Cycling design innovator John Cobb (left) is president and CEO of Cobb Cycling, which is based in Tyler. (Courtesy Photo)

King Arthur was the legendary British leader of the late fifth century, reigning over the incomparable Knights of the Round Table.

The renowned King Tut was an 18th dynasty Egyptian pharaoh who inherited the throne as a mere child, amassing a mind-boggling treasury that has captivated the world.

King Cobb is a 63 year-old Shreveport, La., native responsible for the conversion of world-class athletes into the final metamorphoses of world-class champions.

John Cobb, president and CEO of Cobb Cycling, has now fathered a kingdom in the piney-laced terrain of Tyler. Though renowned internationally as the “aerodynamics guru,” his claim to fame far exceeds his designation as the world’s premier authority of expert bike fitting.

Before designing aerobars, helmets, and “wind-tricking” bikes for the Tour de France splendor of an American hero by the name of Lance Armstrong, Cobb had already established himself as a global powerhouse and producer of world champions.

He has, now, substantiated his reputation as one of the most prolific formulators of where the booty meets the bike.

“The reason I chose to design bike seats is simple,” said the virtuoso. “Ground zero is where your butt hits the bike.”

Because of so many keester conventions in the wake of Cobb’s wizardry, even Olympian cheeks have found his chair.

Dotsie Bausch, a seven-time USA Cycling National Champion, two-time Pan American Champion and 2011 UCI World Track Championships silver medalist, graced the finish line atop Cobb’s V-Flow for women, en route to a silver medal in this year’s Olympic games. Canadian triathlete, Simon Whitfield, a 12-time World Cup Champion and two-time Olympic triathlon medalist with a gold in 2000 and silver in 2008, represented Canada as their flag bearer in this year’s Olympics. He, too, mounted the saddle of Cobb’s Max Plus in the 2012 Olympic Games before finishing fourth in his final Olympic stand.

“These are world-class athletes on the world’s biggest athletic stage,” said the seat-geek scholar. “I’m proud they have chosen my saddle to represent their respective countries.”

Design according

to anatomy

Some 20 years ago, ABC News’ 20/20 presented a controversial report on the effects of bicycling and its relation to impotency in men. Of course, the chronicle was directly associated to the design of the seat, in accordance with its relation to the male prostate.

With good cause, the commentary wreaked disquietude and sweaty fear within the worldwide community of blacktop blazers. That very apprehension has birthed not only unwavering revelations of seat schematics on behalf of the Guru, but the furtherance of education in the initial “bike-to-buns” fitting process.

“On a bike, there are a couple of things that cause problems,” said the chief proponent. “It’s not the seats, but the way the seat is set up. The bike should not be set up in a way that causes the rider to pedal with the leg fully extended.

“This causes pressure in the prostate area. For men, chafing on the inside of the leg, back pain and numbness in the prostate area are the results of incorrect positioning on a bicycle. Cobb saddles have V-Flow technology. They allow airflow to the prostate area, keeping the area cool, and when fitted correctly, the ride is comfortable with no side effects of numbness or pain.”

While numbness and impotence can be the cold, nightmarish shame of any asphalt assailant, the bike-saddle scientist discerns that faulty bike-fitting positioning encompasses the realm of female concrete cruisers as well. Equally consequential, the saddle itself should be fitted according to the anatomy of the woman.

Cobb’s research has unveiled a mind-bending revelation for women riders worldwide. With good taste and analytical approach, the good doctor, who compares himself to Hugh Laurie’s character House on Fox because of his method of asking questions and finally solving the equation, unearthed the electrifying discovery that improved comfort for women riders.

Bicycle enthusiast Chely Felician of Henderson, who puts in an average of 65-75 miles weekly on the two-wheeled asphalt eater now uses the Guru’s design.

“Sometimes when I would ride, depending on the distance, I would have tiny cuts on the inside of my private area,” she said. “Sometimes I would bleed. I was really sore and in pain. Everything is good on my rides now. I’m not ashamed to say these things. Women need to know. Bike riding should be enjoyable, not miserable.”

King Cobb’s holding a clinic

The Guru himself will conduct a free triathlon clinic to be held at the comfy confines of Lake Tyler West on Saturday at 8:30 a.m., in preparation for the Annual Rose City Triathlon to be held on September 15.

Cobb, no stranger to the gut-check gruel of the three-phase man-sapper, has seized over 100 courses in the dog fight, divide and conquer, “That’s all you got?” arena of triathlon.

A cold, hard cash bonus of $250 will be awarded to the winners of their perspective age group and gender if they can summon the evasive performance needed to break the course record.

The World Champ Producer shares insight: “It’s a rare day when everything works perfectly. It can happen; it’s just rare when it comes along.”

Because the Rose City event is hosted by East Texas Triathletes and sanctioned by USA Triathlon, newcomers will need to purchase a one-day or a year-long membership ticket ranging from $10-45, thus covering all liability issues. An annual membership also covers all other USAT events for participants deciding to engage in other competitions for the remainder of the year.

For the dauntless darers with flowery aspirations of podium grandeur, an additional ticket can be purchased for the 650-meter swim, 14.1-mile bike ride and 3-mile run of the Rose City man-separator. Of course, as a participant of King Cobb’s clinic, don’t expect the “It’s okay, you’re still mama’s baby” cuddle and hug speech from a trainer of the most finely conditioned athletes on earth.

“I’m like Herman Edwards,” Cobb said. “My attitude is: ‘You play to win the game!’ In my training sessions with professionals, things are usually intense. An off-the-couch person would not survive one day of my training. But don’t worry, my clinic won’t be as intense.”

The clinic is designed to teach the first-time fanciers the science of a crisp transition from each leg of the triathlon.

Says King Cobb: “A smooth transition is important. There is a lot of suffering involved. Only a few are willing to go to that level of suffering. Lance is willing to go to that level of suffering. Only a few people in the world do.”

Tyler native Seth Cooke is currently honing his triathlon moxie under the tutelage of the vigilant eye of the Guru.

“I think it’s an honor to work with him,” said the appreciated apprentice. “He’s a wealth of information. To be coached by him is an honor. Not very many people get that knowledge bestowed upon them.”

East Texas ideal for professional and leisure riders

East Texas is a gold mine for college scouts in the quest for the next Earl Campbell or Adrian Peterson. The eastern part of the Lone Star State has now ventured into the race-rich soils of Europe, Canada and countries all over the globe. And while other bike-vogue cities have claimed their stake as international hot-spots for carbon cruisers, Cobb has kicked in the doors of the far-fetched fallacies.

“I have been all over the world,” the king said. “I’ve been to the Portland, Oregons, and the Denver, Colorados. We have way better roads in East Texas.

“A lot of people think they can get faster if they go to the high altitudes, but I bring my pros here and they love it!”

Cobb says that it’s not just the quality of the roads but the southern hospitality displayed by the overall masses.

The king lives

John Cobb has traveled the world over, dividing time between friends and loved ones. After spending more than half his life in the topsy-turvy world of cycling, there have been only a few constants.

He said of his wife of 37 years, Ginger: “She has put up with me in a lot of ways. She taught school for 31 years. She’s been tolerant of everything.”

The ever-revolving brain of a scientist surely rotates constantly. Professor Cobb takes a philosophical approach.

“You only got so many days to think good, but you can only think good on so many days,” he said.

Life brings defeats and life brings conquests. Like all humans, John Cobb is a man well-acquainted with the potholes and smooth surfaces of life’s weaving roads. There remains only one contrast between King Cobb and the rest — he can travel his roads on the comfort of his very own seat.