Every time weve written about Fabric in the past year or so, weve mentioned how the brand is poised to make a comeback. Well, it appears that comeback is continuing with the introduction of the new ALM:HALO saddle range. It builds on the forward-thinking design of the original, aerospace-inspired ALM saddle and evolves it with modern materials and construction to refine its performance and enhance its comfort while keeping weight to a minimum.The original ALM, released over a decade ago in 2013, set a benchmark by bringing 3D-printed titanium aerospace technology to cycling, so going into this project, we knew we had massive shoes to fill. While manufacturing techniques have shifted over the last decade, the fundamental design of the ALM remains timeless. The goal for the new ALM was never to replace an icon, but to evolve it. We asked ourselves the exact same question we did ten years ago: what can we learn from cutting-edge industries and apply to innovative saddle design?-Florian Bont, Brand Manager at FabricFabric ALM:HALO DetailsThe original ALM saddle was conceived and designed alongside aerospace engineers at Airbus. To create the new ALM:HALO saddles, Fabric says that it brought together those same engineers, who now work at the National Composites Center (NCC). With the goal of improving upon the ALM platform, they identified what they consider to be two major ergonomic failures.Hammocking: Occurs when the center of the saddle sags under load. While comfortable initially, it causes deep soft-tissue discomfort during aggressive pelvic rotation.Pivot Effect: Occurs when the saddle wings flex downward under pedaling pressure, using the rail bonding points as a fulcrum to force the center of the saddle upward into the rider.Fabric says the goal was to retain the leaf-spring comfort of the original ALM while eliminating both hammocking and the pivot effect. To figure out how, they and the NCC subjected the original ALM to load-to-failure testing to find its weak points and make improvements.Fabric says that it began iterating using Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP), a highly advanced technology derived from Formula 1 that is only available to a select few around the world.TFP allows for continuous fibers to be stitched exactly where needed, enabling the designers at Fabric to map out structural demands with complete flexibility, quickly prototyping and testing different configurations.Ultimately, Fabric says this led to what they dubbed their HALO Design. This includes the two rear rails connected to a continuous wrap-around structure of the unibody base, to create rigidity and neutralize upward pivot flex through the wings under power. Additionally, given the stiffer wings, they say they adjusted the wing geometry with a natural downward curve to preserve the leaf spring compliance at the rails while maintaining a solid base.According to Fabric, the design was then translated into a refined, hand-laid carbon fiber thermoforming process with material placed only where necessary. Its carbon unibody construction with HALO unibody carbon rails results in an ultralight saddle that weighs just 145 grams. The ALM:HALO comes in a 142mm width and 265mm length. It comes in a standard version, as well as an Ergo model with a pressure-relief channel. The Ergo version has an open cutout in the base designed to reduce pressure and numbness on the perineal tissues. The cutout is covered with lightweight foam padding to maintain a sleek look, and is differentiated from the standard version with an alternate logo placement.The ALM:HALO Ergo has a cutout in the base and an alternate logo placement to set it apart. It comes in black only.ALM:HALO SpecsRails: Carbon, 7 x 10mmBase: CarbonPadding: Lightweight EVACover: MicrofibreWeight: 145 gWidth: 142 mmLength: 265 mmMid rail to saddle topper: 47mmRider weight limit: 100kgThe standard ALM:HALO saddle comes in white or black.Pricing and AvailabilityThe standard and Ergo versions of the Fabric ALM:HALO saddles retail for $329 / 329 / 299. They are available now. Head to the Fabric website to learn more, check availability in your region, or find a dealer near you. fabric.cc