Brooks Saddles?

[atcfoody]

Hey there;

I have managed to rack up over 500 commuting miles since early to mid-March and am having a great time with it. Conveniently enough, my wife is very excited that I am having as much fun with it as I am, and we are planning on me continuing to commute through the summer, and into the fall and winter. To do this, I'm putting together a gear list of "needs" and "wants", and I was going to put a Brooks Saddle on the "want" list (really, arn't need and want the same emotion when it comes to bike stuff?).

So, for those of you clydes out there, which Brooks Saddle do you recommend? I'm weighing in at 237lbs, and have been thinking of the "Flyer" model (20 mile round trip) due to the springs to provide some extra cushion.

Whadyathink?

Thanks,
D

[Tom Stormcrowe]

A Picture speaks a thousand words.....

My touring bike with a spring style leather saddle.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/UP2/UpperPeninsulaII076.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/UP2/UpperPeninsulaII075.jpg

[b_young]

I have the standard B-17 and love it. If you are on roads with a lot of bumps the springed saddle may be better. It is a little heavier, but I am not one to worry about weight. They have one out now with a split in the middle that would be worth looking into as well. I am sure that you will not be disappointed with which ever you choose.

[CliftonGK1]

I have the standard B-17 and love it. If you are on roads with a lot of bumps the springed saddle may be better. It is a little heavier, but I am not one to worry about weight. They have one out now with a split in the middle that would be worth looking into as well. I am sure that you will not be disappointed with which ever you choose.

The B-17 Imperial is still in the pre-production testing phase. I'm not sure when they'll be bringing it to market. You might try PMing their Mktg. Manager who has a user account on BF.net (look at the Brooks Imperial Reviews thread on the C&V forum to find his username.)

I can tell you from having ridden both the B-17 Champ. Std. and the B-17 Imperial, neither one is a disappointment, but for rides over 75 miles I do prefer the cutout profile of the Imperial saddle. Then again, saddle selection is a very personalized thing... A guy I was riding with a couple weeks ago rode a B-17 Champ. Std. for 1200km in PBP last year and absolutely loved it, I found mine to be a bit uncomfortable (nerve pressure, having to stand up more often, bad for extended climbing) after about one tenth that distance unless I was riding on a dead-flat route. I still have it on my fixed gear, though, because I don't take it out for much more than 40 miles on relatively few hills.

[bribas]

I just got the B-17, and loved it from the first ride. I'd start there (since I can only speak from experience), since it's the cheapest introduction to the line, and se ehow it goes.

[fadi]

I also got the B17 two days ago and loved it from the first ride.
I am not sure if it is my stock saddle that was that terrible, or if the Brooks is that good :) but the end result is what counts.

Can't wait to really break-in mine and see what will happen then... I already feel comfortable after just 20 miles of riding this new saddle. Very optimistic!

[tpelle]

I have a B17 on my Surly LHT and love it. I'm 260 Lbs, BTW. The only problem I have is that I tend to ride for too long of a stretch without breaks - about an hour or more at a time (due to the saddle being so comfortable?) - and so I tend to get a little sore. By sore, I mean feeling bruised - no problems with numbness or chafing, etc. that I used to have with my old saddle.

My next long ride, I resolve to take a break - get off and walk around for a minute or so - every 20 or 30 minutes or so.

[Richard_Rides]

I have the B17 on my road bike and the Brooks Flyer on my MTB. I consider Brooks saddles to be a necessity. You hear about breaking in the Brooks saddles, but mine felt wonderful on the very first ride. Just putting on the saddles doubled my mileage. The springs on the Brooks Flyer are very stiff, when I first started riding I weighed 300, and when I sat on the 'Flyer the seat did not depress more than possibly 2 millimeters. Don't expect a springy saddle, it's just as solid as the B17.

Brooks makes the best saddles in the world and they're reasonably priced.

[bdinger]

The B-17 Imperial is still in the pre-production testing phase. I'm not sure when they'll be bringing it to market. You might try PMing their Mktg. Manager who has a user account on BF.net (look at the Brooks Imperial Reviews thread on the C&V forum to find his username.)

I can tell you from having ridden both the B-17 Champ. Std. and the B-17 Imperial, neither one is a disappointment, but for rides over 75 miles I do prefer the cutout profile of the Imperial saddle. Then again, saddle selection is a very personalized thing... A guy I was riding with a couple weeks ago rode a B-17 Champ. Std. for 1200km in PBP last year and absolutely loved it, I found mine to be a bit uncomfortable (nerve pressure, having to stand up more often, bad for extended climbing) after about one tenth that distance unless I was riding on a dead-flat route. I still have it on my fixed gear, though, because I don't take it out for much more than 40 miles on relatively few hills.

This begs the question.. if they're pre-production, how'd you manage to get yourself one? Do tell!! :D

[jaxgtr]

Some lucky devils spotted a thread or comment on beta testers.