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.leftovers
04-15-08, 07:08 PM
I'm a newer member, am trying to get the hang of posting, finding the right place to post, etc. I've been located in Chicago for 5 years now and am going to be doing some touring over the summer. My usual right is a Schwinn Premis that I converted into a fixie---they are the simplest, and elegant of machines. It was my second fixie, my first transcended when I ran into a car door.
Anyways, with touring comes a different style for me...things like gears. The fixie is GREAT for the city, fast, practical, a breeze to ride but it kills me on constant hills etc. Chicago is relatively--flat. So I've been working on fixing up a Raleigh Super Course over the winter and finally got it where all i needed was the fancy bits. Thought, "What I fine time for a Brooks!".
My problem is this Brooks Saddle. I have two. One I can return in the next few weeks, the other I have to sell. They are BEAUTIFUL, and I assume if I could sit on them properly, they'd be ideal. But that's the problem...I have a long torse and short legs. It didn't cross my mine to be concerned with rail length since they appear so long. But I have to have my seat shoved as far back as possible. It's always been like this. And my bikes fit in terms of standover height. Conveniently the track saddle has long rails so I can push everything back far enough. When it's all set up, it's great. No problems, so I wouldn't say my bike is too small.
My LBS said I could try a longer stem.
But I feel it's more where I sit about the pedals. because I feel like I have to keep pushing back but I can't get there.
What do I do? Any suggestions?! I'm plum out. Do I just have to sacrifice the elegance of a Brooks Saddle for something...*gasp*...plastic??? The Raleigh is all decked out for the honey saddle, handle bar tape and clip leather.
Help.
Anyways, with touring comes a different style for me...things like gears. The fixie is GREAT for the city, fast, practical, a breeze to ride but it kills me on constant hills etc. Chicago is relatively--flat. So I've been working on fixing up a Raleigh Super Course over the winter and finally got it where all i needed was the fancy bits. Thought, "What I fine time for a Brooks!".
My problem is this Brooks Saddle. I have two. One I can return in the next few weeks, the other I have to sell. They are BEAUTIFUL, and I assume if I could sit on them properly, they'd be ideal. But that's the problem...I have a long torse and short legs. It didn't cross my mine to be concerned with rail length since they appear so long. But I have to have my seat shoved as far back as possible. It's always been like this. And my bikes fit in terms of standover height. Conveniently the track saddle has long rails so I can push everything back far enough. When it's all set up, it's great. No problems, so I wouldn't say my bike is too small.
My LBS said I could try a longer stem.
But I feel it's more where I sit about the pedals. because I feel like I have to keep pushing back but I can't get there.
What do I do? Any suggestions?! I'm plum out. Do I just have to sacrifice the elegance of a Brooks Saddle for something...*gasp*...plastic??? The Raleigh is all decked out for the honey saddle, handle bar tape and clip leather.
Help.