Brooks B17s vs B68

Hi All,

I just started learning to ride after I got my first bike ever, a Salsa Vaya 50cm.

I've outfitted it with a B17s, which feels way more comfortable than the stock saddle which gave me SO much chafing. However, I'm concerned that the saddle may be too narrow my sitbones, which are 155cm.

Where is the ideal place to have your sitbones on the saddle? From measuring my saddle it looks like I only have about a half a cm clearance on each side of my sitbones, which strikes me as too little clearance. Shouldn't my sitbones be right in the middle of the edge and the center of the saddle? In that case, I'm guessing the B68 will be better? Maybe? Anybody have any insight? Should I size up? I'm also tempted to get the "men's" version because of the added ability to adjust fore and aft on my saddle.

Thanks, and it's really nice to meet you all! :)

mayo

hi Mayo, welcome to TE
If you are comfortable with that saddle, why change? I do agree about the men's version, the regular B17.
i would never buy an "s" - I actually think it was a stupid move of Brooks to start manufacturing them again, since no woman I know wears a voluminous dress while riding!!
Tell us more about how you ride or plan to ride. and really, if the B17 is comfy, stick to it.
I love my B68 imperial. I tried a b17 and it just didn't work.

Hi Bicyclista and Muirenn!

I'm just a bit worried that the saddle leather under my sitbones will never break in. My sitbones definitely felt sore after my maiden voyage with my B17, but that saddle leather is as hard as a rock, so I can't tell if it's the metal or the leather that's making it hard. I'd initially heard about the Brooks saddles at a bike shop as "hammock" saddles that would eventually "tent" under your butt, so it seems like in order to use the Brooks' full capability of comfort, I should get a wider saddle?

The Bay Trail by my place has unpaved gravelly roads, so I've been riding on those as well as paved trails that connect. I just got a setback seat post because I kept on pushing back on the saddle the last time I rode it, and I wonder if I have enough rail to adjust the setback to where I want it.

I'm still unsure about fit, and I don't have any experience, so I can't tell if the B17 is the most comfortable I can be, and I feel like I'm flailing around. I'm debating going to a fitting, but this is the most I've ever spent on something in my life, and I'm slightly freaking out while simultaneously wanting more until it's perfect!

I got my saddle at Wallbikes, so I could return it. Maybe I should get the B68 and compare before I decide which one to return? Hmm, that might be the solution.

Just bought a B68, and I'll compare the two, and return the one I don't want to Wallbike. Muirenn, thanks for your description. I think the B68 will just be better all around for me.