fi'zi:k Arione Donna -- any experience?

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Update of sorts:
I never did get my hands on this saddle...I think our LBS guy probably forgot to order me one (he is literally the busiest person I know between the shop and his JDRF Ride team coaching duties--he is both a local and national level coach. He also rides more miles/week year-round than anyone I know).

But I'm starting to believe that my issues with my Jett are probably more "hair management" than anything. When I had issues back in March it was right after using a depilatory to remove everything. I think regrowth was acting a bit like sandpaper. Once things grew back more my issues gradually started diminishing.

Recently I did a trim job and think I probably got too short. Again I started having issues...then after a week or two of regrowth things were more comfortable, again.

I need to do some longer stretches in the drops to see if I'm more comfortable in that position, too. Lately I've been doing more group rides with more time on the hoods and less time in the drops.

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I'm still intrigued by this saddle, but haven't yet gotten my butt on one. I have a Vesta test saddle on my new cyclocross bike. Have only done one short ride with that, but initial impression is that it's too squishy, too wide, and too pear-shaped. Is there anyone who has tried both who can compare the two? I did like the relief channel on the Vesta, which makes me really want to try the Arione Donna. I'm also looking at the Bontrager Affinity RL or RLX.

[nscrbug]

I'm still intrigued by this saddle, but haven't yet gotten my butt on one. I have a Vesta test saddle on my new cyclocross bike. Have only done one short ride with that, but initial impression is that it's too squishy, too wide, and too pear-shaped. Is there anyone who has tried both who can compare the two? I did like the relief channel on the Vesta, which makes me really want to try the Arione Donna. I'm also looking at the Bontrager Affinity RL or RLX.

I just put on (as in today) an Affinity RXL 154mm WSD on my Synapse. Haven't test rode it yet, but will do that tomorrow morning. My 155 Ruby has been causing some minor issues lately, so I've been wanting to try a saddle without a cut-out to see if that does the trick for me. I'll let you know what I think after my ride.

Linda

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Excellent! The only thing I keep reading about the Affinity that gives me pause is that it's for more upright riding styles--which isn't at all how I ride. Not sure how this makes a difference with that saddle.

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So I decided to break down and order the Arione Donna. I had thought about going with the Bontrager Affinity, first, but it seems like only about 50% of people who try Bontragers like them. The Fizik Arione is really popular. I test rode a Vespa for a bit, but it was really too domed and smooshy. I did like the relief channel, which the Arione Donna also has.

I'll review it once I have it and have put a few good rides on it.

[beancounterbeth]

My LBS just put the Donna on my bike yesterday for me to test. I'll ride it for the first time at the Wednesday night ride and post back what I think. I'm really hoping this saddle works for me. Tired of the saddle merry-go-round.

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My LBS just put the Donna on my bike yesterday for me to test. I'll ride it for the first time at the Wednesday night ride and post back what I think. I'm really hoping this saddle works for me. Tired of the saddle merry-go-round.

Yup. I really loved my Jett on my previous bike, but I was a good deal more upright on that bike. The cut-out that used to be a good thing is now an annoyance. I think the edges are just too abrupt, so the wide, gradual-edged channel looks like it could be a winner.

[Mako]

I just ordered an Arione Donna to replace my Vitesse. The Vitesse has been ok for the last couple of months but gets a bit uncomfortable after anything over 30 miles

Fingers crossed for the saddle - really not keen on the flowers, hope it looks better in person