The Radavist

Hold onto yer butts!

Fizik utilizes new 3-d printing technologies on their new Antares Versus EVO 00 Adaptive and the result is the most unique saddle I’ve seen, yet it’ll cost you! The Adaptive saddle padding is crafted by Carbon 3D using its revolutionary Digital Light Synthesis technology.

“DLS is an additive manufacturing process that uses digital ultraviolet light projection, oxygen-permeable optics, and programmable liquid resins to produce parts with excellent mechanical properties, resolution and surface finish.”

Sounds high tech right? Well, it comes at a cost. 390.00€. See more at Fizik.

Products like this intrigue me. They pique my interest and pull at my heartstrings. Oftentimes, I find the cycling industry’s apparel offerings to be too wrapped up in the supergraphic, the superhero, the loud, obnoxious, and ostentatiously-designed garb most of us are forced to wear due to brand simply one-upping, building off of and straight biting-off of other’s designs. Personally, I want my cycling gear to emulate my outdoor gear. I want my cycling shoes to look like boots and honestly, most of the time while I tour and bikepack, I wear just that.

Fizik’s Terra lineup – their dirt-focused shoes – has trapesed about the tundra that is earth tones and laces for some time now but it wasn’t until their Ergolace X2 model dropped earlier this year that I was intrigued enough to reach out to the brand to review a pair. So, aside from a rugged aesthetic, how do they really feel in person?

Meshing hiking boot stylings and their road shoe functionality, Fizik’s new X2 mountain shoe line is quite the looker. With lacing, velcro and Boa closures, in high and low top, with great colors and stylings, the X2 line has something for everyone.

Head over to Fizik to check them out and see more specifications below.

Fizik’s newest shoes are marketed to gravel riding and are a part of the Terra off-road series. The Terra Powerstrap X4 is designed to have a close fit, with the quick and easy Powerstrap Velcro closure system to give your feet a secure fit.

These shoes have a walkable sole, touting a stiffness index of 6. They weigh 292g (size 42- 1/2 pair) and retail for $149. See more information at Fizik.

I must say, this time of year is one of my favorites in the cycling industry. Summer is nearly over and brands begin to push out their new products, eagerly awaiting the consumers’ reactions. When I saw the new Fizik Tempo Powerstrap R5 hit their webshop, I suddenly was excited for road shoes, since forever ago. At only 499 grams for a size 42, a sleek silhouette, easy to adjust velcro straps and a price of $119, these shoes hit a lot of marks, including an all-black design. See more at Fizik and holler at your local dealer for ordering.

I don’t want to say this is a new feature, because I’m not sure how long it’s been out, but in the vein of Nike iD and other customizable products, Fizik has a saddle customization application on their website. Match virtually any of their saddle shapes to a spectrum of colors and tones.

See more at Fizik.

Mick Peel at Busyman really did an incredible job on this Fizik Vesta saddle and accessories. This bird is flying to Portland to make its way on a Cielo. Hopefully we’ll see photos of the complete bike!

Check out more at Busyman Bicycles.

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.

Photo by Damian Riehl

I don’t usually post the same thing twice but Damian’s photo of that Pegoretti Custom Fizik is too good to pass up. Shot with TMY 400 pushed to 1600 ISO, during processing, making this shot actually possible handheld. See two more great shots at his Flickr and if you don’t already follow Damian on Tumblr, do so!

As part of what I’m calling the bastardization of a period correct race machine, aka modernizing my vintage Eddy Merckx road bike, I was looking for a new, modern road saddle. I’ve tried other Fizik saddles before and aside from the Arione, I was never really sold on their shapes. When I was Interbike, I talked with the Fizik marketing manager about how I love my Brooks Swift and vintage Cinelli Unicanitors because of the right amount of flex you can achieve after breaking them in.

Check out more below!

To close out our editorial team’s favorites lists, Hailey Moore weighs in with her top products from the year, with a couple women’s-specific picks, and shares the rides, reads, tunes, and more that shaped her 2024.

Next up in our year-end recaps, Josh shares a list of his favorite products that span an eclectic range from cycling components and apparel to car camping creature comforts and even laundry detergent. He also reflects on a career-defining project, his approach to reigniting creative sparks in response to waning social media interest, and shares some pivotal music and books that inspired him along the way. Read on below for Josh’s favorites…

Today, we have a conversation with the one and only Austin Killips. This year, she set a new overall record for the Arizona Trail and now a new women’s record for the Tour Divide. Spencer got the chance to ask Austin some questions as she prepared for the Colorado Trail to round out her Triple Crown. See what Austin had to reflect on and look forward to below…

For Hailey Moore, summer in Colorado is a full-steam-ahead season, a fleeting trio of months when the alpine is most accessible. Read on for Hailey’s 2024 Summer Product Picks and a closer look at the gear that keeps her going this time of year.

Alex Bethge breaks down the inspiration behind his new custom Cicli Bonanno Futomaki Disc. With bold lines and an eye toward sustainability, he commissioned a bike meant to last and withstand the ever-changing tides of the bike industry.

The Schwinn Cimarron remains one of the more affordable 1980s MTB frames and when a bike is affordable, creativity blossoms. Check out what Alexander did with his 1987 build, featuring the wild and kooky Suntour S-1 rear mech!