Finally ordered me a Brooks!!! :)

[KingTermite]

OK....I've toyed with the idea on and off for well over a year. I finally decided to take the plunge and order a Brooks. Thanks for the kick in the booty, CliftonGK1. I ordered me a B-17 for the Trek 520.

Now...I'm looking to put the trekking bars on.

I need to do some pics to show progression as I've been making some changes (and still have more to do) on my baby.

1) Fenders
2) Paint fenders
3) Painted mud flaps
4) Brooks saddle
5) Trekking Bars
6) New shifters??

[(51)]

Welcome to the club. I have the sprung model (B-33) because my seat and handlebars are the same level. I was also leary of the small size of the B-17.
I installed fenders and flaps last year.
I really need to get rid of the grip shifters, especially in Florida where you only need 2-3 gears.

[socalrider]

I now have b17's on all my bikes.. I was using a team pro but found it was getting a little uncomfortable on 2+ hour rides.. I put the B17 back on and it is working like a charm..

You will love it..

[KingTermite]

I was also leary of the small size of the B-17.
Ironically, my only fear at the moment is that the B-17 is too large. I strongly considered the B-17N.

The current saddle which isn't "bad" is smaller than the B-17 and I was first thinking to match that side. Then I read how B-17 really works for 90% of people and sometimes my seat bothers me a little. Then I thought maybe a slightly wider seat is exactly what I need.

And of course I ordered from Wallbike so I can return it within 6 months if I don't like it. :)

[shortbus901]

Ironically, my only fear at the moment is that the B-17 is too large. I strongly considered the B-17N.

The current saddle which isn't "bad" is smaller than the B-17 and I was first thinking to match that side. Then I read how B-17 really works for 90% of people and sometimes my seat bothers me a little. Then I thought maybe a slightly wider seat is exactly what I need.

And of course I ordered from Wallbike so I can return it within 6 months if I don't like it. :)

I was worried about the width too but it turned out to be no problem at all. The saddle is incredibly comfortable already and I've only ridden it a few times; the slippery feeling takes a bit to get used to though. I should also maybe mention that I'm an ex-Clydesdale at ~190# now.

[KingTermite]

I was worried about the width too but it turned out to be no problem at all. The saddle is incredibly comfortable already and I've only ridden it a few times; the slippery feeling takes a bit to get used to though. I should also maybe mention that I'm an ex-Clydesdale at ~190# now.
Well I know from experience that a saddle too wide is just as uncomfortable as one too small. I guess that's what worried me. My old bike (Trek Navigator 300) was ok with stock saddle. After a year my fat arse killed that saddle. I bought a new one...and got one that was slightly bigger thinking "bigger is more comfortable" and hated it. I returned it after 2 short rides and ended up replacing with a cheapo that was same size as original, and loved it!

[bdinger]

Welcome to the "oh crap, I'll never buy another saddle as long as I live!" Brooks Rider Club ;)

Seriously, the B17 looks too wide, but it's heaven. If it's not heaven the first time you sit on it, it will be after some miles. I think I have around 500 on my B17, and I can't imagine riding something else.

[Tom Stormcrowe]

KT, it's about time!:D

[JumboRider]

Do not be scared when you first see the saddle in person. It is not a torture device. It is the strangest thing in the world to be comfortable on.

[KingTermite]

Do not be scared when you first see the saddle in person. It is not a torture device. It is the strangest thing in the world to be comfortable on.
I'm not worried anymore. In fact, I wonder why I waited so long.

No I don't....I know exactly why. I was going to take the plunge about a year ago and did some searching here on BF and found some people saying they were really uncomfortable for bigger riders.

In the last year I've seen enough bigger riders talk about them to know what was crap.

[Caincando1]

So which model is the one to go for? The B 17? I see there is a bike shop in town that sells them, I'll have to stop by and see if they keep any in stop or just order them.

[KingTermite]

So which model is the one to go for? The B 17? I see there is a bike shop in town that sells them, I'll have to stop by and see if they keep any in stop or just order them.
Everybody on bike forums says to order it from www.wallbike.com instead of local places. I know its great to support your local shops, but Wallbikes has a 6 month return policy so you can send it back if it just doesn't work for you. *FYI*

And yes, B-17 standard is apparently the one that is most popular and has fewest returns. But my opinion is it depends on your bike. I think a B-17 would be too skinny for my old Trek Nav300. Its a very upright position and dictates a wider seat.

[Caincando1]

Everybody on bike forums says to order it from www.wallbikes.com instead of local places. I know its great to support your local shops, but Wallbikes has a 6 month return policy so you can send it back if it just doesn't work for you. *FYI*

And yes, B-17 standard is apparently the one that is most popular and has fewest returns. But my opinion is it depends on your bike. I think a B-17 would be too skinny for my old Trek Nav300. Its a very upright position and dictates a wider seat.


I was just on wallbike.com and came to this page and scrolled half way down and completely forgot what I was looking for...:eek: :p

http://www.wallbike.com/Brookssaddles.html

[Tom Stormcrowe]

I was just on wallbike.com and came to this page and scrolled half way down and completely forgot what I was looking for...:eek: :p

http://www.wallbike.com/Brookssaddles.html
That should tell ya how comfortable a Brooks is!:p

[gattm99]

Everybody on bike forums says to order it from www.wallbikes.com instead of local places. I know its great to support your local shops, but Wallbikes has a 6 month return policy so you can send it back if it just doesn't work for you. *FYI*

And yes, B-17 standard is apparently the one that is most popular and has fewest returns. But my opinion is it depends on your bike. I think a B-17 would be too skinny for my old Trek Nav300. Its a very upright position and dictates a wider seat.


The B-17 is a pretty wide seet, its like 170mm wide, I've used the B17 and the Team Pro, got the team on right now since I broke the tension bolt on my B17. I soaked the Team Pro in motor oil for a day or two and now its pretty nice, the the B17 is usually the more comfortable saddle. Mess around with your tilt position, I seem to like the Brooks nose down a bit more then other saddles.

[fifthcircle]

See, I look at the fancy saddles with the cutouts and gel and foam.....this one is leather and copper rivets. I just can't see how that would be comfy. Than again, if the clyde's say it's comfy, I gotta believe it.

King Termite, Please give a ride report on it when you get it. Also a little info on what saddle you were on would help =)

[KingTermite]

See, I look at the fancy saddles with the cutouts and gel and foam.....this one is leather and copper rivets. I just can't see how that would be comfy. Than again, if the clyde's say it's comfy, I gotta believe it.

King Termite, Please give a ride report on it when you get it. Also a little info on what saddle you were on would help =)
I believe that what supposedly makes it so comfy is the fact that it's leather and will conform to your body shape kinda like a horse saddle (I suppose...never ridden horses). Think of it like a leather Tempurpedic saddle. :D

As far as a ride report....I understand they do take some break in time, so it may be a while before I come in here telling how fantabulous it is.

[jaxgtr]

Everybody on bike forums says to order it from www.wallbikes.com instead of local places. I know its great to support your local shops, but Wallbikes has a 6 month return policy so you can send it back if it just doesn't work for you. *FYI*

And yes, B-17 standard is apparently the one that is most popular and has fewest returns. But my opinion is it depends on your bike. I think a B-17 would be too skinny for my old Trek Nav300. Its a very upright position and dictates a wider seat.


Check you link for the wallbike.com, it points somewhere else.

[CliftonGK1]

I believe that what supposedly makes it so comfy is the fact that it's leather and will conform to your body shape kinda like a horse saddle (I suppose...never ridden horses). Think of it like a leather Tempurpedic saddle. :D
They do begin to conform to your sit bones. I've got almost 200 miles on mine and it's getting really comfortable.

As far as a ride report....I understand they do take some break in time, so it may be a while before I come in here telling how fantabulous it is.
I've said it before, I'll say it again. I think that us big dudes have an easier time breaking in leather saddles simply because we're putting more weight on them. Even with a few applications (top and bottom) of Proofide right when I got mine, it was still a taint-sledge until I had about 50 miles on it. Now I can go out and do 30 miles and it's at least as comfortable as any gel saddle I've had in the past.

The only issue I have is that I do need to oil the rails at the seat clamp, because it's creaking like a cheap matress if I'm bouncing around over bumpy terrain (like that north section of the Burke-Gilman trail where the tree roots are buckling the pavement.)

[KingTermite]

Check you link for the wallbike.com, it points somewhere else.
Fixed.

It was wallbike.com, I had wallbikes.com

[bfromcolo]

The only issue I have is that I do need to oil the rails at the seat clamp, because it's creaking like a cheap matress if I'm bouncing around over bumpy terrain (like that north section of the Burke-Gilman trail where the tree roots are buckling the pavement.)

+1 I have about 100 miles on a B17 now. Still hard but getting better. But the racket this thing makes going uphill on bumps! I thought I had broken something. Guess I will try oiling the rails and see if that helps.

[(51)]

The only issue I have is that I do need to oil the rails at the seat clamp, because it's creaking like a cheap mattress if I'm bouncing around...

If you think that is bad, imagine the sprung model! I went and bought some grease today because the creaking was driving me nuts.

[bongo_x]

I'll chime in, I've had a b17 for a couple of months and I love it. it was as comfortable as anything else I've ridden right away, and now it's the best I've ridden. for me at least, the talk of break in was way over-stated. it was really no big deal.

I also looked at other models and debated but ended up with the b17 because that's what everyone recommends, and I'm glad I did. I was just over-thinking it as I tend to do. I would say go with the b17 first, and once you try it if it's not right look at the other models.

I would say, in general, there is a lot of over-thinking when it comes to the brooks.

I also have a creaking making me nuts, and i thought it was the saddle but it seems to be the suspension seatpost I'm using. if I oil the seatpost it stops, but I have to do it every ride, sometimes twice. makes me crazy.

bb

[root11]

they have been making the b17 for over 100 years. I know why....

you can see the b17 in this catalog (look in the 1903 catalog in the heritage/ yesteryear catalog section (flash site, not sure hot to link directly))

http://www.brookssaddles.com/brooksengland.html

[robtown]

Ironically, my only fear at the moment is that the B-17 is too large. I strongly considered the B-17N.

The current saddle which isn't "bad" is smaller than the B-17 and I was first thinking to match that side. Then I read how B-17 really works for 90% of people and sometimes my seat bothers me a little. Then I thought maybe a slightly wider seat is exactly what I need.

And of course I ordered from Wallbike so I can return it within 6 months if I don't like it. :)
My 73 Raleigh has a B17N which is very comfortable. My first purchase was a B17 standard that's working out great. I bought a B17N for my fixie/ss that was a little tough at first but is coming around.
I made the mistake of putting my old Forte (cutout in center) saddle on a Schwinn Prelude I'm building out. By the end of my 18 mile round trip commute things were numb that should not be.
I'm trying to decide on a Brooks B17 special or a professional for my Paramount. It actually has a lower bar than saddle.

[trace22clawson]

I've been riding my Brooks B17 champion special for 6 months & 1500 miles. It's a great saddle. I've never been sore. It was great right out of the box. I paid $100 for the first one and saw a special on aebike.com for $50 so I have a spare now (when the first one wears out at 30,000 miles.) This saddle has larger hand-hammered copper rivets vs. the standard B17. It also has a decorative edge on the lateral edges of the saddle.

A google search on this product will bring up several online sites selling it at $75.

[KingTermite]

OK...10 days later its FINALLY here (according to UPS tracking). What in the world took so long? Wallbike took a few days to get it to UPS it seems.....then according to tracking, UPS truck broke down last thursday (scheduled for Friday), so it didn't make it in time for Friday.

[ang1sgt]

This weekend I was out riding in the Inner City just banging around and rode over to the Shop that I work at. There were 3 younger riders waiting for the shop to open talking together as I came bombing through the parking lots. We stopped and talked and one of the youngsters noticed my Brooks. He said, "Is that what I think it is?" Yep! Honey Brown B-17 Brooks that's about 7 years old, I said proudly! They all wondered if it was working for me. I showed them where my sit bones hit the saddle and how compliant the saddle is at those points. The patina of my saddle shows the years of wear with different shades of brown from the nose to the tail. It just adds a little something to my Clyde bike that I personally like.

I want another one for my next bike, and I need to start breaking it in this summer. I LOVE the reproduction bags!

Chris

[Caincando1]

Any opinons on buying a older used Brooks? There is a guy locally selling 2 of them with a bunch of misc saddles. They look well worn, can you wear them out?

Here is the add.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/bik/373575071.html

[Tom Stormcrowe]

Any opinons on buying a older used Brooks? There is a guy locally selling 2 of them with a bunch of misc saddles. They look well worn, can you wear them out?

Here is the add.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/bik/373575071.html
The only problem with a used Brooks is it's already broken in........for someone else's butt!:eek:

[ang1sgt]

Any opinons on buying a older used Brooks? There is a guy locally selling 2 of them with a bunch of misc saddles. They look well worn, can you wear them out?


Those saddles are in pretty sad shape. The two on the left look salvageable but will take some work. The leather looks very very dry and it will take careful application of either Proofhide or some other substance (neats foot oil) to soften them up.

Leather saddles need to be cleaned and protected from time to time. It looks like these have seen much better days. If you really want a GOOD experience with a Brooks saddle, find a used one that is in good condition and try that, or buy a Pre-Softened one and then take care of them.

Note: Don't use a Brooks on a Stationary Training stand if you sweat too much. The sweat will soak into the leather and ruin it in short order. In the worst case, It will start to attack the rivets and the frame and rust or corrode them. When the leather does dry out, it will shrink up and start pulling through the rivets.

Chris

[Siu Blue Wind]

Sooooooooo.....How's the brick feel, KT?

[KingTermite]

Sooooooooo.....How's the brick feel, KT?
Applied the proofhide last night and giving it 24 hours. I'll wipe it clean and put it on tonight. I should get my 1st test ride tonight and then ride it to work tomorrow am.

[JumboRider]

Hey KingT..... isn't that the most sadistic looking saddle you ever saw.

[KingTermite]

Hey KingT..... isn't that the most sadistic looking saddle you ever saw.
Actually, it looks a thing of beauty to me. It really does make me think of a horse saddle....maybe for a Clydesdale. ;)

[Terrierman]

If you have a bike with a rigid fork: Be sure to set it with the nose level and the rise on the back of the saddle still with a teensy little bit of rise. If you set it dead level front to rear you might suffer a bit. I sure did when I bought a bike with a rigid front fork and set the saddle up the same way as I had it on my Navigator, which dipped a bit in the front when I got on and loaded the suspension fork. Finally figured out the problem, made the adjustment and VOILA! back to the comfortable ride I had gotten used to. BTW, I have been on a B-17 standard for about 2500 miles now and find it to be perfectly satisfactory. Perfect satisfaction is a rare and precious commodity, well worth the price paid for that saddle. Good luck with yours, I hope you are perfectly satisfied too.

[CliftonGK1]

KT - Keeping the Proofide on for 24 hrs doesn't do much difference than keeping it on until it just dries to a dull sheen. It's soaked in all it's gonna soak in. Buff that first coat and put a second coat on the top. Also, did you give the underside a good coating? I did two moderately heavy coats to the underside of mine when I first got it.

Terrierman is right about the odd lookin' positioning with them. You've seen it in person with mine: The nose of the saddle looks like it's pointed up. If you dead-level the nose of the saddle, you'll spend your entire commute on your wrists, holding yourself up to keep your bits from getting mashed. The way the leather "hammocks" out, it will push you forward if you don't put the nose just a little taller than the rear rivets.

I put in a 41 miler on Sunday and determined that my B-17 is well broken in after only 300-350 miles.

[Caincando1]

I was just about ready to pull the trigger and order a B-17 basic black off of wallbike.com then I called the lbs that is a distributor for them. It will save me 10 buck if I buy it local. I'm sure they won't have the same return policy that wallbike does, but what are the odd of not liking it.

[KingTermite]

KT - Keeping the Proofide on for 24 hrs doesn't do much difference than keeping it on until it just dries to a dull sheen. It's soaked in all it's gonna soak in. Buff that first coat and put a second coat on the top. Also, did you give the underside a good coating? I did two moderately heavy coats to the underside of mine when I first got it.

Terrierman is right about the odd lookin' positioning with them. You've seen it in person with mine: The nose of the saddle looks like it's pointed up. If you dead-level the nose of the saddle, you'll spend your entire commute on your wrists, holding yourself up to keep your bits from getting mashed. The way the leather "hammocks" out, it will push you forward if you don't put the nose just a little taller than the rear rivets.

I put in a 41 miler on Sunday and determined that my B-17 is well broken in after only 300-350 miles.
Yeah, I know it said until it was dry, but I had other things to do, so figured 24 hours would surely be enough time to soak in. I did do the underside, but only slightly. Should I coat it better? I guess we do get a lot more wet kick up on it, so maybe I'll do another.

It shouldn't be hard, I haven't put it on bike yet. I kinda had last minute plans for dinner last night (friend/co-worker from FL was in town) so I didn't get around to it.

I should be raring for a good ride this Sunday. I can probably do 40 miles, but might need a slightly extended break in the middle (especially if the Brooks is rubbing me sore).

[socalrider]

Coating the underside is important to keep it waterproof.. Give the underside a good coat of proofide..

The 1st thing you will notice is that the saddle will feel very slippery.. This can be an odd feeling, you will get used to it fast..

[CliftonGK1]

Yeah, I know it said until it was dry, but I had other things to do, so figured 24 hours would surely be enough time to soak in. I did do the underside, but only slightly. Should I coat it better? I guess we do get a lot more wet kick up on it, so maybe I'll do another.
With your fenders, you won't get any kick-up spray on the underside. The concern isn't about the waterproofing, it's about the comfort. A light coating (rubbed in, but slick to the touch) on the underside is good. It will soak in and really condition the leather to where it softens up and breaks in for you within 100 miles. Mine started showing some sit-bone dimpling around the 50 mile mark.



I should be raring for a good ride this Sunday. I can probably do 40 miles, but might need a slightly extended break in the middle (especially if the Brooks is rubbing me sore).

We're looking at 40-50 miles on the B-G Trail this Sunday. An ample break-in ride if ever there was one. Plus we're stopping at Forecaster's Pub at the RedHook Brewery for lunch on the way back. We did 40 last week and took a few breaks, so don't sweat it. I doubt the issue will be the new saddle rubbing you sore, since lycra against a new Brooks saddle is slicker than snail snot.
It might (still) be raining on Sunday, so make sure you've got a cover for your saddle.

[jerryt]

It sounds like a B17 is what I need and I think the standard rather than the sprung model will serve me best. Someone said the sprung model squeaks but are there other complaints?
I'm 250 lbs and have just started riding again after too many years. I've been cleared by my heart Doc for "cruising" the neighborhood on my old Trek 700 which has a pretty upright position.
The Trek seat is like sitting on a knife so I replaced it with a "double bun" model years ago which didn't work out either.

[Tom Stormcrowe]

It sounds like a B17 is what I need and I think the standard rather than the sprung model will serve me best. Someone said the sprung model squeaks but are there other complaints?
I'm 250 lbs and have just started riding again after too many years. I've been cleared by my heart Doc for "cruising" the neighborhood on my old Trek 700 which has a pretty upright position.
The Trek seat is like sitting on a knife so I replaced it with a "double bun" model years ago which didn't work out either.
My sprung saddle creaks and squeaks a bit, but I can put up with it for the sheer comfort!:D

[MrEWorm]

I have ridden B17's for a few years. Love them. The only problem I have is that the offset on my Fuji carbon bike will not allow the Brooks. I have put the seat post with the most offset ever, the geometry just doesn't allow the short rails of the B17. Time to sell the Fuji.

[CliftonGK1]

It sounds like a B17 is what I need and I think the standard rather than the sprung model will serve me best. Someone said the sprung model squeaks but are there other complaints?


I'm 250 pounds and ride a B-17 Champ Standard. The squeaking isn't necessarily a function of the springs, though. The Champion Standard is an unsprung saddle, and it's the rails which squeak, at the clamp. When the leather flexes, the rails flex causing a metal on metal creak which can be solved with a dab of grease to the clamp area.
Mine still creaks because I'm lazy and haven't greased the rails. Even with the creaking, (only over bumps, mind you) it's still the most comfortable saddle I've had.

[v1k1ng1001]

Just bought a toupe myself.

[jerryt]

Forgot about stem and clamp. Anything sprecial I should consider? My Trek stem is straight and the existing rail spread is approx 1 7/8".

[KingTermite]

We're looking at 40-50 miles on the B-G Trail this Sunday. An ample break-in ride if ever there was one. Plus we're stopping at Forecaster's Pub at the RedHook Brewery for lunch on the way back. We did 40 last week and took a few breaks, so don't sweat it. I doubt the issue will be the new saddle rubbing you sore, since lycra against a new Brooks saddle is slicker than snail snot.
It might (still) be raining on Sunday, so make sure you've got a cover for your saddle.
Sounds good, I'm in. :)

[solveg]

I was just about ready to pull the trigger and order a B-17 basic black off of wallbike.com then I called the lbs that is a distributor for them. It will save me 10 buck if I buy it local. I'm sure they won't have the same return policy that wallbike does, but what are the odd of not liking it.

I got a woman's b-17 to try out on my "urban" bike, an old Bridgstone. My LBS said I could try it, and if I didn't like it as well as the mens, I could return it in 2 weeks... Well somehow, I don't know how, a rub* mark showed up on the back corner of it. I've never laid it on the ground with that saddle, nor have I leaned it up against anything abrasive. So I hope I like it, cause I ain't returning it.

Then there was the new b-17 that came with my Atlantis. I had dogs in the car, so I had to put the bike on the back of the car. Hadn't oiled the seat yet, didn't know about shower caps. Got caught in a huge* downpour for 75 miles. LBS said it probably will help the seat break in faster, but I think he was just being kind. Didn't stain the seat, luckily, and didn't soak in, but it was somewhat sheltered by a kayak.

Here's my thoughts on the nose of the seat: When I first got mine, I slid all over the place on it. If I would have had the nose tilted down, I would have slid forward a lot. Doesn't take too long for the slidiness to go away... now I'll tilt it down a tiny bit because I'm putting on enough miles to know I need that. Tilting it up? Must be a guy thing...

[bongo_x]

... I had to put the bike on the back of the car. Hadn't oiled the seat yet, didn't know about shower caps. Got caught in a huge* downpour for 75 miles. LBS said it probably will help the seat break in faster, but I think he was just being kind...

got got in a downpour on one of my first rides, then caught in a DOWNPOUR on the car shortly afterwards, although I had oiled the seat once or twice. helped break it in great. riding on a wet seat with sand all over my shorts took all the slippery-ness away. I did have to tighten it a little though after all that.

with my seatpost I can barely get the nose up high enough, but it is a little higher than level.

bb