Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Selle An-Atomica vs Brooks B17

Continuing my search for a saddle.

Please give me opinions on the Selle An-Atomica saddle.

I am vacillating between this saddle and the Brooks B17.

Thanks

I had the same internal debate with myself and finally opted for the Anatomica. Several people indicated that there was no break-in required and that the Anatomica would be comfortable "right out of the box." The Brooks, apparently depending on your individual anatomy, is either:
a) comfortable right out of the box;
b) requires a short beak-in and is comfortable thereafter;
c) requires a long, excruciatingly painful break-in and is comfortable thereafter; or
d) is excruciatingly painful and never gets comfortable.
After I fiddled with the adjustment of the Anatomica over a period of about three weeks, I am comfortable with it, but I'm not convinced that it's any more comfortable than the WTB (http://www.wtb.com/products/saddles/racing/) saddle that I replaced.

I think you should get a brooks b.17 imperial (the slotted brooks). It's cheaper than the Selle, and while it requires a bit of breakin, the slot cuts the breakin down massively. Also, I'm having issues iwth maxing out the tension screw on my Selle Anatomica. It's the perfect saddle for me when the tension is right, but it keeps stretching and stretching (after >1000 miles and 5 months), and so I have to tinker with it all the time and it's still nearing the trash heap point because of the stretch. I did get a clydesdale model, and I'm a lighter clyde (220ish pounds), though I ride with a 10-20 pound shoulderbag most of the time.

I was going to suggest reading up on the B-17 Imperial Review thread in C&V, but it seems to have dissappeared.

Anyhow, I ride a B-17 Imperial and I vote for that one over the An-Atomica. The leather is thicker on the B-17 which, yes, can contribute to a "breaking in" period before the saddle reaches peak comfort. I've got 2 B-17s and the Imperial, and none of them have been uncomfortable or painful, even right out of the box. A quick treatment with Proofide twice a year and they're going to last forever and stay comfortable.
The An-Atomica will definitely be comfortable right from the start. They use a more supple leather, the cutout section is longer and wider than on the Imperial, and the overall saddle is larger (particularly, longer) than the B-17 models. IIRC, the clamp area of the rails is longer (a consistent complaint about the B-17 are its short rails) and I believe the width profile across the rear is wider without adding girth to the nose. The biggest drawback I've heard with them is from heavier riders, in that the leather sags more than with a Brooks saddle. The easiest way Brooks riders shore up that issue is by punching and lacing their saddle. I've not heard of this with the An-Atomica, although I'm sure it could be done the same as with a Brooks.

I have looked around to find where I can buy a B-17 Imperial. Can't find any vendors.
Where are you Imperial owners getting this saddle?

The B-17 Imperial is coming to market in 2009. Earlier this year, 200 people were selected for the pre-market testing, rode the saddle and reported back to Brooks on what we thought about it.
The test riders were everyone from utility cyclists to fixed gear commuters to long distance riders, putting in all sorts of different mileage and conditions.
While the majourity of the testers liked the saddle, some were indifferent (when comparing it to their regular B-17) and some had distinct problems with the Imperial design, citing they felt the cutout was "pinching" them when they put their weight on the saddle.
There used to be a thread in the C&V forum with all the reviews, but that's since been removed. You can find selected comments from BF members at the Brooks Press Page (http://www.brooksengland.com/press/) in their upcoming newsletter The Brooks Bugle. There's also pictures of the Imperial saddle line.

If you want the cut out but don't want to wait for the Brooks Imperial, you can send your B-17 to Anatomica and they will cut the slot into it for fifty bucks. http://www.mcmwin.com/saddle%20shop%20new.htm

I'm not sure that I'd go that route myself, but...

The B-17 Imperial is coming to market in 2009. Earlier this year, 200 people were selected for the pre-market testing, rode the saddle and reported back to Brooks on what we thought about it.
The test riders were everyone from utility cyclists to fixed gear commuters to long distance riders, putting in all sorts of different mileage and conditions.
While the majourity of the testers liked the saddle, some were indifferent (when comparing it to their regular B-17) and some had distinct problems with the Imperial design, citing they felt the cutout was "pinching" them when they put their weight on the saddle.
There used to be a thread in the C&V forum with all the reviews, but that's since been removed. You can find selected comments from BF members at the Brooks Press Page (http://www.brooksengland.com/press/) in their upcoming newsletter The Brooks Bugle. There's also pictures of the Imperial saddle line.

The imperial is available in a few shops here and there.

The imperial is available in a few shops here and there.

Such as? I'd love to know a place to buy one.

Thanks.

I bought a Selle An-Atomica last week and so far it has been Saddle Heaven for me! No break-in at all. Also, the saddle is weatherproof, requires no maintenance. I have never felt a saddle so comfortable! Feels like an easy chair. I used to ride the Koobi Au Enduro and like this saddle better!
Bill

Honestly if you take the time to buy the right shorts and get the correct width seat to match your sit bone width then you will find almost any saddle is reasonably comfortable.

Most of the saddle discomfort that I see is simply because people have no idea what I am talking about when I say how wide are your sit bones?

Mine are 150mm ish...so I ride a Specialized Alias 155.....I tried the same saddle in the 140 version and it about killed me....the 155 is like it's not even there.

I bought a Selle An-Atomica last week and so far it has been Saddle Heaven for me! No break-in at all. Also, the saddle is weatherproof, requires no maintenance. I have never felt a saddle so comfortable! Feels like an easy chair.

I:love: my Selle An-Atomica saddle. I bought my first one last year, I now have three on my bikes.

O^O

I am still deciding on which saddle to buy.
The Brooks B17 is 170mm wide.
I can't find how wide the Selle An-Atomica saddle is.
I emailed them and the answer was that you can adjust how wide the saddle is.
Can anyone tell me what the range is. What is the widest setting.
My present saddle is 155mm wide (stock saddle) - I think I need a wider saddle.

Honestly if you take the time to buy the right shorts and get the correct width seat to match your sit bone width then you will find almost any saddle is reasonably comfortable.

Most of the saddle discomfort that I see is simply because people have no idea what I am talking about when I say how wide are your sit bones?

Mine are 150mm ish...so I ride a Specialized Alias 155.....I tried the same saddle in the 140 version and it about killed me....the 155 is like it's not even there.

I absolutely disagree with this. I have a handful of correct-width saddles that are miserable.

The name of the Selle saddle is the Titanico. I have one, and have used a B17 Champion, a Flyer, a B67. I have a green B17 Champ in the cellar, so you know what I think.

If you are a big guy, the Titanico is longer, and will often fit better than a B17.If you are not big in the hips; then either will do.

However, Brooks leather quality has reportedly gone down, get one of the premium models, not the basic B17.

Both are great saddles.

One other thing, Selle AnAtomica has a ton of options. IMHO, they only
make one saddle. That's the one with the waterproof leather and the Clydesdale option. The reason is simply, the Clydesdale patch will reinforce the saddle leather and give you extra years out of it even if you aren't a clyde.

I admit, it is expensive, but itworks for me and I can't say that about anything other saddle for long rides.

I had a B17 and modified it a bit so that I could eliminate chaffing on the inside of my thighs. It looks something like a Brooks Swallow now BUT the rails were too short so I bought a Thomson seat post with setback. Unfortunately the rails on the B17 were still too short to get the aft position I needed.

I was concerned about a Swallow having the same rail length issues so I looked into the Selle An-Atomica.

I couldn't find any sizing comparisons to the B17 but found this thread on BF: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=294795&highlight=atomica+selle
that helped me get the size of the Selle An-Atomica compared to an Arione.

I then got the dimensions of the B17 and could tell right away that the width, length, and longer rail length would work for me in all probability.

I got the Clyde model (2 months ago) and to be honest the saddle has been everything I could have hoped for. I have tried 6 or seven different saddles and the Selle An-Atomica ended up being "The One".

Now the Brooks saddles are great but lacking in certain areas important to my needs, and the prices have skyrocketed on them lately as well.

(My vitals are 6' 3", 213 lbs, riding a CF Felt Z25 with "relaxed" geometry, and average 130-150 miles a week for additional data points).

Hope this helps in your search for the AHHHHHHHH factor.......
Good luck!

Thanks for all the great advice. sojourn I really appreciate your post and the link you gave me.
This does help a lot with the size of the saddle question.
I am close to pulling the trigger on the Selle An-Atomica.
I am into comfort and do not like the idea of breaking in a saddle for months.

The OP will not do poorly if choosing the Titanico. However, some have reported that it sags relatively quickly and sometimes needs frequent adjusting to keep the tension. I think this has alot to do with rider weight, just as many clydesdales have reported that their Brooks 17's break in quickly, whereas lighter riders have reported the opposite. Also, Brooks don't waterproof their leather, which can cause early sag due to the softening that occurs by adding what I believe are silicones (silicones are about the only compound that actually waterproofs, most, if not all others give varying degrees of water-resistance).

I agree with the reply that stated that ischial width is of paramount importance in fitting any saddle, but disagree strongly that just about any saddle can be reasonably comfortable. I have a box full of failures, some not inexpensive, to prove it. Brooks B17's are not that expensive and the leather is just as good as it has always been. My newer 17 Honey is thicker by about .020" (which is alot!) than my older 17 Black, and proving a stubborn sitter, too. I'm 250lbs, and that honey 17 has yet to due my bidding at over 800 miles. Just beginning to show some minute wrinkles where the dimples will be. The black one was well shaped by about 500 miles, by comparison.

Well I finally ordered the Selle An-Atomica.
This will be a Christmas present for me (wife won't let me open it until Christmas day).
Thank you all for the advice and information.
Searching for the right saddle is always an adventure.

Continuing my search for a saddle.

Please give me opinions on the Selle An-Atomica saddle.

I am vacillating between this saddle and the Brooks B17.

Thanks

Make sure, whichever you choose, that you get one that is the correct size. I got a B-17 because it was the size that nearly everybody said worked for them. My previous saddle was narrower (the stock saddle that came with bike). I had severe fit issues for MONTHS until I figured out it was the B-17. It was wider than my previous saddle and too narrow for my fat ass. Go figure.

I got my An-Atomica the other day. I'm installing and adjusting it now. It seems it will take sometime to dial it in. I'm at 4 turns tighter now. A fine line between tilt and tight. Any other clydes ride one and how many turns are you from when you got it.

I got my An-Atomica the other day. I'm installing and adjusting it now. It seems it will take sometime to dial it in. I'm at 4 turns tighter now. A fine line between tilt and tight. Any other clydes ride one and how many turns are you from when you got it.

I left my An-Atomica "as is" for my initial rides as I was getting to know it as it were. I have a slight nose up attitude and have turned the screw 3 full turns AFTER 200 miles. I have a tendency to adjust TOO many items at one time (raise the seat, move it aft, adjust the angle). I've had to learn patience....small adjustments, one at a time, easy does it......

I left my An-Atomica "as is" for my initial rides as I was getting to know it as it were. I have a slight nose up attitude and have turned the screw 3 full turns AFTER 200 miles. I have a tendency to adjust TOO many items at one time (raise the seat, move it aft, adjust the angle). I've had to learn patience....small adjustments, one at a time, easy does it......

Thanks for the info. At 295lbs the saddle out of the box sagged REAL bad, like sitting in a playground swing. I'm now at 6 turns and tilted the nose down a little from being nose high, still slightly up. The center is touching while I ride. The dilemma there is I can remove some material for clearance or tighten the screw. Like you said, one at a time, easy does it.

Well I finally ordered the Selle An-Atomica.
This will be a Christmas present for me (wife won't let me open it until Christmas day).
Thank you all for the advice and information.
Searching for the right saddle is always an adventure.

Hope it works out for you.......you might mention to your wife that the 30 day money back deal could be jeopardized if you wait for Christmas! ;)
Happy Holidays to all.........

Thanks for the info. At 295lbs the saddle out of the box sagged REAL bad, like sitting in a playground swing. I'm now at 6 turns and tilted the nose down a little from being nose high, still slightly up. The center is touching while I ride. The dilemma there is I can remove some material for clearance or tighten the screw. Like you said, one at a time, easy does it.

Yeah with that kind of sag tightening was definitely indicated! How is it so far, are you liking it yet?

I have just been puttering around the neighborhood but it seems like it will be nice. Definatley a different feel than a saddle with a solid base.

I was going to suggest reading up on the B-17 Imperial Review thread in C&V, but it seems to have dissappeared.



I'm one of the ones that felt pinched, but I can say the thread is back, but not as a stickey. I posted in it a day ago.

Make sure, whichever you choose, that you get one that is the correct size. I got a B-17 because it was the size that nearly everybody said worked for them. My previous saddle was narrower (the stock saddle that came with bike). I had severe fit issues for MONTHS until I figured out it was the B-17. It was wider than my previous saddle and too narrow for my fat ass. Go figure.

I've written this a couple of times before, but I can't remember where:

Brooks saddles, as you know, have a steel frame like a horseshoe , running around from side to side around the back. It is about a half inch wide, and thus, reduces the actual web area by a comensurate dimension.

If your ischials are 150mm wide, you will have a problem as you will be riding on, or near the frame. Flesh and bone cannot form steel to fit. The 17 models are designed to fit the largest average body type. In other words, people whose ischials are between 135mm and 145mm. This puts them right in the web, between the frame point.

I am 250 lbs and my ischials are about 145mm to 150mm wide. As the B-17 breaks in (and breaks down, which is expected under such a load), I experience a little ischial pressure on the outside of the sitpoints after about 50 non-stop miles - a moderate to long ride for me.

The Titanico also has the steel frame, but they built the saddle wider to compensate, so you don't feel it because there is a wider web at that position. The drawback to this is exactly what posters are saying - early sag and the need to readjust frequently because there is simply more leather with a large cut-out, which must be a weak spot in any hide.

Leather is best, but it's a natural product, and has its oddities. Overall, it's worth it.