Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Brooks B17?, with or without springs?

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA
Maro
07-17-07, 12:26 PM
I am ready to buy my first Brooks saddle for all day and longer rides.
But I can not decide: with springs, or without? B17?
Do the spings provide more confort, or they just make you loose energy,
by bouncing you up and down?

A few years back I purchased a "very comfortable" gell saddle.
You can imagine the pain I had on a few rides before I destroyed it.

Please, any advice from your experience will be wellcome.
Thank you.

MrCjolsen
07-17-07, 01:06 PM
Generally, the only purpose springs (or suspension seatposts) serve on a bike is to cushion bumps for riders who choos a very upright position with virtually all of their weight on the saddle. Riding a cruiser, for example, can lead to some lower back problems for some people if they don't have springs or suspension.

Go without springs. A well broken-in Brooks does give some energy absorbtion due to it's "hammock effect."