Fizik Gobi XM K:ium saddle review

We can’t help but wonder when the Gobi is going to bettered as our top choice for all-round mountain biking, as it’s heading our list for the third year in a row. 

That’s probably because it manages to combine qualities that should be mutually exclusive – a wide supportive platform with excellent manoeuvrability, for example.

It’s comfortable all along its generous length yet doesn’t interfere with fast spinning action and, while the upswept rear provides support for long seated climbs, the cushy nose allows you to finetune your position for steeper sections and also gives good control on long descents.

Much of this comes courtesy of the flex technology, with wings that allow for unhindered pedalling whatever your position, and tail flex that not only absorbs shock but allows for easy on/off moves too. With titanium rails sucking up vibration, this is one comfy perch.

The cosseting hammocky quality might deter riders who want to put in some fast, furious cross-country race times, but we reckon that if you’re comfortable you ride faster anyway. 

This article was originally published in Mountain Biking UK magazine.