Weaknesses: none so far, other than price, though it's a small price to pay for relieving the pressure of standard seats
Bottom Line:
I went with a Koobi seat after experiencing numbness in places where numbness is not advisable with all my previous seats. I read all the reviews, and I think either Koobi or Specialized cutaway seats are the way to go to alleviate that particular issue. But I was swayed by slightly better reviews for Koobi, so I set out to find one as cheaply as I could. After much looking, I think you pretty much have to buy Koobi seats straight from them, unless you can find the occasional one on Ebay for a little cheaper, as I did.
As for the Xenon in particular, it is definitely a firm seat, which I was a little skeptical about, but I have quickly gotten used to it. The main benefit of the seat is that it relieves pressure from sensitive areas and distributes it almost exclusively to your sitbone areas (my wife would roll her eyes and tell me that those are called ischial tuberosities). But anyways, it was a little uncomfortable at first to have so much pressure localized to those bones, but after one or two rides, I find it to be very comfortable, and certainly much better than the numbness I was previously experiencing.
The Xenon appears to be very well made, and it is very light (I'm not a weight freak, but I imagine it would be satisfactory to someone who is). My Xenon has survived its first fall with little more than some scuff marks, though I was pretty annoyed to mess up its cool appearance.
Overall, I would say that this seat, or any Koobi seat for that matter, would be a great seat to look at if you have issues of discomfort and numbness with a standard seat. I think that which Koobi seat you buy depends on the softness/firmness you desire, and, if you're like me, which one you can find for less than the full manufacturer's price.
Weaknesses: Something (the seams maybe?) on the recent Xenon is less comfortable. Either that, or the shape is somehow supporting my sit bones elss.
Much less beautiful than the previous multi-textured model.
Bottom Line:
This is a followup to a previous five-star review. My old Xenon saddle was stolen by the denizens of Mission St (damn them for discovering the allen key), so I decided to shell out for a replacement. Koobi's site only had them discounted as seconds at the time; I figured that shouldn't matter much and bought two. This may have been a mistake.
My replacement Xenons are noticeably less comfortable than the one that was stolen. It may be that it's just because these are seconds, but it actually seems that it was a change in the design of the saddle that has made them less comfortable for me.
The general feeling I get is that my sit bones are less happy with the new saddl than they were with the old one. It may be a structural difference in the saddle, or change in the seams. Where the previous Xenon had thick bands of raised stitching between the leather panels, these ones have narrow seams that jut out in quite a different way.
It's also worth pointing out that my old Xenon had beautiful leather with different textures on the different panels; these ones are just plain. Not sure if the change in leather has any ergonomic consequences.
Similar Products Used: Fizik Aliante. Selle Italia Flight. Numerous touring saddles, including a Koobi Enduro AU.
Bike Setup: Two bikes with Koobi Xenon saddles:
2005 Klein Q-Pro, 105, SPD, FSA energy compact cranks, Velomax Circuit wheels, Specialized Roubaix Pro tyres.
2005 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, various stuff.
Strengths: Extremely comfortable, despite the very thin padding. Light too, especially at the price I got mine for.
Weaknesses: I've heard tell of rails breaking, but only from mountain bikers, I think. Mine's still pristine.
Bottom Line:
I got mine from Cycle Surgery for half price when they stopped selling Koobi saddles. Having ridden the Dunwich Dynamo (120 miles or so, overnight) the year before on a Dahon Helios SL I wanted a decent saddle for the proper road bike I was building. I wasn't disappointed - my tender commuter's arse arrived in very good order.
Strengths: Main vain cut out for the boys, and it's like a great pair of leather shoes, stiff and soar at first but then it is nirvana for your cheeks. 240gr for a very comfortable seat
Weaknesses: Price if you pay retail
Bottom Line:
All I have to say to someone interested in the Xenon is give it a chance. Your first 2-3 rides it sucks! Hard as a rock. However after ride 3 it is un-real! So comfortable and I'm able to concentrate on my ride and not my a$$.
Bike Setup: 2006 Scott CR1 Limited team edition, fulcrum R1 wheels, campy record, time ASK hollow carbon cranks, hitchey carbon everything, and yea it rides nice.
Strengths: Split seat, no numbness, no more saddle sores. Stiff and able to handle pressure. The best seat I have ever ridden hands down.
Weaknesses: No real padding, tough with tri shorts.
Bottom Line:
I was having problems with saddle sores from my junk Bontrager seat and picked this one up on a whim. From the first sit it was perfect. I broke a seat rail and they fixed it for $20. I don't want to ride without it.
Is there any difference between Xenon & Mirage brifters, the Escape version. Ribble has both the Mirage are $20 more. As far as I can there doesn't seem to be any differences. Thou Read More »
Cross posted in the Campy forum.
Is there any difference between Xenon & Mirage brifters, the Escape version? Ribble has both the Mirage are $20 more. As far as I can there doe Read More »
