Fifty Plus (50+) - Speaking of Saddles -- What's with this Brooks Model?

No maatter which forum I read, there's a post about Brooks. Love it, hate it, giving it __ many rides to get broken in.

What is it about this saddle that so many would put up with so much discomfort for so long? If it's that great, why don't more cyclists use it?

I know nothing about it except that none of our bikes have one, and no one we know has recommended one. Just sayin'. :D

It's a cult. Be careful. Be very, very careful.

you might need an intervention

(1)What is it about this saddle that so many would put up with so much discomfort for so long?
(2)If it's that great, why don't more cyclists use it?
(3)I know nothing about it except that none of our bikes have one, and no one we know has recommended one. Just sayin'. :D

1- I wouldn't. Mine was comfortable from the first ride and gradually got better.
2- Lance didn't ride one? Too heavy? PETA might get you?
3- Maybe you're hanging with the wrong crowd. :p

They aren't for everyone. I was skeptical at first, but it is by far the most comfortable of the many saddles I've used. That's all the reason I need.

1- I wouldn't. Mine was comfortable from the first ride and gradually got better.
2- Lance didn't ride one? Too heavy? PETA might get you?
3- Maybe you're hanging with the wrong crowd. :p

They aren't for everyone. I was skeptical at first, but it is by far the most comfortable of the many saddles I've used. That's all the reason I need.

1.) Really? Did you perform some ritualistic preparation before seating yourself upon it?

2.) It's leather?

3.) Ummm...I'm in the 50+ crowd. I qualify. No one else I know uses a Brooks. You might be on to something.

What makes it such a great saddle? The leather? The chamois in your shorts? Something I'm missing?

Sure, I have a warped sense of humor, but seriously...what's the attraction of this saddle?

Don't have one myself.

They get great ratings on all of the on-line review boards from their owners. So what can one say but that a very high percentage of those who buy them, like them - a lot!

They do weigh much more than a typical roadie saddle, even the ones with titanium rails.

Most LBSs in my neck of the woods sell them.

No rituals, just ride it.
Being the most comfortable saddle I've tried isn't enough attraction?
It works for me. It does for many people. For many other people it doesn't work.

No maatter which forum I read, there's a post about Brooks. Love it, hate it, giving it __ many rides to get broken in.

What is it about this saddle that so many would put up with so much discomfort for so long? If it's that great, why don't more cyclists use it?

I know nothing about it except that none of our bikes have one, and no one we know has recommended one. Just sayin'. :D

Well ain't that the truth!

- Wil

Well ain't that the truth!

- Wil

Exactly why I posted my questions. You got a problem with that?

Exactly why I posted my questions. You got a problem with that?

What is it that you want to know? You seem to be looking for something beyond the simple facts. They are well designed, well made saddles that have been around for a long time and that many people find to be very comfortable. Much of the mystery about Brooks saddles seems to be perpetuated by people who have never tried one.

If you are really curious, why not buy one and ride it for a few months? You may love it, you may hate it, you may be indifferent. But at least you'll know.

One positive is that if you hate it, there is no problem in selling one on eBay. People always seem to get a fair price for them.

I've got around 1400 miles on mine. It took some getting used to.; ~400 miles. The break in period was not torture. It's as comfortable as the best of the other saddles I've owned, but not appreciably more so. It's not a recliner, it's bike saddle. It looks nice.

Speedo

A. Even when breaking in , the brooks was as comfortable as any old saddle I tried.
B. I just finished a 60 miler yesterday and absolutely felt like I was riding on air.
C. I am not a Brooks cult member..............I've tried 5 different saddles..........none seemed to fit the bill
D. I resisted Brooks because I simply couldn't believe all these testimonials on how great the saddle was
E. Now look at me!
F. LBS had me soak saddle in h20 for an hour or so, add the oil on the underside and go for a spin.
G. I haven't thought about soreness since.

Exactly why I posted my questions. You got a problem with that?

RedRider,
BluesDawg has summed it up pretty succinctly, but, because I'm a natural bloviate, I'll add something:

All-Leather saddles are an extension of centuries-proven design using hide blank. The premise is that leather, being a natural material, has qualities that transcend technological 'improvements'. Modern ultra lightweight bike products are great innovations, but alot of the disdain for old school stuff is just that - disdain. Not well thought out, either. If a rider is very weight sensitive - there's a good chance he/she is also very market driven. They gotcha!

Saddle makers have known for a thousand years that hide leather is the best material for long hours spent in the slot. There is virtually no surviving working saddle in extant since Napoleanonic times that is not smooth leather. Many before that where wood, but leather covered.

Leather forms to the body, it absorbs sweat by natural wicking action, thus giving the rider far superior long range comfort. Leather lasts a very long time. It's extremely tough against abrasions.

Those of us who use Brooks saddles do so after a long and studied search, usually by trial and error. Weight be damned - most of us can lose alot more off our butts that the extra few ounces of leather under them. :D

Late US Cavalry working leather from the Civil War:
http://i7.tinypic.com/63kiw5s.jpg
http://i19.tinypic.com/541qq0g.jpg

But what of the age old question ... springs or no springs???

oh yeah, a little more:
Three weeks ago I rode the Wenatchee Rotary Apple Century on my Sequoia Elite with a Brooks B17 saddle. At the half-way food stop, with about 100 other riders there, I had the only Brooks that I observed. There might have been more, but I didn't see them.

Yes, there were people walking past the bike looking at the saddle like it was from Mars. Without exception, they were fully kitted-out riders on very light bikes. I heard some of them saying how they were ready for the stop, in order to get off the saddle :rolleyes: ;) :p

I was totally comfortable all the way until the last 10 miles, when I could feel my ischials beginning to complain. Not about the leather - but because the 17 is just a tad too narrow for my sitbones, that's all. But it's ok because I normally don't go 100 miles in 6 hours. A nice long ride for me is closer to 75.

http://i11.tinypic.com/4vs67f4.jpg

Shoulda brought my B67. Folks would have fainted dead away...:D

But what of the age old question ... springs or no springs???

Yes... The Age Old Question. Very subjective extension. I like both. Depends on which bike I ride on any given day. Here are two very different mounts:

1998 Trek 520:
http://i13.tinypic.com/4zndxxg.jpg

1992? Trek 930 - roadified. This one also gets full Ford fenders in winter
http://i9.tinypic.com/6fifc4o.jpg

The Brooks I ride on a regular basis was comfortable from day one. Day one was in 1982.

TCS

PS: Brooks has only been making bicycle saddles since 1870. I expect the whole leather saddle fad to die out before too long.

Yes... The Age Old Question. Very subjective extension. I like both. Depends on which bike I ride on any given day. Here are two very different mounts:

1998 Trek 520:
http://i13.tinypic.com/4zndxxg.jpg

1992? Trek 930 - roadified. This one also gets full Ford fenders in winter
http://i9.tinypic.com/6fifc4o.jpg

Generally, a more upright sitting position, like on a hybrid, puts more weight on the saddle and a sprung saddle is more appropriate. A more forward road bike position balances your weight between the butt, legs and hands and the springs would not really make much difference.

My Trek 970 will be reborn soon and will feature a Flyer. My RB-1 has a B17.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF6fkCGpFJg

With lots of leather too.

jcm had it all, Brooks saddles are durable, comfortable, and finally on my tourer again.

george

I have been toying with the idea of getting a B-17 for the Reno since I bought the bike.
I still am. My old '78 steel-framed Gitane had an Avocet saddle that I bought for it. If memory serves, there is no way that a B-17 could be harder on the butt out of the gate than that Avocet was.

Wasn't there a place where you could order a Brooks and return it if it didn't work out?

Wasn't there a place where you could order a Brooks and return it if it didn't work out?

Oh definitely... it's... it's... ummmm... Well, they have a 6 month, unconditional return policy.
Wallingford? Oh nuts.... :rolleyes:

Something about leather and rivets.
Don't be fooled. It's a guy thing. :D

I use the all leather Selle AnAtomic, it's like a Brooks. My wife uses a Brooks Finesse and I put a B67 on my sister's bike. We all like our saddles very much.
It took a LONG time to get everybody happy, but it was worth it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF6fkCGpFJg

With lots of leather too.
george

:) :) She looks just as good in person as she does on the video clip in that leather outfit :)

She's 60 years old in that video too!

Well, as long as we are talking about saddles. I have a B-17 on my Coda. It's comfortable and it looks nice. But lately I've been riding further and longer at a time. And I have a problem that I'm not sure where it is coming from. I'm now rubbing a little raw spot on my perineum. I don't notice it when I'm riding - no discomfort at all - but when I get home, sometimes I find a little spot of blood in my shorts and when I check it out, sure enough, no skin. It heals fast with some triple antibiotic and I'm back on the bike in a couple of days - again with no discomfort. I bought a specialized Alias on Saturday and tried it yesterday. It seemed very comfortable but it was a short ride. I did notice when adjusting the Alias (which has a lot longer rails then the B-17) that if I put it a tad further back, comfort was even better. B-17 is set as far back as seat post and rails will allow. I know nearly anything is possible with bikes and saddles, but is it LIKELY that my problem with the Brooks is more fore and aft than man groove? I have a two week return window on the Alias. I don't have a set back seat post to try and see if that was my issue or not, but if somebody that knows tells me that's likely my issue I will get one of those to try too. I like the B-17 that much. And has anyone ever seen a Brooks with a perineal cutout? I actually considered taking a razor knife to one of mine to see if that helped too?

Oh definitely... it's... it's... ummmm... Well, they have a 6 month, unconditional return policy.
Wallingford? Oh nuts.... :rolleyes:


That's it!

Wallbike.com:D

[QUOTE=BluesDawg]Generally, a more upright sitting position, like on a hybrid, puts more weight on the saddle and a sprung saddle is more appropriate. A more forward road bike position balances your weight between the butt, legs and hands and the springs would not really make much difference.[QUOTE]


Bingo! The B-67 is perfect for me and my riding position.....I set my bar/stem level or slightly above my seat level which puts more of my blubber directly on on my buttoooocks....the springs in the 67 make it oh so nice for long rides of 40+ miles.

She's 60 years old in that video too!

The video is from her "Twenty Four Seven" world tour. I saw it when it was in my area. Most women would love to look like she does at 60:)

It occurs to me that if I were a Troll and wanted some action, I'd post about a Brooks. The OP was correct in the observation that almost any forum seems to have lots of threads about this line of saddles. I have a Pro with small rivets with over 25,000 miles on it. I also have modern saddles with many miles on them as well. To me there are a number of saddles that will work just fine. In fact, I find the adjustment of the saddle is sometimes more important than the saddle itself. I can never quite understand why anyone would care about what I plant my arse on when riding. Yet, there seems to be a great deal of consternation expressed over saddle selection.

Now, that's what I'm talkin' about! :D More in-depth descriptions and testimonials are so helpful. Thanks for explicating your opinions.

I prefer leather for my footwear and purses, as well as for jackets. I wondered why, in this age of advanced technology, anyone would choose a leather saddle over those other engineered, gel-filled, cut-out models. Now I get it.

Thanks for the link. I'll go have a look. :)

Now, that's what I'm talkin' about! :D More in-depth descriptions and testimonials are so helpful. Thanks for explicating your opinions.

I prefer leather for my footwear and purses, as well as for jackets. I wondered why, in this age of advanced technology, anyone would choose a leather saddle over those other engineered, gel-filled, cut-out models. Now I get it.

Thanks for the link. I'll go have a look. :)

I'm glad you got the kind of resposes you wanted. But keep in mind that anything anyone tells you about why they like or dislike any saddle is subject to much misunderstanding and at best may have absolutely no bearing on how you would like the saddle.

FWIW, beyond the comfort, I like the look and feel of leather. Watching a Honey Brown Brooks saddle gradually and unevenly darken over the first several months of use is one of the great things about bicycling imho.

After many thousands of miles and much abuse such that my 1957 B17 suffered severe cracking and was catching on my Lycra shorts, I ceremonially consigned it to the trash last week on its 50th birthday. RIP dear friend.

snip…
Watching a Honey Brown Brooks saddle gradually and unevenly darken over the first several months of use is one of the great things about bicycling imho.

Absolutely!

- Wil

Well, as long as we are talking about saddles. I have a B-17 on my Coda. It's comfortable and it looks nice. But lately I've been riding further and longer at a time. And I have a problem that I'm not sure where it is coming from. I'm now rubbing a little raw spot on my perineum. I don't notice it when I'm riding - no discomfort at all - but when I get home, sometimes I find a little spot of blood in my shorts and when I check it out, sure enough, no skin. It heals fast with some triple antibiotic and I'm back on the bike in a couple of days - again with no discomfort. I bought a specialized Alias on Saturday and tried it yesterday. It seemed very comfortable but it was a short ride. I did notice when adjusting the Alias (which has a lot longer rails then the B-17) that if I put it a tad further back, comfort was even better. B-17 is set as far back as seat post and rails will allow. I know nearly anything is possible with bikes and saddles, but is it LIKELY that my problem with the Brooks is more fore and aft than man groove? I have a two week return window on the Alias. I don't have a set back seat post to try and see if that was my issue or not, but if somebody that knows tells me that's likely my issue I will get one of those to try too. I like the B-17 that much. And has anyone ever seen a Brooks with a perineal cutout? I actually considered taking a razor knife to one of mine to see if that helped too?

As you say, there are so many variables that it would be hard to pinpoint the cause by discussion.

Have you done a long ride on the Alias to see if the same thing happens as with the Brooks?

Is the nose of the Brooks pointed up too much? Sometimes people point them up when new to counter the slickness of the saddle which may cause them to slide forward. That slickness goes away after a while.

My first instinct is to suspect the rubbing is from the padding in your shorts. Some of my shorts are more prone to rubbing than others. I usually only use chamois lubricant on rides over 50 miles with my good shorts, but some of my cheaper or older shorts need some help on shorter rides.

On softer saddles I have had numbness from pressure in the taint area, but with a Brooks, the way my sit bones carry my weight and suspend the boys above the belly of the saddle, that has not been an issue.

Nobody mentioned that it's an absolutely gorgeous saddle!!!

As you say, there are so many variables that it would be hard to pinpoint the cause by discussion. I was afraid of that

Have you done a long ride on the Alias to see if the same thing happens as with the Brooks? Nope not yet, maybe tomorrow I'll be able to put in a couple of hours after work.

Is the nose of the Brooks pointed up too much? Sometimes people point them up when new to counter the slickness of the saddle which may cause them to slide forward. That slickness goes away after a while. The Brooks is dead level, actually set with a level. This saddle is about a year old, I moved it over from the other bike when I bought the Coda, so I don't think it's slickness.

My first instinct is to suspect the rubbing is from the padding in your shorts. Some of my shorts are more prone to rubbing than others. I usually only use chamois lubricant on rides over 50 mile swith my good shorts, but some of my cheaper or older shorts need some help on shorter rides. I'll try some vaseline and see if that helps. I've tried Gold Bond super healing hand cream and it is super thick and greasy. It helps some, maybe I need to use more? The raw spot has happened in both pair of bike shorts that I own (not fancy ones)

On softer saddles I have had numbness from pressure in the taint area, but with a Brooks, the way my sit bones carry my weight and suspend the boys above the belly of the saddle, that has not been an issue.It's a recent thing for me too. Saddles that seem like they would be the most comfortable hurt like hell in ten minutes from padding being in the wrong spot


Thanks

The Brooks is dead level, actually set with a level. This saddle is about a year old, I moved it over from the other bike when I bought the Coda, so I don't think it's slickness.

If you level the saddle in this manner, the nose will be much too high.
The saddle should be level from the nose, to just short of the rear rise.

I'm glad you got the kind of resposes you wanted. But keep in mind that anything anyone tells you about why they like or dislike any saddle is subject to much misunderstanding and at best may have absolutely no bearing on how you would like the saddle.

FWIW, beyond the comfort, I like the look and feel of leather. Watching a Honey Brown Brooks saddle gradually and unevenly darken over the first several months of use is one of the great things about bicycling imho.

Right, I realize that just because a few dozen folks love it doesn't mean I will. At least I have much better idea why the Brooks is so popular.

Thanks for the pics as well as to all who posted. I appreciate your opinions.

Exactly why I posted my questions. You got a problem with that?

My butt likes my Brooks B17. That's good enough for me. I don't get too scientific about figuring out if something feels good or something hurts.

Wasn't there a place where you could order a Brooks and return it if it didn't work out?

Ask George.:rolleyes: ;) :D

And has anyone ever seen a Brooks with a perineal cutout? I actually considered taking a razor knife to one of mine to see if that helped too?

Selle An-Atomica can cut a hole and slot and put backing on the saddle for about $45. You send it in to Wi.

http://www.selleanatomica.com/

Ask George.:rolleyes: ;) :D



Thank you, when I bought mine, they said you could roll over it with a car, and we'll gladly exchange it. Ha ha ha :D :D :roflmao:

Thank you, when I bought mine, they said you could roll over it with a car, and we'll gladly exchange it. Ha ha ha :D :D :roflmao:

Sorry, George. I think your stories about the B17 were classics.:roflmao:

I don't think George's Brooks saga is completely over.

Sorry, George. I think your stories about the B17 were classics.:roflmao:


Did they make me a star or a, I better stop now.:p

Did they make me a star or a, I better stop now.:p

Sometimes, silence is golden.;)

Yes... The Age Old Question. Very subjective extension. I like both. Depends on which bike I ride on any given day. Here are two very different mounts:

1998 Trek 520:
http://i13.tinypic.com/4zndxxg.jpg

1992? Trek 930 - roadified. This one also gets full Ford fenders in winter
http://i9.tinypic.com/6fifc4o.jpg

My 970 is ready for its test ride.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d195/GonzoDawg/bicycles/Uncle%20Duke/th_Lugnut3.jpg (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d195/GonzoDawg/bicycles/Uncle%20Duke/Lugnut3.jpg)
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d195/GonzoDawg/bicycles/Uncle%20Duke/th_Lugnut2.jpg (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d195/GonzoDawg/bicycles/Uncle%20Duke/Lugnut2.jpg)
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d195/GonzoDawg/bicycles/Uncle%20Duke/th_Lugnut1.jpg (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d195/GonzoDawg/bicycles/Uncle%20Duke/Lugnut1.jpg)