Brooks B17 "N" or Selle An-atomica

[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.

[SadieKate]

I can't track all of the Brooks saddles. Some have very short rails which can make the fore/aft position difficult. The Selle An-atomica has long 10 cm rails.

Just info to help you make a decision based on where you need to put the saddle.

[KnottedYet]

I can't track all of the Brooks saddles. Some have very short rails which can make the fore/aft position difficult. The Selle An-atomica has long 10 cm rails.

Just info to help you make a decision based on where you need to put the saddle.

I think the sprung Brooks saddles have the shorter rails. The usable rails on my B67 (with springs) are only about 9 cm. I still have maybe 1/2-1 cm that I could scoot the saddle back if I needed, but it is almost as far back as it will go.

[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.

[FreshNewbie]

Lisa, you raised a great question. Just measured my sit bones with white paper, and they come out to 5' and 3/4 inches. I guess B17 would be too narrow for me so best bet would be to go with Brooks B17 regular and I can always either return or sell. The rails are 8cm long on Brooks b17 which is a big difference I guess, but since it's better for me width wize.... Thanks for all your help, will order Brooks today and see how it will like my butt.

[Grog]

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?

Saddle size has to do with sitbone distance, not hips.

I don't have that big hips but they're there. However my sitbones are really close to each other and any wide saddle is very uncomfortable to me.

[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

[Kitsune06]

...and b17s would be ok for a road bike? I'm trying to talk X into succumbing to the Brooks side with her road bike....

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

...and b17s would be ok for a road bike? I'm trying to talk X into succumbing to the Brooks side with her road bike....

Absolutely! They are designed for touring long distances, and are narrow nosed, with drops bar posture in mind.