fi’zi:k Introducing Handlebars and Stems

fi’zi:k has announced that they will be expanding their product line to include handlebars and stems. The announcement: 

"The new fi’zi:k cockpit is set to revolutionise the cycling market in the same way fi’zi:k saddles have done since their launch in 1996—utilising the brand’s expertise in ergonomics, to take performance to a new level. AG2R LA MONDIALE will be testing the new cockpit system in the world’s most demanding races, supplying the type of feedback that has been the mainstay of the development of fi’zi:k’s exceptional products to date. Racing is the backbone of the company, and this final development phase will precede the official product launch. During the season the riders will test the different stems and handlebar shapes in a multitude of sizes and material combinations in order to match all their needs, but full details will not be announced until later in the year.

AG2R LA MONDIALE will also be using fi’zi:k saddles, handlebar tape and seatposts to complete the full fi’zi:k cockpit experience.

Gabriele Benedetti, fi'zi:k Global Sport Marketing Manager said "The cockpit is a big venture for fi’zi:k. As we have traditionally done with saddle development, the team will act as our live test lab - no other testing can simulate the wear on products that occurs at this level in professional training and racing. Team AG2R LA MONDIALE and Focus bikes are the perfect partners with whom to start this project. We are really looking forward to being part of this team, to share with the riders and staff the passion, desire, dreams, and also the glory of racing.”

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Fi’zi:k Arione 00

A new Fi’zi:k Arione saddle is being ridden and tested by Eros Capecchi of Liquigas-Cannondale during the Giro d'Italia. The saddle, the Arione 00 (at least for the time being), is said to weigh slightly more than 100 grams but will be surprisingly comfortable due to the use of a very light, thin padding of special foam. The saddle will be introduced at Eurobike held August 29-September in Friedrichshafen, Germany.

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Fi’zi:k’s New KURVE Saddles

The Pozzoleone, Italy, fi’zi:k is introducing a new line of saddles, the KURVE series. Here is their announcement:

"Three years in the works, fi’zi:k’s new line of KURVE saddles are now landing on the shelves. Based on the fi’zi:k-developed saddle fit system - SPINE Concept – the KURVE line offers three corresponding saddle shapes that answer the question are you a Snake, Chameleon or a Bull? KURVE are high-performance, technologically advanced saddles that operate on a comfort platform.

“KURVE was soft-launched to a select group of VIP media at fi’zi:k’s bi-annual exclusive ba:kstage event,” said Alberto Fonte, fi’zi:k’s European Marketing Director, “and the buzz was immediate. The new KURVE line of high-end performance saddles are unlike traditional saddles in terms of comfort and appearance. They will change the way you think about comfort.”

KURVE is the culmination of now standard-to-fi’zi:k-manufacturing technologies – WingFlex™, TwinFlex™ and Mobius rail – and new technologies: Tuner Insert and Re:Flex. Each technology – when isolated - provides a benefit to the rider and a distinguishing saddle feature, but it is the combination of the five technologies that create a unique product-response or interface while the cyclist is engaged in riding.

TwinFlex™, introduced in 2001 with the Aliante, refers to the shell structure that uses interwoven textiles allowing the base to flex. WingFlex™, having originated with the 2004 Arione, allows the saddle’s sides to break-in and flex as the rider pedals. The Mobius Rail, introduced on the all-carbon K1 saddle in 2007, means the rail is one continuous ‘circular’ structure with no beginning and no end. The design not only eliminates potential pressures points toward the rear of the saddle, but with KURVE, the 2014-T6 cold forged aluminum rails also provide additional side-to-side-flex or motion as the rider pedals.

New to KURVE are the Re:Flex shell and the Tuner Insert technologies. The base of all KURVE saddles – called Re:Flex - is a sensory receptor that responds to the body in motion. Made of interwoven thermoplastic composites with varying degrees of layers, the entire shell flexes. The contact points – sit bone and perineum or soft tissue areas - have fewer composite layers and respond to the body’s movement by flexing and providing pressure relief. Thicker composite layers on specific areas of the Re:Flex base provide stiffness for power and leverage. The relationship between rider and saddle is reactive as the saddle responds to the movement of the rider’s contact points on the saddle mirroring the motion of the rider.

The final piece of new KURVE technology is the Tuner Insert. The Tuner Insert is an interchangeable nose piece that allows the rider to customize their flex. KURVE comes with two screw-in tuner inserts, soft and hard, that can be easily swapped out with an included Torx T20 key. The Tuner changes the overall stiffness and/or flexibility of the base and when combined with the properties of the RE:FLEX base, provide an overall smoother, shock absorbing ride.

“First reactions have been reminiscent to the Arione intro,” said USA marketing manager, Suzette Ayotte. “The Arione changed the direction and momentum of the fi’zi:k brand forever and sometimes a brand gets only one opportunity to do that. With a static product like a saddle, there are no moving parts, and we tend to think there isn’t much you can do to it technologically. Our goal was to create a saddle that ‘changes the way you think about comfort,” Ayotte continued. “The Arione accomplished that and seven years later, KURVE is doing it again.”

Working in conjunction with SPINE Concept, the KURVE line is represented by three distinct shapes based on spine flexibility and riding style. The long and flat KURVE Snake represents the Arione for riders that prefer to use the entire length of the saddle, moving forward when climbing and after when descending. The wider and ‘waved’ KURVE Bull on the other end of the SPINE Concept fit spectrum represents the Aliante, for riders with less flexibility who tend to remain in one spot whether on the tops or drops, or whether climbing, descending or powering along flats. The KURVE Chameleon represents the Antares for the cyclist who falls somewhere in between, preferring a wider platform (compared to the narrow Arione) with a substantial surface to move around and adjust for comfort.

The 2011 line of KURVE Snake, Bull and Chameleon saddles are all-black with corresponding laser etched ‘animals’. Each weighs 220 grams."

Click on these images to enlarge for more details:



Visit www.fizik.com for more information.

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Fi’zi:k’s 2011 Limited Edition Team Replica Saddles

From Fi’zi:k, located in Pozzoleone:

Fi’zi:k’s 2011 Limited Edition Team Replica saddle and seat post ring kits will hit bike shops this month. The annual collection, now in its ninth year, offers three road model choices in varying colors to complement fi’zi:k’s Spine Concept fit system. New for 2011, the limited edition kits each come with two exclusive matching seat post height-marker rings (usually available only with fi’zi:k seat post purchase).

Fi’zi:k’s annual release of Team Replica Limited Edition saddles honors their pro road teams and gives fans the opportunity to ride like a pro. But in 2011, not even the pros have these collector’s edition seat post rings! The rings - serving a dual purpose by keeping dirt and dust out of the seat tube while also acting as a seat post height marker - come in two sizes: 1 ring for post sizes 27.2 and 1 ring for post sizes 30.9 and 31.6. Consumers desiring a specific Team Edition Kit are encouraged to visit a fi’zi:k dealer to reserve.

The 2011 Team Replica Limited Edition Saddle Kits will be offered in fi’zi:k’s three best selling road saddle models: the Arione, the Aliante, and the Antares representing respectively, the three ‘animal designations’ associated with Spine Concept: Snake, Bull, and Chameleon. Spine Concept is a fi’zi:k developed fit system that matches the saddle to the rider based on spine flexibility and riding style in the high performance position. The fit system is a guideline to help determine which fi’zi:k saddle shape will provide the most comfort and thus, improve performance.

Team Rabobank’s Arione CX with braided carbon rails (msrp: $215) is offered in chalk white with a glossy white stripe, fi’zi:k team issue logos and blue seat post rings. Team Garmin-Cervelo, with World Champion Snake in Thor Hushovd, is represented by a black Arione with glossy red stripe, k:ium rails (msrp: $185), fi’zi:k logos and black seat posts rings. Based on Spine Concept, the Arione is associated with the spineless snake. The cyclist with a flexible spine bends at the hips and moves forward and aft on the saddle depending on the terrain.

Chameleons like Dave Zabriskie and Mark Cavendish are ‘in between riders’ that often remain in the same position for extended periods, preferring the wider rear base on the Antares, but who also move around on the flat surface to adjust for comfort. Chameleons can choose between a white and apple green Team Liquigas-Cannondale Antares with braided carbon rails ($245), team issue logos, and apple green seat post rings; or the chalk white and glossy red Antares with k:ium rails ($215), team issue logos and red seat posts rings ridden by Team Cofidis.

Less flexible riders, Bulls like HTC-Highroad’s Tony Martin or BMC Racing Team’s George Hincapie, can choose between two team replica Aliante colors at two distinct price points. The Aliante-riding Bull is less flexible in the spine, makes one big pelvic adjustment when addressing the saddle, and tends to remain in the pocket whether climbing, descending or powering on the flats. Choose between the HTC-Highroad chalk white Aliante Gamma with glossy thigh glides (msrp $155), k:ium rails, black team issue logos, and white seat posts rings or BMC Racing Team’s black Aliante with glossy red thigh glides (msrp $215), k:ium rails, white team issue logos and red seat post rings.

For more information about Spine Concept, fi’zi:k’s high performance saddles, shoes and accessories, visit the website at www.fizik.com.

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, watching and touring during the Giro, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,900 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Riding Fi’zi:k’s New R1 Cycling Shoe

Garmin-Cervelo’s David Millar and BMC’s Alessandro Ballan are two of the first exclusively selected pro road cyclists that will be racing in fi’zi:k’s new cycling shoe for the 2011 season. Pro cycling fans may have caught a glimpse of Ballan in the new midnight black R1 –standing out distinctly among his teammates all white shoes - en route to his fourth place finish at Saturday’s Milan San Remo – pro cycling’s first monumental race of the season.
Though the requests from professional cyclists to ride the new shoes have been many, fi’zi:k’s strategy was to select only a few riders with whom they could work closely for feedback and future development. “Alessandro has long been part of the fi’zi:k family,” explained Sports Marketing Manager, Gabriele Benedetti. “He’s here in our backyard, and it’s not uncommon for him to visit the factory or for me to ride with him. This closeness enables us to gather immediate feedback.”

“The first impression I had when I tried the R1 was the super snug fitting; my foot felt surrounded,” said Alessandro Ballan. “But more impressive,” he continued, “is the capacity to transfer the power in a more equalized way with no dispersion. The result was that I am able to push more powerfully on the pedals. The insole has a great support and absorbs the vibration very well.”

That power transfer to the pedals to which Ballan refers is derived from the shoes 3D Flex System outsole. It’s a feature that both the R1 and R3 shoe models share, positioning each of fi’zi:k’s two new shoe models at the higher echelon of a high performance cycling shoe category. The 3D Flex System outsole is defined by a carbon fiber base for power transfer to the pedals; TEPEX® Heel Stiffener for firm heel support to eliminate wasted motion of the foot, and a nylon Mobius Rail for snug heel fitment.

Garmin-Cervelo’s David Millar’s interest peaked when fi’zi:k visited the team’s camp in late December of 2010. Detailed with his equipment and eloquently outspoken, Millar’s early reaction has been invaluable to the fi’zi:k product development team. “David Millar could not be a better representative. We are completely honored to have a rider of his caliber and class racing in our new shoes,” stated Steve Delacruz, Product Manager and Designer for fi’zi:k footwear. Delacruz continued, “He’s accessible, he’s happy to be an exclusive part of the program, and he is incredibly detailed with his feedback - right down to the packaging. We are extremely fortunate.”

“The design of the shoe is quite simply sublime,” Millar documented to fi’zi:k. “Keeping your branding so subtle is a stroke of genius and I think you are a few pedal strokes ahead of the masses; everybody is going back to retro styling, you have captured the zeitgeist.”

The new fi’zi:k R1 and R3 cycling shoes, having just landed at bike shops worldwide, were in development for two years. The man behind the design and development of the fizik shoes, Steve Delacruz, says. ‘The roots of the fi’zi:k collection are the history of quality and craftsmanship of Italian shoemaking. They represent our high standards of attention to detail, materials and technology, but utmost, the shoes represent respect for refined Italian styling. This sets them apart from all other high performance shoes on the market.”

Fi’zi:k’s new R1 and R3 shoe models were introduced at the 2010 Eurobike and Interbike shows to the surprise of the cycling world, as fi’zi:k had kept the new product line under tight wraps. Their foray into shoe manufacturing completes the triangle of contact points on the bike for the 16 year-old brand: gluteus maximus to the saddle; hands to tape ; and feet to shoes.

“It was a natural progression,” explained fi’zi:k Brand Director Nicola Rosin. “Fi’zi:k is no longer just a saddle brand and we’ve moved gradually in this direction. We built our high performance brand name on saddles but slowly entered categories that made logical sense. The I.C.S (Integrated Clip System): pa:k, blin:k light, and Cyrano seat posts are directly related to the saddle; handlebar tape and gel, triathlon arm rest pads, and mountain bike grips correlate to the second contact point of the triangle; and the shoes close the triangle. Our progressive strategy means we expand into categories when we are confident that our final product will lend a performance benefit and make a difference to those that use it – but not before.”

The men’s R1 (msrp $400) and the men’s and women’s R3 ($300) shoes are differentiated from competitors by a few distinct features: the use of Kangaroo leather for its ultra durability and soft touch, weather resistant racing sail cloth for the straps, and a highly customizable insole developed in partnership with SIDAS Technologies (R1 model).

The men’s midnight black R1 (273 grams / size 43) is differentiated by A 100% Kangaroo leather quarter panel, toe and heel panel. Further distinguishing the two models is the R1’s buckle with carbon fiber loading lever and an inclusive custom molded insole using SIDAS technologies Flashfit sytem.

Commented Millar, “The technology of the shoe seems spot on and the manufacturing quality is some of the best I've ever seen in a cycling shoe. The R1 is simply beautiful.” Ballan added further, “The quality of the shoes is incredible, and the attention to detail is maniacal.”

The men’s R3 (258 grams / size 43) and women’s R3 ( 206 grams / size 38.5) use a microtex quarter panel with Kangaroo leather covering the toe and heel panels where the shoe needs additional reinforcement and strength. Both men’s and women’s R3 models feature an aluminum buckle and ergonomic design EVA insole. The men’s R3 is available in Racing Red; and white with black heel and toe. The women’s R3 comes in pure white; and a matte/glossy black with a crème stripe dividing the two materials.

All models are handmade in Italy using a reverse stitching process along the outside of the tongue and collar called Rivalto. It is a traditional and revered Italian sewing technique known as an elegant method to finish the end of materials during stitching.

Fi’zi:k’s R3 cycling shoe models are in shops now.

www.fizik.com

In the USA, fi’zi:k saddles, shoes and cycling accessories are distributed through their US subsidiary, Highway Two, www.highwaytwo.com, 877.395.8088; to find a dealer near you, email info@highwaytwo.com or call 1.877.395.8088.

Photo off Ballan (far right) at Milan-San Remo by Riccardo Scanferla

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,800 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Fi’zi:k's 2011 Pro Road Teams

Fi’zi:k, the saddle maker from Pozzoleone has announced the professional teams that will be riding fi’zi:k saddles in 2011.

Fi’zi:k’s 2011 UCI Pro and Pro Continental road teams include: the pro men and pro women Garmin-Cervelo Team (Cervelo); the pro men and pro women Team HTC-Highroad (Specialized); Liquigas-Cannondale (Cannondale); BMC Racing Team (BMC); Rabobank (Giant); Cofidis (Look); Francaise des Jeux (Lapierre); Saur Sojasun (Time); and Androni Giocatolli (Bianchi).

Interestingly, among these teams the choice of saddles is divided almost evenly among the Aliante, the Arione and the Antares.

“No testing can simulate the wear on products that occurs at that level in professional training and racing,” said Gabriele Benedetti. “Pro sponsorship provides perfect field testing to discover both strengths and weaknesses for product. We often have daily contact with a number of pro cyclists who like being a part of the development process. Ivan Basso is a great example. While he liked the shape of the Antares, he wanted the flexing sides of the Arione. Pressure at that level – with a potential and eventual Giro win on the line – motivated us to move quickly to produce the Antares 00,” explained Benedetti.

website: www.fizik.it

Share your story. Write a story about your cycling trip, or an aspect of your trip, in Italy. Or, it can be about a granfondo experience, a special encounter, your favorite ride, etc. The period for story submissions for prizes will be January 1-February 15, 2011. Prizes will be awarded on a random basis, stories will not be judged on which is the "best" one. Nevertheless, it should be a good story for the enjoyment of all readers. Photos accompanying the story are most welcome. If you have any questions email me at veronaman@gmail.com. See photos of prizes here. Prize donated by:
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Basso and Nibali Autographed fi’zi:k Saddles

Today, fi’zi:k began offering 50 Antares saddles personally autographed by both Ivan Basso and Vicenzo Nibali. All of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to the association "Insieme si può…" ("Together we can..."). The association will use the funds to finish the Andrew Primary School of MASANAFU, an elementary school in a slum in Kampala, Uganda.

The cost of each saddle is 200 euro.

To order visit the fi’zi:k home page.

ICJ Reader contribution contest will run 1 January to 15 February, 2011. Details here.

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,600 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also an Italian weather widget along the right side and a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

Will You Be Wearing fi’zi:k Cycling Shoes?

Italian Saddle maker fi’zi:k introduced their first entries into the cycling shoe marketplace at the Eurobike show in September. fi’zi:k spent two years developing the new shoe range focusing on making shoes featuring fine Italian craftsmanship. The range currently consists of two models, the R1 and R3 in which R stands for Road. fi’zi:k is also going to develop a mountain bike model for 2012. The R1 and R3 shoes will be arriving at stores Europe and the USA in December; for now the company is not selling the shoes in Asian markets because those markets require a dedicated Asian fit, according to fi’zi:k.

The R1, which is for men only, is the top of the line shoe while the R3, for both men and women, is slotted below the R1.

The R1 features of the fi’zi:k road shoe include: uppers constructed from kangaroo leather trimmed with sail cloth straps and topped off by a carbon fiber buckle. The shoes uses a heat mouldable insole engineered in partnership with SIDAS technologies; SIDAS is French orthopedic brand.

The primary difference between the R3 and the R1 is the material of the uppers. While the R1 uses kangaroo leather, a lightweight, durable and supple material, the R3 uses microber. Also, the R3 does not share the heat mouldable insole and other smaller touches.

The R1 will retail for approximately US$400/€340 and either R3 model will cost US$300/€240.

The fi’zi:k website has not been updated with all the details of their shoes but they do have this short video:
To view in full screen click here.

ICJ Reader contribution contest will run 1 January to 15 February, 2011. Details here.

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,600 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also an Italian weather widget along the right side and a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

Fi’zi:k "Cyrano" Seatpost Wins Red Dot Design Award

The red dot design award is a coveted international product design prize awarded by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Essen, Germany. The aim of the prize is to honor outstanding design quality and trendsetters.

The fi'zi:k Cyrano seatpost has won one of the 2010 red dot product design awards. The description for the award is: "The functional Cyrano seatpost combines intelligent engineering with a sophisticated manufacturing process. Its dynamic visual language conveys the impression of forward motion and acceleration. The flat design of the clamp is aesthetically sleek without losing its functional character in the process. The specially developed clamp mechanism facilitates the often intricate process of setting the optimal saddle position and offers a wide range of potential angle adjustments. This adjustment can be done easily and swiftly and requires just one tool to tighten the rear bolt. The front clamp bolt can be adjusted by simply turning the shapely aluminium adjuster wheel. An innovative detail solution of the product is a specially manufactured plastic ring at the lower end of the seatpost. It prevents water and dirt from entering into the frame and causing problems while adjusting or removing the seatpost."

fi'zi:k, best known for its saddles, is headquartered in Pozzoleone (Vicenza).

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,400 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Fi’zi:k Tour de France Contest

From Italian saddle maker Fi’zi:k :

Fi’zi:k is giving away 21 Limited Edition Team Replica Yellow Arione CX saddles and handlebar kits to honor the 21 stages of the 97th Tour de France. While you may never have the chance to win a stage of the Tour de France or wear the coveted maillot jaune you now have a chance to win fi’zi:k YELLOW.

To win, go directly to the home page at www.fizik.com and click on the link indicating Win a Stage of the Tour de France. Each morning a winner will be randomly selected from registered participants from fi’zi:k’s Pozzoleone Headquarters. If you don’t win the first stage, try again for the second! Register by midnight (Paris time) to qualify to win that day’s stage. This means, if you’re watching the early morning broadcasts in North America, you can register while watching and you may win the day’s stage. Each day the list will be refreshed, so keep trying in order to win. At the end of the 21 stages, ten additional names will be selected to receive a special :K consolation prize.

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,400 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Granfondo fi’zi:k

The Vicenza based cycling saddle maker, fi'zi:k, has announced that it will be organizing a new gran fondo during the first weekend of May, 2010. The gran fondo is being organized to coincide with the popular Valleogra MTB Race, creating a two day weekend dedicated to cycling.

The granfondo route will be 141.5 kilometers in length with a total of 2,800 meters of climbing. The route will wind through the mountains north of Schio and pass through the Valdastico and Val Posina. The climbs are all accessible with gradients rarely exceeding the double digits.

For those who prefer a less prohibitive distance a mediofondo of 83 km with 1765 meters of elevation gain will be available.

Adding to the novelty of the weekend will be rankings and awards to individuals participating in both races, fi'zi:k and the Valleogra MTB Race.

The event website will be: www.granfondofizik.com

Photo: the Valdastico

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Eight Tour de France Teams on FI’ZI:K Saddles

For the first time in Tour de France history, Italy's fi’zi:k saddles is dominating the peloton as the premiere saddle supplier and sponsor to participating Pro Tour and Pro Continental teams. Of the twenty select 2009 Tour de France teams, 8 will be riding fi’zi:k saddles.

Many of the 2009 Tour de France teams will using the new ultra light Antares road saddle as well as the recently introduced Ares time trail saddle. Among those cyclists using the new Antares and the new Ares is defending Tour de France champion Carlos Sastre who, after testing the final Ares version earlier this summer said, “It’s now perfect. I definitely noticed the difference between the first and final versions.” Dave Zabriskie, US National Time Trial Champion, joins Sastre in choosing both the Antares and Ares; and most of the entire Columbia-High Road will be riding the Ares time trial saddle.

While fi’zi:k has been sponsoring professional road teams since its start in 1996, its presence on Grand Tour teams has often numbered three or less. Thirteen years later, however, the brand is dominating the Tour de France. Teams riding fi’zi:k at the 2009 Tour de France include Agritubel, Cervelo Test Team, Cofidis, Columbia-Highroad, Francaise des Jeux, Garmin-Slipstream, Liquigas, and Milram.

For more information on the new fi’zi:k Antares and all fi’zi:k high performance saddles and accessories visit the website at http://www.fizik.it/.

Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com