What is Fizik Adaptive technology?
What is Fizik Adaptive technology?

What is Fizik Adaptive technology?

24.04.2024

Enough with the sore butt after a day in the saddle! Italian saddle maker Fizik is here with its 3D printing technology, Adaptive, to help you eliminate uncomfortable saddle pain. The following article will cover how Adaptive works and what it means.

The launch of our Adaptive range of gravel, road, and MTB saddles has revolutionised individual comfort and support for riders, regardless of body type, riding position, or specific discipline. The Adaptive saddles, which were created through an evolution in manufacturing, are characterised by one key feature: 3D-printed padding.

The Adaptive padding, made by material processing experts called Carbon®, is created through a process known as Digital Light Synthesis. DLS technology uses digital ultraviolet light projection, oxygen permeable optics, and programmable liquid resins to essentially "print" saddle padding that is comfortable, supportive and incredibly flexible. It's also UV-resistant and resistant to long-term, repeated use. Through this printing process, the engineers at fizik can fine-tune the support across the entire surface of the saddle. The firm is where fast response is required, and soft is where pressure relief is a priority.

The result is a versatile range of saddles for road and off-road bikes. Several functional comfort zones are built into the surface of a single saddle, resulting in a reduction of toe pressure of up to 60% through improved weight distribution. Take on smooth asphalt or navigate bumpy gravel. Venture off-road and explore winding trails. The Adaptive saddle gives you the perfect support wherever your ride takes you.

3D printed padding

Fizik Adaptive's 3D-printed cushioning creates the perfect harmony for those who want exceptional, long-lasting comfort on a versatile platform that provides stability and balance.

Tailor-made cushioning of individual zones

Digital 3D printing has allowed us to develop a new saddle without the limitations and constraints of traditional manufacturing methods and materials.

The Adaptive padding is made of Carbon®

DLS is a manufacturing process that uses digital projection of ultraviolet light, oxygen-permeable optics, and programmable liquid resins to produce parts with superior mechanical properties, structure, and surface finish. 

Lab-tested, field-proven

Thanks to carbon technology, engineers and scientists can design and manufacture multiple functional zones in the saddle and individually tune each for specific mechanical properties. Each key functional zone is designed for characteristic damping and mechanical response and gradually and seamlessly blends into a single padding. The result? A reduction in toe pressure of up to 60% through better weight distribution for greater comfort across the entire saddle surface 

Design, test, ride

To develop the ideal comfort zones, Adaptive in fizik studied the different riding positions and pressure points of professional and amateur cyclists. This was done in fizik's labs and on open roads, gravel roads and trails. During each development phase, new iterations were rigorously tested, emphasising understanding how pressure ratios change with different bike geometries, riding positions and surface types 

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