Commuting - finding the right brooks saddle

So im thinking about buying a brooks for my Raleigh and im not to sure which one to get I have been reading about the b66 and b67 and from what I understand they are the same except for how they mount on a seat stem. Am I correct on this?

What is the difference between b72 from what I see it doesn’t have the coil springs is that the only difference?

Im tired of the plastic seat on this bike mostly because it has started to take on a weird shape upfront, it started when it was out on my patio on a hot summer day so I think the plastic started to melt in the seat. The front looks limp…

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/2672622542_b1c197fec2.jpg

I looked through the forums and really don’t know which one I should choose…so any help would greatly help me out…

Thanx

Well if you want a lot of opinions, look to this recent thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=475762). It was not intended to be a Brooks saddle thread, but turned into one.

Here is the Brooks line up as I know it:

B66 = double rails + springs
B67 = single rail + springs
B68 = single rail, no springs
B72 = double rail + loop springs
B73 = B66 with third spring under the nose
B135 = double rail + double springs + nose coil (second most comfortable I've owned, good work saddle)
^^^
All have the same top, which is flatter and wider than the B17 top and has a textured surface, these are for an upright riding position.

B17 = no springs, single rail
Champion Flyer = B17 top + springs, single rail (my favorite, A Champ Flyer Imperial would be the bee's knees)
B66 Champion = Double rail Champ Flyer
Brooks Imperial = B17 top with cutout, no springs, single rail (no numbness, very nice, I may butcher some of my other saddles after owning this one)
B17N = slightly more narrow top
B17S = slightly shorter nose
^^^
These are for a more aggressive riding position, the surface of the top is smooth.

B33 = wider top than the B66-67-68-etc. + triple rail + springs and nose coil, heaviest duty of the Brooks (most comfortable Brooks I've owned)
B190 = widest of the Brooks tops + double rails + double springs and nose coil
^^^
These two are work saddles, bolt upright riding only, textured surface.

Brooks Swallow and Brooks Swift are racing saddles, basically the same top, the Swift has side skirts, the Swallow has tucked skirts.
....

thank you so much for the links, i did see those as i was searching. im still not sure which i prefer i really do like the b67 as well as the b68. i have read many peoples experiences with the b67, does anyone have any recommendations for the b68?

The B-68 is meant as a more aggressive saddle (which is why it has no springs) for a rider with very wide sit bones. Some people have sit bones that are so wide they end up sitting on the frame or even outside the frame on a B-17 equipped road bike. This is quite painful. It uses the same top as the ordinary sprung saddles because it's the widest top Brooks makes most of the time. It seems to work best with a fairly traditional drop bar set up, so 0-2" of drop between the saddle and the bars. It will work on an upright bike, but if you deal with a lot of very rough pavement, it might not be the best choice.

The B-66/67 is sprung. Raleigh bikes originally used these kinds of Brooks (mostly in the double rail form), so if you're looking to keep your bike period correct they're a good way to go. They're also pretty comfy for an upright position, and will cope well with nasty pavement.

If you have very narrow sit bones (by Brooks standards), these saddles will be *too* wide for you, and may cause discomfort. Someone who rides a Swift width saddle on a road bike might well find a B-66/67/68 too wide. That person would probably do better with a Flyer if they want a sprung saddle.

Order both saddles from Wallbike.com and return the one you don't want. They have a 6 month, no questions asked, return policy.

The saddles with springs squeak and screech. It annoys me no end. i have the B68 on my commuter and it's comfortable even in jeans.

thanx...

im usually doing 14 miles a day on this bike and maybe 4 times out of the week. i guess my biggest concern is if i will be able to stay comfy long enough for the ride. i was mostly looking at these 2 saddles because i do enjoy the wideness.

but i wasnt so sure on the springs, do i want and need them or will i be ok with just the seat.

i guess the best thing to do would just to order one and try it out see what i like and don't like...




The saddles with springs squeak and screech. It annoys me no end. i have the B68 on my commuter and it's comfortable even in jeans.

The saddles with springs squeak and screech. It annoys me no end. i have the B68 on my commuter and it's comfortable even in jeans.

A little dry lube in the nose and around the springs will take care of that.

You don't understand...dry lube, wet lub, tension bolt, you name it, I tried it. The spring ride was cush, but like the Grinch it was the noise, noise, noise, noise.

My conquest doesn't squeak, among sprung ones. My daily ride b17 derivative does creak, but not if I shift my pelvis so it's pointing up/back (and I then bend my spine at the rib cage basically, like some weird pilates exercise). I am going to hit that w/ the graphite when I get home.