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I’ve tried a lot of saddles over the years! And when I say "a lot", I really mean it. With a wide variety of shapes, widths, and cutouts, I've always been chasing that balance between comfort and performance. I've tried everything, with various amounts of success. Some of the more interesting saddles I've used are the Tioga Spider, a plastic web saddle; the ISM Adamo triathlon saddle, a knockoff Fizik saddle I bought in Malaysia, a Brooks B17 Imperial saddle, an Ergon SR Allroad Core saddle, a Reform Tantalus MTB saddle and probably a few others. Of all the saddles that I've used, only one of the saddles previously mentioned has never caused me saddle sores or chafing. With the remainder, there was always some level of compromise, especially on longer rides. While a might be super comfortable for most rides, you learn everything you need to know about a saddle after 2-3 really big days on the bike.
When I first heard about the Fizik One-to-One saddle program, I immediately wondered if this could be a potential solution to those really big road and gravel rides I like to get out on. Rather than choosing from a lineup of pre-made options, this would be a saddle exactly molded to the contours of my body, based on how I actually sit, pedal, and move on the bike.
The idea of getting a custom made saddle for my brand new build, was sounding pretty good. I am also fortunate to have Full Cycle Ottawa as a sponsor of the podcast, which helped me keep the cost down.
The biggest difference here is simple: this isn’t an off-the-shelf product. The One-to-One process uses pressure mapping and fit analysis to design a saddle shape tailored to your body and riding style. It’s not just about sit bone width, but it’s about how pressure is distributed across the entire contact area while you ride.
In theory, that means fewer pressure points, better support, and less need to constantly adjust your position. In practice, it also means you need access to a certified fitting location. And that’s where things get a bit more tricky, as their authorized dealers are pretty spread out.
Founded in 1996, Fizik has built a reputation as one of cycling’s leading performance brands, focused on creating high-quality products that connect the rider to the bike. From saddles and shoes to bar tape and accessories, Fizik’s approach blends design, biomechanics, and material innovation to enhance comfort and efficiency across all disciplines, be it road, gravel, mountain biking or triathlon.
At its core, Fizik is driven by a philosophy of performance through precision fit. The brand works closely with professional athletes and leverages advanced research, such as pressure mapping and ergonomic analysis, to help refine its products. That same focus on rider-specific solutions is what ultimately led to the development of programs like One-to-One, where customization replaces compromise in the pursuit of long-distance comfort.
At the moment, there are only 4 locations in Canada offering the full One-to-One fitting experience. For riders in Eastern Canada, Full Cycle Ottawa is the only bike shop set up to provide this service. Depending on where you live, that could mean a bit of travel just to get started.
Quite a few things stand out with the One-to-One saddle system by Fizik, with the most notable difference being this isn’t just another off-the-shelf product. Getting fitted for the One-to-One saddle is unlike any other saddle fitting I've ever done.
The process started with a quick measurement of my seat bones to help determine the best saddle with for my body. We then discussed riding types to determine what shape saddle would best suit me, ultimately deciding the Fizik Argo would be the way to go.
The next step was to get on a bike trainer fitted with a special seat cover that would map my pressure profile. I really liked that the entire fit was done dynamically, while riding in a variety of hand position, ensuring that pressure points are mapped on the software. My only concern with the mapping process was that it all went pretty quickly. I feel that with such an expensive investment into a saddle, you'd want a good chunk of time warming up, so as to ensure the rider is in their optimal position on the bike.
After finishing the pressure mapping, I was shown a digital reading of my pressure mapped backside, which uses colours to show where there is more or less pressure. It was really cool to compare how different both the left and right sides of the body behave on the saddle, and how different the pressure mapping is. For reference, I know that I have a shorter left leg, and it was clear on the reading that I exert more pressure on the left side of the saddle when compared to the right.
Ultimately, after finalizing the order, my information was sent over to Italy, where my saddle was custom printed. So long as you don't run into Italy's summer holiday season, it should only take a couple weeks to print the saddle and ship it back to the store. At that point, I went back to Full Cycle, and my new custom One-to-One saddle was installed. Initially, I was impatient and just wanted to pick up the saddle, install it and get out riding, but was told that the final installation was an important step, as it would ensure that everything is adjusted to the exact required position. Lastly, the pressure map cover was put over the new saddle and we did a 2nd round of pressure mapping, so that I could see for myself how the pressure areas have been improved.
All-in-all, the process is not as simple as ordering online or trying something off the shelf. However, the level of professionalism of the fitters makes you feel like you are in good hands throughout. I should add that when I booked my initial fitting session for the One-to-One saddle, I had to pay a $100 deposit, which was then deducted from the total cost of my saddle. In the event that I didn't show up for my fitting, or decided against ordering the saddle, the deposit would be lost.
Throughout the past year, I've had the chance to put quite a bit of time on my One-to-One Fizik Argo. Not necesarily as much as I would have liked, but such is the life of someone who owns a house and has a family. I would be inclined to say that for shorter rides, the advantages of the One-to-One saddle may not be as noticeable. However, when heading out for longer rides, in the 70km+ range, the saddle begins to play a more important role. This is especially noticeable when stacking up long days on the bike when out on a bikepacking trip, doing massive back-to-back efforts or during big mileage weeks. I find that I spend less time sliding around on my saddle as my body begins to tire, and am able to maintain more consistency in my riding position. I'd hazard a guess that minimizing the occurrence of these smaller issues, ultimately helps keeps bigger issues from popping up. While the saddle itself isn't particularly flashy, the 3D printed saddle body does give the seat a high-tech look and feel, and definitely turns some heads when hanging out at bike shops or local gravel events. The Fizik One-to-One might not have the instant comfort of a Brooks leather saddle, but over the longer duration, it puts function to form and does what it is intended to do.
Part of the reason it has taken me so long to put this review together is because I wanted to make sure to spend enough time in the saddle to have a reliable opinion. After nearly 1 year of group rides, commutes, gravel rides and light bikepacking trips on my Panorama Katahdin 2.1, I've come to appreciate the subtle increase in butt comfort during rides.
When we first installed the One-to-One saddle on my gravel bike at Full Cycle Ottawa, I wasn't really sure what to expect from this one-of-a-kind saddle. I decided to take it for a relatively long ride of approximately 120km to see how it feels. My first impression wasn't super, mostly because I had some pre-existing saddle sores from the cheap saddle on my e-bike. That 120km ride didn't do me any favours, but the sores also didn't get any worse. I figured that once my butt healed up, I would be able to get a better assessment.
Over the past year, I've spent a lot more time on my gravel bike, both indoors on the trainer and out on paved roads, gravel roads and double track trails. Chaffing hasn't been an issue and I haven't had any more saddle sores in quite some time, so I guess the saddle is working as intended. I like that the 3D printed material of the One-to-One saddle is very grippy and doesn't let me slide all over the place. I am still able to move around when I want to, but during normal riding times, the grippy nature of the 3D printed material keeps me pretty well glued in place. My guess is that this helps to minimize how much rubbing is happening, further decreasing the chances of getting any chaffing or saddle sores. Having now been on some bigger outings in the 200km to 300km range, during both single-day and multi-day outings, I have more positive outings that not. On my most recent 3 day trip, I had a couple small saddle sores and a tiny bit of chafing starting to show up. It might just be a one-off, or it may also be attributed to the fact that I didn't ride very much this summer.
Before going out and getting fitted for a One-to-One saddle, it's important to understand that this isn't a casual upgrade for most bike enthusiasts, but a commitment. The cost is definitely on the higher end. You are also at the mercy of the bike fitter when getting your initial fit. This saddle isn't easily corrected after the fact, so it's important that the initial measurement is done properly. And again, access is probably the biggest limitation right now. With so few fitting locations in Canada, it’s not something everyone can realistically get done.
When talking, or writing, about saddles, the difference between the perfect saddle, a mostly right saddle and an "I thought it was right" saddle are typically very nuanced differences. I can't say I was blown away with every aspect of the saddle from the first moment I rode with it, but it has been a significant improvement on saddles I've previously used. There haven't been any "this changes everything" moments, but just subtle reminders that in those moments where I'd usually be starting to get uncomfortable, I don't feel the need to get off the bike or to wiggle around to feel better. It lets me ride for longer periods of time, with less discomfort. I've also noticed that I don't get as many hot spots developing when out on rides and at the end of the day, I don't have any lingering discomfort. I spend way less time thinking about my saddle than I used to, which I guess is the goal of a comfortable saddle.
The Fizik One-to-One saddle flips the usual approach to comfort on its head. Rather than buying a saddle off the shelf, hoping it's comfortable or trying to acclimate your body to it, this saddle starts with your body and builds up from there. And for riders who’ve struggled to find something that is consistently comfortable, particularly when riding longer distances, this might just be the game changer you were looking for. While it’s not the easiest or most accessible option out there, if you’re willing to go through the process, it has the potential to solve a problem that most riders just learn to live with.
I’ve tried a lot of saddles over the years! And when I say "a lot", I really mean it. With a wide variety of shapes, widths, and cutouts, I've always been chasing that balance between comfort and performance. I've tried everything, with various amounts of success. Some of the more interesting saddles I've used are the Tioga Spider, a plastic web saddle; the ISM Adamo triathlon saddle, a knockoff Fizik saddle I bought in Malaysia, a Brooks B17 Imperial saddle, an Ergon SR Allroad Core saddle, a Reform Tantalus MTB saddle and probably a few others. Of all the saddles that I've used, only one of the saddles previously mentioned has never caused me saddle sores or chafing. With the remainder, there was always some level of compromise, especially on longer rides. While a might be super comfortable for most rides, you learn everything you need to know about a saddle after 2-3 really big days on the bike.
When I first heard about the Fizik One-to-One saddle program, I immediately wondered if this could be a potential solution to those really big road and gravel rides I like to get out on. Rather than choosing from a lineup of pre-made options, this would be a saddle exactly molded to the contours of my body, based on how I actually sit, pedal, and move on the bike.
The idea of getting a custom made saddle for my brand new build, was sounding pretty good. I am also fortunate to have Full Cycle Ottawa as a sponsor of the podcast, which helped me keep the cost down.
The biggest difference here is simple: this isn’t an off-the-shelf product. The One-to-One process uses pressure mapping and fit analysis to design a saddle shape tailored to your body and riding style. It’s not just about sit bone width, but it’s about how pressure is distributed across the entire contact area while you ride.
In theory, that means fewer pressure points, better support, and less need to constantly adjust your position. In practice, it also means you need access to a certified fitting location. And that’s where things get a bit more tricky, as their authorized dealers are pretty spread out.
Founded in 1996, Fizik has built a reputation as one of cycling’s leading performance brands, focused on creating high-quality products that connect the rider to the bike. From saddles and shoes to bar tape and accessories, Fizik’s approach blends design, biomechanics, and material innovation to enhance comfort and efficiency across all disciplines, be it road, gravel, mountain biking or triathlon.
At its core, Fizik is driven by a philosophy of performance through precision fit. The brand works closely with professional athletes and leverages advanced research, such as pressure mapping and ergonomic analysis, to help refine its products. That same focus on rider-specific solutions is what ultimately led to the development of programs like One-to-One, where customization replaces compromise in the pursuit of long-distance comfort.
At the moment, there are only 4 locations in Canada offering the full One-to-One fitting experience. For riders in Eastern Canada, Full Cycle Ottawa is the only bike shop set up to provide this service. Depending on where you live, that could mean a bit of travel just to get started.
Quite a few things stand out with the One-to-One saddle system by Fizik, with the most notable difference being this isn’t just another off-the-shelf product. Getting fitted for the One-to-One saddle is unlike any other saddle fitting I've ever done.
The process started with a quick measurement of my seat bones to help determine the best saddle with for my body. We then discussed riding types to determine what shape saddle would best suit me, ultimately deciding the Fizik Argo would be the way to go.
The next step was to get on a bike trainer fitted with a special seat cover that would map my pressure profile. I really liked that the entire fit was done dynamically, while riding in a variety of hand position, ensuring that pressure points are mapped on the software. My only concern with the mapping process was that it all went pretty quickly. I feel that with such an expensive investment into a saddle, you'd want a good chunk of time warming up, so as to ensure the rider is in their optimal position on the bike.
After finishing the pressure mapping, I was shown a digital reading of my pressure mapped backside, which uses colours to show where there is more or less pressure. It was really cool to compare how different both the left and right sides of the body behave on the saddle, and how different the pressure mapping is. For reference, I know that I have a shorter left leg, and it was clear on the reading that I exert more pressure on the left side of the saddle when compared to the right.
Ultimately, after finalizing the order, my information was sent over to Italy, where my saddle was custom printed. So long as you don't run into Italy's summer holiday season, it should only take a couple weeks to print the saddle and ship it back to the store. At that point, I went back to Full Cycle, and my new custom One-to-One saddle was installed. Initially, I was impatient and just wanted to pick up the saddle, install it and get out riding, but was told that the final installation was an important step, as it would ensure that everything is adjusted to the exact required position. Lastly, the pressure map cover was put over the new saddle and we did a 2nd round of pressure mapping, so that I could see for myself how the pressure areas have been improved.
All-in-all, the process is not as simple as ordering online or trying something off the shelf. However, the level of professionalism of the fitters makes you feel like you are in good hands throughout. I should add that when I booked my initial fitting session for the One-to-One saddle, I had to pay a $100 deposit, which was then deducted from the total cost of my saddle. In the event that I didn't show up for my fitting, or decided against ordering the saddle, the deposit would be lost.
Throughout the past year, I've had the chance to put quite a bit of time on my One-to-One Fizik Argo. Not necesarily as much as I would have liked, but such is the life of someone who owns a house and has a family. I would be inclined to say that for shorter rides, the advantages of the One-to-One saddle may not be as noticeable. However, when heading out for longer rides, in the 70km+ range, the saddle begins to play a more important role. This is especially noticeable when stacking up long days on the bike when out on a bikepacking trip, doing massive back-to-back efforts or during big mileage weeks. I find that I spend less time sliding around on my saddle as my body begins to tire, and am able to maintain more consistency in my riding position. I'd hazard a guess that minimizing the occurrence of these smaller issues, ultimately helps keeps bigger issues from popping up. While the saddle itself isn't particularly flashy, the 3D printed saddle body does give the seat a high-tech look and feel, and definitely turns some heads when hanging out at bike shops or local gravel events. The Fizik One-to-One might not have the instant comfort of a Brooks leather saddle, but over the longer duration, it puts function to form and does what it is intended to do.
Part of the reason it has taken me so long to put this review together is because I wanted to make sure to spend enough time in the saddle to have a reliable opinion. After nearly 1 year of group rides, commutes, gravel rides and light bikepacking trips on my Panorama Katahdin 2.1, I've come to appreciate the subtle increase in butt comfort during rides.
When we first installed the One-to-One saddle on my gravel bike at Full Cycle Ottawa, I wasn't really sure what to expect from this one-of-a-kind saddle. I decided to take it for a relatively long ride of approximately 120km to see how it feels. My first impression wasn't super, mostly because I had some pre-existing saddle sores from the cheap saddle on my e-bike. That 120km ride didn't do me any favours, but the sores also didn't get any worse. I figured that once my butt healed up, I would be able to get a better assessment.
Over the past year, I've spent a lot more time on my gravel bike, both indoors on the trainer and out on paved roads, gravel roads and double track trails. Chaffing hasn't been an issue and I haven't had any more saddle sores in quite some time, so I guess the saddle is working as intended. I like that the 3D printed material of the One-to-One saddle is very grippy and doesn't let me slide all over the place. I am still able to move around when I want to, but during normal riding times, the grippy nature of the 3D printed material keeps me pretty well glued in place. My guess is that this helps to minimize how much rubbing is happening, further decreasing the chances of getting any chaffing or saddle sores. Having now been on some bigger outings in the 200km to 300km range, during both single-day and multi-day outings, I have more positive outings that not. On my most recent 3 day trip, I had a couple small saddle sores and a tiny bit of chafing starting to show up. It might just be a one-off, or it may also be attributed to the fact that I didn't ride very much this summer.
Before going out and getting fitted for a One-to-One saddle, it's important to understand that this isn't a casual upgrade for most bike enthusiasts, but a commitment. The cost is definitely on the higher end. You are also at the mercy of the bike fitter when getting your initial fit. This saddle isn't easily corrected after the fact, so it's important that the initial measurement is done properly. And again, access is probably the biggest limitation right now. With so few fitting locations in Canada, it’s not something everyone can realistically get done.
When talking, or writing, about saddles, the difference between the perfect saddle, a mostly right saddle and an "I thought it was right" saddle are typically very nuanced differences. I can't say I was blown away with every aspect of the saddle from the first moment I rode with it, but it has been a significant improvement on saddles I've previously used. There haven't been any "this changes everything" moments, but just subtle reminders that in those moments where I'd usually be starting to get uncomfortable, I don't feel the need to get off the bike or to wiggle around to feel better. It lets me ride for longer periods of time, with less discomfort. I've also noticed that I don't get as many hot spots developing when out on rides and at the end of the day, I don't have any lingering discomfort. I spend way less time thinking about my saddle than I used to, which I guess is the goal of a comfortable saddle.
The Fizik One-to-One saddle flips the usual approach to comfort on its head. Rather than buying a saddle off the shelf, hoping it's comfortable or trying to acclimate your body to it, this saddle starts with your body and builds up from there. And for riders who’ve struggled to find something that is consistently comfortable, particularly when riding longer distances, this might just be the game changer you were looking for. While it’s not the easiest or most accessible option out there, if you’re willing to go through the process, it has the potential to solve a problem that most riders just learn to live with.
