JOF, the Female enlightened 55 review!

Behold!

The newest Cobb Cycles saddle arrived promptly in time to begin a heavy bike volume focus. The JOF, or Just off the front, has a 55mm width saddle tip and replicates the look of the adamo except that the front prongs are "molded" together (see pic).

What I mean by "molded"

I want all readers to know that being a (very) small petite female rider (120lbs and 5'2"), I knew that this saddle may be too big for me. BUT every saddle fits everyone differently and you never know what you may get your tush on.

I am going to give my best description of the newest saddle to join the triathlon world, but first let me describe to you my cycling with cobb saddles in the past.
1) I started with the Vflow plus. {Front: 38mm,Back: 130mm, and Height: 55}
Relieved to find something that was comfortable after coming off the stock Fizik Arione saddle, I thought this saddle was Christmas to the female body. However, One year later I found my runs off the bike to be a little subpar so I looked into it. The thickness of the saddle was actually cutting into how open my hip was in TT position. STILL, a great saddle, but it was "on to the next one"...
2) Next came the SHC 170. {Front: 35, Back: 130, Height: 50}
The smaller front end by 3mm seemed to do just the trick to open up the hips. Since the height of the saddle wasnt as thick as the Vflow plus I was also able to bring my saddle up. I really liked this saddle, and still do. However, I am still getting a few hot spot rubs, and of course I am always looking to see what may be even better for me.
3) Finally, the JOF is the latest Cobb saddle on my bike. {Front: 55mm!!, Back: 135 @widest point and Height: 55). What do you think I Thought?

SHC view on top of the 55

As you see by these width numbers, my initial thoughts were that this saddle was going to be a little wide (going from a 35 front width to a 55). I set the seat up in the same position I had my SHC and lowered the saddle 5mm to accommodate for the height differences.

First thoughts:
Hm, not too bad.(Talking to myself)
(Lets see about TT position). Hm, Not too bad.
Things of importance check list:
Check- Its not really rubbing like I thought it would.
Check- Its not hitting my hot spots.
Check- Its stabilizing my hips.
Check -I am not falling (off the saddle).
Bonus: Its pink :)

I sat in aero. I sat sitting straight up. I even sat with my ipad in my hands. I was pretty dang comfortable.

So, now I have put a good 200+ miles into the saddle and I am fairly certain that the saddle is pretty awesome. I did a few recovery rides, a few brutal interval sessions and even some strength sessions. 200 miles in a few days can (and will usually) "tear me up". I left the last 5 days with NO saddles sores. I repeat, NO SADDLE SORES Ladies (and gents!). One of the things I really liked about the saddle is that I felt it held my hips steady. I wasnt rocking and swaying like usual, and I felt sturdy in place. I could go to my legs and glutes for power, rather than wasting energy by trying to keep myself aboard. Most importantly, I was comfortable. Yes, this saddle is wider than my last saddle, and I am still getting comfortable to the "width" factor. But, its not causing me any problems, and its pretty dang awesome ( I havent even put my old saddle back on yet)!

Lets not forget that everyone is different and this saddle may not be for you, but I can say its definitely worth a try. Did I mention that Cobb Cycles has great customer service and if you dont like it, You can send it back! Well, What are you waiting for?  Have you ordered your new JOF yet?

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Disclaimer: *I am still not 100% completely sure the saddle is for me, but I want to be forward with the public that I am not just writing this blog as a plug that the saddle is off the charts. I luckily, REALLY like the saddle, and  highly suggest it. Of course if you read this review and think it may not be for you either, talk to the guys over at Cobb and I am sure they can find you a saddle that DOES work for you.