Fizik introduced the Thar saddle based on rider feedback and the changing geometries associated with 29er and other larger wheeled bikes. The design is typically Fizik, with an ample seating area, the carbon-reinforced Nylon Twin-Flex shell, Kium rails, and a Microtex/ Cordura cover. The difference lies not in thee features, but in the overall set-up, top design, and rail length/location.

We have to warn you, this is a little counter-intuitive, but bear with us. Fizik's research indicated that many 29er riders sit back on the saddle more. Was this to get on the wider platform of the saddle, or to get weight back? Perhaps both. The Thar is not shorter than most saddles,but the the rear section seems more forward because it is longer. Fizik went to a long, 95mm rail system that actually allows you to mount the saddle further back on the rails. You may be thinking wouldn't that actually push the saddle forward? and you would be right. With the short nose and long rail, the saddle looks a little awkward at first, but it actually balances out just fine on the bike. The end result is the rider can put more weight on the back part of the saddle, but keep the right center of gravity on bikes that effectively feel longer due to longer top tubes that give the front wheel room.

Will this work for everyone? Of course not. No saddle offers that, but Thar was designed to fill a need, and we don't doubt that many 29er riders will read this and immediately understand. Weight distribution can be challenging on these bikes. If you run your normal saddle and offset, you may very well have too much weight backwards, which is a killer when climbing on a hardtail. The large front wheel won't allow you to get too far out front, but if you are too far back, the wheel won't track well. Plus, and this is crucial for hardtail descending, now you can get back over the saddle more easily on a steep descent. Many riders achieve this by sliding their normal saddles forward, but the longer nose can get in the way, and they have likely effectively destroyed their pedaling position. If this sounds like you and you want a more compact cockpit that starts with a functional saddle, try the Thar. Some serious thought went into designing it and Fizik is known for making great saddle options that actually make sense, even if explaining why can be a challenge!