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FI'ZIK Saddle and Team TIAA-CREF/Clif Bar
Partner on Saddle
October 8, 2005 - Fi’zi:k and Team
TIAA-CREF - Clif Bar have teamed up to launch fi’zi:k’s new Nisene High
Performance saddle. The Nisene, named for Nisene Marks State Park in Santa Cruz,
California, was one of the first saddles ever produced under the fi’zi:k brand
name (1996), which at the time, were distributed and co-designed by Giro. Even
today, while the saddle has remained in the production line-up, many Nisene fans
are still riding the 10-year old model with the Design by Giro logo firmly
attached to the side.
Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks - The Nisene, a worldwide and long time favorite of
cross country pro and enthusiast riders, has undergone a dual technical and
aesthetic transformation. The changes not only make the new Nisene HP the
perfect cross country saddle, but also suit it to the rough courses that define
cyclo cross racing.
Incorporated into the original design is fi’zi:k’s ground-breaking 2003
technological advancement, Wing Flex™ technology, a feature that allows the
sides to flex and break in with the rider’s pedaling strokes. A more forgiving
flat platform with slightly less dense foam, a small % decrease of carbon
reinforcement in the shell and a more squared rear design will likely prove
beneficial to the 2005 Team TIAA-CREF-Clif Bar Cyclo Cross when their official
season kicks off on October 1 at the CLIF BAR/FSA Star Crossed Cyclocross in
Seattle.
After initial testing, Team Manager Ben Turner approved the product and provided
his reasoning, "It felt really solid when in the saddle and when putting out a
lot of power, not squishy. I like the shorter nose with the slight downturn. It
was easy to slide onto with the remount and maneuver between the thighs for bike
handling and dismounting. The elevated saddle platform provides really nice
shock absorption too, which I think will be one of the most beneficial aspects
of the saddle when riding on rough courses. Any little thing that helps save
some wear and tear on your back helps a lot!" Veteran road and track star and
TIAA-CREF coach/manager Colby Pearce summed it more simply, “They are DOPE!
Perfect for that type of riding.”
Another notable change to the new Nisene HP, unlikely however to be used in race
situations is the added feature of I.C.S. – Integrated Clip System. Fi’zi:k has
modified the rear of the saddle to incorporate the new dye-cut metal removable
logo cap making it compatible with fi’zi:k’s new Saddle Pa:k. The Saddle Pa:k,
available in small and large sizes and sold separately, clips into the rear of
the saddle in a snap and without the need for additional Velcro straps.
The 2004 Team TIAA-CREF-Clif Bar posted 43 podium appearances in 14 states and
four countries. Three members were selected to European Camp, two members were
selected for World's and the team received over 8.3 million media impressions.
The team will operate on two levels – one national program consisting of the US
Gran Prix of Cyclo-cross Series, select UCI-sanctioned races, and the National
Championships; and the other being a local program in Colorado.
The Nisene HP was recently introduced at Eurobike and Interbike and will be
available in the aftermarket in early November. The 290 gram saddle with
titanium rails retails for $99 and is available in two colors, black or black
and petroleum. The saddle features the same protective rear and front scuff
protection as the original Nisene as well as a racy new thigh glide cover
design, features that were was first introduced to the world by fi’zi:k and have
since become part of the brand’s identity.
For information about fi’zi:k’s high performance saddles visit the website at
Fizik
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