I switched to this saddle from the Specialized Mirror. Both saddles are short-nose saddles and have the over all same dimensions but the selle italia has a bigger cut out and the 'wings' transition further back. The Mirror is 'softer' and has a bit more give but the wings created issues as they transition further forward and made that saddle not as comfortable. The Selle italia is a bit more firm compared to other the Mirror which feels a bit more springy but I personally prefer the feel of the Selle Italia.
I also think that there is 10mm extra range of adjustment compared to the Mirror which is nice when it comes to the bike fit.
I've done a lot of multi-day long distance cycling and years ago settled on the Aliante as the most comfortable saddle for me. After prostate surgery I was advised that an open saddle would be preferable so when I started riding again it was on a Fizik Tempo Aliante R3 saddle. At first it seemed too firm and the edges along the open center seemed to dig in a bit, but after optimizing the position, it's become even more comfortable than my previous Aliante. I couldn't be more satisfied.
I purchased the Ergon SR Allroad saddle to replace the Brooks Carved Cambium that my bike fitter said wasn't working out for me. They suggested the Ergon and I couldn't be happier. I ride the M/L size and the fit is so good for me that I now have three of the same model on different bikes. They just work for my anatomy and Ergon makes a good product. I probably have over 500 miles on my original saddle and if I were to compare it to a new saddle, I'd be hard pressed to make a distinction between them.
The saddle is great, I want that to be known. The shape is good and has a good amount of curvature to help rotate the pelvis. A couple things to be aware of however:
1. This version doesn't have rail markings, to be honest I don't know why that really wouldn't add any weight.
2. The saddle has 4 main squish sections, one in the center is very squishy, two on the sides that most of your pelvis and sitbones will be on and then the very back. All the different sections are quite firm and at least for me, I think it would have been a tad more comfortable if these other sections had a tad bit more squish than they do.
3. I assume this is 3D saddles in general but the argo adaptive grips you very well, too well might I say. I never realized how many different micro-adjustments I made while I sit when it comes to going from flat to up or down hills until I couldn't easily make these position adjustments because of just how much this saddle holds you down. In my case, it grips me so well that it holds the bibs in place and you end up slightly moving inside your bibs, which over time produces friction and becomes a bit uncomfortable especially on humid days.
This saddle is great, but 3D saddles in my opinion are not for everyone. I think some people prefer being really planted when riding and if that is you this kind of saddle will be perfect. If however you do like to adjust your pelvis to the saddle based on whether you are riding up or down hills, I wouldn't get a 3D saddle as it will grip you way too much.
This kind of saddle I think is fantastic for time trial bikes, and thats why I have fizik's adaptive tt saddle as it is very squishy all around and allows you to really be aggressive, way more than most other TT saddles. I think there is a time and place for this much grip but on a road bike, for me there is just too much versatility when you ride around and for that reason I will be using the regular vento argo 00 going forward.
