Brooks Saddles

I'd be mighty careful with the hood pierce, especially when the leather is still slippery and your position may change. (good lord, that sounded like a line from BLE 20/01!)

If you really needed the cut-out, your ring would've been catching on the edges of the cut-out every time you shifted back or forward, eh?

Depending on the saddle you choose, it might be black leather with silver rivets. (mine has silver) Black leather is always sexy, whatever rivets you end up with.

There are narrower Brooks saddles you could get back on. I'm thinking "Swift", but I'd have to go back to www.wallbike.com to check. Maybe it was "Swallow". (oh, jeez, another ad for Cleis Press...)

Edit: for the price difference, you might just be happier with a B17-Narrow rather than the other two I mentioned. Same dimensions. http://www.wallbike.com/B17.html

Yeah, I was thinking of the B-17 narrow, just for virtue of the price. Weight really isn't a huge concern of mine, but the black and silver look hot.
I tend to like the 'sporty' look with my mtb... the current saddle looks a lot like a roadie uber-slim, huge-cutout Specialized WSD... which isn't specific to this woman, b/c my sit bones almost touch the edge of the cutout on the inside. oO; Very narrow.

I actually *do* have some problems with my pierce and the cut-out, most notable being when the barbell slides out of the normal, 'even' position and one end sticks out more than the other, it gets caught (chamois or not) and yanked (if I'm lucky, torn if I'm not). :eek: But the cutout relieves a lot of the pressure, so I'm between a rock and a hard place. The jewelry is at 8g, so it's hard to tear, thankfully.

I'm reluctant to remove it, because when it *does* stay in place... well... the punchline "I know... it's the cobblestones!" says it all...:p ..and H wonders why I like biking for hours! ;)

Ordinarily I'd be all shy about the topic, but this is TE, and nothing is sacred here. ;) or should I just chalk it up to "We're all ladies here!"? :D

btw, the pierce was done years ago, now, and not at 8g ;) but believe it or not, the hot'nnumb feeling is worse... think tattoo v. piercing.

Kitsune,

Wow, you're made of stronger stuff than I am. Yanking or tearing ... :eek: Well, hopefully the cobblestones make it all worthwhile. :D

Ahem, anyway, I'd forgotten to mention that mtbr has several reviews of the Brooks saddles, many by mountain bikers, some by roadies on the mtbr site (gasp!).

I have a couple of pics, but unfortunately they're a little too big for the TE site, so I need to do some editing.

-- Melissa

I think you ladies are gonna talk me into it.

If my beautiful bike-fund nazi at home asks, I'll tell her I needed a nice saddle to do the 40mi ride on, and I didn't want to attempt to take my 'expensive' $90 saddle back (it now resides on her bike). She'll never believe it's comfortable.

After getting bored enough (and curious enough) I plunked my butt down on some light notebook paper in one of my squishy office chairs (I'm at work) and took the measurement. 155mm. So the b17 should fit well, where the 'n' would be a little too 'n'.

I'm going to figure this in with my hammer gel and hammer flask out of this paycheck and I'll have met (and exceeded... ugh) my allowance this paycheck, but from what I hear of Brooks, it'll be the last time I ever have to really do business with them! ;)

I think what really sealed the deal was the plethora of reviews from MTBR. I use them religiously to justify and research bike buys, (yes, yes, I'm a sheep with the masses) but if they say it's a go, it's at least worth a try.

Dunno if I want to buy proofhide, since I have my own boot/saddle/leather conditioner that's really never lead me wrong... I guess I'll see.

Just for fun, here are some more pics of the B17S Brooks Saddle on a Trek 5200 WSD road bike. For the detail oriented folks, the bike is 47cm with 650 wheels.

Black leather with silver hardware looks HOT!
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attac...4&d=1153619874

Brooks saddle on a carbon bike with carbon seatpost -- an instant classic!
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attac...3&d=1153619843

with an outer sit-bone measurement of 155, should I go with the standard or the narrow for my mtb? I suppose I guessed my hips to be quite narrow because I'm pretty thin, but my sitbones must be another matter entirely.

Are the Brooks measurements from the outer edges of the saddle?

...and faced with the prospect of telling H about buying yet another bikey thing, I'm wondering if I should just tinker awhile longer with my current saddle, just trying to tip the nose down a little more or something...

Kitsune,

The measurements on wallbikes.com are taken from the outer edges of the saddles.

Honestly, I think you can get away with the narrow saddle. How wide is your current saddle?

-- Melissa

I'm willing to bet it's 150, actually... but maybe I'm confused. It's the Men's planetbike ARS (though I've since 'given' that one to H and taken an unnamed '03 model WSD Specialized saddle of quite similar width, maybe a hair narrower, and with much less padding.) How could I possibly be comfortable if the 'outsides' of my sitbones are at 155-159, but my seat is so much narrower? I only have sit-bone bruising after about 10 mi, but chafing is forever, unfortunately. =( (and if it matters, it's thighpit/underwear line chafing)

Could my measurements be way inaccurate given that I measured through my thin albeit still existant pants?

My sit bones measure just under 13 cm and I ride my husband's standard B17 on the trainer. I have a Finesse on my bike. I don't know that I would go narrow. Of course narrow may not actually be about sit bones, but more about thighs. Anyway... talk to them at Wallingford and see what they suggest.

V.

You want your sitbones to be completely ON the saddle, not on the edges over the metal. I would seriously consider the B17 over the B17N. Ask Bill or Diane at wallingford what they recommend. If the bones are just barely perched on the saddle edges you could get some bruising.

The chafing is likely due to the shape of the saddle viewed from above. Pear vs. "T". Sounds like you may be one of the folks who's femur-to-hip-socket angle might require a "T" shape to keep you from chafing at the crease/pantyline/pit.

(compare the top views of the B17N and the B67 for an extreme example of the difference. don't look at width, look at the overall shape)

Given that, then, Knotted, would you suggest the b17S instead?

Has anyone done this: immerse the saddle in oil over night in order to soften the leather? The guy who manages the LBS is kind of a character, so I take what he says with a grain of salt. But he said to use a product called "neatsfoot", which you get at stores that sell the other type of saddle, the one that goes on a horse...

I'm inclined to just get the proofhide and be done with it.

The magic number: 1-888-731-3537. Bill (or Diane, but most likely Bill) will answer the phone.

When you talk to Bill, tell him what you currently ride and tell him how it looks compared to the B17 and B17S. Tell him your sit bone measurement. Tell him what bugs you about your current saddle. Tell him how you like to ride. He is a huge resource. He (or Diane) would be the best one to help you decide between the B17 and the B17S.

Also be sure to tell him if you like long-nose or short-nose saddles. And don't be afraid to tell him your budget. I told him my budget straight away, and he made absolutely no attempt to sell me something beyond my reach.

With a 6 month trial period, you really can't go wrong!

(for all I know, the B17 has a more abrupt transition than your current saddle, and would solve your chafing problem. Best compare the 3 saddles and discuss it with Bill or Diane. For example: I ride a B67, not a B67S)

Doxie -

I wouldn't do that. On a horse saddle the leather is over a frame and padding. So if you "over" soften the leather it's not a big deal.

On a Brooks the leather is the ONLY thing holding you up. If you oversoften it, it will collapse under you like Mimitabby's husband's did.

Just use the proofhide. Brooks knows what they're doing.

Yep... well... I need to wait until DP okays it... (per the other forum thread! ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dachshund

Has anyone done this: immerse the saddle in oil over night in order to soften the leather? The guy who manages the LBS is kind of a character, so I take what he says with a grain of salt. But he said to use a product called "neatsfoot", which you get at stores that sell the other type of saddle, the one that goes on a horse...

I'm inclined to just get the proofhide and be done with it.

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a slight coat of proofhide might not hurt, but remember, you don't want this to be soft like a glove. My 30 year old brooks is not soft like that.

KnottedYet & mimitabby - Thanks, that makes a lot of sense. I'm thinking "I need to buy WHAT and do WHAT??" He's also big on the Specialized Jet saddle, with the cutout in the middle. "They've done scientific studies on how it relieves pressure on the nerves... blah blah". I'm thinking "science is great, but everyone's different, dude."

Too bad it's so hot out, it'll be a few days before I can ride again and try out the saddle.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dachshund

KnottedYet & mimitabby - Thanks, that makes a lot of sense. I'm thinking "I need to buy WHAT and do WHAT??" He's also big on the Specialized Jet saddle, with the cutout in the middle. "They've done scientific studies on how it relieves pressure on the nerves... blah blah". I'm thinking "science is great, but everyone's different, dude."

Too bad it's so hot out, it'll be a few days before I can ride again and try out the saddle.

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don't forget the scientific study that is in that article referenced in this forum!


http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=6246

Yes! I did read that, which led to the Brooks saddles, and here....
Thanks.

Well I'm back. I got up early and got my butt out the door on a ride, to beat the heat. While I'm still working on tweaking the position, boy, I'm finally sitting on my sit-bones on this saddle! I did a 12 mile ride. I would normally start feeling some irritation in the soft bits after a few miles. Not today! What a difference.

It's still kind of slippery, so I'll try the proofhide. Now I have to go read up on the correct position - I think I have the tilt correct, but I'm not sure about the front-to-back position where the rails attach to the seat clamp. I tried to match the other one, but along with the slipping, it probably needs tweeking.

I'm grateful to everyone's contributions to this post. There's a lot of good information here!

dachshund,

re: the slipperiness of the saddle: I don't know if anyone else experienced this, but, even with the proofhide--my saddle was slippery for about the first 100 miles. Now, it's perfect!

when you get pics--post 'em!

My Books B 17S literally just arrived. as soon as I get the boys off to their various events, I plan to brave the heat and take my saddle for a test run. :)

I wonder if it would be feasible to take a very, very fine steel wool (the type used by jewelers) to scuff the surface? This is just a guess, because the only leatherworking I've done has been with boots, but after oiling, the 'blackness' would still be there, it'd just be a hair rougher. Any thoughts?

I'm gonna propose to my DPITA that I get the Brooks as a gift to myself after managing the LIVESTRONG ride Sunday. My parts will be begging for any kind of relief, anyway:eek:

Kitsune,
I have no idea how that would work, I know very little about leather. All I can tell you is my new saddle is very, very slippery. I found myself "clenching" a lot to compesate for the slipperiness of the saddle.

Keep us posted on your race!

I'm still sort of concerned about being able to get back on this saddle for descents. It's quite wide... but do I really have to make the choice between sitbone comfort and being able to make descents? I guess I'll talk to Bill unless you ladies have any input...

After I used proofhide about 3 or 4 times and rode about 50-80 miles, the slipperiness really improved.

I've got about 150 miles on it now, and no slip problems at all. (and it's starting to form to my butt, so comfy!)

Here she is.
Attachment 1114

she is gorgeous! What sort of saddlepack are you using?

beautiful bike! The saddle looks great on it, too!
Way to go dachshund!

Oh, beauuuuuutiful!

Thanks!

The bag is a Jandd Mini Mountain Wedge. I like it because the quick-release strap doesn't interfere with the zipper, and it has a second flat pocket on the bottom for folded-up paper items. Very easy to remove and put back, which I've done several times for the saddle adjustments.

Let's see if the link to their website works:
http://www.jandd.com/search_results....vel=2&subcat=4

You are welcome. I went to look at the bags. Oh my, so many to choose from. I was planing on getting one for my husband, since he is always sticking stuff in my saddle bag. I think I will let him choose. :)

dachsund,
THAT is BEAUTIFUL! I am starting to wish my bianchi was celeste.
the black saddle looks great on there.
About the slipperiness, once the saddle is in the best position, it
will not bother you as much.
You sit on polished wood chairs at home and the slipperiness doesn't bother you does it?
I do know what you mean though, and i'm not meaning to discount it.

proofhide..
I do know that until i got my seat setup correctly, i used to fantasize on my bike rides about velcro to hold me into my seat.

Question to Brooks saddle users.... I like saddles with cut outs, however I am still searching for a saddle that doesn't give me problems. Have anyone made a switch from a regular saddle with cut out to brooks? How did you find riding without cutout?
I am getting so frastrated and annoyed with having to buy saddles all the time, putting them on taking them off, selling them, buying them Arggggg. Sorry just needed to vant. :(

I switched from a Terry Butterfly to a Brooks Finesse. I LOVED the butterfly on my old mountain bike. But I couldn't get it to work for me on our tandem. Thom finally just bought the Finesse on the theory that if I hated it, it could go back. I didn't hate it. :D

When I bought a single, I put a Finesse on it. I tried putting the Butterfly on the single this winter. Brooks are heavy saddles and I was trying to lighten up my bike for a hard ride with a lot of climbing. It didn't work and the Finesse went back on.

I do still have the Butterfly on my mountain bike. It always feels a little weird to me at the start of a ride. But 30 minutes into it, I don't notice it. I don't know why it works on the mountain bike, but not the others... more upright I guess.

V.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FreshNewbie

Question to Brooks saddle users.... I like saddles with cut outs, however I am still searching for a saddle that doesn't give me problems. Have anyone made a switch from a regular saddle with cut out to brooks? How did you find riding without cutout?
I am getting so frastrated and annoyed with having to buy saddles all the time, putting them on taking them off, selling them, buying them Arggggg. Sorry just needed to vant. :(

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Freshnewbie,
I tried 3 saddles with cutouts (including a terry butterfly) before going to the brooks. DO you sit on a chair with cut outs? does your car seat have cut outs? why on earth would you want your crotch stuck in a cut out? If you are on your sitting bones, your crotch will be somewhat above the seat.

Has anyone used a honey or tan colored Brooks? It seems that they can be had for less sometimes.

I'm wondering how the color weathers over time. Does it get a nice burgandy or maroon color? Or does it get a black-shorts black on tan :eek: stain?

Thanks
Quill

I switched from a Serfas with cutout to a Brooks B67. Much prefer the Brooks, don't miss the cutout one bit.

Glad I came back to read this thread again--I've been used to saddles with cutouts, too, but thinking of making the move to a Brooks since I can't seem to find ANY saddle that doesn't hurt after 20-25 miles.

Also, I put a Bianchi Veloce on layaway a couple of weeks ago and it's that same gorgeous celeste color as yours, Dachshund. Nice to see how the Brooks looks on it--lovely! Wondering how the honey color might look with the celeste, with maybe handlebar tape in a color similar to the saddle. Hmmmm, so many accessories to check out. :D

Finally took the plunge and ordered a new green Brooks Finesse for my 2005 Trek 1500 WSD today. While black would have been the "sensible" choice, I already have the Team Pro on my Cyclo and just had to try a new color :D I am looking forward to having more room on a saddle.

I was sorely tempted to go with maroon but that would be too different.

Quill