Lets talk saddles and tires

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2010-03-18 10:02 AM

Subject: Lets talk saddles and tires

Good Morning all

 

Lets talk saddles and tires for a moment!  This Saturday is a trip to the bike shop for me, it’s time for some birthday presents to myself.  I was thinking about a Garmin 310xt, but really I need a new saddle and some tires.

I was considering the Cobb V Flow plus.  This was based on reading threads here and comments from those close to my weight and height.  I also sent an e-mail to Cobb and was answered with this model.  However, what am I really looking for?  I see a lot of people ride Frizak and Specialized.  I understand that saddles are a personal choice, but what are the advantages of one over the other.

Tires, I have about 1500 miles on this set.  After a winter of the rear meeting the trainer, it has a flat spot down the middle.  I would hate to blow out a tire 30 miles from home, I figure it’s time.  The bike came with Bontrager Select 700x25 tires on Bontrager Select rims.  The normal ride conditions for me are county roads that are rough to rougher, with a patch very now and then.

I have looked at ads but really don’t have a clue what I should get.  So suggestions are welcomed.  I am assuming I should change both the front and rear and keep the front to put back on the rear next winter for the trainer life.

Oh and if it makes a difference I am not a 150lbs cyclist, more like 210 and dropping

uhm or I could say screw it and go for the Garmin, that way I would know what my heart rate and position is when my nuts go numb and my tire blows  Cool

Joe

2010-03-18 10:56 AM
in reply to: #2733308

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Lets talk saddles and tires
i have the cobb v-flow max and love it.
as for tires i always liked the conti gp4000's great all around clinchers. 
2010-03-18 11:07 AM
in reply to: #2733308

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Subject: RE: Lets talk saddles and tires

I just got a new Tri bike and immediately swapped out the saddle it came with (a Selle San Marco Zoncolan Tri) for a V-Flow Plus.  I had a Zoncolan Power on my first road bike and would get numb in my nethers.   On my newer road bike I got Sell Italia SLR Flow which has very little padding but has a slot.  When deciding on the saddle for my Tri Bike, I called Cobb Cycling and actually spoke to John Cobb.  I explained my experience with saddle, told him my height/weight, and aswered a few other questions he had and he suggested the V-Flow Plus.  So far I'm very happy with it.  The best part is that they offer a 6 month return policy. 

As far as tires, I run Conti GP4000s on my road bike and really like them.  The roll well and have been very durable.  On my Tri bike I ride tubies.



Edited by SHBike 2010-03-18 11:09 AM
2010-03-18 2:14 PM
in reply to: #2733308

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Ft Campbell, Kentucky
Subject: RE: Lets talk saddles and tires
I just got a Cobb V Flow plus and love it

It is a bit taller than my last seat, but I can already tell a difference!!!!

Great service from them too, answered all my questions.........from Ginger and John Cobb themselves!!!!
2010-03-18 2:21 PM
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Boise, ID
Subject: RE: Lets talk saddles and tires

To those responding positively to the Cobb seats... What is the advantage? Just comfort, or are you able to achieve a better aero position in a Cobb seat?

I am perfectly comfortable in my current San Marco Trilon, but I'm not sure I am in the most "hips rolled out" aero position. Does the Cobb seat help with this?
2010-03-18 2:28 PM
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Master
2010
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Falls Church, VA
Subject: RE: Lets talk saddles and tires

- cobb V flow plus

- Michelin pro 3 race tire

2010-03-18 3:53 PM
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Subject: RE: Lets talk saddles and tires
i say with me its just comfort. if your seat is comfortable i would stick with it.
2010-03-18 4:16 PM
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Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Lets talk saddles and tires
I'm looking for a replacement saddle; my current one is 130mm, which I think is too narrow for my sit bones. If anybody has a lightly used road saddle (medium width, around 140-145mm), please contact me.

As for the OP - I don't have a ton of experience w/ a lot of brands, but I've been happy with Vredestein Fortezza tires. At your weight, I recommend 25mm.
2010-03-18 5:29 PM
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Master
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Riverside, IL
Subject: RE: Lets talk saddles and tires
I can't comment on the saddle, as I'm still searching for my "perfect" saddle at the moment...and I am one of the few people that HATED the Cobb V-Flow Plus saddle (it was way too narrow for my sit bones and did not support me well).   I will say, that most Specialized saddles come in 3 widths (130mm, 143mm, & 155mm) so you can generally find something that will fit pretty well.   Most Specialized dealers will have a sit bone measuring device to determine which saddle width is most appropriate for you. 

As for tires...I LOVE my Vittoria Diamante Pro's...but they're not cheap.  However, a less expensive option and IMO, just as decent a tire...would be the Vittoria Rubino Pro.  I had a set of these that came stock on my bike, and they lasted an entire season for me (5000 miles)...that's pretty darn good in my book. 
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