Brooks Saddles

[stella]

Stella - did you ever try a sprung? any disadvantages that you know of (other than total lack of coolness) to riding road bike with sprung saddle?

Thanks

The only disadvantages is the pressure on the soft tissue because of the riding position on a road bike with the handlebars set below the saddle. I believe, based mostly on my experience, that this is because I ride differently on my road versus my commuter versus my (recently sold ) 3 speed comfort bike.

On my road bike (w/the team pro s): there are times I am slightly off my saddle to absorb the road bumps. (In this position, my pedals are in the 9am and 3pm position, my arms are slightly bent and I am barely on the saddle). Also, because the handlebars are lower, my soft tissue tends to make more contact with the saddle, esp those times I am in the drops. I think this is why the b17 did not work for me on this bike.

On my commuter (which has dropped handlebars and the B17): the saddle and handlebars are just about even. I tend to be more upright and on my saddle a lot more. More pressure is on my rear bones due to my riding position, but some still on the soft tissue. I still get off the saddle when hitting bumps or the unavoidable pot hole.

My experience with sprung saddles has been limited to 3 speed bikes. (the type was ridden by the Wicked witch of the West in "Wizard of Oz"). The sprung saddle was very comfy. more of my weight was on the rear bones than the soft tissue. Sort of like sitting at my desk.

Another recent discovery: if the shorts have more padding (my nalani brand shorts), I have more soft tissue pain on my road bike. Niethre my sugoi's shorts nor my adidas bibs give me that problem, regardless which bike/saddle. I concluded that is because of the padding.

However, with Bill's return policy, I say try the sprung model.

how goes the assessment between the b17 and the team pro s?

[farrellcollie]

how goes the assessment between the b17 and the team pro s?

Thanks for all the info - I will watch and see what effect shorts have on soft tissue issues- I have put the team pro s on road bike - seems like a good fit for me - only asking about sprung due to pothole/bumpy road conditions around here (for example- my folder - used to commute along with hybrid- rides harsh anyway and the idea of bumping down on unsprung brooks riding my folding bike is not a pleasant thought)- only time I felt sit bone pain on sunday's ride was on a patch of really rough road - I resorted to standing up. Team Pro s definitely better for my soft tissue - and at this point I have my handlebars either at or a smidgen higher than seat (I don't have a level - this is just from eyeballing it) to relieve elbow and wrist pain and to get used to new bike. I am going to try b17 on my upright hybrid commuter for awhile - but the bad roads/potholes on my commute are something. Despite rough road yesterday - I am not really sore today - had some soreness yesterday but I attribute that to not being on bike for more than about 30 minutes at a time since december - and not very consistently at that.

[stella]

farrellcollie: I understand. we have some real rough patches out this way, too. I definately see why you want to try the sprung saddle. After I responded to your question, I went out to the store to get fresh veggies and noticed that I automatically stand up when I hit the rough patch of road. I never noticed that I did that before. (I was riding my commuter).

If you do try the sprung saddle, let me know how it goes. My curiosity is peaked.

mimi: I am glad to hear you got the saddle that works for you.

[farrellcollie]

The b17 is working well on the hybrid despite lack of springs because I have a suspension seatpost. I (apparently when school lets out - I go wild) have ordered a champion flyer s just to try the springs- I will make and update.

[nuthatch]

The b17 is working well on the hybrid despite lack of springs because I have a suspension seatpost. I (apparently when school lets out - I go wild) have ordered a champion flyer s just to try the springs- I will make and update.

What sort of bike are you going to put the champion on, farrell?

[farrellcollie]

I am going to try it on road bike or downtube folder that I use to commute along with my hybrid.

[Quillfred]

The Brooks Team Pro that I ordered from Wallingford arrived today.

First impressions are

1) Bliss (who doesn't like opening something new!)

2) It is sleek and beautiful but my it is heavy (as I remove my light Bontrager)

3)installed and to be continued.....

Le Q