Submitted by
HK91
a Weekend Warrior
from Ohio Date Reviewed: October 24, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
Design and Craftsmanship
Weaknesses:
Idiots like Shotgun doing a review of the saddle
Similar Products Used:
Specialized,Trek - Bontrager, MTB
Bike Setup:
Trek Carbon bikes - newest Fuel EX 9.8 full suspension
Bottom Line:
Would recommend this Quality saddle - finally retired one of my all time favorite Specialized seats and started performing reviews - purchased multiple saddles and as everyone indicated the saddle that will make you happy depends on the individuals build, riding style and terrain you ride. The northeast region of our country offers rolling hills and heavy woods to mild trails so you are on and off the saddle frequently. I have been doing more long distance trail rides recently and find this saddle to be a great selection for diverse riding conditions. The flex in the tail of the saddle makes a unique feel and give when utilizing the saddle. I use the Gore pants and notice no uncomfortable conditions even after a full day of riding. The Italian hand made craftsmanship of this saddle is "superior" compared to the Taiwan and Chinese garbage which are comparatively priced. Make sure to look for the MTB label when looking to purchase for off road - these saddles offer a denser padding. Want to continue to ride this new girl for a longer time and rate the durability and finish before rating it as an overall 5... so far it will achieve this rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BubColorado
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO, USA Date Reviewed: October 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Buffalo Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$119.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
For me, this is the holy grail of saddles. I've been mountain biking for 20 years and have gone through a dozen saddles. Over that time, this is the only one that I don't even think about after riding all day.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Many
Bike Setup:
Titus Racer-X
Bottom Line:
The top of this saddle is far more flat than most, which in my opinion makes all the difference. Most saddles have a bit of a crown, which would make sense if ones taint were concave. Getting rid of the crown puts less stress on the soft tissues and balances the weight on your sit bones. Most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
djbooboo
a Weekend Warrior
from Malaysia Date Reviewed: September 29, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good build quality, comfortable, absorbs shocks, slim design
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Standard Giant saddle that came with my XTC SE2 bike and also an Selle Royal Gel saddle
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC SE2 with FSA KForce handlebars and full Deore XT set
Bottom Line:
Very good saddle. I was surprised at how comfortable it is given its very thin line design. Excellent value for money. It's even more comfortable than the Selle Royal saddle that I have been using.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leyland
a Weekend Warrior
from Durham, NC, USA Date Reviewed: September 7, 2009
Provides little ergonomic consideration for male anatomical design, i.e. nerves and arteries in vicinity of the perineum. It hurts!
Similar Products Used:
Selle Italia Flite XC Gel Flow Saddle
Bike Setup:
GT Marathon Carbon Team SRAM X.O Cross Country Full Suspension Mountain Bike - Platinum Series - All Carbon
Bottom Line:
I could have ridden this type of saddle through the streets of New York City when I was a youngster. I'd have had to since there were no such ergonomic types back in the day. And what's more, it costs twice as much as my first 10-speed bike. But I am older now, and wiser. Though I can't ride it, I'll sure hang it on the wall as fine art if I cannot get $120 US dollars for it on eBay.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bill_stacker
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: August 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Shotgun
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$64.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
looks good, rugged cordura on the sides is really tough.
Weaknesses:
Not even a thought given to actual human anatomy.
Similar Products Used:
WTB, Specialized
Bike Setup:
2003 Enduro Pro frame, Marzocchi AM1 fork, xt DC shifter/V's, BB7, Azonic Outlaw wheels
Bottom Line:
I have to admit that vanity bought this saddle. I saw a good price for a saddle that got... well just look at all the glowing reviews below. Before my review, this product had a solid 5.0. But the kicker was that this saddle looked perfect on my all-white bike.
Here is the truth about this saddle. It is so narrow (128mm at the widest) and curved in such a way that it feels like sitting on a rail. They only sell a "one size fits all". I ride all mountain and I've ridden all day on all kinds of trails since I bought it 2 months ago. (BTW why do the choices jump from under a month to 3 months?) I've ridden downhill at Mammoth, and uphill on XC rides in Topanga.
It will make your nuts numb. The reason is simple. You are supposed to have your weight sitting on your "sit bones". Unless you have a VERY narrow pelvis, this saddle will not fit you.
I took my bike in to my LBS and got professionally fitted. Got my sit bones measured. Got a new saddle that's wide enough, with a groove down the middle.
Anyone who doesn't get numb nuts from this saddle either has none, or their nuts went numb a long time ago and they just don't know the difference.
I bought a takeoff Specialized for temporary relief.
I'm considering the SMP saddle as a permanent solution. Luckily Helen's has it on try to buy.
The Gobi will be going back on Ebay.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
billstacker
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: August 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Shotgun
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$64.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
looks good, rugged cordura on the sides is really tough.
Weaknesses:
Not even a thought given to actual human anatomy.
Similar Products Used:
WTB, Specialized
Bike Setup:
2003 Enduro Pro frame, Marzocchi AM1 fork, xt DC shifter/V's, BB7, Azonic Outlaw wheels
Bottom Line:
I have to admit that vanity bought this saddle. I saw a good price for a saddle that got... well just look at all the glowing reviews below. Before my review, this product had a solid 5.0. But the kicker was that this saddle looked perfect on my all-white bike.
Here is the truth about this saddle. It is so narrow (128mm at the widest) and curved in such a way that it feels like sitting on a rail. They only sell a "one size fits all". I ride all mountain and I've ridden all day on all kinds of trails since I bought it 2 months ago. (BTW why do the choices jump from under a month to 3 months?) I've ridden downhill at Mammoth, and uphill on XC rides in Topanga.
It will make your nuts numb. The reason is simple. You are supposed to have your weight sitting on your "sit bones". Unless you have a VERY narrow pelvis, this saddle will not fit you.
I took my bike in to my LBS and got professionally fitted. Got my sit bones measured. Got a new saddle that's wide enough, with a groove down the middle.
Anyone who doesn't get numb nuts from this saddle either has none, or their nuts went numb a long time ago and they just don't know the difference.
I bought a takeoff Specialized for temporary relief.
I'm considering the SMP saddle as a permanent solution. Luckily Helen's has it on try to buy.
The Gobi will be going back on Ebay.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
choiberg
a Cross Country Rider
from Jacksonville, Fl Date Reviewed: July 30, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Hanna Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
No more sore rear end. Extremely comfortable. Excellent positions on saddle. Doesn't get in the way when going downhill off the saddle. Fits nicely between legs on those descents. Weight.
I was told by a friend, that has been riding for years, when I asked, "My saddle on my new bike is killing me, what saddle I should look into?" I quickly received the response, "Get a Gobi XM."
By design, I am a roadie, and I sit in the saddle on climbs, I dig down and push the pedals, not much of an off the saddle rider. So I spend a lot of time on my saddle when I ride, it's they way I do it. I rode the trails with this saddle and afterwards I felt like I hadn't been on the bike (my rear end that is). I have a hardtail and this saddle absorbs some serious shock.
I use this saddle on my Cannondale F7 which I ride trails with on the weekend, and then put Hybrid tires on during the week to ride with the family and pull the kids in the trailer. (also have a roadie with Fi'zi:k Arione)
With that said, this saddle works great riding through the urban areas for 10-30 mile rides.
I love my Gobi XM!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Isildur
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: July 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Too many to list!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
CRC
Strengths:
Comfort, durability, lack of numbness.
Weaknesses:
Price - if bought retail (but can you put a price on your arse?)
Similar Products Used:
Giant Carbon Race saddle (made by Selle Italia), WTB, SDG Bel-Air.
Bike Setup:
Giant Trance & Giant XTC
Bottom Line:
I've been using the GobiXM for about a year now. For rides longer than 10km or so, this saddle starts to excel. On longer rides, my butt used to get quite sore, then numb. This was on any of the saddles I had previously used.
On a recommendation from my LBS, I demo'd the GobiXM and after 30km+ of riding, I could still feel my arse and everything felt great! On shorter rides it's not really an issue, but knowing I've got the Gobi makes me happy to do longer rides!
The saddle has enough room to shift position for climbing, is easy enough to get off the back of for steep descents (and, more importantly, to get back on the saddle!), and feels secure no matter where I'm sitting on it.
The way they've designed the wing flex is an interesting thing. At first, it feels quite stiff, but after a few rides it really starts to break in to your own arse shape. I really noticed this when I built my commuter recently, and put a GobiXM on it. At first it felt quite alien from my XC rig, but now I've done about 60kms on it, it's starting to feel just like my old one.
I got both of them from CRC for a great price (compared to Aus prices), but even if I had to pay full price, it would be worth it.
It's definitely worth trying one from your LBS, but as everyone's arse is different, your mileage may vary. Any decent bike shop should let you change your saddle until you've got the right one, but maybe with the Gobi you'll hit the mark straight away!
4 Chillies on value for retail prices in Aus.
5 Overall for sure.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
twelve34
a Weekend Warrior
from West Linn, OR USA Date Reviewed: June 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
McKenzie River
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
River City
Strengths:
Very comfortable, great for climbing as well.
Weaknesses:
The price tag was a bit much, but I would pay it again for what it is worth, especially considering it is the one area where I felt the most pain for so long.
Similar Products Used:
WTB
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher HiFi Deluxe '08
Bottom Line:
I did a lot of research choosing this saddle because you really never know how good a saddle is until you have some time on it. My research on the web pointed me here and the knowledgeable sales guy at River City coincidentally said the same thing. I have had this saddle for a while now and have several 4-6 hour rides on it. It is an excellent saddle and I really do not think it could be improved. I am 6'0" and weigh 192 pounds. Strongly recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
raducanmihai
a Cross Country Rider
from Predeal,Romania Date Reviewed: April 22, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
probike.ro
Strengths:
weight,comfort and of course:it looks great
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Select Basic,WTB PureV
Bike Setup:
Trek 4300 with FSA bar & stem and RaceFace seatpost(no setback)
Bottom Line:
After my Bontrager Select saddle "broke" my bones and everything else for about 3 months I bought the WTB PureV guiding myself from reviews only. It was better but not what I expected from a well reviewed product,so I kept looking for something else. When I first saw it in my LBS I was surprised by the low price,because I knew the Fizik "pedigree". It was the only one they had and I bought it. It was the best decision I ever made regarding a bicycle part ! I am a quite big guy : 92 kg(200 lbs) and 187 cm (6'15" )and this saddle fits me perfect. Buy it and you won't regret it !!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CraptacularOne
a Cross Country Rider
from Hollywood, Florida Date Reviewed: February 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Washing Machine
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Bikes & Boards
Strengths:
Extremely comfortable, flexible wings and tail, fairly light weight and long rails to adjust seating position.
Weaknesses:
Not as comfortable when sliding to the nose for climbs. I'd gladly sacrifice some weight advantage of the saddle to get a little more padding on the nose.
Similar Products Used:
Felt Facade Race, WTB Laser, Fizik Zeak, Felt Form Freeride
Bike Setup:
08 Felt Redemption 3, Marzocchi ATA 55, Fizik Gobi XM, Crank Bro's Eggbeater C.
Bottom Line:
This saddle is very comfortable and it's flexible tail is really nice to have if you abruptly slam your bottom onto it from a botched landing (I do like to get a bit of air) The flexible wings also really do help pedaling by not restricting leg movement in virtually any seating position. This saddle is one that you can literally ride all day and not be numb after. It's comfortable, it's light and strong and it lets you ride your bike all day and suffer after.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bogey
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt Lake City, UT Date Reviewed: January 11, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Gooseberry Mesa
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Extraordinarily Comfortable. Best saddle I've found to reduce numbness.
Weaknesses:
The seat's nose is a little sharp, if you're try to weight the nose on a steep climb it's not as comfortable as the original Koobi. Also it's not great for sliding off the back of the saddle and back on - I think this is because the saddle is so long and the shape of the rear end. (I know, I know - I should have the seat post down and out of the way and not be trying to work around it, I am planning on getting an adjustable post)
Similar Products Used:
Fizik Gobi (Non XM), Fizik Arione, Original Koobi Split Saddle, Terry Firefly.
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575
Bottom Line:
The Gobi XM is the most comfortable saddle I've owned - ever. Every other saddle eventually makes my tender man bits frighteningly numb. With this saddle, I haven't noticed numbness being a problem, although I haven't done a huge 2+ hour climb with it yet.
The original Gobi was also very good, but numbness would eventually settle in after about 20 minutes. Despite the minor weaknesses I mention above, this is my current favorite saddle after a long and exhaustive search.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CrashPanda
a Weekend Warrior
from Chengdu (Sichuan) Date Reviewed: November 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Local hills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Local bike shop
Strengths:
Shape, overall quality, comfort, long rails.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager InForm RL, WTB Silverado Thinline, various Selle Italia models
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign 2008, AM setup (Pike front, Code brakes, bunch of Mavic 819's with both Chris King and XTR hubs, XTR drivetrain & shifters & derailleurs etc.)
Bottom Line:
Very comfortable and versatile saddle. Enough length for real changes in positioning for the climbs etc, good adjustability (long rails). Compared to other seats used in the same bike in same trails (road, climbs, steep technicals, narrow singletrack, bumpy, speedy downhill) over 80 km's worth this saddle has been the best in every aspect by far. Good feeling, not snagging to clothes.. No major wear & tear (black, microtex, ks:ium rails).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
friendzonehero
a Weekend Warrior
from memphis, tn, usa Date Reviewed: September 29, 2008
i custom ordered a yellow & black one from fizik.it and paid 119 euro, which translated into something like $180 + shipping costs.
i know i could have gotten a plain black one for cheaper here in the US, but i'm still satisfied with my purchase for the most part. i think the seat padding could be a tad bit thicker, but it's nothing to whine about.
my bike fell out of the back of a U-haul trailer going 40mph and this saddle survived with just a small tear in the side material. i put a drop of superglue on it to prevent any possibility of thread fraying.
this saddle rocks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lowenbrau
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Date Reviewed: June 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
JumpingPoundRidge/CoxHill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$119.00
Purchased At:
Bike Store
Strengths:
Great build,perfect for my butt,no tearing so far in wrecks
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Selle Italia, Selle San Marco,Titec,WTB
Bike Setup:
SC Blur Classic,old school XTR 9 speed drivetrain
Bottom Line:
Simply a superb saddle. After my old WTB finally packed it in after years of service I was a bit apprehensive on what to buy. None of the groover saddles looked right and I didn't want to go back to a Flite on a FS bike. A friend recommended this saddle and I couldn't believe how it just felt right from the first minute. Best saddle I've ever had in 20 years of hardcore technical singletrack riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joshua Kebschull
a Cross Country Rider
from Miami,FL. Date Reviewed: April 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Many
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
Bike shop in Belgium
Strengths:
Very Comfortable and Stable with the right amount of flex. Seat Rails are very solid but do not compromise seat flex. Seat feels Stable even in different sitting positions
I have road this seat for about 2yrs now in Belgium and now in the roots and rocks of S.Florida's trails and now working twards building a second bike and finding a seat, I am w/o an answer except for the Fizik GOBI. It has been the best seat I have road on in probably a decade now that I have put some miles on it. It has not even shown a single bit of fatigue in the rails. The trails in S.Florida trails are composed with endless roots and loose coral, alot of which are too small or too dense for the suspension to eat up so you feel it in the seat and really the seat is amazing as a buffer between you and the bike! One thing that I really want to mention is the seat holds up well when weight is placed on different parts of the seat or in a seat position. It is an expensive seat, but really you get what you pay for. A good seat is critical part on your bike and can make or break you on long rides, it is one component never to scimp on imo.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
robotkiller
a Cross Country Rider
from JAX, FL Date Reviewed: April 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Blankets creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$79.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Bike Setup:
SS/rigid
Bottom Line:
Beautifully constructed saddle made in Italy. Reasonably light (230g) and nice flat platform with just enough width. Nose is padded as well. Somewhat similar feel to the WTBs but somewhat firmer. Sides are covered in a very strong material that resists tearing. The tail flexes a bit, which is perfect to take a little bit of edge off. This is the perfect saddle for when you want all day comfort but still want to keep the bike lightweight and want to retain some firmness for good pedaling efficiency. Great saddle.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Lynchburg, VA Date Reviewed: April 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Lake Trail (Candler's Mtn)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
inch and a half of rear flex, solid build, long nose for climbing, light...
Weaknesses:
'09 model could include a love channel.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Rockets, Specialized...
Bike Setup:
GF xcal, not stock.
Bottom Line:
Scary to imagine your ass on one with big dropping trails and a zillion roots in your future but DON'T BE!
Handles vibrations great and if you ride East Coast singletrack w/ a hardtail, you have to have it. Rigid, thick saddles do not compare. I'm 220# and this is the best saddle to date...who needs a Thudbuster?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aubrey Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Johannesburg Date Reviewed: January 30, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
beneke
Strengths:
The Goby XM has taken huge abuse. From normal riding to many tumbles in the rough.
Weaknesses:
Maybe a bit stiff when first put to use.
Similar Products Used:
selle gel
Bottom Line:
After doing over a thousand kilometres in December over some of the most demanding territory I am convinced that this saddle does the job with distinction. Throw in a couple of really cool off's in the rain and mud, this saddle, not only proved its build quality but is also by far the most comfortable I've used for marathon use. Got it after a number of other saddles were tried. This saddle will take me on the Cape Epic and I will be needing something that will get me through the 9 days of insanity. So far, great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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