New Years Day Rides

[Meaux]

DH and I got up and rode a little over 12 miles. It doesn't seem like much but my average speed was around 15 mph, which makes me very happy. Of course, I was dead tired when I got back, but I'm very very proud of myself. I'm starting to feel ALMOST like a "real" cyclist.

[suzieqtwa]

Got up, looked at the rain ,and went back to bed...never got out of my PJs today. ; ((( I think its supposed to rain much of the week.

[bikerz]

A beautifully brisk and clear day (once the fog burned off) here in the Bay Area - I did a 20 mile "saddle break-in" ride with 2 friends along the San Francisco Bay Trail. I was on and off my bike several times to adjust my saddle, and even so, it was lovely ride - everyone was out trying out their new gear (or their new year's resolutions!) The jury is still out on my Brooks, but I know I need to give it another 100 miles or so.

[Triskeliongirl]

A beautifully brisk and clear day (once the fog burned off) here in the Bay Area - I did a 20 mile "saddle break-in" ride with 2 friends along the San Francisco Bay Trail. I was on and off my bike several times to adjust my saddle, and even so, it was lovely ride - everyone was out trying out their new gear (or their new year's resolutions!) The jury is still out on my Brooks, but I know I need to give it another 100 miles or so.

FYI, what I finally figured out on my brooks finesse, was that I needed to have the nose of the saddle level, which means the rear is higher, and also have it far back enough on the rails that my sit bones were supported by the leather and not metal frame. Furthermore, since it is higher in back, I had to slightly lower the seatpost, and that eliminated any crotch discomfort, if that is what you are still feeling. It takes about 100 miles to feel pretty good, and about 1000 miles to feel like you are gliding on air. YMMV, but its worth playing with the fit cuz once you dial it in its the best saddle I've ever used.

[bikerz]

Thanks for the tips - that's what I hear from everyone, and I am SOOOO hopeful that it will be true for me too. I've been looking for a good saddle for 2 years now (this is saddle #8) but my first Brooks. I am highly motivated to get it dialed in!

I hadn't thought about dropping the seat height - that will be my next adjustment - I'm definitely feeling what you describe in the crotch area. The saddle is about as far back as it can go, and since I feel the inclination to sit back even farther, I might need a seat post with more of a set-back too. I need to proof-hide it too, because it is pretty slippery now.

[jobob]

A saddle cover is nice with a new Brooks, it keeps you from slipping around on the saddle.


I must have Brooks-shaped butt, I got a new B17ti last week and it was fine after about, oh, 3 miles. It's still really slippery though.

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks for the tips - that's what I hear from everyone, and I am SOOOO hopeful that it will be true for me too. I've been looking for a good saddle for 2 years now (this is saddle #8) but my first Brooks. I am highly motivated to get it dialed in!

I hadn't thought about dropping the seat height - that will be my next adjustment - I'm definitely feeling what you describe in the crotch area. The saddle is about as far back as it can go, and since I feel the inclination to sit back even farther, I might need a seat post with more of a set-back too. I need to proof-hide it too, because it is pretty slippery now.

Too relieve that front of the crotch 'pressure' I had to do both things I described, turn it down in front (but put a level on about the front 8cm) and lower it a tad to compensate for the sit bones being higher. I also had to get a more laid back seatpost to get it far back enough. An inexpensive option is the special kalloy uno 374 from Wallingford (this is more laid back than other unos in QPB) for only $19: http://www.wallbike.com/seatposts/uno374.html
If you like it, but want one in carbon the alpha Q pro carbon is very similar:
http://harriscyclery.net/page.cfm?Pa...ils&sku=ST4701
Others are more laid back (like the selcolf) but then don't tilt down enough. Good luck. Its really worth working this out.