Let me preface this review by saying I’ve never felt the need to own a saddle with a relief channel. I always find that proper saddle position and bicycle fit will keep your body happy, even in the most sensitive areas. That said, I completely understand that not everyone’s body is the same. Much like having a proper frame fit, saddle fit* is one of the key deciding factors in an enjoyable ride.

My normal saddle of choice is the fi’zi:k Kurve but I’ve found that without a chamois, they can be a bit harsh so when I began to use my cross bike as an around the town bike, I wanted something with a little more padding. That’s when numerous people turned me onto the fi’zi:k Antares VS. I rode one on Ty’s Hufnagel up to Mt. Disappointment while in LA last summer and was sold immediately. Since then, I picked one up and have been in love ever since.

The design is sleek and with its matte on gloss black branding, it’ll satisfy even the most picky consumer. I even prefer the look of the saddle on a cross bike, with its rugged utilitarian aesthetic. Is it durable? You bet. Cross bikes tend to end up on their sides a lot, especially when spending the afternoon out on the trails. The nylon carbon reinforced shell is topped with a low density padding, making it comfortable right out of the box.

While it’s not the lightest saddle in fi’zi:k’s range (209 grams), there are, of course, much lighter, racier saddles in their line. But this isn’t what I would consider a race saddle. All in all, it’s a great buy with the material and the K:ium rails are very durable. MSRP is $150 but some local shops have them for less than that.

*Familiarize yourself with the fi’zi:k Spine Concept fitting system before picking up one for youself.