New saddle and tilt

[Leazerbeam]

My husband gave me a brooks b17 as a gift. Bike shop explained that it would take some adjustment as I rode. I got confused when they were explaining the nose tilt stuff and "sag". So, my intro ride resulted in chafing and pain in the front part of my female area. If I have frontal pressure, should I tilt the seat down? Bike is custom so it fits, and I ride more upright on the hoods. Thanks for your advice. I did a forum search and just got confused.

[murielalex]

I have a B17, and it's definitely tilted up, as most folks I know do with this saddle. It keeps me back on my sitbones, and very happy. It was my first saddle, and I've just gone back to it after trying out a few others. My only word of caution is to keep a cover handy. It's not a saddle to get wet. I seem to always riding in the rain or just so damn drenched in Florida sweat, it made the saddle soft and sag a bit, though I've tensioned the crap outta it, and it's back to where it should be. Proofhide it if you haven't already.

[wildrover]

I ride a B68 instead of the B17, however. But one thing I found out really quickly, is that the Brooks saddle wanted me to ride it the way it wanted me to ride it, not vice versa. I used to ride saddles with my pelvis tilted forward, and that didn't work with the Brooks at all. Actually the Imperial, as Muirenn mentioned, did give me a bit more comfort until I learned to sit on my sit bones, and lean forward from my hips. There was a diagram posted on these forums somewhere which really helped me to understand this position. I wish I could find it again. To practice, I would sit on a hard floor, and touch my toes while not letting my pelvis tilt forward. Took some doing, but in the long run, I'm more flexible overall.

As far as saddle tilt goes, it is up to you. What I did, was tilt the saddle nose up until I stopped slipping forward. The breaking in of the saddle will do the rest. I proof ride all my saddles (both sides), and as Murielalex said, bring a cover!

[tulip]

I tried a B-17 tilted up, down, and level. Just doesn't work for me. My sitbones are supported but the nose is not comfortable. I'm going back to Terry Butterfly, which has always worked wonderfully. Brooks just don't work for some people.

In fact, if anyone wants to buy one slightly used and one brand new B-17 (both black), just let me know.

[Pedal Wench]

In fact, if anyone wants to buy one slightly used and one brand new B-17 (both black), just let me know.

I won't tell y'all why I need one (but will post a pic soon!) but there's a vintage bike I know that just might need these. PM me prices, if you don't want to post here!