website]
December 12th, 2007 at 10:40 pm
What’s the weight on the k:ium railed one? I checked the seat out in Whistler, it seemed really well designed and looked quite comfortable. My old WTB is pretty compacted, so I’m thinking this or a Chromag, possibly another WTB.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
No idea technically. I’m guessing the k:ium railed one is close to the weight on their website which is 315g.
December 13th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
what mail order place sells these in the US?
December 14th, 2007 at 10:54 am
I’m not sure who sells them mail order, send fi’zi:k an email
December 18th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Thats an ugly seat. That big knob in the middle is just going to kill your nuts.
November 30th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
lol jonny is right