First ride on my Brooks B17, ouch.

[FreshNewbie]

I am really not sure if I will ever get used to such bad chaffing. I think I would be better off if it was pressure pain but it's just some weird phenomena of my shorts meeting the saddle while I ride

[stella]

FreshNewbie,

I'm not sure what type of bike you ride or how the set up is...I have two brooks saddles and just thought I would share my experiences.

on my colnago road bike--set up more aggressively (the handlebars are lower) I use the brooks team pro S. the b17 just didn't work for me on that bike--too sore in the soft tissue. with the Team Pro S: no soft tissue soreness at all.

My commuter bike (an old road/touring bike) where I am in a more upright position: the b17 is fine--no soreness.

did you purchase the saddle from Bill at Wallingford?

[FreshNewbie]

Yes I did buy it from WallBike. I only have one bike- my road bike that has handlebars 1 inch below my saddle and I guess that's why I am not comfortable on B17

[mimitabby]

then call Wallbike and tell them what you are going through! they are MOST helpful. and if you're embarrassed, ask to speak to the wife, i forget her name, sorry.

[FreshNewbie]

Just called Wallbike, not sure if they were busy or what but I told Diane ( I guess it's Bill's wife) that initially I ordered b17 and exchanged it for b17s but was wondering if Team pro S would be more appropriate for my road bike as Stella suggested. Diane told me that Team pro S is the same exact saddle only different rails and rivets I told her how my bike positioned but it didn't seem like she had time to talk about or suggest something for me. In the end I cancelled my order for B17S Since I don't believe that it will take care of the chaffing problem I have either. I am really upset because I was really hoping that this saga will end with brooks

[stella]

Yes I did buy it from WallBike. I only have one bike- my road bike that has handlebars 1 inch below my saddle and I guess that's why I am not comfortable on B17

talk to Bill or Diane, they were a huge help with me. It is how I ended up with the Team Pro S. I've been very happy with this saddle (and I went through quite a few in the past).

[FreshNewbie]

Stella, I called and spoke with Diane, not sure why but she wasn't really helpful. She told me that Team pro S is the same saddle as B17S only with chrome rails. Maybe I should try the presoftened Team pro S?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Just called Wallbike, not sure if they were busy or what but I told Diane ( I guess it's Bill's wife) that initially I ordered b17 and exchanged it for b17s but was wondering if Team pro S would be more appropriate for my road bike as Stella suggested. Diane told me that Team pro S is the same exact saddle only different rails and rivets I told her how my bike positioned but it didn't seem like she had time to talk about or suggest something for me. In the end I cancelled my order for B17S Since I don't believe that it will take care of the chaffing problem I have either. I am really upset because I was really hoping that this saga will end with brooks

But you've only ridden on the Brooks twice! I was very sore for the first 6 or 8 rides on my new Brooks. Now it feels like a dreamy cream puff, like it's not even there.
I feel that our bodies need a little bit of time to adapt to new things- I know mine has. Some things that used to be uncomfortable on my bike no longer are, as my muscles and my position adapt to new postures and angles, etc.
In the Fall I was used to my Brooks and it felt wonderful. Then winter came and I only rode maybe twice a month. Come that first warm week, I rode a lot and found I was sore on my Brooks a little like when it was new. After a few rides all that went away and I was totally comfy again- the saddle hadn't changed...my butt had gotten out of shape!

Sorry the Brooks didn't work out for you. Good luck in your saddle search.
Well,

[FreshNewbie]

Lisa, I wish I was sore!!! I was chaffed in the most sensitive area you can imagine. Lets just say cutting pain when showering I am generally very pain tolerant and can take soreness from saddle. Heck I did my century last year on my Jett 143mm. The thing is that I only did 2x 15miles rides and was in so much pain that couldn't imagine doing it for longer rides that I plan on doing this coming weekend. Right now I am sitting and thinking wheather I should order Team Pro S despite Diane telling me its the same saddle as B17 in a presoftened model and give it a try? Or put my head down and go back to my Selle Italia >

[mimitabby]

Since you have already spent all this time and energy on Saddles would you consider a bike fit now?

[stella]

Stella, I called and spoke with Diane, not sure why but she wasn't really helpful. She told me that Team pro S is the same saddle as B17S only with chrome rails. Maybe I should try the presoftened Team pro S?

FreshNewbie: I am sorry that you are having that experience with Diane. I only know that, for me, the team pro S did the trick. The only soreness I had was the usual 'out of shape' soreness.

the pain you are experiencing--I've had that, too. I can't use a cut out anymore.

[FreshNewbie]

Mimi, I had a basic fit down when I got my bike. Although, you might be right and I should invest in a professional bike fit.

[mimitabby]

yes, there's a big diff. getting set up by a bike seller and getting a bike fit by someone trained to do it.
those parts of yours getting sore aren't designed to hold your weight. that's why they're screaming. as i read your posts, i wonder if you have unusual anatomy or if your posture is a bit off... but in either of these cases, i'd go back to bike fit.

good luck

[FreshNewbie]

I should be glad that there is ebay otherwise I would have to decorate my appartment with saddles

[mimitabby]

lol, i've resold 3 saddles right here on TE myself.