Brooks Saddles

[KnottedYet]

I might have to give up...

I am seriously lopsided on the bike and there are some noises my B67 makes that just aren't going away. I'm guessing that I'm putting a big twist into the saddle frame with every pedal stroke. (even the sit-bone dents are uneven)

Wrote to Bill at Wallingford, and he sent me an email back right away. Sounds like I've done all the right things, but with my riding style I might just need a different kind of seat frame. One that won't give as much under my lopsided butt.

So I'm looking at B17S and B72. Anyone able to compare either of those to a B67?

My measurements put me just able to maybe fit on a B17S (outside edges of the dents I put on the B67 is 145mm, paper trick puts me at 170-180mm, turtle trick is 155mm). That one doesn't need a seat sandwich and doesn't have any springs. It's 177mm wide, but only 245mm long.

The B72 has the same dimensions as the B67, but has double rails and less-flexible springs. I dunno if I wanna mess with any springs at all. Dunno if I wanna mess with a seat sandwich, either.

[mimitabby]

my B66 on my raleigh has a seat sandwich. It's no big deal really.. just doesn't fit the modern stuff I guess.


do you want to try my saddle saturday to see if mine is noisy for you too?

[KnottedYet]

Thanks for the offer, I might do that!

My B67 is sooooo comfortable! I'd hate to give it up, but I might just need a sturdier frame.

[xeney]

Did Bill tell you that the B66/72 are sturdier than the B67? Because I have never heard that before ... the difference is really only how they fit on the seat post. We have all three. I ride a B67, although I use a different kind of seat sandwich on it because I am using it on an old-school seat post (Rivendell had it really cheap when I was looking for a new Brooks and I wanted the option of upgrading my seat post). My husband has a new B72for his Schwinn, and I think the B72 is an excellent saddle and if our streets were better I'd have bought one, but I am not sure if it is really any stronger than the B67. Less bouncy, yes, but it doesn't sound like that is your problem.

The saddle my husband broke was an older B72, and obviously we did not know it's history and it had been over-oiled, but it really looked fine and then, bam, the whole nose broke right off ... the leather and part of the metal frame.

What if instead of a B17S you got a Champion Flyer S? If too much of you is hanging off the frame of the saddle, that sounds like you need a narrower saddle? If you got that one you could still have the benefit of the springs. I am looking at the Champion Flyer/Champion Flyer S (not sure which one is right for my narrow butt) for my second commuter.

[KnottedYet]

I need the width, cuz I've got fairly wide sit bones. I'm not in love with springs. My problem seems to be that I twist the frame when I pedal. (I have a goofy pelvis) Springs allow the frame to twist. Twisting is fine and comfy, but makes the frame ping and snap. Ping and snap make me crazy.

Bill's thinking was that the B17S might be too narrow, but wouldn't torque like the B67 because there aren't any springs.

The B72 has the stiffer "springs" so might not torque as badly as the B67 does, and would be the same width as the B67 I have now. Just wouldn't twist as much because the springs wouldn't give as much and allow the frame to twist under me. Bill thought there was a chance the B72 might work better.

Bill did NOT recommend the B66.

I'm leaning toward the B17S, because I just don't want to deal with springs of any sort or with a seat sandwich.

[Bikingmomof3]

KnottedYet,
I have the B17S and really love it. I did not want a spring, I had no reason why, I just did not. I was worried I made the wrong decision, but I went with my gut. It feels wonderful. I hope you are able to find one that you do not feel under you. :-)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

KnottedYet,
I'm not sure what kind of bike you have your B62 Brooks on, but my bike savvy DH told me something interesting the other day. He said you really only need springs if you are riding an upright position bike a lot, because your weight goes all straight down your spine onto your butt as you ride and bump along.
With a road bike, he said that your weight is distributed over your seat, feet, your flexing back, and your hands, therefore springs are not really needed on road bikes. Made a lot of sense to me.
He put the Brooks with springs on his hybrid with albatross handlebars. I have the B17S (spring-less) on my Rambouillet road bike, and he's putting a spring-less Brooks on his Rambouillet (when he gets it around Thanksgiving).

[Quillfred]

Hey KY

If its not raining I will have Ms Golighly with the Finesse and you're welcome to try it. I will bring Fred if it is wet with his, sigh, Fly.

Q