bikepacker
Guru
- Location
- South Worcestershire
After some thought I have just posted my Brooks saddles for sale on this forum.
A choice of saddle!
- Thread starter jhawk
- Start date
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e-rider
Banned member
- Location
- South West
getting the correct saddle is a difficult and often expensive task
a few things to note though, lighter people tend to have less trouble with saddles for obvious reasons
choose the saddle specifically for the bike it will go on, I say this because I've had saddles that were really comfy on the road bike, but then very uncomfortable once fitted to the tourer - this was because the riding position changed, and in a more upright position the saddle offered much less support.
Without trying each saddle for a decent period of time you will not know which is best. IME a 75 mile ride is what's needed. When I first tried a Specialized Romin I thought it was great, until I cycled 75 miles on it, it then went swiftly to ebay as I'd never experienced pain like it!!!
a few things to note though, lighter people tend to have less trouble with saddles for obvious reasons
choose the saddle specifically for the bike it will go on, I say this because I've had saddles that were really comfy on the road bike, but then very uncomfortable once fitted to the tourer - this was because the riding position changed, and in a more upright position the saddle offered much less support.
Without trying each saddle for a decent period of time you will not know which is best. IME a 75 mile ride is what's needed. When I first tried a Specialized Romin I thought it was great, until I cycled 75 miles on it, it then went swiftly to ebay as I'd never experienced pain like it!!!
OP
OP
jhawk
Veteran
- Location
- New Brunswick, Canada
I've put a query in for a price on a Brooks B17.
big_dummy2013
Regular
- Location
- Fayetteville,Arkansas
Brooks B17 all the way no other saddle will ever match it.They are the best you can get I think I have two of them.Worth the price I think.
Bodhbh
Guru
Is it possible to be agnostic on Brooks saddles? I had a B17 for about 5years, before it turned banana shaped and I had to drill holes in the bottom and tighten it up with shoelaces.
I found it was very comfortable as long as was doing alot of miles on it. If I switched to another saddle, then went back to the B17 after a few weeks, it gave me arse ache and also some knee issues. Regarding the knee issues, I think it's an ergonomic thing, as it's quite wide - feels like sitting on a dinner plate at first - and maybe it splays your legs out slightly. Just a guess. One tour I started without spending any time on the B17 beforehand, it took 2 weeks for the arse ache to stop - but it did and then it was a non factor.
I think your arse reshapes to the Brooks as much it does to yours. I liked mine, but couldn't be bothered with the faff of adjusting to different saddles, so just put Charge Spoons on everything.
I found it was very comfortable as long as was doing alot of miles on it. If I switched to another saddle, then went back to the B17 after a few weeks, it gave me arse ache and also some knee issues. Regarding the knee issues, I think it's an ergonomic thing, as it's quite wide - feels like sitting on a dinner plate at first - and maybe it splays your legs out slightly. Just a guess. One tour I started without spending any time on the B17 beforehand, it took 2 weeks for the arse ache to stop - but it did and then it was a non factor.
I think your arse reshapes to the Brooks as much it does to yours. I liked mine, but couldn't be bothered with the faff of adjusting to different saddles, so just put Charge Spoons on everything.
Gravity Aided
Legendary Member
- Location
- Land of Lincoln
http://www.selleanatomica.com/
Might look at these for an alternative, with proper sized rivets.
Might look at these for an alternative, with proper sized rivets.
bigjim
Legendary Member
- Location
- Manchester. UK
I think the B17 is good if your handlebars are level with the saddle. If I have the bars lower or ride on the drops I feel perenial pressure which is something I wish to avoid.
One of my most comfortable saddles is a Selle [Italian for Saddle] that came with my 1991 Raleigh Sprint.
I toured recently with a Charge Spoon and had no problems. Highly recommended.
One of my most comfortable saddles is a Selle [Italian for Saddle] that came with my 1991 Raleigh Sprint.
I toured recently with a Charge Spoon and had no problems. Highly recommended.
Yellow7
Über Member
- Location
- Milton Keynes
Sorry to break the trend! Brooks B67. The springs give suspension and so avoids need for a suspension seat-post, or repairing forks when they break (maybe of more concern on extended tours), an extremely comfortable saddle.
bigjim
Legendary Member
- Location
- Manchester. UK
Tried a B67 once. Felt like I was on a trampoline and didn't feel like all my energy was getting to the pedals.
oldfatfool
Guru
Brooks Aged flyer here, very comfy straight out the box.
I bought a B17 a couple of years ago and found it was excellent from the start. I rarely wear padded shorts anymore but do have seamless undershorts and I have no problems with comfort. My theory is that the well polished surface of the leather allows movement of the posterior without generating heat and causing discomfort, unlike the synthetic materials used in the majority of bicycle saddles. The point about measuring the sit bones is one to take on board before making your choice.
jonnysnorocket
Guru
My B17 made bits of me glow in the dark!! 
So after six months of torture I got rid. I too, have now put charge spoons on all my bikes , highly recommended
So after six months of torture I got rid. I too, have now put charge spoons on all my bikes , highly recommended
Does anyone have an opinion on the Selle Royal Viper saddle for long tours?
It came on the bike that I bought last month and the first impressions are that it´s pretty comfortable. It´s still very early days though and I'm debating whether or not to invest in an upgrade before I start a longish trip this summer...
It came on the bike that I bought last month and the first impressions are that it´s pretty comfortable. It´s still very early days though and I'm debating whether or not to invest in an upgrade before I start a longish trip this summer...
Kestevan
Last of the Summer Winos
- Location
- Holmfirth.
Brooks....... no bloody thanks. Not so much a saddle as a torture device.
Charge Spoons on all my bikes. Much more comfortable, much cheaper, and they don't dissolve when it rains.
Charge Spoons on all my bikes. Much more comfortable, much cheaper, and they don't dissolve when it rains.
toekneep
Senior Member
- Location
- Lancashire
Another B17 convert here. I had to build up the mileage gradually until it was broken in but now it's like an armchair. Wouldn't swap it for anything. I agree that the Swift/Swallow are harder to break in but they aren't really for touring anyway. Get a B17.
