sadjack said:
I have been looking at saddles. Comfort being close to my heart!
I notice that a lot of touring bikes that have been pictured on Cycle Chat seem to have Brooks saddles.
Are they that good? And which model? There are so many and the prices to go with them!!
Any recommends from you experienced tourers?
Yes, they
are that good. I've paid between thirty and thirty five pounds for mine though I've just acquired one s/h unused for £28 inc postage. There are alternatives to Brooks but having got on with the first one that I fitted, the conversion process for the rest of my cycle fleet didn't take too long.
Brooks B17 is the one to go for. I've fitted four out of five of my bikes with a B17. I've found them comfortable from day one. Other owners reckon on 1000 miles of break in.
Have a chat with spacycles
www.spacycles.co.uk who'll have sound advice based upon their extensive experience of serving the cycle touring community.
I've stuck with the Brooks' recommendation of leather treatment i.e. proofhide. Other owners have their own treatment regimes. I thought it best to stick with the authorised unguent.
One tip... I keep a carrier bag tucked into the rails of the seat when touring. I use it to cover the seat overnight to protect it from rain. The odd shower while the bike's parked outside a cafe doesn't seem to harm the seat.