Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - b17 chop pics

I pulled my Brooks b17 out of the junk saddle box and started using it, and decided to chop it for more of a swallow look.
Before http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/7050/khsdt3.th.jpg (http://img244.imageshack.us/my.php?image=khsdt3.jpg) http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/107/b171pw3.th.jpg (http://img244.imageshack.us/my.php?image=b171pw3.jpg)

After http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/4690/khs1gb0.th.jpg (http://img80.imageshack.us/my.php?image=khs1gb0.jpg) http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/1637/b17hx6.th.jpg (http://img244.imageshack.us/my.php?image=b17hx6.jpg)

Nothing fancy as to how it was cut, I used tape to mark the cut line, then cut it with a razor blade. Then used a file to clean up the edges.

Cool idea, but I think in practice it actually looks better pre-cut. Maybe put a bend in the rails to bring the saddle a bit lower to the post?

Any improvements other than aesthetics? Does it feel softer now?

No it feels exactly the same, except for the terrible rubbing on my thighs from the skirt area is gone. It was very bad when wearing shorts.

Like in this pic

http://velospace.org/node/377

Cool idea, but I think in practice it actually looks better pre-cut. Maybe put a bend in the rails to bring the saddle a bit lower to the post?

+1.

I love my b17, and I've gotta say I think they kinda look like they're on stilts or something post-knife.

Just my aesthetic.

Why not try lacing it up properly first, instead of cutting off the lacing holes? I understand the reasons behind chopping, I suppose, but lacing your saddle will:
A) eliminate thigh burn.
B) make it feel like it's supposed to.
C) make it look nicer.
Then, you don't need to chop off the useful bits.

Edit: Hm. Seems yours doesn't have the holes. Is that usual? Which ones do?

Edit: Hm. Seems yours doesn't have the holes. Is that usual? Which ones do?

Some older generation Brooks came with the lacing holes in place. The current "pre-aged" Brooks also has them.

MIne had no holes. I could have cut holes though. I feel no difference at all, other than the chafing is gone. Maybe the life of the saddle will be reduced? Good thing they're cheap. Sure is comfortable for now.

Almost looks like you cut too much.

wtg

Why not try lacing it up properly first, instead of cutting off the lacing holes? I understand the reasons behind chopping, I suppose, but lacing your saddle will:
A) eliminate thigh burn.
B) make it feel like it's supposed to.
C) make it look nicer.
Then, you don't need to chop off the useful bits.

Edit: Hm. Seems yours doesn't have the holes. Is that usual? Which ones do?

You forgot (d) eliminate hammock sag and the corresponding tendency for your hips to slide forward and make the saddle press on your perineum. I rarely see laced b17s and it's too bad (for b17 owners) because it's an excellent mod.

I wouldn't chop my B-17N because I want to have the ability to lace it if it starts to sag in a few years. I don't have any rubbing issues, though.

That aside, this saddle has maybe 1000-1500 miles on it and it's still not broken in. I've proofided the h*** out of it and it's still hard as a rock. Finally broke down and gave it a 60-min. soak in motor oil 50 miles ago (from Sheldon's website...although he advocates Neatsfoot oil) and am hoping for the best.

Just took it out for 15 miles, and it is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo comfortable. I forgot it was there. I don't care if it only lasts a year, I'll buy another one and hack it up next year if need be.

I've chopped about a dozen or so Brooks saddles and my latest few have not been as radical. Here's a mildly chopped Brooks Pro:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/jojisan/P1010489Medium-1.jpg

that is classy.

Right where the oval label is on that ^^^^^ one is where it rubbed my inner thigh.

Chopped B17

http://www.b17sam.com/B17Crash.jpg

^^har har

Is there a how-to to lacing the saddles?

Is there a how-to to lacing the saddles?

www.wallbike.com/content/butchering.html