Brooks B17 "N" or Selle An-atomica

[FreshNewbie]

So, after another not comfortable saddle I am finally looking into Brooks and Selle An-atomica. I am looking at Brooks B17 Narrow saddle and Selle An-Atomica saddles. Since I am not able to put any miles during weekdays and ride only on weekends, and brooks requires braking in period I am really scared that it will take me a loooong time to break it in. On the other hand Selle An-atomica is presoftened and might feel comfortable right away. What would you do?

[SadieKate]

TE has a good return policy on the Selle An-atomica. I've never ridden mine more than 30-some miles because it's on my singlespeed which I only ride afterwork. But the thing didn't take any break-in at all.

I've never ridden a Brooks to compare.

[FreshNewbie]

Yep TE has a great return policy. I guess considering that I don't ride enough to break it in pretty fast I would be better off with Selle An-Atomica. Darn, nashbar has brooks b17 "n" on sale for 60$ bargain!!!

[KnottedYet]

Why do you want the B17 "N"? Are your sit-bones that narrow?

My Brooks took about 40 miles to break in. And actually it was extraordinarily comfortable right out of the box, as I got a saddle that really was the right size for me for probably the first time EVER! (Brooks B67)

Wallingford Bicycle Parts www.wallbike.com gives a 6 month trial period for all the Brooks saddles. You can return it within 6 months, no questions asked.

Most members of the TE Brooks Cult get their saddles from Wallingford.

[FreshNewbie]

Knotted, I am on a narrower side. I had Specialized jett in 144 mm and it was a good size for me except that saddle just HURTs. So 177 mm would be a little too wide for me. I am trying to save a little money right now for my vacation in may, so that's why I am attracted to Nashbar deal on B17 N. Although, if Selle anatomica is a better saddle for me I will definately buy it.

[KnottedYet]

The B17N and the Titanico sound like they are going to be about the same width, which is very cool for you. At least all you have to consider and compare are cut-out, leather firmness, and cost.

From a cost standpoint, $60 for a Brooks vs. $145 for the An-Atomica.... well, I'd go for the Brooks. (but I'm a member of the Brooks Cult! )

BTW the B17N is $94 at Wallingford. Even if you don't like the Brooks, I'm betting you could sell it for close to what Nashbar is asking on ebay or TE or Craig's.

You might consider contacting Mimitabby. She has Brooks and An-Atomica. One of her Brooks is 30 years old and still going strong.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm thinking the B17 "N" would be too narrow for just about ANY woman. The regular width B17 would probably fit you great. I have the B17"S" which is slightly wider for women, and it's really too narrow for me.
Your hips are not narrower than most GUY's hips, are they? If they are not, then you should opt for the regular B17. You want your sitbones to rest WITHIN the saddle metal frame edges, not directly ON the frame edge. If your bones sit ON the frame edge, they will not be able to create the leather indents that makes these Brooks saddles so comfortable for your individual butt once they are broken in.
If you apply lots of Proof-Hide (order it along with your Brooks saddle) in the first weeks, it shouldn't take long to break it in to the point where it's comfortable. And as Knot mentioned, you can return it.

[merryn ferguson]

Knotted, I am on a narrower side. I had Specialized jett in 144 mm and it was a good size for me except that saddle just HURTs. So 177 mm would be a little too wide for me. I am trying to save a little money right now for my vacation in may, so that's why I am attracted to Nashbar deal on B17 N. Although, if Selle anatomica is a better saddle for me I will definately buy it.

I had at first tried the 148 in the jett and it felt like I was giving birth thru the pelvis area so then went up to the 155 and it made a huge difference and they are great for about 40 miles and then I just squirm for whatever amount of miles I ride on it after that......they just hurt after about 40 miles and Im trying to complete a double I would like at least 60 or 80 miles before the squirms