Koobi Tri

Price Paid:  $99.00 at on-line fro Koobi

Favorite Ride:
squaw pass

Bike Setup:
Moots VaMoots, Record, Zipp 303's, Profile aer bars.

Summary:
While I understand that saddle fit and comfort is very individual, I do not understand the incredibly low marks a few reviewers gave this saddle. I am a 6'3", 215lb. clydesdale triathlete who has never had any serious crotch discomfort or dysfunction riding in a standard road position. However, I have had lots of trouble getting my crotch comfortable in the aero position- I went through four fittings and several top of the line saddles (Terry Fly, Selle Italia SLR, etc.) and could never eliminate the overwhelming crotch pain (and relatred malfunctions) resulting from the aero position. It was so bad that I considered giving up on that position altogether and just racing in a standard road position. Fortunately, before giving up, I tried the Koobi (the 30 day return policy helped) and my problem has been solved. The combination of the split fit and the extra padding in the nose make for for a pain free ride. I just finished a half ironman on it and the plumbing is still in working order (the last time I did that distance on my Terry, I was in agony for three weeks and needless to say my wife was a little bummed).

Strengths:
Comfort on relatively long time trials.

30 day return policy.

Weaknesses:
None.

Similar Products Used:
See comments.

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Cycle Surgery, Londo

Bike Setup:
Low TT / Tri bike, 76 deg seat angle.

Summary:
This is the most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden in a low-ish position on tri bars. It seems to have just the right amount of cushioning in just the right place. I've ridden approx 1000 miles with it on my race bike, mostly in races / hard training sessions, and I rarely notice it's there. In a sitting up position it feels quite unusual, as it seems to give support quite wide on the glutes with nothing in the middle, but this seems to encourage blood flow, and I found it quite comfortable.

I read the previous reviews and was very surprised how negative they were, especially comments on durability. The logo's worn off, but apart from that it still looks new.

I'm 1.88m and 73kg in race trim (6'2" 162lb for our US friends!), pretty lean guy, but quite wide hips (85cm (34") waist).

Raced many olympic / half IM on it. Planning to ride IM France on it this year, saddle comfort is the least of my worries!

Strengths:
Nice padding (perhaps a little deeper & softer than some).
Nice and light.

Weaknesses:
Not as pretty as the rest of the Koobi range - pretty dull grey colour.
Quality rarely comes cheap.

Similar Products Used:
Most of the Selle Italia range.

Price Paid:  $100.00 at Koobi.com

Favorite Ride:
Local Rolling Hills

Bike Setup:
Bridgestone NoeCot Medium 54cm with 7402 & 7700 Dura Ace components. Profile Carbon Stryke brackets with Carbon X extensions on Deda 215 drop bar.

Summary:
I replaced from Koobi Au (1st production from Koobi), and was very disappointed with Tri's fitting and padding. This saddle did not fit me any positions. I am a small rider (5'8", 137 lbs), by the way. Koobi claimed "Tri" is specific for triathlons or time trials, but it was so uncomfortable with or without aerobars. Old Koobi Au was much better products for me. Saddle preference is quite personal, but you could buy better products less than $100.

Strengths:
Materials
Weight

Weaknesses:
Fitting
Padding
No flexibility

Similar Products Used:
Koobi Au, Selle Italia Flite & Flite Gel, Selle San Marco Aspide (current)

Price Paid:  $100.00 at Koobi

Favorite Ride:
Next one

Bike Setup:
2002 Cervelo P3, Ultegra, Syntace Aerobars

Summary:
Upgraded to this saddle from the Koobi SI. Rode it for just a few days and went back to the SI. For a heavyweight rider,(200 lbs), this saddle does not provide enough "sitbone" area to be comfortable and it's narrower than the SI version.
I did not see where this saddle would provide additional comfort in the aeroposition beyond that that was exhibited by the SI. Both have decent nose drops that help relieve pressure in the aeroposition.
Based on what I've seen in the Koobi SI saddle this Tri version could be a good choice for lighter, smaller riders.
Be aware that the hollow titanium rails dictate that your seat post clamp provide a large sclamping area to distribute the seat load. Clamps that provide minimal contact to the rails are going to create problems (potential rail failure). The manufacturer provides good information regarding this limitation - make sure you read.

Strengths:
Full length split provides ample relief area.
Solid workmanship.
Responsive company.

Weaknesses:
Too narrow and insufficient padding for larger riders.
Limitations on seat post clamps due to titanium hollow rails.

Similar Products Used:
Koobi SI

Price Paid:  $100.00 at Koobi.com

Favorite Ride:
Today's

Bike Setup:
2001 Bianchi Giro, 105, Syntace aerobars

Summary:
Bought to replace the Bianchi saddle that came with my bike that left me sore after 50 miles and was not user friendly in the aero position. I thought that I would give this one a try since it had a 30 money back guarantee. I've only got 158 miles on it, including a 62 mile ride and very happy with the condition of my bottom side. I weigh 215 and am now comfortable in any position and am looking forward to trying some longer distances. I haven't noticed any problems with the material on the side like the previous reviewer but will keep you posted.

Strengths:
Comfort, weight

Weaknesses:
cost

Similar Products Used:
Bianchi Visount Bodyfit