Brooks Saddles? Standard or Pre-aged?

[andtckrtoo]

I think I am a poster child for how NOT to test a Brooks saddle. My new Surly Crosscheck came with a heinous saddle, but I still wanted to ride it a bit yesterday, so I put in 15 miles. The ride was great, but man the ole bum hurt! Then, I took my DD16 horseback riding (first time in 3 years). We rode 1.5 hours. After that, we went to REI and I picked up a new Brooks Flyer (not aged, I wanted black to match my bike).

I put the new saddle on my Crosscheck this morning and went for a ride (and yes, I was saddle sore when I started). I chose a route that allowed for a lot of drop offs in case the ole bum gave out. I have to say, I ended up riding 42 miles and the Brooks - un-aged and unbroken in felt better than either of my other saddles (even the one I ride distance on). I am a little sore in the sit bones - but it's a different, better, sore than I usually feel after a long ride. It felt right. As I said, I have this on my new Surly, but I will tell you, I'm getting another Brooks for my road bike. Yeah, they are a little heavier, but as I will never win races and I ride for fun, the extra few pounds won't bother me, but believe me a happy bum will make a difference.

Now, I'm not saying everyone will have this experience, but I am just THRILLED with my Brooks saddle. Worth every penny. I'm looking forward to increasing my mileage.

[Blueberry]

Heh - I did the same thing. My cross check was pre-loved (or not, since it was sold), but came with a women's B-17. It DID NOT work for me. I ordered the regular B-17 from Wallingford, put it on my bike, and rode 50 miles the next day. I stopped to adjust it a few times, and I do think it broke in my butt a little (but that could have bee the general lack of riding that year). But, I made it. And the 95 degree temperatures ensured it was broken in quickly

[jessica47201]

Well I finally did it!! I bought my first Brooks. I ordered it tonight. I decided to go with the Brooks Flyer Pre-aged!!! After reading so many threads and getting such great adivce I decided to do it. Thanks for all your help!!!