Digital Gee
On my Roubaix?
Just askin...
Just askin...
What would you think of a Brooks...
The BikeForums Team
-adv-
This is an archived thread, you can find the full version of this thread, with images, links and more content here.
Ready to buy? Check out these two online bike stores:
- http://www.nashbar.com (you can find the latest bike nashbar coupons in this thread)
- http://www.performancebike.com (you can find the latest performance bike coupons in this thread)
Cya on the forums,
- The BikeForums Team
- http://www.bikeforums.net
Ready to buy? Check out these two online bike stores:
- http://www.nashbar.com (you can find the latest bike nashbar coupons in this thread)
- http://www.performancebike.com (you can find the latest performance bike coupons in this thread)
Cya on the forums,
- The BikeForums Team
- http://www.bikeforums.net
slotibartfast
Go for it! I've got a Brooks B17 on my Bianchi. Feels great - best saddle I've ever had.
Velo Dog
Why is this a question? If you have a Roubaix, and you want a Brooks . . . I mean, why wouldn't you . . . What's the issue here?
FWIW, I have B-17s on my Atlantis, my Rambouillet and my singlespeed, and a Pro on my folder. If I had a Roubaix, I'd have a Brooks on that, too.
FWIW, I have B-17s on my Atlantis, my Rambouillet and my singlespeed, and a Pro on my folder. If I had a Roubaix, I'd have a Brooks on that, too.
sshakari
Got a B17 on my Pedal Force RS and one on my Litespeed.
dauphin
.....draw a mustache on the Mona Lisa....
SaiKaiTai
I'll get one for the Reno if you get one for the Roubaix.
CrossChain
Only if it's black.
dauphin
funny thing about saddles....they are so personal....and difficult to "test". I rode a roubaix with a toupee...and was shocked at how comfortable that thing was. I've yet to figure out the saddle thing.
Big Paulie
Yes.
BAL
On my Roubaix?
Just askin...
Here is a photo of my 2007 S-Works Roubaix with a Selle Anatomica on it. The SA is quite similar to the Brooks but with a cut out. Yes, it does not look as cool as the white Toupe Gel that came with the bike and it looks a little retro. But, I am looking for saddle comfort for rides over 2 hours. While the Toupe rides well up to 2 hours, over that time and the sit bones just start to get sore. I am still deciding if I like the SA or not. I now have over 800 miles on it and I still have mixed feelings.
Just askin...
Here is a photo of my 2007 S-Works Roubaix with a Selle Anatomica on it. The SA is quite similar to the Brooks but with a cut out. Yes, it does not look as cool as the white Toupe Gel that came with the bike and it looks a little retro. But, I am looking for saddle comfort for rides over 2 hours. While the Toupe rides well up to 2 hours, over that time and the sit bones just start to get sore. I am still deciding if I like the SA or not. I now have over 800 miles on it and I still have mixed feelings.
Jet Travis
Alternative opinion: Keep the saddle you've got for awhile. If it's comfy, stick with it.
George
On my Roubaix?
Just askin...
You'll be in for some memorable rides.As far as the comfort or pain level, on a scale 1 to 10, you'll hit all of them, have fun, George
Just askin...
You'll be in for some memorable rides.As far as the comfort or pain level, on a scale 1 to 10, you'll hit all of them, have fun, George
Terrierman
I vote yes on the Brooks on every bike in the world.
CrossChain
One faint, discordant note here in the symphony of Brooks praise. I never liked mine. But then kids in junior hi always called me "weird ass"-- or maybe it was "wired ass".
Digital Gee
Alternative opinion: Keep the saddle you've got for awhile. If it's comfy, stick with it.
That's probably good advice. I have the same saddle on the Cypress and it seems to work fine. I think I was just wanting to climb aboard the Brooks train and ride that baby coast to coast. Still might, but why not give the stock saddle a try? I've been pretty lucky so far -- almost every saddle I've ever used has been fine.
That's probably good advice. I have the same saddle on the Cypress and it seems to work fine. I think I was just wanting to climb aboard the Brooks train and ride that baby coast to coast. Still might, but why not give the stock saddle a try? I've been pretty lucky so far -- almost every saddle I've ever used has been fine.
SSP
On a modern, lightweight bike like the Roubaix, I think a Briiks looks out of place (kind of like fuzzy dice hanging from the rear view mirror of a Lexus).
But, if you're into the look of copper rivets, or feel like your bike needs a pound of extra weight...go for it.
But, if you're into the look of copper rivets, or feel like your bike needs a pound of extra weight...go for it.
howsteepisit
Well, its your butt! I love my b17 and my team pro. It really depends on you hinney, and whats comfortable.
BSLeVan
This a question for Style Man. Let's see, his response would go something like this:
You must lament the days when those on the west coast were at the cutting edge of the fashion scene. If you have to even ask this question, you are either so far removed from current fashion sensibilities that there is little hope, or you are on the cutting edge of the truly chic. The only way to pull off this feat is by riding your Brooks and Roubaix with the unassuming modesty of Paolo Bettini while donning the Maglia Rosa with the number 1 on your jersey. Anything short of this will label you as a 50+ wanna be without a clue. But, if you do pull it off, you will have the respect and admiration of the shiznat crowd at your local espresso bar. :)
You must lament the days when those on the west coast were at the cutting edge of the fashion scene. If you have to even ask this question, you are either so far removed from current fashion sensibilities that there is little hope, or you are on the cutting edge of the truly chic. The only way to pull off this feat is by riding your Brooks and Roubaix with the unassuming modesty of Paolo Bettini while donning the Maglia Rosa with the number 1 on your jersey. Anything short of this will label you as a 50+ wanna be without a clue. But, if you do pull it off, you will have the respect and admiration of the shiznat crowd at your local espresso bar. :)
Digital Gee
This a question for Style Man. Let's see, his response would go something like this:
You must lament the days when those on the west coast were at the cutting edge of the fashion scene. If you have to even ask this question, you are either so far removed from current fashion sensibilities that there is little hope, or you are on the cutting edge of the truly chic. The only way to pull off this feat is by riding your Brooks and Roubaix with the unassuming modesty of Paolo Bettini while donning the Maglia Rosa with the number 1 on your jersey. Anything short of this will label you as a 50+ wanna be without a clue. But, if you do pull it off, you will have the respect and admiration of the shiznat crowd at your local espresso bar. :)
:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :beer:
Post of the Day! :D
You must lament the days when those on the west coast were at the cutting edge of the fashion scene. If you have to even ask this question, you are either so far removed from current fashion sensibilities that there is little hope, or you are on the cutting edge of the truly chic. The only way to pull off this feat is by riding your Brooks and Roubaix with the unassuming modesty of Paolo Bettini while donning the Maglia Rosa with the number 1 on your jersey. Anything short of this will label you as a 50+ wanna be without a clue. But, if you do pull it off, you will have the respect and admiration of the shiznat crowd at your local espresso bar. :)
:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :beer:
Post of the Day! :D
staehpj1
I vote yes on the Brooks on every bike in the world.
Do me a favor and exclude me please.
Do me a favor and exclude me please.
cyclezen
You'll be in for some memorable rides.As far as the comfort or pain level, on a scale 1 to 10, you'll hit all of them, have fun, George
WORD! :)
the butt end is a funny place. no room for just one 'religion'.
prepare for a reasonable period as an 'initiate' whilst the saddle and your butt figure out who's boss.
WORD! :)
the butt end is a funny place. no room for just one 'religion'.
prepare for a reasonable period as an 'initiate' whilst the saddle and your butt figure out who's boss.
Terrierman
Do me a favor and exclude me please.
Ok, you're excluded. :D
Ok, you're excluded. :D
linux_author
Got a B17 on my Pedal Force RS and one on my Litespeed.
+1
- got a B17 on my Serotta, Merlin, and Pedal Force RS!
- people who don't use a Brooks don't know what they're missing, but hey:
Whatever smokes your shorts!
+1
- got a B17 on my Serotta, Merlin, and Pedal Force RS!
- people who don't use a Brooks don't know what they're missing, but hey:
Whatever smokes your shorts!
Motorad
Well, since this is a Brooks thread ... I'm pretty sure the desire for a comfortable saddle is directly proportional to the number of years past age of 50 ...
I am no judge of saddles. I bought my Trek 730 around 1995. Bike and original saddle put in storage until this year. I put a B17 on her a couple of months ago, and it's a great saddle for my hybrid cro-moly bike. For the cross-chained color conscience ... a green ti-rail saddle. :D
I should be getting my Legend frame in a couple of weeks, and it should be pretty light with ti-frame and carbon forks/seatpost/stem/handlebars. I know the B17 (ti) would feel really comfortable on top of the light bike and carbon seatpost ... but would there be any issues about the B17 saddle possibly making the bike too top-heavy for such a light bike?
The devil's advocate for my side would be that the bike will not be that tall ... so you would think the center of gravity would be kind of low. It's a size 48, and the standover height of the bike is about 74.5 cm. So, any worries about a somewhat heavy Brooks B17 ti-rail saddle being on a light bike? If it's a black B17 ti-rail?
I am no judge of saddles. I bought my Trek 730 around 1995. Bike and original saddle put in storage until this year. I put a B17 on her a couple of months ago, and it's a great saddle for my hybrid cro-moly bike. For the cross-chained color conscience ... a green ti-rail saddle. :D
I should be getting my Legend frame in a couple of weeks, and it should be pretty light with ti-frame and carbon forks/seatpost/stem/handlebars. I know the B17 (ti) would feel really comfortable on top of the light bike and carbon seatpost ... but would there be any issues about the B17 saddle possibly making the bike too top-heavy for such a light bike?
The devil's advocate for my side would be that the bike will not be that tall ... so you would think the center of gravity would be kind of low. It's a size 48, and the standover height of the bike is about 74.5 cm. So, any worries about a somewhat heavy Brooks B17 ti-rail saddle being on a light bike? If it's a black B17 ti-rail?
Artkansas
On my Roubaix?
Just askin...
The HORROR!
Just askin...
The HORROR!
SSP
Well, since this is a Brooks thread ... I'm pretty sure the desire for a comfortable saddle is directly proportional to the number of years past age of 50 ...
For some, perhaps, but this 54-year old butt is perfectly comfortable on the totally minimalist Selle Italia SLR saddle (135 grams - about 1 lb less than the Brooks).
For some, perhaps, but this 54-year old butt is perfectly comfortable on the totally minimalist Selle Italia SLR saddle (135 grams - about 1 lb less than the Brooks).
zymans
On my Roubaix?
Just askin...
Why did you get a light bike?
Just askin...
Why did you get a light bike?
robtown
Do me a favor and exclude me please.
Ok, when you get issued your Brooks I'll stop by and take it off your hands - no charge.
Ok, when you get issued your Brooks I'll stop by and take it off your hands - no charge.
robtown
Why did you get a light bike?
+1
Forty miles into a century you'll drop $200 and gladly accept 5 lbs on your bike just to make the pain of the wrong saddle go away :D
+1
Forty miles into a century you'll drop $200 and gladly accept 5 lbs on your bike just to make the pain of the wrong saddle go away :D
Digital Gee
Why did you get a light bike?
Because, when I rode it, it made my heart skip a few beats.
Because, when I rode it, it made my heart skip a few beats.
Retro Grouch
I should be getting my Legend frame in a couple of weeks, and it should be pretty light with ti-frame and carbon forks/seatpost/stem/handlebars. I know the B17 (ti) would feel really comfortable on top of the light bike and carbon seatpost ... but would there be any issues about the B17 saddle possibly making the bike too top-heavy for such a light bike?
Assume that the Brooks saddle weighs 1 lb. more than a really, really light saddle.
With an extra 1 lb. mounted on the highest point of a 17 lb. bike standing by itself against the wall, the CG will obviously be raised.
Once you sit a 180 lb. rider on top of the saddle, the additional 1 lb. weight of the saddle isn't going to matter nearly as much.
Assume that the Brooks saddle weighs 1 lb. more than a really, really light saddle.
With an extra 1 lb. mounted on the highest point of a 17 lb. bike standing by itself against the wall, the CG will obviously be raised.
Once you sit a 180 lb. rider on top of the saddle, the additional 1 lb. weight of the saddle isn't going to matter nearly as much.
Retro Grouch
On my Roubaix?
A question that only you can answer.
Since you asked, however, You're obviously wondering about Brooks saddles so I think that you should try one. How else can you possibly tell if a Brooks saddle is going to be right for you?
A question that only you can answer.
Since you asked, however, You're obviously wondering about Brooks saddles so I think that you should try one. How else can you possibly tell if a Brooks saddle is going to be right for you?
SSP
+1
Forty miles into a century you'll drop $200 and gladly accept 5 lbs on your bike just to make the pain of the wrong saddle go away :D
I've done two Death Rides (http://www.deathride.com) on my Selle Italia SLR - 125 miles, with 15,000 feet of climbing. Plenty of bits hurt, but not my butt, despite the lightweight "plastic" saddle.
IMO, saddle comfort is more a function of:
a) saddle size (vs. butt size),
b) chamois construction,
c) training (i.e., time in the saddle).
Copper rivets and cowhide may help some folks, but they're not a requirement for saddle comfort.
Forty miles into a century you'll drop $200 and gladly accept 5 lbs on your bike just to make the pain of the wrong saddle go away :D
I've done two Death Rides (http://www.deathride.com) on my Selle Italia SLR - 125 miles, with 15,000 feet of climbing. Plenty of bits hurt, but not my butt, despite the lightweight "plastic" saddle.
IMO, saddle comfort is more a function of:
a) saddle size (vs. butt size),
b) chamois construction,
c) training (i.e., time in the saddle).
Copper rivets and cowhide may help some folks, but they're not a requirement for saddle comfort.
card
On my Roubaix?
Just askin...
Why does it make a difference what we think--ask your own butt!!!!!:o
Just askin...
Why does it make a difference what we think--ask your own butt!!!!!:o
Tom Bombadil
Why did you get a light bike?
It's a Diet Coke thing. You order the Diet Coke so you can have the cheesecake for dessert.
It's a Diet Coke thing. You order the Diet Coke so you can have the cheesecake for dessert.
BK 1066
Had my Trek 1200 stolen last week. When I think of it tears come to my eyes but I am not sure if it is because of the loss B-17 that it had or the thought of breaking a new one for the replacement Cannondale I just acquired.
Tom Bombadil
Ouch!
I hate reading about stolen bikes. Too much of that happens.
And it would truly be a loss to lose a good condition, broken-in Brooks saddle.
I hate reading about stolen bikes. Too much of that happens.
And it would truly be a loss to lose a good condition, broken-in Brooks saddle.
John B.
I put a Brooks Team Pro on my 05 Roubaix Comp 3 weeks ago & the jury is still out. I've tried every adjustment increment within reason but still can't do more then 10 miles without being sore for a day or two.
Big Paulie
I put a Brooks Team Pro on my 05 Roubaix Comp 3 weeks ago & the jury is still out. I've tried every adjustment increment within reason but still can't do more then 10 miles without being sore for a day or two.
I read somewhere that the Professional should be ridden with the front half (nose) section of the saddle level to the ground, thus making the back half kicked up. Mine worked best with the nose slightly up...so who knows?
I read somewhere that the Professional should be ridden with the front half (nose) section of the saddle level to the ground, thus making the back half kicked up. Mine worked best with the nose slightly up...so who knows?
SSP
I put a Brooks Team Pro on my 05 Roubaix Comp 3 weeks ago & the jury is still out. I've tried every adjustment increment within reason but still can't do more then 10 miles without being sore for a day or two.
Three weeks on and you still can't ride more than 10 miles!!?? That's nuts.
Perhaps it's time to dump the Brooks and try a different saddle.
Three weeks on and you still can't ride more than 10 miles!!?? That's nuts.
Perhaps it's time to dump the Brooks and try a different saddle.
George
I put a Brooks Team Pro on my 05 Roubaix Comp 3 weeks ago & the jury is still out. I've tried every adjustment increment within reason but still can't do more then 10 miles without being sore for a day or two.
Hey John, try 1400 miles, that's when mine started feeling better. Notice I said, feeling better, not good.
Hey John, try 1400 miles, that's when mine started feeling better. Notice I said, feeling better, not good.
Hermes
I've done two Death Rides (http://www.deathride.com) on my Selle Italia SLR - 125 miles, with 15,000 feet of climbing. Plenty of bits hurt, but not my butt, despite the lightweight "plastic" saddle.
IMO, saddle comfort is more a function of:
a) saddle size (vs. butt size),
b) chamois construction,
c) training (i.e., time in the saddle).
Copper rivets and cowhide may help some folks, but they're not a requirement for saddle comfort.
+1 Plus...the LBSs with whom I transact business allow one to buy a saddle, try it out for some reasonable period of time and exchange it at no charge for another if you do not like it. I know of riders who have tried several saddles until they found the one they liked.
IMO, saddle comfort is more a function of:
a) saddle size (vs. butt size),
b) chamois construction,
c) training (i.e., time in the saddle).
Copper rivets and cowhide may help some folks, but they're not a requirement for saddle comfort.
+1 Plus...the LBSs with whom I transact business allow one to buy a saddle, try it out for some reasonable period of time and exchange it at no charge for another if you do not like it. I know of riders who have tried several saddles until they found the one they liked.
Thrifty1
YES!! And Brooks leather bar wrap/tape to match.
It is astonishing that you have not been enjoying a Brooks already.....
It is astonishing that you have not been enjoying a Brooks already.....
John B.
I read somewhere that the Professional should be ridden with the front half (nose) section of the saddle level to the ground, thus making the back half kicked up. Mine worked best with the nose slightly up...so who knows?
I've tried it both ways but wouldn't call the result comfortable. Maybe it just needs to break in but I'm beging to wonder if I will survive that process.
I've tried it both ways but wouldn't call the result comfortable. Maybe it just needs to break in but I'm beging to wonder if I will survive that process.
John B.
Three weeks on and you still can't ride more than 10 miles!!?? That's nuts.
Perhaps it's time to dump the Brooks and try a different saddle.
Longest ride with the Brooks has been 27 miles. What I meant to say is if I ride more then 10 miles then I can't get back on the bike for several days because I'm too damn sore. I bought the Team Pro from Wallbike.com so I've got the 6 month return policy. If it doesn't work out I might try the B17.
Perhaps it's time to dump the Brooks and try a different saddle.
Longest ride with the Brooks has been 27 miles. What I meant to say is if I ride more then 10 miles then I can't get back on the bike for several days because I'm too damn sore. I bought the Team Pro from Wallbike.com so I've got the 6 month return policy. If it doesn't work out I might try the B17.
SSP
Ahhh, yes...Brooks Lore and Legend. It should be taught as an upper division course in the Mythology Dept.
The syllabus could include:
Break-in periods - hundreds of kilometers, or thousands?
Proofride vs. Neats Foot Oil
Tensioner bolt tightening - routine maintenance, or act of evil?
Tilt angles vs. rider girth
Trimming excess leather on the sides - sporting modification, or act of mutilation?
Copper Rivets - were they predicted by Nostradamus?
And on and on it goes...
The syllabus could include:
Break-in periods - hundreds of kilometers, or thousands?
Proofride vs. Neats Foot Oil
Tensioner bolt tightening - routine maintenance, or act of evil?
Tilt angles vs. rider girth
Trimming excess leather on the sides - sporting modification, or act of mutilation?
Copper Rivets - were they predicted by Nostradamus?
And on and on it goes...
Tom Bombadil
An all carbon bike would demand a Brooks w/titanium rails.
SSP
An all carbon bike would demand a Brooks w/titanium rails.
Or....not.
Or....not.
chipcom
YES!! And Brooks leather bar wrap/tape to match.
It is astonishing that you have not been enjoying a Brooks already.....
http://www.chipcom.net/bikes/bianchi_r.jpg
Brooks Ti Champion Special (about half the weight of a standard B17) and Brooks bar tape on my favorite bike. 8+ hours in the saddle, no big deal. I used to have a Team Pro on it...but finally listened to my 'taint telling me that it didn't get along with Team Pros for anything over a metric. The B17 provides just a little more give and ventilation in the 'taint area.
It is astonishing that you have not been enjoying a Brooks already.....
http://www.chipcom.net/bikes/bianchi_r.jpg
Brooks Ti Champion Special (about half the weight of a standard B17) and Brooks bar tape on my favorite bike. 8+ hours in the saddle, no big deal. I used to have a Team Pro on it...but finally listened to my 'taint telling me that it didn't get along with Team Pros for anything over a metric. The B17 provides just a little more give and ventilation in the 'taint area.
chipcom
Ahhh, yes...Brooks Lore and Legend. It should be taught as an upper division course in the Mythology Dept.
The syllabus could include:
Break-in periods - hundreds of kilometers, or thousands?
Proofride vs. Neats Foot Oil
Tensioner bolt tightening - routine maintenance, or act of evil?
Tilt angles vs. rider girth
Trimming excess leather on the sides - sporting modification, or act of mutilation?
Copper Rivets - were they predicted by Nostradamus?
And on and on it goes...
My, my, I figure some bad man on a Brooks must have stole your lunch money, that one time, at band camp, for you to have such hatred! :p
As far as the myths:
no break in required - fine for me out-of-the-box - IF the saddle is right for you, position is the key.
a little proofide now and then is good to protect the leather...it's not supposed to be a break-in aid.
Leave the tensioner bolt alone unless your saddle is sagging like granny's teats
Tilt, fore/aft. height and width are as important as on any other saddle.
Dunno, never much liked em all chopped and tied
Rivets = bling, but who cares?
The syllabus could include:
Break-in periods - hundreds of kilometers, or thousands?
Proofride vs. Neats Foot Oil
Tensioner bolt tightening - routine maintenance, or act of evil?
Tilt angles vs. rider girth
Trimming excess leather on the sides - sporting modification, or act of mutilation?
Copper Rivets - were they predicted by Nostradamus?
And on and on it goes...
My, my, I figure some bad man on a Brooks must have stole your lunch money, that one time, at band camp, for you to have such hatred! :p
As far as the myths:
no break in required - fine for me out-of-the-box - IF the saddle is right for you, position is the key.
a little proofide now and then is good to protect the leather...it's not supposed to be a break-in aid.
Leave the tensioner bolt alone unless your saddle is sagging like granny's teats
Tilt, fore/aft. height and width are as important as on any other saddle.
Dunno, never much liked em all chopped and tied
Rivets = bling, but who cares?
Previous - Top - Next
Copyright 1999 - 2007 BikeForums.Net - All rights reserved.
Common bike forum topics in clue bicycles, cycling, mountain biking,
cycling jerseys, shorts, socks, shoes and bike equiptment selection.
Common bike forum topics in clue bicycles, cycling, mountain biking,
cycling jerseys, shorts, socks, shoes and bike equiptment selection.