Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - New saddle and can't decide old school vs. new

I have a pista, it's new. I like how people will have bikes that look totally new and fast with the clunky looking brooks on it that doesn't match anything. I like how people have the super ergo/super fast looking new style seats too. I have it pretty much narrowed down to a choice of 3. The brooks b-17, a forté pro SLX (because it's cheap and new schoolish) and a selle italia prolink gelflow (because I can get it in yellow and looks comfy and new schoolish). I know that neither of the second 2 choices will last me long, while a brooks will last forever. I just don't know if I want the clash look or the fast look, you dig? What would you do?

yellow sounds like it would be the most comfortable.

Have it all! Google "butchering" or "cutting" Brooks Saddles. It's an old style that was used in the early days of racing, when it was Brooks or nothing, and it gives the appearance of their much more expensive Swift or Swallow models. I cut mine and get compliments all the time. I used some electrical tape to make a guide line and then made several controlled passes with a new utility knife. After the first few passes it gets easier and the anxiety of ruining a brand new Brooks saddle becomes less. Use the first cut piece as a template for the second side. I use the Honey colored saddle, but black matches any bike. Use MANY coats of Brooks Proofide with a thorough drying/curing between each (put somewhere warm). It wont wear out and will never go out of style.

I also have a Selle Italia gelflow (not prolink). It's nice, and reasonably comfortable, but I'm always worried that it's going to get ruined, and it cost much more than my Brooks. It's red and matches my Mt. bike, but next time I'll go function over form and butcher a black B-17.

Get the one that doesn't make your ass hurt. If you like both styles, it doesn't matter which you go with and your ass doesn't care what the saddle looks like.

It really depends on your riding style and how your bike is set up, both aesthetically and in terms of comfort.

New school...or somewhere inbetween and go with a plastic bmx saddle...middle school?

Sorry I say this all the time...but choose the saddle that doesn't involve killing a cow. There's really no need for using leather for a saddle when such high quality synthetics have been developed.

Also years of ergonomic development in new racing saddles amount to a far more comfortable saddle for most people. As far as looks are concerned, I can understand if you prefer the Broooks.

Just curious, is there a weight difference? I too have been debating the brooks vs other, and have wondered if brooks weigh a ton, or are comparable.

Just curious, is there a weight difference? I too have been debating the brooks vs other, and have wondered if brooks weigh a ton, or are comparable.

this is a joke right?

Just curious, is there a weight difference? I too have been debating the brooks vs other, and have wondered if brooks weigh a ton, or are comparable.
Like any other brand, it depends on the model. The Swift and Swallow are a lot lighter than the B17. The sprung ones are even heavier.

it's tough to wonder sometimes. but then again, what the world be without wonder?

Like any other brand, it depends on the model. The Swift and Swallow are a lot lighter than the B17. The sprung ones are even heavier.

the unsprung ones are in general more then twice as heavy as a comparable modern saddle.

hey, sorry... never even seen a brooks, much less picked one up.
My seat knowledge is limited to the one that came on my '83 Bianchi, and my 80's Fuji. The Fuji is now fixed, and needs a new saddle, so I'm trying to decide which one gets the Bianchi seat, and which one gets the new seat. Not a weight weeny, but still don't want a brick for a seat. If the brooks is comparable to the 80's seats I have, then that's fine with me.

the brooks is probably very similar to the saddle on your fuji. fuji used to put "belt" saddles on their bikes which are (in my experience riding one) just as comfortable as a brooks.

No one can really see your saddle that well if you're riding the bike. Get the comfy one.

the unsprung ones are in general more then twice as heavy as a comparable modern saddle.

It is a little bit unfair to compare Brooks to lightweight road saddles. They are as durable in construction and finish as mountain bike saddles. So let us say that a modern saddle is 2/3* the weight of a comparable Brooks. :)

So you are looking at around half a pound of difference. A pound at the extreme end of things. Probably no worse for your bikes performance off the mark than a set of deep V rims.

*(Brooks Ti/CroMo 395g/550g vs SDG Bel Air 260g/325g. I wouldn't recommend the titanium railed Brooks to those that weigh too much over 200 pounds though.)

i'm always a proponent for new technology. saddles, like anything else, can be improved on. i've noticed that some riders have the "don't make it like they used to" mentality. this makes sense when referring to the mass produced low/"mid" range bikes of today, comparing the high end of then to the high end of now seems to nod in the direction of newer/more advanced. that said, a high end saddle of then is going to be better than a low end one of today, so a better idea might be "quality" vs. "cost".
myself, i use non-animal product selle san marco saddles myself. they tend to be light, break in rather quickly, and look kinda sex.


nevermind, you're just talking about colors. i thought this was a real thread.

Sometimes it's not about looks, it's about your ass.

Az

i use non-animal product selle san marco saddles myself.



Which one? All the ones I've seen are leather.

Selle are about the only other saddle that works for me besides Brooks. And the Brooks is still better for longer rides. (100+ miles)

Az

I was going to go with an a brooks b-17 and chop it, for my Pista. Then I got a great deal on a Selle Italia SLK so I went with that. I love it. Don't go with a saddle just for what color it comes in. Get something that fits your a** well.

Don't get me wrong. Brooks are not for everybody, or even every bike. You have to 'feed' Brooks saddles by smearing on a tallow based lotion for god's sake.

They are heavy, comfortable, high maintenance, and beautiful.

Get one if your bike needs it.

Which one? All the ones I've seen are leather.

Selle are about the only other saddle that works for me besides Brooks. And the Brooks is still better for longer rides. (100+ miles)

Az

i currently ride the rever; my girl rides the glamour aspide. both are relatively comfy (ONCE broken in) and light (both sub 190g).

I haven't done more than ~65 at a time on the rever yet, but i will be soon. I actually want to get a new saddle for the ms 150 in september, start breaking it in late august.

Sorry I say this all the time...but choose the saddle that doesn't involve killing a cow. There's really no need for using leather for a saddle when such high quality synthetics have been developed.

Also years of ergonomic development in new racing saddles amount to a far more comfortable saddle for most people. As far as looks are concerned, I can understand if you prefer the Broooks.

+1, except brooks = ugly.

Sorry I say this all the time...but choose the saddle that doesn't involve killing a cow. There's really no need for using leather for a saddle when such high quality synthetics have been developed.

Also years of ergonomic development in new racing saddles amount to a far more comfortable saddle for most people. As far as looks are concerned, I can understand if you prefer the Broooks.

I'm no fan of killing animals, but overall, using petroleum-based synthetics is not necessarily better for the environment than using a natural, long-lasting material such as leather.

The best option, enviro-wise, is to find a used saddle of any material.

huh? cows don't die to make leather!
cows die to make meat. The leather is a bonus byproduct.

okay, are you concerned about how your saddle looks while riding or is a comfy saddle better for you? If the latter answers your need, then a Brooks it is. they are very great even if they are heavy cuz comfort beats anything hands down when you are riding. even if it doesn't match your bike you will ride more comfy (once broken in) and it will last longer so there is a price point to consider as well (2 -3 matching saddles for you bike vs. having 1 Brooks last a generation)

I'm no fan of killing animals, but overall, using petroleum-based synthetics is not necessarily better for the environment than using a natural, long-lasting material such as leather.

The best option, enviro-wise, is to find a used saddle of any material.I love animals too, they taste great!:rolleyes: :D

I use a SI Prolink Gel on my road bike, and find it to be very comfy.

Replacing a synthetic saddle made of a bunch plastics and petroleum-based synthetic fabrics, foams, and gels (not to mention the metal) every couple years is way worse environmentally than riding a leather saddle for 20 years or more.

From an ethical standpoint, environment essentially trumps animals, because animals aren't worth saving if there's no where to live.

And the leather and tallow are likely both by-products of the meat industry: the cow was gonna die anyways, so you might as well use everything you can from it.

The best option, enviro-wise, is to find a used saddle of any material.

I'll go with that.

I could have simply kept using the old, crappy Selle Italia that came with my bike, but I'm guilty of going through 3 other used (1 NOS) saddles since. The last one was a Turbo, but I just couldn't stand the idea of putting leather on my bike. I'm passing it along to someone else this weekend.

I ride a Pista and I have two saddles.

I have an Italian feather-weight that feels great for the first hour and then starts to hurt.

I have a Ti Brooks Swift that doesn't feel as good as the Italian featherweight during the first hour, but feels much better at the end of the day.

Hm.

Since most of my rides involve less than an hour of time, if I had to choose just one saddle I'd go with the Italian featherweight.

Other people might make the opposite choice based on their personal experiences.
For some people, a Brooks just disappears and one forgets he even has a saddle.

I presently have the Brooks on my Pista and plan to move the Italian featherweight to my winter fixed-gear Ice Bike.

Well, earlier today I decided on the Brooks. Then, I called the performance bike shop here in town and they told me they had the sella italia thing in stock, and I rode up there to take a look at it. It's hideous in person. That, and they had an older model than the one listed on the web for $60 that they wanted to charge me $126 for, thus the decision to go with Brooks would seem the correct one. And, to top it all off I get to give some money to my LBS (which I would do more often if I wasn't so poor right now), so it feels right all over. I just hope it feels right on my bum tomorrow!

On a side note, for those who have Brooks saddles, with the proofide that I will be putting on it I'm a little concerned about it staining my clothes. Is this going to happen? Will it always happen or will it lessen between applications? Should I just wear black for the first few days or weeks or months on the saddle?

And I promise that if I ever meat (haha) any family members of the cow that made this saddle, I'll apologize.;)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1065/542142615_211bf72f09_b.jpg

this is the only way to go!
same color bike as yours as well

lolseatz.

Put one of these on your scraper bike

http://files.myopera.com/badmadcyclist/albums/117373/sellegold.jpg

http://www.leichtbau-konfigurator.de/files/pics/eb_2006/ax_3.jpg

okay, are you concerned about how your saddle looks while riding or is a comfy saddle better for you? If the latter answers your need, then a Brooks it is. they are very great even if they are heavy cuz comfort beats anything hands down when you are riding. even if it doesn't match your bike you will ride more comfy (once broken in) and it will last longer so there is a price point to consider as well (2 -3 matching saddles for you bike vs. having 1 Brooks last a generation)

As usual your posting is uninformed and overly assertive. Many people find modern saddles to be far more comfortable then brooks. Many don't. I know you like to make broad generalizations based on a few months experience and what you can regurgitate from other thread but it really doesn't help anyone except to see clearly how ignorant you are.

get the b 17 special. it will last forever and it loks great on my pista.

I just ordered a B17 w/copper rivets and rails for $67.96 @ Nashbar. They've got a 20% off promo code that ends today. Got a Brooks maintenance kit & some metal toe clips as well.

If you don't mind spending alittle sella italia storika new school material with old style look. It works for my ass but comfort should come first.

As usual your posting is uninformed and overly assertive. Many people find modern saddles to be far more comfortable then brooks. Many don't. I know you like to make broad generalizations based on a few months experience and what you can regurgitate from other thread but it really doesn't help anyone except to see clearly how ignorant you are.

ouch! well he wanted an opinion and I gave it. I'm giving what I know. Instead of being a critic of what others know how about just giving something useful to this thread instead of being snide

Sorry I say this all the time...but choose the saddle that doesn't involve killing a cow. There's really no need for using leather for a saddle when such high quality synthetics have been developed.

Also years of ergonomic development in new racing saddles amount to a far more comfortable saddle for most people. As far as looks are concerned, I can understand if you prefer the Broooks.

I agree with you on principle here, but the truth is that the leather industry gets more than it needs of cow hide straight from the beef industry. For me to use a saddle not made of leather is about the equivalent to pouring a glass of water into the ocean. Which is good if you want to be pretentious and claim "hey, I PUT that water in the ocean." Even then the ocean may be all "I don't want your hipster water, and..." I think I might have gotten off track here.

Oh, and I really like my brooks, but I really like my Terry Fly as well. I didn't like the Sella San Marco Ponza.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1065/542142615_211bf72f09_b.jpg

this is the only way to go!
same color bike as yours as well

the next big trend?

i think this looks cool and completely out of place. a bike built with steep angles and made to go fast, with a big ****ing cruiser saddle on it to slow down the pedal stroke.

but hey, aesthetically it's nice.

the next big trend?

i think this looks cool and completely out of place. a bike built with steep angles and made to go fast, with a big ****ing cruiser saddle on it to slow down the pedal stroke.

but hey, aesthetically it's nice.

....

WHHHAAAAT?

For comfort and decent looks similar to Brooks, try Selle Anatomica: http://www.mcmwin.com/saddle%20shop%20new.htm

Fit and comfort is the bomb for me.

Sorry I say this all the time...but choose the saddle that doesn't involve killing a cow. There's really no need for using leather for a saddle when such high quality synthetics have been developed.

Also years of ergonomic development in new racing saddles amount to a far more comfortable saddle for most people. As far as looks are concerned, I can understand if you prefer the Broooks.

it seems like despite all this ergonomic development you can still find a ton of people who swear by using a brooks and haven't converted. I think leather still has a valuable place as a material, and if you're talking about longevity I'd bet it lasts a lot longer properly cared for than some synthetics.

ultimately though i think the seat you think fits the best and is the most comfortable is the one you should pick.

I agree with you on principle here, but the truth is that the leather industry gets more than it needs of cow hide straight from the beef industry. For me to use a saddle not made of leather is about the equivalent to pouring a glass of water into the ocean. [...]

isn't that like saying "I drive a Hummer because they will produce oil whether I consume it or not, so I might as well take advantage of all the oil laying around" ?? I think perhaps the objections to leather is more about the principle of using a carcass, regardless of "who killed it".

as far as the saddle issue goes. wow. I think that's been answered already in about 20 different ways -- get what's comfortable for you and if you are more worried about fashion points make sure you think it looks good too...

Old School vs. New School.:rolleyes:

Get both with a Selle San Marco Regal or Rolls.

Regalhttp://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t75/pedalforce/sad-06sanmarco01_09.jpg

Rollshttp://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t75/pedalforce/s1062.jpg

isn't that like saying "I drive a Hummer because they will produce oil whether I consume it or not, so I might as well take advantage of all the oil laying around" ?? I think perhaps the objections to leather is more about the principle of using a carcass, regardless of "who killed it".

as far as the saddle issue goes. wow. I think that's been answered already in about 20 different ways -- get what's comfortable for you and if you are more worried about fashion points make sure you think it looks good too...

but the natives to this land used leather in a practical way. it is a useful thing and natural while oil can be harmful. i would def agree tho if cows were killed just for the purpose of making the saddles like how they kill 14 foxes just to make one fox coat. but for all I know they may kill cows just for the saddles.

Unfounded speculation is fun! So is perpetuating the myth of the noble savage!

isn't that like saying "I drive a Hummer because they will produce oil whether I consume it or not, so I might as well take advantage of all the oil laying around" ?? I think perhaps the objections to leather is more about the principle of using a carcass, regardless of "who killed it".

as far as the saddle issue goes. wow. I think that's been answered already in about 20 different ways -- get what's comfortable for you and if you are more worried about fashion points make sure you think it looks good too...

No, it's completely different. Renewable vs non-renewable resources, pollution vs what is actually recycling, etc. Now, if you can convince everyone to stop eating beef, you can probably convince them to stop using leather. Seriously, you should really be able to see you made a very bad analogy there.

I just ordered a B17 w/copper rivets and rails for $67.96 @ Nashbar. They've got a 20% off promo code that ends today. Got a Brooks maintenance kit & some metal toe clips as well.

Same here, except I opted for some new bars instead of clips and maintenance kit. Damn sales ending and making me jump to a decision :D . Oh yeah, and I got the Narrow B17. One of the drawbacks was the look of the B17s... after seeing some hacked and butchered brooks... I think I'll take a swing at that. I honestly assumed the local places wouldn't carry brooks... guess I shoulda checked first :( , probably not for the same price though. :o

If I like the B17, I'll upgrade to one of the nicer brooks later so BOTH my bikes will have brooks.