I demo'ed both the PN 1.1 and the JOF 55 before buying the Cobb. I liked both more than the Sitero that came with the bike, but after 3 hours on the bike the Cobb about disappeared while I still felt like I was straddling a 2x4 with the ISM.

With any of these, you're going to potentially move the saddle back significantly (2" or so) and down.


The Fifty-Five is firm, but really works well - spend some time getting the angle right (start with the nose level, don't level it across the high points).

The PN1.1 works well for the right person. Start with the rails level, which will be slightly nose down.

I have yet to find anybody who likes the PN2.1. Maybe it's my approach to it, but I haven't nailed it for anybody yet.

Another one worth considering is the PR 2.0. I have more success with that compared to the PN 1.1. Start with the rails level, which is down about 6 degrees across the top.

If you're open to other options, take a look at the Cobb Randee.

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Travis Rassat
Vector Cycle Works
Noblesville, IN
BikeFit Instructor | FMS | F.I.S.T. | IBFI
Toughman Triathlon Series Ambassador

i tried about 18 different saddles, including the JOF and most of the ISM's. Turns out I'm very sensitive to nose width with a preference for narrow. I ended up going with a Bontrager Speed Dial which I could just adjust on the fly while on the trainer until I was happy. Now I'm happy.

Ive demoed the JOF 55 and the PN 1.1. I would be happy with either of them.


When I had to replace the stock saddle on my bike due to numbness my fitter had me try the JOF 55 first. It also is the saddle he used when I went in for a pre purchase fitting. I liked it alot.

The second saddle I tried was the ISM PN1.1. At frist my complaint was that the front was too wide and my thighs kept rubbing. Using zip ties we were able to make the front of the saddle narrower and it felt a little better to me than the JOF 55. I ended up going with the PN1.1 and bought a hose clamp to adjust the front width to my liking.

I can't speak to the ISM, but have happily ridden the JOF 55 for several seasons. I recently put a Cobb Randee on a new tri bike and like it even better than the 55. It's a little narrower in front and the level of padding works a little better for me. You might want to add it to your list.

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-- Scott

Isn't 2.1 same as 1.1 just that it has a transition hook?

The padding and shape are different. I haven't taken the time to measure the 2.1 yet.

I hope I didn't come off as saying "avoid the 2.1". I just haven't yet had as much success with it as the others. My apologies if I was unclear.

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Travis Rassat
Vector Cycle Works
Noblesville, IN
BikeFit Instructor | FMS | F.I.S.T. | IBFI
Toughman Triathlon Series Ambassador

It looks pretty similar. Padding is similar according to ISM website(40). Reason I asked is because I was using Attack(PN1.0) and just ordered a pn2.1 because it has more padding and a transition hook.

Good catch on the padding level being the same - sorry, I totally "misremembered" that. I'll do some measuring tonight when I get back to the studio and report back on the differences.

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Travis Rassat
Vector Cycle Works
Noblesville, IN
BikeFit Instructor | FMS | F.I.S.T. | IBFI
Toughman Triathlon Series Ambassador

I did some comparing of the PN2.1 to the PN1.1 (although my PN1.1 is out, so I am substituting the Attack/PN1.0 here, which I am confident is identical from a measurement perspective).

As you can see in the picture, the shape is certainly different. Doing some measuring, the nose width of the PN2.1 is about 5mm narrower (the way I measure is by placing a flat board on either side of the saddle to take into account the radius of the corners, etc.).

The length of the sides from the nose to the widest point is considerably different. The PN2.1 is 200mm, while the PN1.1/Attack is 175mm. The widest point of the PN2.1 is wider - 120mm compared to 110mm.


Edit: For some stupid reason, I can't get the attachment to show...

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Travis Rassat
Vector Cycle Works
Noblesville, IN
BikeFit Instructor | FMS | F.I.S.T. | IBFI
Toughman Triathlon Series Ambassador

I second the Randee. I just recently switched from ISM because 60 miles was shout my limit on the 2.1 I tried the Randee and bought one for road bike and Tri bike.

http://ep.yimg.com/...athlon-saddle-86.jpg

Got it from tri sports. Seems like measurement is pretty similar. The rear of the saddle doesn't matter much since it's not meant to be sat on.

I'm full-on into a search for a new saddle and trying to decide what to do. Since I'm new to the tri-sport arena (base training for a year, first long long course race next spring), I've been riding my road bike for all training rides and added clip on aerobars in late May to alleviate some pressure on my wrist (long story, but only have about 30 degrees of right wrist flexibility) . Since then, I've had trouble with "soft tissue" discomfort. I eventually found hanging off the front end of my stock saddle keeps the "soft tissue" from hurting when down in the bars.

I've seriously considered both the COBB JOF, COBB Randee (isn't it a women's addle though?), ISM, and others. Unfortunately no local shops have a ride and try program, so I'll be going through TriSports or the like. Which do you smart folks think I should start with? Provided training continues to go well I'll be getting a tri-bike and imagine that my seat will come with me.

Thanks!

You can buy the Cobbs direct and they offer a 90 day return policy. The Randee is a randoneering saddle and seems to work for a lot of triathletes. The saddles you list plus several other Cobb models may work for you. If you're up for a phone call they go out of their way to review your setup, your physical build and discomfort issues then recommend saddle options.

Since you are on a road bike and already have clipons, take a look at the Redhift Sports shiftable seatpost for getting into aero position on a road bike. They also offer quick removing clipon bars, but you already have these so if your bike has a standard round seatpost you could just add this new one. It moves your saddle forward and up without tools.

I have been using the 2.1 for a few rides and they have been comfortable. I could proudly say I found my nirvana.

PM sent

Id go with the ISM over the Cobb.

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Robert Driskell
Certified Master Body Geometry fit Technician
Certified Master Retul Fit Technician
Zipp Service Course Specialist
Bikes Plus Pensacola Florida

I'll second SummitAK. The Randee is a unisex saddle in which the nose is slightly narrower and the padding is a little more forgiving than the JOF55.

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-- Scott

Old thread but was curious if you changed saddles and if so which one?

I've been using a V-Flow Plus for a number of years. I asked the shop to let me try a Cobb 55 test saddle on a new Felt IA16 but I am not sure if I will get an opportunity to get in too many long distance rides before turning it back into the shop. Of all things on the new bike the saddle concerns me the most and not knowing if I would tolerate JOF for 5 hours. The V-Flow has been a decent saddle for long course and was fitted to sit back on the saddle and never on the nose.

Also noting the suggestions for the Randee.

I switched to the Cobb JOF 55 and love it. No pain or discomfort for my Ironman training this year. Give it a try.

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Make Inside Out Sports your next online tri shop! http://www.insideoutsports.com/

Thanks for the fast response and feedback. I hope to give the 55 a good trial.

The 55 is a great saddle. You might give the newish ISM PN 3.0 a whirl. I've had great feedback with that.

That one caught my attention. I will look around my area to see if any shops have ISM. My fitter and the shop where I bought the bike only stock Cobb. Thanks