Been lurking a while but this is my first post to the group.

I rode a lot and raced a little(and poorly) up until 2000 when I exchanged the life of grad student for workerbee. Bought a custom Landshark in 1997 and used it for several 100+ mile training rides but never any organized centuries or other events. Haven't cycled much since but I do have a Spinner that I've used very regularly for training for snowboarding(& backcountry) and surfing as well as general fitness.

Fast forward to now and I've decided it's time to put up or shut up about several long events in my area that I've thought about for years; 1-day STP, Ramrod, Cannonball, etc. Given my current fitness base, everything but the STP may have to wait until next year but we'll see how it goes...

Question - the Landshark is good for 60-80 miles then becomes a bit of a pain in the neck/shoulder/back due to the aggressive riding position. I've decided to treat myself to a new Seven custom and am thinking about a Brooks saddle but can't decide between the B17 and the Team Pro. The handlebar drop on the new bike will be relatively mild, barely below seat height. Any thoughts on the two?

I've searched & read most of the previous threads and I like the idea of the B17 but admit to a bit of hesitancy in putting such a heavy saddle on such a light bike... :)

TIA,

T.

Consider that you will add WB holders (4 oz), pump or CO2 (6-10 oz), spare tube
unless you have great faith, miscellaneous tools (at least 8-10 0z) food and
finally water bottles (55-70oz full) and possibly an under seat bag and or handlebar
bag for every thing else, another 8 or so oz in the saddle becomes a minor thing.
You may ride lighter than this, but a lot of people on this forum ride even heavier,
and with bikes weighing 4 to 8# for the bike alone, than your svelte steed.
For long mileage, you REALLY need a comfortable saddle, so whichever fits your
crotch at 150+ miles is the saddle to use, regardless of weight. B17 is the sweet
spot for cost and comfort. Once saddles go north of $200 you will find a very
small community of users.

If you get your Brooks from Wallingford Bicycle Parts (http://www.wallbike.com/) you can get a refund or exchange the saddle if it doesn't work out for you.

There are only two major differences between the B17 and the Team Pro:

1. The Team Pro is about 10mm narrower.
2. The Team Pro does not have the ventilation holes.

Both are pretty darn close in weight, and some allege the Team Pro has thicker leather. Both are also available with Ti rails, if weight is your concern, but between the dropping value of the dollar and the increased cost of titanium, the cost of the ti-railed versions have gotten downright ridiculous.

I have B17s, Champion Specials and Team Pros. Personally, I like the B17 Champion Special the best...it looks nicer and fits me better than the Team Pro - even on my road bike, and to me, it ventilates and provides a little more 'give' on the taint due to the holes.

You can start with a B-17 with titanium rails and if you still think you want a Swallow, you can cut off the wings.

Thanks all. Much appreciated! B17 it is!

SCH: I grew up just south of Hoover but I've only been back once or twice since 1994. I sure do miss the Golden Rule. Hopefully the roads are better for cycling than when I was there.

T.

If choosing between the B17 and Team Pro, I would always choose the B17. I have had a couple and they broke in fine and were comfortable from day one. The Team Pro I ended up selling as I just couldn't get comfortable on it. Hated it. Now, I run a Swift with Ti rails on my fast bike and a Champion Flyer on my commuter/tourer. Love both of them. The Swift is awesome, but pricey. I got mine from Nashbar on their return area for $120.