Brooks Advice Sought

[ParisSue]

I am currently riding a B68S without any real issues--no discomfort. However, now that I am starting to break it in, I can see from my faint sitbone imprints that (1) I am riding way back just in front of the cantle as opposed to sitting in the middle of the "cheeks" and (2) I have narrow sitbones and a much narrower saddle--maybe as little as 160mm--would probably suffice.

I am riding a folder with 16" wheels in a pretty upright position. The saddle is as far back as I can get it and the seatpost is not the same diameter as a standard seatpost and therefore cannot be changed for one with more offset. Everything regarding the bike fit seems good. I am thinking of replacing the saddle with a non-S version to enable me to put it about 20-25 mm further back. Hence my questions:

(1) Would it be best for me to stick with a wide saddle since it's not causing me any problems even though I don't seem to need it for my sitbones? I am thinking that the B17 or even the Team Pro should be wide enough but even after looking at many photos online it's not clear to me if there are other appreciable differences concerning the shapes. I have never ridden any other Brooks and "trying" one here in Paris is not possible. Basically I'm tempted to go with one of the narrower saddles but wonder if I might be better off sticking with a shape that seems to be working for me.

(2) For those of you who are fairly light-weight and have ridden sprung saddles: I am also considering going for a sprung saddle since we still have a lot of rough cobblestones here and with the small wheels they are murder. However, my LBS thinks that, at 110 pounds, I am too small for the springs to add any value. I already have a titanium seatpost (a suspended one is not possible on this bike) which, according to people here who have the same bike and have ridden both, does help.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Sue

[oxysback]

I say if it ain't broke, don't fix it! :)

[Biciclista]

I agree. I went from a B67 to a B17 and I gave it months before I finally gave up and went back to the B67. if you are comfortable, why change it?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'd say stick with the B68- it's comfortable for you! Yes definitely get the non-"S" version- you will be able to slide it further back by about an INCH!
And at 110 pounds I'd say you probably don't really 'need' springs- you'd be introducing yet another variable into the delicate mix of having a comfy saddle.
So I vote for a B68 (non-S model). You will LOVE the added fore/aft range you get with it. I keep both of mine set all the way back....SO comfy and well balanced feeling for me!

[ParisSue]

Thanks, guys. I think I already knew it would be smart to stay with the wider saddles but it was nice to get that affirmed. I'm actually thinking I will probably stick with what I have right now since it's not bothering me at all. Just seems to me that it would be better if I was sitting more centered rather than so far back on the saddle. However, I use the bike mostly for short trips around town and so far have not ridden more than about 25 kilometers at a time on it. I am gradually building up longer rides each week so I guess I'll wait until I'm regularly riding longer distances before making any decision at all.

Concerning springs, I know I don't need them but anything that would help smooth out rough patches (can't really avoid the cobblestones) would be very helpful. Again, I'll wait a few more months before deciding if I really want to spend the money to buy something different. If so, I can decide whether to stick with the B68 or go with a B67.

Thanks again.

Sue