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Submitted by
Tom Millers
a Racer
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$119.00 | | Purchased At: | Internet | | Strengths: | Comfy | | Weaknesses: | Cheap Garbage Rails | | Similar Products Used: | Many saddles | | Bottom Line: | Piece of Garbage! I never had a saddle break on me until now.
It broke on me as I was going uphill and pushing against the seat.
Rail snapped and cut a nice gash in my leg.
The rails are hollow and brittle thin-wall titanium. They made it this way to lose a few grams, but not worth it if it’s going to break and leave you stranded.
The website is filled with ways to pay them to replace broken rails, at a charge of course.
So it’s a known issue on a lot of Koobi saddles, and use this as a money making scheme at the expensive of our health and safety.
These seats should be recalled.
In fact I'm filing a complaint with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and BBB.
Certainly never going to buy from this company again.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Germantown, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Quality construction & excellent customer service. | | Weaknesses: | Not indestructible (but then, neither am I) | | Bottom Line: | This is just an update. I contacted Koobi and they're going to send me new rails for only $10 (includes shipping). I've worked in retail for almost 20 years and had plenty of thing go wrong for me. No one I ever worked for or bought from has ever been this easy to get problems solved. I doubt I'll ever buy any one else's saddles. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Germantown, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Koobi | | Strengths: | Comfortable, durable, light. | | Weaknesses: | If a cracked Ti rail after 5k+ counts, that's it. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, WTB - they're OK, but I'll never buy anything else, as far as I can imagine. | | Bike Setup: | Moots RigorMootis (Commuting) & Giant AC (Trail) | | Bottom Line: | I started with the AU Enduro (Still use it on my AC) and moved up to the PRS for the Moots later. Both are comfortable, and except for the normal leather wear, are as good as new after years. A cracked rail on the PRS after 5k is my first problem & I can replace those easily. Not bad for something most have never heard of. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Gaithersburg, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Purchased At: | www.koobi.com | | Strengths: | Build Quality, unique design, multiple set-up options | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo with the usual mods... | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the Koobi PRS...
I was in the market for a new saddle because I finally got fed up with the stock WTB saddle that came with the bikes (used for two years or so) and I limited my search to the 'doctor approved' types (want to keep everything in working order). I liked the idea of the integrated suspension (actually more like dampening bumpers).
After receiving the saddle and installing it (typical install) I went for a 30 min ride on the roads to start breaking it in... Other than the padding under the leather being quite stiff I was quite pleased. I was a little sore from the ride but that was expected as the weight is supported on different areas than my old WTB.
Today I went for a 2-3 hour trail ride and the saddle felt stiff and I was worried about it causing problems. Too my surprise after 10-15 min I forgot about the saddle being new and went on with my ride. I am quite pleased to say that I am not sore at all. I can tell that I went for a ride but it is not the least bit painful.
The suspension system didn't seem to absorb the bumps that much but it did take the edge off and reduce vibration. This is what I wanted, I did not want it to feel squishy or disconnected from the bike at all. I am currently riding with the Red (medium) bumpers on the saddle and may try the yellow (soft) to see if they absorb more of the bumps. As long as the saddle appears connected to the bike and not loose in any way I will probably use the yellow. The RED ones do a great job but I always like to tweak my setup.
This saddle isn't cheap but I believe that you get what you pay for.
Brian
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chuck
a Cross Country Rider
from seattle, wa, usa
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | koobi.com | | Strengths: | The build quality of the Koobi PRS saddle is 1st rate. Leather is high grade, TI/Mag rails are solid. saddle shell looks bullet proof. The density of the saddle paddle along with the shock absorbing bumpers makes for a great ride even over long periods of time in the saddle | | Weaknesses: | no so far | | Similar Products Used: | stock seat that came with my cannondale, Specialized body geo. | | Bike Setup: | F700, all XTR drive train, Hayes Disk breaks, SRAM grip shifters, XT hubs, Koobi PRS saddle, Ritchey WCS seat post, stock coda stem and bars. | | Bottom Line: | Great looking and riding saddle. Geo of saddle seems to maximize the confort. Koobi also provides 1st rate customer service. My hardtail is much more comfortable now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Lang
a Cross Country Rider
from Asia
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Great quality. Made in Italy. Very comfortable. Sleek. Lightish (260gms). Manganese rails. | | Weaknesses: | None I've experienced. | | Similar Products Used: | SDG Belair, Selle Italia Flite Ti, Selle Italia SLR, WTB SST, Specialized Body Geometry. | | Bottom Line: | My second gonad friendly saddle. The Specialized were pretty good but I find these work better for me. Looks sleek compared to other geometric saddles on offer. Btw, my saddle model is the Au Chrono.
No complaints, no worries. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, Idaho
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Aztec Mine | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Direct from Koobi | | Strengths: | Obviously the split-rail design is the biggest advantage in my mind, lending itself to incredible comfort. I was experiencing numbness 'down there' after about twenty miles, regardless of terrain, but with the Koobi I've ridden thirty miles at a stretch and never have a problem with numbness - it really does work! It also has just the right amount of padding to be comfy, but not so much to get in the way during a tough climb. Cool name too - 'King's Throne' | | Weaknesses: | For sixty bucks I'd expect it to be made in the good ol' USA!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Standard trash that comes stock on most bikes | | Bike Setup: | 1996 Univega Alpina 502, original STX drivetain, added a Jett XC to smooth the bumps......I know, I'm sorely in need of a newer, lighter steed, but hey, I've raced it! | | Bottom Line: | The Koobi has worked for me, period. Sure, it was a little more than I wanted to spend, but what isn't that's related to cycling? If you're having problems with numbness, this saddle will solve them. Koobi's will be on all my bikes, I'm that satisfied with it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Louie Stoner
a Cross Country Rider
from South Mountain, AZ
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | National Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Koobie Direct | | Strengths: | Still comfortable after one year of use | | Weaknesses: | Poor quality control in manufacturing | | Similar Products Used: | WTB SST-x | | Bike Setup: | Mongoose FS | | Bottom Line: | Over a year from my first review I am still very happy with this saddle. I have yet to experience sore buns before sore legs at the end of a ride. The downside is in manufacturing repeatability at the Koobie plant in Taiwan? What a surprise!!! I bought a second Koobie for my hard tail and it arrived with an inferior grade of leather and the workmanship in attaching it was subpar. I don't believe this effects the comfort so much but would like to see more consistency in their product. Anyway, it fixes the problem I was having, so I have to give it 5 jalapenos for comfort. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John March
a Cross Country Rider
from Durham, NC
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Cary NC | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | www.koobi.com | | Strengths: | Comfortable, durable. | | Weaknesses: | Lacks Kevlar side guards. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Body Geometry Comp, Avocet 02, many others | | Bike Setup: | Ibis Silk Ti, Appel custom road; Koobi Si on both | | Bottom Line: | Other saddles are less uncomfortable; the Koobi is the first saddle that I would call comfortable. No numbness on rides up to 100 miles. Easy to move around on. Highly recommended. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Lighthall
a Cross Country Rider
from Davis, CA USA
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Direct from Koobi | | Strengths: | Saddle seemed fine at first, provided good support at the contact points. | | Weaknesses: | For me, the problems with the saddle started to surface after taking long rides of 2 hours or more. I noticed some penile numbness. I had installed the saddle on my road bike to avoid that very problem. The last straw was after a very intense 3 hour road race after which I had a numb dick for about 24 hours. It is apparent that the upper (contact point) ridges on the nose of the saddle are cutting off circulation to nerves or some pressure related disfunction. I see that the saddle has a high rating from mtb riders. My theory is that the problem I faced occurs after long periods of seated pedaling with little position change, as in my road race. In any case I have a ti version of the saddle in mint condition that I would sell at a very good price! | | Similar Products Used: | Avocet O40, Richey Vector Pro (on my MTB), Selle Italia Flight | | Bike Setup: | Yeti Road Project (55cm) | | Bottom Line: | It may not be a good idea for road riding. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from San Fran
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Similar Products Used: | selle italia gel | | Bike Setup: | Ritchey Niti, Titus RacerX, Serotta Legend Ti Road | | Bottom Line: | Koobi saddles are the Cadillac of saddles. They ROCK. I have one on each of my bikes. Once you get a Koobi there's no turning back. The Koobi propriety design is superior to anything on the market. And construction by Selle Italia. Beautiful. While fit is a very personal experience, Koobi's design tends to fit most people well. The back of the saddle is flatter than most, not too soft or firm, while the middle groove relieves enough pressure to make for an all day comfortable ride. Order online and get free socks! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vicknesh T
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere the road or trail takes me | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheel Action | | Strengths: | Excellent Comfort | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager FS+10 and FS2000,San Marco Mapei, Specialised | | Bike Setup: | Mtn: Klein Attitude Comp, Easton CT2 bar, Thompson Seat post, Deda Newton stem, Koobi Au Enduro
Road: Coppi K14, Full DuraAce, Mavic CXP 30, Conti GP, ITM bar and stem, Selcof carbon post, Koobi Xenon
| | Bottom Line: | First bought the saddle for my mountain bike after reading horror stories about how riding can make you impotent. I got the Enduro and never looked back. The seat is really comfortable and even after long rides I don't feel any sort of pain in the nether regions. So I got another Koobi for my road bike and this time I got the Xenon. Same results. I feel much better when riding on Koobi. I think what the guy from my LBS said sums up best: "Once you tried a Koobi, it's hard to go back to something else". | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Bizango
a Cross Country Rider
from Ma
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | www.koobi.com | | Strengths: | Comfortable | | Weaknesses: | Still get numb!!! Friends call it the Camel Toe | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Classified | | Bottom Line: | on long rides still get numb, perhaps my Arse is too big. Will try the Specilaized wedge next. 3 Flaming Piles | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Lewis
a Cross Country Rider
from Annandale, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Allamuchy | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | Mail Order | | Strengths: | Fit and Finish OK | | Weaknesses: | Uncomfortable, Too wide, Scuffs easily, silly looking | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager, Moots, Selle | | Bike Setup: | Moots YBB and Cannondale Hardtail | | Bottom Line: | This seat was very uncomfortable for me. Some people like it, I don't, If you want to try one out cheaply send me an email and I'll sell it to you for 20 bucks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a
from Sonoma County, Califoria
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Wine Country roadie | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | www.koobi.com | | Strengths: | Light.
VERY comfortable... what more do you need? | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | Avocet O2, Coda, Brooks Team Pro, Serfas | | Bike Setup: | Road bikes | | Bottom Line: | I got the KOOBI Enduro (about $80).
This saddle is comfortable.
I bought it because my Brooks was hurting - turned out I had a cyst in a bad place which a surgeon friend removed. So now I ride my beloved Brooks and my bike is a pound heavier, but the Brooks will last another 200,000 miles of pain free riding.
The Koobi is on my spare road bike which friends ride all the time - THREE women friends have been so impressed that they've bought them themselves, and say they love them.
Too many people say their saddles are uncomfortable - usually they just have the wrong stem length or height, or don't know to tilt the saddle the right amount.
But everyone who's ridden my Koobi has been surprised and pleased. It does what they claim, even for a woman's anatomy.
People have commented on durability - I don't think that's a problem - if you mtb ride and trash your bike, of course a saddle will get damaged. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a
from Loveland, Colorado
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | from Koobi.com | | Strengths: | comfortable, works in many different positions | | Weaknesses: | heavy, leather wearing down quickly | | Similar Products Used: | everything you can thing of | | Bike Setup: | 1998 Trek 820 cromo frame; however, full XT 9-speed, grip shift, Mavic 517s, Ultegra triple crank (yes, that's right, Ultegra). | | Bottom Line: | I commute over 6,000 miles a year--never drive if I have to. I've gone through many a saddle over the past four years (some 20,000+ miles). I decided to try Koobi's Si saddle and after a year later, I'm still using it. This alone should tell you something. It's a comfortable saddle and it can be used in many different riding positions. My commute is over 30 miles round-trip each day to work and it works. I've done a couple century rides, and it works. My only complaint is the durability factor of the saddle. After about 5000+ miles on it now, the leather and logos have worn down badly and it tends to be a little stiffer now--but these are minor complaints compared to the comfort it brings me.
Give it a try. You won't be disappointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich Walsh
a Cross Country Rider
from Alameda, CA
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | China Camp | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | koobi.com | | Strengths: | No numbness, ride for hours. Saddle is lightweight and well-built to withstand abuse. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager FS+10, Specialized Body Geometry | | Bike Setup: | Specialized S-works M4, Marzocchi Bomber suspension fork, Spinergy Spox wheelset, XT | | Bottom Line: | Do yourself a favor. Spend the hundred bucks and have kids someday. I commute and ride the trails on this bike, and the saddle makes for a comfortable ride on any terrain. Check out the website. Koobi has a different saddle to suit every rider type. Sweetest saddle around. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Kinne
a Racer
from West Stockbridge, MA
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | www.koobi.com | | Strengths: | Eliminates saddle soreness and the much feared biker's numbness | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Giant TCR2 | | Bottom Line: | I was forced to take 2 years off from biking and thought I'd never get back due to serious complications from my previous saddle. I had all but given up the sport I loved until I heard about Koobi's split-rail design. I decided to give my groin one last chance. Thanks to Koobi I've been on my bike for over 1,000 miles this summer and won't be stopping any time soon. I can't recommend this product enough to people. Do your crotch a favor and buy one of these saddles. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Hoilman
a Weekend Warrior
from Gray, TN
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Koobi | | Strengths: | Split opening, Comfort, Extremely comfortable | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Body Geometry, Sella Italia Flite | | Bike Setup: | Trek 5200, Ultegra Groupo, Rolf Vector Comp Wheels | | Bottom Line: | Last week myself and 2 friends biked the entire Blue Ridge Parkway - 469 miles in the mountains. I never once got "numb" on the entire ride and didn't mind getting back on my bike every morning for the next days trip. I always got numb with the other saddles that I have tried. This saddle is extremely comfortable and worth every penny. The fabrication of the saddle was very good and they also gave me a free pair of socks when I bought the saddle.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Ukiah, CA
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The one out the back door | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Was comfortable at first now just a realy pain in the... | | Weaknesses: | Padding has softened to the point where one is no longer padded from the hard plastic base shell | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | n/a | | Bottom Line: | The saddle was great for about 9 months then the padding started to break down- now the padding just compresses to nothing and the hard plastic shell underneath is not at all comfortable. Was this just a bad run or will others out there experience the same pain? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Smooth, rolling singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Extremely comfortable, reasonable price, extremely comfortable, no ugly flourescent colours (black matches everything), did I mention extremely comfortable? | | Weaknesses: | None (I'm not a weight weenie, but if you are, Koobi now offers lighter models). | | Similar Products Used: | WTB SST, Specialized Body Geometry, various other saddles I can't remember the names of. | | Bike Setup: | I use it on both road and mountain bikes | | Bottom Line: | I have the original Si model, which Koobi still sells and rates as their "softest" model. It's a great saddle that suits my anatomy very well, but of course YMMV. If you've been having difficulty finding a comfortable saddle, it would be worth trying a Koobi, especially now as they have seven different models available. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Ewens
a Cross Country Rider
from Milwaukee, WI USA
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Nicolet North | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Comfort, lightweight, strong, the split fit | | Weaknesses: | Price, a little tough on the A#@. | | Similar Products Used: | Oasis was my other saddle, and was a lot softer, but a little tougher on "me" | | Bike Setup: | Trek400, bontrager rims, XT hubs, Avid Arch 50s, stock for rest | | Bottom Line: | This seat was touted as the solution to the crotch attack. It has fufilled that soultion, but has moved it to the ass. The split-fit is just right, and I sometimes, dont even notice that I am riding. My body, especially the lower area, is not as mad at me for riding those long treks. I still have some time on this saddle before I truly know. If you really worry about the impotence problem, this is one solution. I regret spending $90 (its the AU Enduro) The only difference I see in this split seat in terms of others, is the weight. I would only spend the money is you have a chance to test the saddle out, dont trust a review. Your ass needs to know, and your mind cant tell it what is best for it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate littrell
a
from gardnerville
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | tahoe rim trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | cheaper than some other seats | | Weaknesses: | hurt my butt bigtime. it just didn't work for me. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized body geometry, selle italia | | Bike Setup: | custom frame, it's a long story. | | Bottom Line: | seats are pesonal. it might be good for you but not for me. I'm not into split seats. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Chester Springs, pa.
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anytrail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | unbelievable comfort-What more is there to say?
light
| | Weaknesses: | they didn't put their classic koobi stiched emblem on this xenon race saddle...would have been a nice touch | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | lightspeed owl hollow, esp 9.0sl, race face, mavic...and koobi xenon | | Bottom Line: | if you've been waitng for a race quality ergonomic saddle, this is the best your gonna find for now. This saddle is actually crafted by selle italia, yet maintains koobi's classic splitfit design-you just can't beat that!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
larry
a
from so cal, USA
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | The most comfortable saddle I've used. 90-day trial period. | | Weaknesses: | poor build quality resulting in a lopsided saddle, lack of kevlar edges, rails held on by screws. | | Similar Products Used: | selle italia trans ams max | | Bike Setup: | klein attitude with selle italia trans am max | | Bottom Line: | Extremely comfortable saddle. But the workmanship is below par. The saddle I ordered from Koobi became lopsided after one ride. I rode it lopsided the next 3 rides and it was still comfortable regardless. Yet it looked as though it wouldn't last much longer before the stress on side would break the front rails contact points (held by 4 screws). The lack of kevlar edges made me skeptical of putting it down on its side, in fear of tearing the leather. So I returned it to Koobi under their 90 day warranty.
5 chiles for comfort, 1 for build quality, 3 overall | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Racer
from Malaysia
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Comfort from the word go. Cycling caused infertility a thing of the past??? 3 hours of comfort on the first ride, without my ass ever lifting off the seat. | | Weaknesses: | Seat a little too wide and short for really serious road use. | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia Marco, Specialized BG | | Bike Setup: | Softride PowerWing (Ultegra Groupset) | | Bottom Line: | Koobi could have designed a seat especially for road riders. I would throughly recommend this seat for anyone who does any prolonged riding. So far, I have only found one shop in S'pore that stocks this seat and it is not a very well-known seat in the Far East. Perhaps someone else would prove me wrong. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Siegel
a Weekend Warrior
from Cincinnati,Ohio
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | roads of blue ash | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Large split in the middle without point pressure | | Weaknesses: | Didn't fit my body | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized BG, Selle Max Flite, Terry | | Bike Setup: | Road with Campy 10 | | Bottom Line: | All saddles are very personal I ordered this off the web site and tried it for three weeks.
It felt to soft, didn't support my seat, and I didn't like the full split.
Not my cup of tea.
The company was great. They took the item back and gave me full credit.
5 points for the company and customer service.
The saddles is better than some, just not that great for me.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dale
a Weekend Warrior
from Davison, MI USA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Well made, Leather, looks cool, NO NUMBNESS! | | Similar Products Used: | Terry Liberator | | Bike Setup: | Trek Y22, mostly XTR | | Bottom Line: | Though the Koobi is a bit too narrow and firm to be considered TRULY comfortable (I mean, I wouldn't choose it over my couch for watching a movie), it completely works for keeping the numbness away, and that's the main purpose of it. Buy it if you're more concerned about your health than saving a few "precious" grams. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Price (compared to Specialized Body Geomety)
It Works | | Weaknesses: | A little to narrow. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | '99 Fisher ProCaliber
2000 Z-2 Atom 80 | | Bottom Line: | I ordered the lighter weight saddle straight from Koobi's web site. The saddle seems pretty well put together. It does not completely eliminate numbness while riding, but does work extremely well at reducing it. My only gripe is that the rear of the saddle could be a little wider. I by no means have a fat ass, but it seems like the sit bones are about to side off either side while riding. If it were a little wider, I would be in heaven. Otherwise I would recomment this to anyone who is in the market for this type of saddle. It is definately put together much better than the Specialized saddles and the design looks to be more effective. It was delivered to my house for a total of about $80. Worth every penny | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Connie Misket
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft. Rucker, AL, USA
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | The most comfortable ride ever! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Selle Italia | | Bottom Line: | I love this saddle! I started out with it on my mountain bike and just ordered another for the road bike. My boyfriend made fun of the appearance until he tried it, and he's ordering one too. He thought his saddle was comfortable until he tried it.
Also- You can now order them through performancebike.com as well as koobi.com. Try it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Herman Rooseboom
a Cross Country Rider
from South Africa
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Stellenbosch mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Novel concept | | Weaknesses: | I received my saddle with a bent frame, glue on the upper part and stitching that is coming loose. I contacted Koobi and they are useless - apparently this bent frame happens all the time and that's that. Horrendous aftersales service | | Similar Products Used: | Sella Italia | | Bike Setup: | Kona Muni Mula | | Bottom Line: | This company trades on the Internet so that unsatisfied customers can't burn down their offices. Avoid at all costs. The saddle is too flexible and bottoms out, and the bent frame doesn't help either. I have thrown mine away in disgust as Koobi & Co will not refund me as their advert states. Avoid Avoid Avoid. Death to Koobi! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Abel M.
a Racer
from Pasadena, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Great design, Does what it's supposed to do, Fairly priced | | Weaknesses: | No kevlar edges, a bit short | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia Flite, Serfas, and so on... | | Bike Setup: | Specialized M4 Hardtail & Cannondale Multisport (Tri Bike) | | Bottom Line: | I suffered from numb nuts and tried a number of different saddles before purchasing the Koobi Si. This is probably the best investment I've made on my bikes. In the past I would ride for about an hour before feeling discomfort on my family jewels. Now, I can ride all day without the worry of numb nuts. This saddle is very comfortable (once you adjust it on the right angle). I've recently purchased my second Koobi Si for my Tri Bike and now I can do 50 mile rides with no worries.
The only down side on this saddle is that it has no kevlar edges. That would really come in handy on my Mt. Bike since I took a few spills and the saddle is beginning to tear. The saddle is also a bit short due to the slopping nose. No a big deal, but Koobi mught wants to look into it......Bottom line; This Saddle ROCKS!!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CP1
a Racer
from South Central, US
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Old Lake Draper | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | This saddle rocks! I was tired of the sore-assed-ness of my stock seat and looked in to the Koobi. I was skeptical at first, looks odd, only a few (magazine) product reviews. | | Weaknesses: | None, yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Coda stock POS seat. | | Bike Setup: | C'dale F500. Coda suspension seatpost. Koobi Si Seat. Plus the rest of the bike! | | Bottom Line: | If you are getting numbnuts and or prostate pain, this is the seat for you. Street training rides were making me go numb and the vibration from the street was making my boy parts unhappy. The Koobi Si solved these probs. I have a big ass (for a guy) and the seat in just right. Also, I wear baggies, no spandex on this guy, and the nose is great, as it bends down and does not snag my shorts (that's a big +). Put this little gem on top of a suspension seatpost and you can ride all friggin day and not feel like you been kicked in the ass. Not to mention, I got a free pair of socks when I ordered. Five overall flamers for this review. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Racer
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Highland C & D | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Comfort for the money, Relief in the right places | | Weaknesses: | I don't want to get off the bike | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager Plus 10, SDG Bel Air Comp | | Bike Setup: | '00 Kona Ku, '99 Superfly, XTR, Koobi Au | | Bottom Line: | Halfway through the race season last year, I was desperate for some relief both up front and especially in the tailbone area. The design of the Koobi seemed to address both situations and was quite a bit less expensive than the Specialized Body Geometry.
The seat was a dream come true, and I was able to resume training rides and racing without the post-ride soreness. I have noticed that after 2 hours on the saddle my sit bones are a little sore, but the padding on the Au version was stated to be less than the Si version, which may be better for longer sessions.
I am curious to try some lighter seats, but the Koobi just fits me right. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JP
a Cross Country Rider
from Burlington,VT
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Very comfortable, shaped well. Does what it was aimed to. | | Weaknesses: | A little short. No kevlar at corners. | | Similar Products Used: | Vetta, Serfas ARC, SDG Comp | | Bike Setup: | Dean Scout, GS 9.0SL, XTR | | Bottom Line: | Very comfortable saddle. Relieves pressure in the perineal area,without dramatic increase near the periphery. A little wider in the nose than most saddles, which for me feels more comfortable. For the price, definitely worth looking into, especially with the 30 day money back offer. Received my saddle in five days. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
VIAGRA NOT AN OPTION
a Racer
from VANCOUVER,BC
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | ELK MOUNTAIN ( U KNOW THE ONE) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | ALLOWS ME TO PERFORM ON AND OFF THE BIKE.
LIGHT, GOOD LOOKING, EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE, GREAT PRICE
ideal for male or female ( my girlfriend has one as well ) | | Weaknesses: | I DON'T HAVE TWO | | Similar Products Used: | SPECIALIZED, SELLE ITALIA, MY OWN DESIGNS, WTB | | Bottom Line: | After years of experiencing numbness and wasting money on all seats possible; I had to decide to stop racing until the problem was solved. I have tried absolutely everything. Changing the set up on my bikes. Changing bikes all together.
I have cut out my hundred dollar saddles trying to create the ideal saddle.
Don't look any further than the koobi.
The best seat on the market period.
The best male and female saddle around.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
numbnuts
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Severed D*** | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | comfort. performance. looks. price. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia Flite, SDG Comp, Selle Italia Century | | Bottom Line: | If you have any problem with a numb prostate after climbing for a while, get this saddle. By far and away the most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden. I've tried a few saddles and this one is the only one that doesn't freeze the twig and berries. get it online at www.koobi.com. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Leesburg,VA
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Gambril State Park, MD | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Takes all the pressure off of the wrong parts and puts them on the right ones. | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Velo etc. | | Bike Setup: | K2 Razorback, Noleen front and rear....blah, blah, blah | | Bottom Line: | Great seat. A little pricey for the Ti rail model but it works...bottom line | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Art
a
from Adirondack Mts., NY
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | •Lots of padding.
•Looks different. | | Weaknesses: | •A bit too narrow.
•Too short because of drop nose.
•Poor craftsmanship.
•Heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | •Bontrager Plus 10; Coda Ti railed (road & mtb); Selle Max Flite Gel, Max Flite Trans Am, and Mythos Trans Am; Body Geometry Sport, Comp and Pro Ti, others. | | Bike Setup: | •Litespeed road. | | Bottom Line: | This saddle (Koobi Si) is somewhat comfortable, but is slightly too skinny for me. The severe drop of the nose also makes it too short for getting a good climbing position up front, however, the nose is wide enough. The Selle Italia Mythos Trans Am fits me much better, and has as much padding as the Koobi Si. The suspension works well on the Mythos TA, which is a feature the Koobi doesn't have, and the Mythos TA is lighter and much better constructed.
The Koobi seems cheaply made and there must be a low level of quality control, at least with the one I received; (well, it says "Made in Taiwan" on the shell bottom, what do you expect?) There are wrinkles in the leather on different spots, as if they didn't pull it tight enough before it was sewn. Also, some areas of bad stitching, and the rails are not even or symmetrical with each other.
The free socks Koobi sends with the saddle are size 10-13 and way too long on me for cycling. They said they are out of smaller sizes, and just using up what they have left. FWIW.
I could tolerate the narrow sit bone area and probably live with this saddle, and for $55. it would be a good value - but it gets a low rating from me due to the poor overall quality of construction. I'm sending it back for a refund. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
paul preston
a Weekend Warrior
from north bay ontario canada
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | graveyarddownhill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | idea of being able to ride a bike and also be able to procreate/recreate | | Weaknesses: | too narrow for me | | Similar Products Used: | super saddle
super saddle | | Bike Setup: | santa cruz bullit | | Bottom Line: | I'm 6'3", I measured the distance between my ischial tuberosities (sit bones), its much wider than the width of this little seat, probably explains why still bothered my prostate. Could be great for smaller framed rider. Still searching going to try specialized sport, azonic love seat, and liberator. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RedBaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light weight and cool looks and it you won't break the bank buying it. | | Weaknesses: | No such thing | | Similar Products Used: | Flight titanium, Special ed body geo, WTB, Serfas | | Bottom Line: | This saddle is wonderful. It does take a few rides for the saddle to break you in, but afterwards it's pretty comfy. The Au titanium version is about $20-$30 cheaper than the Body Geometry Comp, making it a must have! Buy, Buy, Buy! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff langlois
a Racer
from Stevens Point, WI
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Baird's Creek, Green Bay, WI | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | tough design, good materials, titanium rail option, good in the looks dept. I'll take a couple extra oz. for a good strong saddle. | | Weaknesses: | No Kevlar rear protection | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager race saddle, various trek saddles.
| | Bike Setup: | Klein pulse comp. z2atom bomb, R.S.susp post. Koobi AU | | Bottom Line: | On the first ride, short and in 20 degree weather I thought that nothing was different. I still felt sore. I realized as I was getting cold, that it was the old sit bones that were sore, not the old nerves down below. After the second ride, the old bones shored up and I don't notice any discomfort. In fact this is the first time I can remember that I don't feel like standing up every five miles to get feeling back into my gear. The seat is easy to move around on, but provides a definite position for your pelvic and sit bones when properly fitted. Doesn't inhibit bulkier clothing in this cold weather (2/2/00). Much better quality than the Spec. body comp saddles. The split nose is no wider than any of the other saddles I have ever used. Most people will never notice the difference unless they have grown up on the ultra slim, hard race saddles. I am looking forward to long rides again. Five flaming chili heads for one great saddle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Louie Stoner
a Weekend Warrior
from South Mountain, AZ
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Javelina Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Cures rear-end soreness | | Weaknesses: | No kevlar edges | | Similar Products Used: | WTB SST-X | | Bike Setup: | Mongoose NX 8.5 | | Bottom Line: | Never had pudental gland numbness problem, but I did have soreness on other rear end parts after only 1 hour of riding with my WTB-SSTX. The Koobie saddle took care of the problem, allowing me to ride indefinitely. Took advantage of the free socks X-Mas offer which made a great value even better. The saddle is a little on the heavy side, but if you do not race who cares. I would recommend the Koobie to anyone (at around 170lbs) who has been unable to find a comfortable saddle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | No more sore backside | | Weaknesses: | Maybe weight? | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, assorted other stock seats | | Bike Setup: | K2 2000
Koobi Si
| | Bottom Line: | I have only had the seat a few weeks, but after the first two days I knew I had never had a better saddle.
I never had a problem with numbness, just soreness and general discomfort after riding multiple days in a row.
With the Koobi I don't get sore.
I don't know what else you could ask for.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Brockrog
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ukiah, CA
Date Reviewed: December 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
the one out my back door | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Product that actually works!, Solid construction. Realistic pricing. | | Weaknesses: |
Stitching on the leather cover may be a wear problem- only time will tell. | | Similar Products Used: |
Many different saddles of all shapes and designs. | | Bike Setup: |
Basically stock Klien Mantra Comp | | Bottom Line: | The most comfortable saddle I have tried to date. Has not completly cured the numbness problem, but has proven to much more comfortable for a longer period of time than anything else I have tried. With the 90 day money back gaurantee- there is nothing to lose. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lucy
a Racer
from Sydney Australia
Date Reviewed: November 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
2000 Olympic course | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
comfortable, good quality leather | | Weaknesses: |
quality control | | Similar Products Used: |
raceday saddle
terry womens sport | | Bike Setup: |
Custom scandium frame, XTR gruppo, AMP discs /carbon forks, 19.5 lb bike | | Bottom Line: | Cycling has always been a pain in the ass for me. I wanted to make the National MTB team, but the hours I needed to put into riding on my old saddles were killing me. 3 months ago I bought a Koobi saddle, and two weeks ago I made the National MTB team. Now 24 hours per week riding, only hurts my legs. Now the bad part. The saddle sits crooked on its rails, Koobi said they'd replace it, but only if I sent the bent one back first. I can't afford time off the bike, but I wont go back to the old saddle. 5 STARS for comfort, 3 STARS for sending me a bent one on the other side of the planet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Salmon Arm, BC
Date Reviewed: November 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Prudential | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Design works
Good quality | | Weaknesses: |
Hooks my pants a little | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
Si model, chromoloy with 20% more padding | | Bottom Line: | This seat has solved a painful situation. I have not used it very long but I have noticed a difference. I thought it might be akward but it is quite comfortable.I live in Canada and ordered the seat over the net. I received the seat in 6 days. So far I would recommend this seat to anyone with discomfort. It was also a lot cheaper than the body geometry saddle at the local bike shop. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ga.
Date Reviewed: October 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
No more numbness, quality construction | | Weaknesses: |
a bit heavy and wide. | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized body geometry comp | | Bike Setup: |
Stumpjumper m2 comp | | Bottom Line: | I reviewed this seat a while back and gave it four chilis. After having used it three months now, I feel compelled to change my review. This thing is awesome, even if it does look goofy. If I could give more than 5 I would. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BOB
a Cross-Country Rider
from BOULDER CO
Date Reviewed: October 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
WHITE RANCH | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
COMFY!NO MORE NUMB C@#%K | | Weaknesses: |
COULD BE LIGHTER,BUTT IF IM NOT NUMB'WHO CARES!! | | Similar Products Used: |
SPECIALIZED,TOO EXPENSIVE,POOR QUALITY! | | Bike Setup: |
S.C.SUPERLIGHT XTR | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS THE BEST SADDLE IVE EVER RIDDEN,BAR NONE.I DO LOTS OF LONG RIDES , LEADVILLE 100,ETC THIS WAS MY 3RD LT100 AND THE 1ST YEAR I FINISHEDWITHOUT A SORE ASS,THANKS TO THE KOOBI! I TRIED THE SPECIALIZED AND THEY CHAFED MY THIGHS AND THEN STARTWD TO SAG AND FALL APART.MY KOOBI HAS OVER 1500 MILES ON IT W/NO SIGNS OF WEAR,OR DAMAGE!!A GREAT SADDLE . 5 FLAMING DEAD HORSIES!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DrHog
a Cross-Country Rider
from Las Vegas
Date Reviewed: October 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Dry lake hills | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Comfort! Also price and build quality. | | Weaknesses: |
Nothing to protect side leather when I bail. | | Similar Products Used: |
Selle Flite Ti | | Bike Setup: |
ProFlex 857 with Crosslink | | Bottom Line: | I have been trying to lighten my bike up, but I had to draw the line at the saddle. The Flite I have rode for years was fine for short rides, but I was hurting on epic rides, or when I rode for 2-3 days in a row. The Koobi has been the most comfortable saddle I've ever sat on. It does put more pressure on the sit bones, but it is padded enough to make it a good ride. I don't find myself shifting around trying to get comfortable. The only thing I would change is to put some Kevlar patches on the edges for rock protection. I can see why everyone is getting a hard-on about this saddle! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Linden, VA
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Plantation Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Lightweight, NO numbness!! | | Weaknesses: |
Quality control | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized Prolong | | Bike Setup: |
98 FSR Comp w/ Englund air fork upgrade. | | Bottom Line: | Great product. As some mentioned, I do not believe this product is meant to help your NADs. The cu out area is meant to releive pressure on the main vein, you know, to prevent numbness, and problems with sexual function, etc.However, I did have a problem with the first two saddles I received!! The first one had a bent TI rail causing the saddle to sit crooked. Koobi gladly sent me a replacement. This one, had severly crooked stitching towards the front. Again Koobi took care of it.
I now have a saddle that looks and works very well.Bottom line, buy it. It is not that heavy, and has just the right amount of padding, unless you are some kind of wuss. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Eastwood
a Weekend Warrior
from Prince Rupert BC
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Works dam good. | | Weaknesses: |
None so far | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized | | Bike Setup: |
Does matter????? | | Bottom Line: | What can i say it does a good job, ten times better then the specialized one. The best seat around period
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: September 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Unique design works pretty well | | Weaknesses: |
Could be lighter - has 8...count em...8 metal screws holding rails to saddle. Also a bit wider than necessary at the front. | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
Ibis bow-ti, Zoke atom bomb | | Bottom Line: | Decided to try one of these nad saver saddles after experiencing pain riding a particular trail where I remain in the seat almost 100%. Moving from a Flite, the Koobi feels wide at the front and there is no reason why the front couldn't be a bit narrower. Who rides on the tip? Anyway, after a couple of rides, I don't really notice the saddle and that is good. Definitely less pressure on the taint area. The saddle could be lighter if they would find another way to attach the rails than using 8 screws! Kevlar sides might also be a plus since I usually wear out the leather on saddles with my fat thighs. I have actually been surprised by how well the thing works and plan to keep it. Who are these people posting about their road bike experiences on Mountain Bike Review (doesn't work in thedrops, indeed)? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, Colorado
Date Reviewed: September 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Mostly light, very nice on the pelvis, 90 day money back guarantee (HINT!!!) | | Weaknesses: |
Needs just a little more padding for perfection | | Similar Products Used: |
Terry comfort Ti, Wilderness Trails, Selle Squadra No slip. | | Bike Setup: |
Fisher Ziggurat, Judy SL, XTR, Raceface cranks... | | Bottom Line: | I have been through some saddles to find this one that has been a dream come true. I was the only one of 9 people on a 24 mile singletrack that could walk normally the next day. I have had issues for 4 months trying to find a saddle that wouldn't cause pain. The Koobi Au saddle is the one. Has no slip stitching (the lack of stitching being the cause of problems with the Terry saddle) and just enough padding to make the behind pain free. The company offers a 90 DAY money back guarantee if you don't like the saddle! You have nothing to lose! I know why they can offer this, because THEIR saddle doesn't kick ass!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hy
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia
Date Reviewed: September 27, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
very nicely sewn and assembled
good materials
interesting looks
drop nose won't snag you | | Weaknesses: |
split nose creates pressure points
sit bones hurt on long rides
embroidery stops movement | | Bike Setup: |
Lemond Zurich | | Bottom Line: | I really wanted to love this saddle. I took two 30's, a 50, a 70, and then a century plus 75 over a weekend. It solves the numbness problem well but less saddle due to the split means more weight on what is left. I felt the ridges of the split, especially when I was down on the drops. ( Not painful, but I was aware of it) On the long rides it really started to ache on my sit bones, maybe because you tend to change position to avoid pressure from the split. The beautiful embroidery also tends to keep you from slipping and moving to change position. The nose really turns down in front which is a help in avoiding jabs and snaring your cycling shorts. This concept of removing part of the saddle to avoid pressure may be flawed... less saddle means more pressure on what is left. I weigh 210 so this saddle might work better for a lighter rider. With their return policy... which I'll test soon, I think this product is worth the try for lighter riders. It didn't squeek and it seems like a well made product.I exchanged reviews with a rider using a Specialized Body Geometry and he had even more severe sit-bone complaints about his saddle. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from The Constitution State
Date Reviewed: August 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Tylers Mill | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
ergonomic, surprising stylish, construction, marketing | | Weaknesses: |
a bit heavy | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized | | Bike Setup: |
Klein Stage Comp T (road bike) | | Bottom Line: | Damn good product...especially for the price. I wanted to get this for my road bike before I got one for my Mantra, as I will spend longer durations in the saddle on the road bike. After several rides, I made a few position adjustments and it works greate! Two thumbs up and Kudos to this new company for trying something different. I found out in the most recent issue of mountain bike action that Koobi means Kings throne in some African dialect....and this King wants princes and princesses someday so, protect the family jewels....get one! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a Cross-Country Rider
from mo
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
quality construction
easy on the boyz
good customer service | | Weaknesses: |
a little heavy | | Bike Setup: |
Moots YBB | | Bottom Line: | This is my first experience with a new age saddle. Decided it was time to buy a little insurance policy for my continued reproductive/recreational abilities. Ordered over the net, saddle arrived on time with no problems. The construction appears to be nicer than the Specialized product. I like the design better as well, although with saddles there isn't a best product, only the one that works for you. I've only ridden with the Koobi a few times, but I have noticed a difference at the end of my rides to be sure. The tip of the saddle is shaped a lot like a WTB saddle which helps in preventing it from grabbing you in the shorts. Not perfect, but I'd give it a thumbs up to anyone searching for a little relief. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn
a Cross-Country Rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: August 16, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Cool-looking Design, well made | | Weaknesses: |
Might be hard on sit bones with a hardtail rig | | Similar Products Used: |
Halo flex | | Bike Setup: |
Proflex 955 | | Bottom Line: | This saddle fits me very well, apart from a little more pressure on the sit bones, it feels just like a regular seat. I almost doubt its effectiveness. A bit of adjusting is required, I found Koobi works best when the nose is tilted ever so slightly down. One potential problem occurs during technical riding when you hit the nose of the saddle, the two ridges prode the prostrate harder than other saddles. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin
a Cross-Country Rider
from rome,ga
Date Reviewed: August 12, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
well made, affordable, comfortable | | Weaknesses: |
too wide in rear, a little too short, padding is too soft | | Similar Products Used: |
specialized body geometry comp | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized stumpjumper m2 comp. stock. | | Bottom Line: | Overall I like this saddle. After experiencing numbness and pain after practically every ride on my old saddle, I can overlook the weaknesses of this saddle. It was very comfortable and I felt no numbness after my first long ride with it. The cutout area extends all the way to the nose which is very comfortable on climbs when you slide up to the front. It is, however, a little heavy and there is too much padding in the rear. I think that Koobi should make another model that is slimmer and firmer for more hardcore riders. If they do I will definitely buy it. Four chili's because it will enable me to keep riding and still have kids someday. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Rosa, CA
Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Annadel St Park | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Affordable | | Weaknesses: |
Stubby, wide and generally uncomfortable | | Similar Products Used: |
SDG Ventura, Avocet | | Bike Setup: |
GT full susp. | | Bottom Line: | I ordered one of these about a month ago after experiencing some numbness in my groin and not wanting to pay close to $100 for a similar Body Geometry saddle. I took only two rides on it and found that for me it is too wide in the front where the seat is 'split', causing discomfort when my legs rubbed it. Also, the seat is too flat on the top for me (I like a narrower, more tapered seat) and my body would not conform. finally, this seat seems to be shorter than my other seats. I could not sit way back on it without falling off the back, and when I moved it back more, the front did not extend forward enough to slide up while climbing. Needless to say, I returned it after less than 3 hours of use and have since modified my SDG Ventura saddle to do a comparable job. I cut a slit in the plastic running down the middle of the seat about 1/4 wide and made a corrosponding cut in the leather and foam. Then I cleared out some of the foam and folded and stapled the leather down to the edges of the plastic slit I cut out. This works better, is more comfortable and is much lighter than the Koobi. Overall, just go with what is personally comfortable for you. The Koobi does seem very well made and is very reasonably priced. Try it out, you have nothing to lose except $5.00 shipping. -Craig | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Katz
a Cross-Country Rider
from Billerica, MA
Date Reviewed: August 6, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Innovative design | | Weaknesses: |
Padding is too soft | | Similar Products Used: |
Spaecialized Body Geometry Comp | | Bike Setup: |
Trek 5200 | | Bottom Line: | When I saw this saddle I thought it was the saddle I had been waiting for. Although the design,quality and price were excellent it has not lived up to my expectations. The padding is too soft for me. It bottoms out easily causing discomfort to the sit bones. It may be better if it was a 1/4 inch wider in the rear also. It does eliminate numbness though. More effective that the Specialized Body Geometry Comp. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yasushi Katsumi
a Racer
from Charlottesville VA
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Nice leather, Unique shape, just so damn comfortable, has nice stiff padding that won't make your but sink in, and you can buy direct which makes the price much lower than you would expect. | | Weaknesses: |
None so far. | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized Body geometry comp....blah, I am selling it for 50 if anyone wants it. | | Bike Setup: |
Ritchey road logic, Campy athena bits, spinergy wheels. | | Bottom Line: | Very interesting design concept, i like it that you can buy direct and their customer service is extremely friendly. This seat is almost 30 dollars cheaper than the Specilaized saddle, but it is a much better quality and it looks nicer. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Bottom Line: | Anyone seen or spoken to anyone about this seat. Interesting concept... website to order is www.koobi.com | | Overall Rating: |
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