Classic & Vintage - brooks saddles

Hi,

How much more comfortable is a brooks flyer vs the brooks b17? I don't really have a local retailer for these saddles so I can't really try them out. Do the springs really make a huge difference?

Also, do any canadians know of an online place that doesn't charge an arm and a leg to ship to Canada? The best price I've found so far is at A.E. Bikes, but they want $25 to ship it to me.

TIA

I find the Flyer a bit more comfortable than the B17 because the springs take the edge off of the small road shocks. You have to decide if it's worth the weight penalty. The only place to buy a Brooks is wallbike.com.

I purchased my B-17 from Beyond Bikes ($49.99 US), but not sure how much shipping would be to Canada. Their website only shows the black saddle, but they can order the honey brown for the same price if you call their 1-800 number.

Does Beyond Bikes let you return your Brooks up to six months after purchase if you decide you don't like it? Wallingford Bicycle Parts does. I think shipping to Canada is $17. I've been told that some of the discount houses are selling Brooks saddles that have been returned to Brooks for defects. I received a B17 from Nashbar that was definitely a reject. I sent it back and ordered from Wallingford. It cost me a little more, but it was worth it. They actually inspect them before they ship them.

Hi,
I have used both. If you are a clydesdale, you want the premium leather on either saddle. The Flyer is supposed to be the same size as the B17 but for whatever reason the nose felt shorter to me.

You can get some bobbing, but it goes away once you start pedalling smoothly.

If you have big hips; you might find these saddles cramped. You prob don't have really big hips.

The springs do take the edge off nasty bumps.

I just ordered one through my usual shop in Montreal, and they told me a green B17 with copper rivets will be $80 Cdn - I believe they're distributed through Norco, at least here, or at least through this shop. I thought that was pretty reasonable for Canada, considering that they go for 60-70 US online. This shop in particular doesn't carry Brooks, they just order them, so you might want to check out local options, since it's easy to get hosed for shipping in Canada.

I prefer the Brooks Sprung saddles. And I buy from Wallbike:p

Aaron:)

i think i might go for the flyer. i'm by no means a clydesdale (5'8", 135lbs) so i think the width should be fine. i'll check out my LBS and see how much they charge to order it.

thanks

Are you sure you wouldn't rather have a Persons-Majestic No. 77 race saddle in aged green?
http://thumb9.webshots.net/t/53/553/9/83/62/2880983620068014369oOLccb_th.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2880983620068014369oOLccb)
I can make you a deal! :D

Does Beyond Bikes let you return your Brooks up to six months after purchase if you decide you don't like it?

I don't know. It was not my first Brooks, so this was not a concern for me.


I've been told that some of the discount houses are selling Brooks saddles that have been returned to Brooks for defects.

I ordered two in honey brown and both were in perfect condition when they arrived.

Are you sure you wouldn't rather have a Persons-Majestic No. 77 race saddle in aged green?
http://thumb9.webshots.net/t/53/553/9/83/62/2880983620068014369oOLccb_th.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2880983620068014369oOLccb)
I can make you a deal! :D


I like that saddle PM me if you are serious about trading/selling it!

i think i might go for the flyer. i'm by no means a clydesdale (5'8", 135lbs) so i think the width should be fine. i'll check out my LBS and see how much they charge to order it.

thanks

Huh,
you are skinny. You can have too wide as well as too thin.
I suggest calling Wallbike just to see what they suggest.
You just might need something narrower than the 170mm
of the Flyer. If you do, the Conquest is 160mm and has springs.

You might consider the Ti railed B17. That would
soften the bumps without the weight penalty. Of course,
it will do an even better job at softening your wallet.