Brooks Saddles

[jezbael]

So, because I'm somewhat obsessive about these sorts of things, I tried measuring my sit bones again using a different method. First method was sitting on two markers and measuring the distance between them. Second method was the tin foil on a yoga mat routine, which gave me a measurement of 150 mm (previous 130 mm). I'm not particularly convinced either are right, so perhaps I'm somewhere in between?

What I know is that when I currently sit on my bike, it feels like I'm sitting inside my sit bone. I don't really know how to explain it, but my soreness isn't at the tip of the sit bone where a typical yoga sit would be. Rather it is up and in a bit. I don't know if that's because I'm leaning forward or because the seat is too narrow (160 mm) and my sit bone is straddling a bit. Does that make sense?

This is why I keep waffling between a Flyer and a B67. I can't believe that a Flyer S (177 mm at best) is going to give me that much more realty than what I currently have. Are there disadvantages to having a seat that is "too wide" for the average sit bone?

[Thorn]

Are there disadvantages to having a seat that is "too wide" for the average sit bone?

I was wondering this one last night, but given my particular body shape, I haven't a clue. I'll be interested in your replies.

If the nose of the saddle is too wide, that will obviously cause problems. Also, if the transition from the seat to the nose is too gradual for you (pear-shaped saddles), that could also be an issue.

But, the B67 has a narrow nose and it has a very quick transition from the seat area to the nose (it is very t-shaped).

I never really mastered any of the sit bone measuring techniques, but after a month on my B-68 I have a very clear set of dimples and an accurate measurement in my riding position

[Biciclista]

Boy you sound like you ought to get that B67. I tried a B17 for a full month of riding. I finally gave up after a 50 mile ride where it just kept getting worse. i have used a B67 (and before that a B66) on every bike i've ridden for 10 years.
I tried to go 'conventional' and tried a terry saddle, some MTB saddles, i sat on a bontrager for about 10 minutes, I tried probably 1/2 dozen of the saddles that you can find in most bike shops and gave up and got back onto my B67. I'd get a B68 if i didn't already have the b67.
Jezbel, since you are considering longer rides, i don't think you could go wrong with the Brooks. and remember, once you get it, you have to have it positioned in the right way. come back and talk to us, we'll help you, as it 's clear to me your bike shop will not.
Good luck!

[Catrin]

The fitter at my LBS measured my sit-bones again at my request, and came up with the same basic measurement - it just changed from 11 to 11.5cm - so that would be 115mm. That seems narrow to me - but it was the same basic measurement two times in a row.

So the B17 is on my LHT, and I got it from my LBS since I could pick it up for a much lower price than Wallbikes - though I will regret that if I have to switch. In my short 2 mile ride when I brought my LHT home it seemed fine - indeed I didn't even notice the saddle at all. But that was only two miles - if that far. Seated on the trainer it seemed to me that perhaps my sit-bones were a little close to the edge, but that may not have been correct.

Stella still has the stock saddle she came with, and so far that is comfy - we will see once I start building my mileage base. 15 miles is one thing, if the B17 works out then I will probably just go ahead and switch Stella's saddle out as well just to be safe.

[Biciclista]

Catrin, sounds like the B17 is working for you.

[jezbael]

Thanks everyone for your help. I called Wallbikes this morning to order my fully-decided-upon Flyer... and then Bill asked, "Did you have any questions about it?" Ha! A 15-minute conversation later, and he put me through to Brent from whom I ordered the B67.

I still don't know if it's the "right" choice, and I probably really won't until I have it for a while. Meanwhile, it's in the mail!

Biciclista, thanks tons for encouraging me to come back to talk about positioning. If I need to, should I do that here, or in a new thread?

[Biciclista]

heh, put Brooks saddle in the title, and we will find it