Brooks Saddles

[mimitabby]

that would be me. There are also men that like them.

They were designed in the times where MANY people rode bikes all day as their main transportation. Human anatomy hasn't changed in the last 100 years, so we're in luck.
Now the major points in saddle design are focussed on making them lightweight, with comfort being secondary.

Even 100 year old British companies change some, so they have modernized and lightened their saddles without jeapardizing their comfort.

[KnottedYet]

I am no help in the saddle dept, as I have the extra-wide sit bones and ride a B67.

The dimples on my B67 are beatifully within the limits of the steel frame: right out on the leather with a nice margin so I don't sit over the metal frame even when I scootch around.

My 2 cents (bear in mind I'm a wide, so I'm biased): I would get the B17 rather than the B17N, so you do have at *least* 1 cm margin on each side so your sitbones can be cradled by the leather, rather than perching dangerously close to the metal frame.

Ride for a month or so and if you hate it and feel it's just too wide, send it back. If not, ride for another couple months. You have six months with Wallingford, and that's a beautiful thing. You can't lose.

Kitsune06 started off with one of the narrower saddles, but now I think she's on a B17 and likes it better. She also has fairly narrow sitbones. Maybe contact her?

Nose length/width: even my wide-load Brooks has a long and very narrow nose. Very comfortable. (I'm one of the folks who chafes on the wider noses) The "S" saddles ("short" for women) have short noses. Not such a nice thing as far as I'm concerned. If you know you like a longer nose, don't even bother with the "S" or "women's" versions of the various saddles.

[mimitabby]

I concur completely with Knot on all points made forthwith.

[suzieqtwa]

Hi,
I just got a Brooks Saddle a few weeks ago. I must say I was surprised how hard it was. I got the B17 because I'm 5/9 ,and weigh 125 (very skinny butt). Anyway, I'm impressed how smooth the saddle is ,and I don't have the rubbing on my soft tissue as I had with the other stock saddles,but the nose is hard ,and I do feel pressure. I'm still getting used to it ,and my crotch gets sore ,but not raw like it was. I do believe it will work out OK. I've put about 110 miles on it. I have 6 months to get it right....I have it totally level on the bike ,and I get pressure on my soft tissue. I may have to tilt it up just slightly. Good luck

[KnottedYet]

I have it totally level on the bike ,and I get pressure on my soft tissue. I may have to tilt it up just slightly. Good luck

Two things to check:
1. Tilting it up might not do what you want for the soft tissue. Try tilting the nose down, too. Check your back posture. Are you arching your back or rolling your pelvis forward? Are your sitbones landing on the widest part of the saddle or would you get a better platform with the saddle slid forward more? Are your bars too low, forcing you off your sitbones and onto your soft tissues?

2. Is the part of the B17 where your sitbones like to be wide enough? what is your sitbone measurement? (height and weight really have nothing much to do with the width of a woman's pelvic outlet) Is the B17 the right saddle for you?

Try #1 first, and if near the end of your 6 months you're still weightbearing on soft tissue try taking a second look at #2.

Wallingford was great with phone calls and emails as I was adjusting my Brooks. Bill and Diane are so cool!

[suzieqtwa]

My sits bones are about 5 1/2 inches apart. My butt fits quite comfortable on the saddle. Am I supposed to arch my back ,and roll my pelvis forward.
My question? does the soft tissue also have that breaking in period? Will I get used to it in time. Its only on the right side. No breaking of skin or chafing ,just the hard nose putting pressure. I slide a bit forward ,but my wrist dont hurt. Im on a pilot WSD ,so Im a bit more upright . I really want this one to work for me.

[mimitabby]

no, soft tissue does NOT break in, nor do you want it to. When the seat is properly adjusted, the only time you're going to feel your soft tissue unpleasantly is if you go over a big bad bump.