Touring - Brooks Champion Flyer or B67

I have the Champion Flyer and still have some issues after 1000 miles. The sit bones are fine but the prostate isn't. I'm trying to get a comparison between these two saddles as it relates to comfort.

Thanks, Mike.

Trek 520
Ortlieb Classic Rollers
Brooks Champion Flyer saddle
Sigma Computer

Mike,

I have one of each. The B67 is a bit wider at the back and would be a better choice for a larger person. The forward part of the saddle is very close in dimension to the Flyer, and since it's that part of the Flyer that's giving you problems, the B67 likely would not be an improvement. Note that both models are intended for a rather upright riding position - an "aero" position would aggravate your problem.

The new Brooks Imperial would seem to be an answer to your problem. It's slotted down the middle to yield a bit more to the soft tissues in the prostate area. Have a look in the Classic and Vintage section of BikeForums for a seemingly endless discussion of the Imperial.

Regards,
Bob P.

Thanks for the advice. I checked Wall Bike and I guess the Imperial is not on the market yet. but, I will wait for one based on the feedback from the other forums. At 56 I guess I'm a classic too.
Mike.....

Have you tried adjusting the tilt or various other positions?

The B67 is a bit wider at the back and would be a better choice for a larger person.

It actually depends more on sit bone width than the size of the person. My partner is a clyde, and likes fairly narrow saddles. Even a B-17 would probably be too wide for his preferences. I'm a much smaller woman and like a wider saddle, because having my sit bones fall off the saddle hurts. A lot. His sister seems to be built a lot like him in terms of width, so it isn't a gender thing :).

In case you have not read this site yet, go to Crazy Guy On A Bike and the B-67 is reviewed. I have an old B-66, the earlier B-67 and I find it too big for me and I am considering a Champion Flyer for touring. I am also testing the Brooks Imperial and I am still in the I'm not sure about it stage of the test.



http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/reviews/board/message/?o=3Tzut&thread_id=38349&v=21&page=1&nested=0

I agree with you on the different builds for different saddles. I tried a Terry liberator. It was fine for 25 miles, but after that it felt like my sit bones were sliding off the Kelvar sides. It was a painful 15 more miles.

Mike..

I can't really comment on the Champion Flyer, but have had a B67 for about 6 months now with about 3k miles on it and every time I sit on it, it's like sitting on an old friend.

It took me a while to get the exact seat tilt though. I recommend a Thomson seatpost. They are more adjustable that your standard *notched* seat posts, as they don't have teeth and you can make extremely minor adjustments to the tilt.

But as with all seats, what works for one may not work with another.

Hi Mike,

Do check out Sella Anatomica.

http://www.mcmwin.com/cycling%20store.htm

They will cut their slot into your Brooks saddle:

http://users.techline.com/tomn/brookssaddle.jpg

I had this done about 1500 miles ago, and love it. My Flyer was comfortable as it was, but I am always trying to solve problems I don't have. I discovered with the LD slot cut in that my numb dick problems disappeared. My riding partner sent them his B17, and he swears by the treatment as well. The price has gone up a little, it is now $50. plus shipping, but if you end up liking it that would be cheaper than a new saddle.

Tom

Mike,

I also have both a Champ Flyer and a B67 (and an Imperial).
I prefer the B67 for a more upright posture. They feel very different. The Champ Flyer keeps a more rigid feel, and the B67 more supporting.

I like the cutout in the Imperial enough that I may butcher & lace my Champ Flyer.

I just may send the Flyer to have it cut. It is comfortable in all other respects. I haven't heard Flannery Oconnor's name since College. I had to do a comparison contrast between Oconnor's " Wise Blood" and Willa Cather's " My Antonia. It had to do with how there writing was affected by their surroundings.

Mike.....