Koobi Pursuit Saddle?

[mydogsowner]

Hi All~

I am new to this forum and have been lurking for a few weeks now. I have really enjoyed the shared info, comments, and humor here!

After riding on my new bike for 30 miles, I decided I need a new saddle!

I have read some positive reviews about the Koobi saddles for men. They make a WSD Model I am interested in. It's called the Pursuit.

Is anyone using this saddle and liking it?

It's only 9.5 inches long and I think I may benefit from the shorter nose on it. Most of the pain was in the umm, front area. I think I may need to make some adjustments though with my bike as I also had some hand numbness too.

The seat sits horizontal, no tilt. Would spacers help to raise the handlebars?

All suggestions welcome and appreciated. I have much to learn!

TIA!
Lisa

[yogabear]

Hi,

I was just reading your post and no, I haven't ridden on the saddle you discuss, but I noticed I had problems similar to the ones you describe. I was wondering if you ever thought about the width of the nose on the saddle? I have found a narrower width of the nose has helped me and alleviated a lot of the front soft-tissue discomfort I have had (I have had luck with the men's Flite and men's pro-link saddles by Selle Italia, but that's what has worked for me personally.).

You might not need a WSD saddle. It took me almost 7 years to realize that. Everyone has different widths obviously of their pelvises, but you can take two people with the same width of pelvis and the spacing of their sit bones (ischial tuberosities) can be different. This is one of the many factors that determines which type of saddle you like. I also discovered that for me personally, I couldn't stand the saddles that are too cushy or soft...it seemed counterintutive at the time, but now, I wouldn't go back to a mushy saddle for anything.

Also, it takes some time to break in your bike's saddle, so you could possibly like it more with more riding and some minor adjustments on your bike fit. You might want to schedule a bike fit with a reputable person and they can let you try different saddles, stems, handlebars, etc. while checking your alignment and fit. Just remember that saddles feel differently on the trainer than they do while riding. Also, if you know of any guys and gals with different saddles, you might want to borrow them and just get a general feel for what you like on a test ride. (I stole my husband's, for instance).

I have noticed that having my saddle level has helped as well. One thing I discovered is that having my handlebars up higher did help alleviate both my hand and wrist pain as well as many of my saddle issues. When I got my new road bike, I made sure they didn't cut the steerer tube so I could have more heighth in my handle bars. (I am not sure if they can do this with mtn. bikes?) But, you can get a stem with a bit of a rise as well. You might be able to play with the stem length as well, as well as the fore/aft position of the saddle.

Also, if you have a shorter torso and longer legs, the top tube length might be an issue. Once I switched to a shorter top tube road bike, I was able to quit playing that game of alternating my weight (either my wrists/hands would hurt or my front soft-tissue...which was very frustrating).

Also, the width of your handlebars can affect the comfort of your hands and even your saddle comfort. With a mountain bike, you might want to experiment with different grips or maybe bring your brakes in closer, for instance as a couple of things that can help with hand comfort.

Just be sure to make your bike fit changes gradually. Bike fit is so dynamic and things definitely can change. I always make even my equipment changes in small increments. So, say, I get a new saddle, I only ride it for a half hour at a time, so I can get used to it. Or, if I move my saddle more forward or back, I only move it in mm's, not inches, so that it doesn't cause any problems with the rest of my body. Just making one little change can affect the whole body (you are probably aware though of this).

Sorry this was long. Hope that you can get your saddle issues figured out so you can have many happy miles



Sincerely,

Lisa

[mydogsowner]

Lisa~

You have given me lot's of info and places to modify for a better fit! I really appreciate that.

So far, I have tried triathlon bars and gloves, which have seemed to help a bit. I'm going to look into some of the other areas you mention though and make a few tiny adjustments, as you suggested.

I just know if I was completely comfortable, I could ride much longer!

Thanks Again!
Lisa

[yogabear]

Hi Lisa,

Glad to help. I am sure there's more things that I am overlooking, so you might want to go get an expert opinion at your LBS just to be sure. Glad to hear you are starting to get more comfy though! Yay!

Happy Ridin',

Lisa

[fasteryet]

Lisa,
Did you ever try the Koobi saddle? I have been thinking about them for some time now, but wanted to get a first-hand accout. I have a Terry Butterfly, which is great on the 'sitbones', but not so good in the front.

[spazzdog]

Here's what's on my bike... actually is was on my old Trek 1000 and I just moved it to my new Allez Comp.

Yes, when you first ride it, the discomfort switches to the outside of the pubic area (about where your legs screw into your body), but that goes away after about 4 rides. Then all is well down there .




spazzdog with a waggin' tail

[fasteryet]

looks like a 'must-try'. Just need a few more dollars, first

[spazzdog]

Hey Faster...

They've changed the name from "Splitfit" to the "SI Classic Gel"

Here's a link:

http://www.koobi.com/koobi/showdetl.cfm?&DID=6&Product_ID=15&CATID=3

They only sell online.
And it's only (I know, a relative term) $64.95 !! That's the same price I paid in 2000.

[fasteryet]

that's really not much money, is it, considering how much one can spend on less important things. However, being one of the world's great procrastinators, it may still take me a week or two to order it. I'll keep you posted...

[spazzdog]

I just noticed, that photo of my saddle is dern near actual size!

I guess you could measure the nose and compare.... just kidding.

I should have gotten my well dressed body out of the way on that shot.. nice colors though

[Trek420]

spazzdog wrote:
I should have gotten my well dressed body out of the way on that shot.. nice colors though

I'm standing on my head can't quite figure out the pattern on the tights ;-)

[spazzdog]

Those aren't tights silly wabbit!

Thats island patterned surfer shorts topped by a jade t-shirt...

spazzdog (always on the cutting edge of new england fashion)

[Trek420]

spazzdog wrote "Those aren't tights silly wabbit!

Thats island patterned surfer shorts topped by a jade t-shirt..."

oooooh, way to accessorize! ;-)

[fasteryet]

Hey S-dog, I finally ordered the Koobi today!!!!
I'll let you know how it is in a couple of weeks.

[spazzdog]

Great! I hope you like it. Did you get the SI ($69.00)?

Just a little heads-up... it may be uncomfortable the first week but not on the old "girly bits". It may cause some tenderness in the nether region where the leg attaches to the hip... you know, those pencel-like feeling tendons tweenst your legs. After you get used to that, it's clear sailing.

I will never ride a different saddle. When/if I get to racing well and I need to shed a few ounces, I won't wear socks... but I will not give up my Koobi.