Brooks Saddle? Yes! But I need help!

[uforgot]

You need to position the saddle correctly first! If you were fine before, and only changed the saddle, then it only makes sense that it's the saddle position. I use a Thomson no-setback seatpost to get my saddle and legs in the correct position. Mine wasn't forward enough on my Surly either. AFTER the saddle is correctly positioned for your legs on the pedals, THEN you worry about the stem length. I suggest you read Andy Pruitts medical guide for cyclists. Lots of good information on bike fit. I used KOPS and it worked for me. (I know it isn't always for everyone, and I've read Keith Bontrager's take on it, but it's a start).

I have kind of a goofy seatpost I won on ebay. It has almost no setback, really scratched and ugly, but you could see if a new seatpost is the solution before you spend any more money. It will fit your Surly. I could send it to you and you could try it. If it works and you like the scratched look, you can keep it. If not you can buy a new Thomson and pass this one on to someone else. Whaddya say? If you want it, pm me your address and I'll send it.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Hey Jewell,

How's it going with your saddle position?

Did pushing the saddle all the way back improve your comfort and help your reach issue?

[Jewell]

I did put my saddle all the way back, and its so much more comfortable. I'm balanced too. I didn't realize putting my saddle so far forward forward would make me that uncomfortable and balanced.

I still have some tweaking to do with the saddle and position, but I know that I'm headed in the right direction.

Thanks!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I did put my saddle all the way back, and its so much more comfortable. I'm balanced too. I didn't realize putting my saddle so far forward forward would make me that uncomfortable and balanced.

I still have some tweaking to do with the saddle and position, but I know that I'm headed in the right direction.

Thanks!

That's wonderful, I'm so glad! I know firsthand how yucky you felt and how good it feels when that weight balance gets improved a bit.

Most people don't realize how closely intertwined reach and center of gravity/balance are, and the idea of pushing your saddle back to help a perceived too-long reach problem is so counter-intuitive....but it often works wonders.
The fact is that when your center of gravity is too far forward over the crank, your balance is off and your weight goes onto your hands, and then it can really feel like your handlebars need to come closer to alleviate this, so you assume it's simply a reach issue. In fact, it's sometimes actually a weight balance issue where you need to get your weight centered back more. Shifting your body weight back further is actually more effectively done by getting your seat back than by getting your hands back.

Sometimes a reach problem is really 'just' a reach problem...but other times it involves your center of gravity being too far forward... people seldom think about this aspect- they tend to concentrate on just shortening the handlebar-to-saddle distance instead of thinking about their weight balance.

Anyway, great to hear your comfort is improved.

[uforgot]

I'm also glad Lisa's solution worked (and without changing the stem)!