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I know there are regular "what saddle" posts on here and these things are always subjective but this is a bit more specific.
I've had 2 Gobi XMs which I've been generally happy with. I found they wear pretty quickly along the nose though and aren't the comfiest when you're stomping up a long climb sat on the front. They're also pretty bloomin' expensive new.
My last one has just about given up the ghost so I'm looking for a change. Anyone suggest anything "better"?
I'll swap an SDG bel Air for anything else if you fancy giving one of them a go? Its a steel railed one, so not pricey but some people swear by them. I've got two on the go, both uncomfy!
I have 2 SDG bel airs and they are the most comfy "general" riding saddles I have ever had Neil 🙂
there is nothing better than a gobi. search around i got a nice white and red one from CRC for £48 quid. thats not too bad is it?
I just wore out the Gobi XM on my Trance X, wore out exactly how you say... around the nose... put a £25 charge spoon on and if anything I reckon I prefer it. YMMV.
My Spesh Phenom SL (carbon and ti) is lasting very well. Super light too.
liking spoons atm
I know Spoons/Bel Airs are popular round here. Are they really that good?
spoon better for me as the gobi was a little narrow, plus cheap as chips...
I know Spoons/Bel Airs are popular round here. Are they really that good?
They're the only 2 saddles I know I could actually ride a bike on for more than 10 minutes without complaining! I own a couple of each over my 4 bikes, I've tried the Gobi and it felt like sitting on an axe blade to me!
The Bel Air is the more comfy of the two over a long distance, the Spoon is easier to move about on and slide off the back and it's less than half the price!
Would suggest that if you like the Gobi, try a Spoon (or a Knife). They're similarly firm, just slightly wider, and a whole lot cheaper. They're not the most durable, but the cheapness more than makes up for this. The Bel Air is vastly different, it's drastically softer and more forgiving, but it's much more comfortable to me over a long ride.
But then I may have a much wider arse than you, and you may find the Bel Air (or even the Spoon) uncomfortable if you like the Gobi!
There are some discounted Bel Airs at CRC at the mo
Gobi is too flat and weak - think they should rename the wingflex as wingsnap(tm).
Bel Air much better (IMHO)
mboy - Thanks for the info and comparison - spot on.
James - good call, might have to take the plung at that price.
Cheers guys
had sdg bel air (which is both ugly and uncomy), charge spoon (which was way better but uncomfy on long rides) now gobi xm kium and its stunning, no sign of wear comfy as hell on long rides and worth the money! looks the part too!
I've got the Gobi on one bike, and have indeed found it wearing very quickly on the nose - shall not be replacing with the same. Having had SDG's and Charge saddled over the years I've settled on Specialized BG saddles - and have the shorter Hange on the other bike. Very comfortable, and will replace the Gobi with another when the time comes.
After about 6 months my Gobi started to wear around the nose. 3 years on and its still holding together but I definitely wouldn't buy another one - its comfortable but stupidly expensive for something that doesn't last intact. I'll get another Belair Ti I reckon.
Thought about recovering the Gobi? Could be a way to keep a comfortable saddle going for a while longer?
I'm going to do the same on my winter road bike's Selle Italia Oktavia.
(I've tried a Bel Air - too bulky. I have a Spoon on my track bike - not right for riding in the drops)
+1 Gobi - arses for saddles one size dont fit all.