Sprung Brooks for a Tourer?

[Kins]

Just getting the final few pieces before I start rebuilding my Dawes Horizon and want to get a brooks saddle for it.

I was thinking of a B17 but with a bad back I wondered whether a sprung saddle would allow me to do more miles?

The Flyer is a B17 with springs it looks like.

Any thoughts?

 

[the snail]

I find the B17 comfy for 100 miles+, the leather is fairly springy by itself. Haven't tried a sprung saddle though.
Some thoughts here:
http://lovelybike.blogspot.co.uk/2009/10/brooks-saddles-demystifying-system.html

 

[Aushiker]

I have a Flyer (B67) on my Surly Long Haul Trucker and I fitted specifically for my Chasing the Dirt tour but in hindsight I really think a B17 would have been just as adequate.

Andrew

 

[22camels]

I'm very happy with my Flyer Imperial (sprung B17 with cut-out) which I think was only introduced to their range last year. My first Brooks so I can't compare though I suspect tires make more of a difference to ride comfort than the saddle springs.

 

[MontyVeda]

the springs are very solid, but they do look nice even if they don't offer a massive amount of extra comfort over a standard Brooks.

 

[raleighnut]

My next Brooks will be a Flyer but that will be on an old Raleigh 3spd (SA) "sit up and beg" which is my ongoing project.
My favourite is my B17n but I've got a bony bum (narrow sit bones) so my B17s is a touch wide for me ( but its Green so looks unusual )
P.S. that will take me to 6 Brooks in total.

 

[Kins]

Cheers guys, very helpful.

I will probably get a Flyer, though the B17 comes in Blue.......

 

[HelenD123]

Wouldn't something like a Thudbuster be more of a help than a sprung saddle?

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Wouldn't something like a Thudbuster be more of a help than a sprung saddle?

Pricy but. I actually sat on one yesterday on my brother's bike (he's taking it trekking in N India and Nepal) but only rode it on roads and found it bouncy and the slight backwards and down feeling wasn't too weird. But the cheapest price I saw online was around £92.

 

[Kins]

Wouldn't something like a Thudbuster be more of a help than a sprung saddle?

Actually, its wierd. My back hurts more when I walk ( a lot more!) than when I ride a bike. Its the impacts that hurt, so placing feet and having all the weight on them. So riding, because my weights on my ass, doesn't hurt as much. The discomfort comes from stiffness rather than the riding. Stretching stops help. But where pain does come is potholes etc.

Hopefully it will improve in the coming months and the saddle will just be a help rather than a remedy if you know what I mean.

 

[David Higson]

I'm thinking of a Brooks saddle for my Dawes Diploma refurb, they are reported to be comfortable to ride after a few miles of "breaking in". The thing that helped my back was the switch to "North Road" style handlebars which gave me a more upright sitting position. You get them on the old roadster bicycles and you see them on the vast majority of bikes across the world. Only in the "civilised" parts of the world do we put ourselves through pain for that extra couple of mph. Touring is a different prospect to racing. You're in the saddle for longer periods so you need every bit of comfort you can muster.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Flyer does make a noticeable difference on a bike with a rigid frame/seatpost ime. But then the creaking / squeaking that can develop over time can get a bit wearing on tour.

 

[wintergreen]

Flyer does make a noticeable difference on a bike with a rigid frame/seatpost ime. But then the creaking / squeaking that can develop over time can get a bit wearing on tour.

I have a b67 but find the creaking/squeaking quite satisfying. It reminds me how uncomfortable I would have been on rough surfaces without those big springs

 

[steveindenmark]

When it comes to finding a comfy saddle, price does not come into it.

I bought a womans Brooks Imperial by mistake off e Bay in Germany. It was brand new and cost £8. It is the most comfortable saddle I have ever owned.

Steve

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I have a b67 but find the creaking/squeaking quite satisfying. It reminds me how uncomfortable I would have been on rough surfaces without those big springs

I'm afraid I prefer my bikes rigged for silent running...