Touring - Not getting the power I need

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George
08-05-07, 07:06 AM
I switched saddles trying to find a good one and I ended up with the B17 and now that it's broken in it can't be beat for comfort. The only thing that I found that I don't like about it is, I can't get the power to the pedals like I had with a few of the other saddles I tried. I don't think I can go to the B17 narrow and I don't want to break another one in. Doe's anybody else have this problem? If so, do you live with it or what.
I posted this up in the 50+ forum, but I'm more into touring and I know a lot of you use the B17. Do you use it strictly for comfort and not worry to much about your power out put ?

Hartmann
08-05-07, 07:50 AM
did you measure your seating position prior to changing saddles? It could be that your Brooks saddle is a bit farther back which moves your center of effort farther away from the center of the pedals. Try sliding the saddle forward 1/4" and see if it feels different.
George
08-05-07, 08:20 AM
did you measure your seating position prior to changing saddles? It could be that your Brooks saddle is a bit farther back which moves your center of effort farther away from the center of the pedals. Try sliding the saddle forward 1/4" and see if it feels different.

Thanks for the reply Hartmann, but I had to get the saddle back because I was having knee pain and when I put the setback seatpost on the pain was almost gone. I made another adjustment, because I have on leg shorter that the other, by moving my right shoe clip. Anyhow my kop is just about where it's suppose to be. Anyhow thanks again and I'll give it a try.

Cave
08-06-07, 02:14 AM
I find it a bit harder to pedal hard when sitting up on the B17, but moving forward a little and tilting my hips forward improves things (delicate balance between power and pain...).

On tour I found the saddle great because there is very little chafing and sweating even after hours on the bike. I try to take it easy when touring so I don't worry about power, just about keeping my cadence in a good range.

I've only noticed any concerns at home where I want a slightly more aggressive position on the bike for shorter faster rides and I'm coming to the conclusion that a narrower, longer saddle might be better for this.

So basically yeah, I agree with your conclusions in your original post. Except for the 50+ bit (33+ here).