Help choosing a Brooks

[skyhand]

Long time lurker, first time postin'.

So, with utter joy, my Italia LDY is scheduled to be doused with lighter fluid and set ablaze at the next full moon. She causes me more pain than sitting on nails and I'll be elated to see her go!

Thus, research for a new saddle has begun! Been reading through the forums here, and wanna try a Brooks. My problem is deciding which size best suits me. Called Wallingford, and unforunately the gal who answered the phone was not of help. She merely suggested any women's model on their site, and that's all the info I was given. Here's what I told her, and maybe all y'all Brooks Pros can help:

Sit bones: 140 mm / 5.5 inches, outside edge to outside edge
Saddle is level with handlebars
Rarely in the drops
5' 7", 138 lbs.

I tend to ride anywhere from a short few miles on up to 70 miles when I'm feelin' spunky. Also I'll toss my bike on the trainer.

FWIW, my mountain bike has a stock WTB Speed V, 142 mm x 265 mm and my bum & bits don't complain. My evil Italia LDY is 160 x 265 with a cutout and my bits are on fire and inner thighs go a little numb, regardless of endless tweaks, tilts and other adjustments. Did I mention it's evil?

[sandra]

Skyhand, you may want to call back and ask for Bill. He's been very helpful.

[skyhand]

I'll do that. Didn't make sense that the woman was simply pushing *any* women's model my way!

[sandra]

Any way you go, it can't be too bad with their 6 month return policy. Good luck. I'm trying to figure out the same thing myself right now.

[KnottedYet]

Y'know, not that I'm pushing for Diane at Wallingford, but she might be right that just about any "women's" saddle would fit you. You have a nice narrow set of sitz that might let you fit on a lot of the men's saddles, too.

(for comparison, I have 170-180 mm sitz. different world, I'm tellin' ya!)

Your next decision could well be: how much money do you want to spend? Then, which of the saddles in your price range have the profile you like (pear or T shaped) and the nose you like (short, or "S" as Brooks specifies in their model numbers; or long).

In any case, you really can't go wrong with Wallingford's 6 month trial period. I've dealt with both Bill and Diane, and liked them both; so I may be biased, but I don't think Diane was being flip when she told you any of the "S" saddles would fit you.

Edit: BTW I ride on B67 saddles. Not "S" as I prefer longer noses for bike control. B6X series are *wide* in the sitz area, much wider than it sounds like you need.

[skyhand]

I'll give 'em a call to catch up with Bill on his saddle suggestion. Whatever he recommends, I'll give it a whirl. Like y'all said, a 6 month trial period means I can't really go wrong!

FWIW, I prefer saddles with longer noses for control, definitely, so that kicks out the "S" models.

Though I don't wanna go hog wild and get a $300+ saddle, I'm absolutely willing to pay more for one that makes my "bottom junk" be on good terms with me after rides.

Thanks for the comments on the B6# series. Yeah sounds like they'd be a bit too wide for my bones.

[RoseC]

Your sit bones are narrow enough that a regular B17 should work wonderfully - and then you'd have the longer nose, too, which is important in my book!

There's also the B-17 Champion Special at Wallbike, which has pretty copper rivets and copper colored rails. I don't know if it's any different functionally, but it's purty!

[skyhand]

Yeah the B-17 Champion *is* mighty purty! Thanks for all the feedback. I like the idea of starting with the B-17 (coughChampioncough) — I've read wonderful comments about that here. If it works, wonderful!

Okay, here goes! Placing my order...

Got the B17 Champion Special Ti. Gorgeous!! I'm going to be SO ANTSY for the mail over the next week.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

One disadvantage of the "S" models that no one ever talks about is that since they are shorter they have substancially shorter rails underneath. That means you can't shove your saddle as far back as you can with a men's model (non-S).

When I went from a B17S to a B68 (non-S) I was surprised and delighted at how far back I could now move my saddle- a full 2" further back! It put my center of gravity in a MUCH better place and helped me eliminate that feeling of falling forward. My weight is now balanced further back and it feels SO much better.

[RoseC]

Got the B17 Champion Special Ti. Gorgeous!! I'm going to be SO ANTSY for the mail over the next week.

You'n me both! I have to wait until next Wednesday for my B-68.

Would love to see pictures once it comes in! And be prepared for a bit of slippin' and slidin' at first...

[skyhand]

You'n me both! I have to wait until next Wednesday for my B-68.

Would love to see pictures once it comes in! And be prepared for a bit of slippin' and slidin' at first...

well you'll get yours a day before me! i'll definitely take pics. not sure it'll look all that great on my lemond, but eh, the saddle itself will be most excellent.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

And be prepared for a bit of slippin' and slidin' at first...

Two tips for getting rid of the slippin' sooner:
Keep putting on that ProofHide they sell for Brooks saddles- rub it on like 2-3 times a week for 2 weeks, then once a month or so.
Do not wear brand new shorts with your brand new Brooks! The combo is Uber-Slippery! Use shorts you've been wearing a while.

[skyhand]

Thanks for the Slip Tips! I'll be sure to wear my oldest of shorts. Maybe I'll slap on some anti-skid tape they sell for floor rugs.

[Liz]

Long time lurker, first time postin'.

So, with utter joy, my Italia LDY is scheduled to be doused with lighter fluid and set ablaze at the next full moon. She causes me more pain than sitting on nails and I'll be elated to see her go!

Thus, research for a new saddle has begun! Been reading through the forums here, and wanna try a Brooks. My problem is deciding which size best suits me. Called Wallingford, and unforunately the gal who answered the phone was not of help. She merely suggested any women's model on their site, and that's all the info I was given.

Hi, my name is Liz and I'm the gal you spoke to on the phone. I'm sorry you found me unhelpful, as that was NEVER my intention. No pinning this one on Diane, it was my fault. I'm new to the whole Brooks line. I've been learning something new about the Brooks saddles everyday for the last month while training. Unfortunately, during my training period we didn't have very many women calling up and asking about the Brooks ladies' saddles. I'll get Bill (aka Brooks Saddle Guru) to give me some extra tips about the ladies models, so next time I'll be more prepared. Please accept my apology (I'm new ).

[Blueberry]

Liz-

Welcome to TE! I always wonder how *anyone* can really give saddle advice (meaning simply that everyone's needs are so different). I spoke to Bill about mine - I had a bike with a pre-loved B17S, and ordered the B17. He actually asked me to give him feedback when I decide how it's working (how cool is that!). Your own marketing research!

The only tip I have to share (now) is if you steer with your thighs, the women's models will be way too short for you to be happy!

Oh yeah - and proofhide is cool (but caution should be exercised when opening after shipping in hot weather - duh!)

CA