Tandem Cycling - Need advice on sprung Brooks saddles for tandem

This is my first post on this forum, so forgove me if I'm in the wrong catagory, but I didn't see one specifically for seats.

I have a 30 year old Motobecane tandem that we've turned into a beach cruiser, so to speak. I know this will offend the purists, but hey, at least we still ride it.

We have beach cruiser bars, and ride pretty upright, usually 10 miles at a time at a 1/2 relaxed and 1/2 brisk pace down to the boardwalk and back...with stops for dinner, fun, etc.

The bike has a classic look with a real wicker basket, leather grips, etc. We still have small tires, but the "biggest" small )110 lb pressure) tires that would fit. This was all done by our local high end bike shop.

Now for saddles. We both get sore, but will never ride enough to break our butts in. We've tried Serfas gel saddles, but are willing to go leather...both for looks and for fit and comfort. I've read extensively about saddles, and talked to shops (Wallingford is one, I believe). I know the pros and cons of leather, and am willing to go through the break-in period and regular upkeep needed. My wife can't use a suspension seat post, it makes the seat too high.

The brooks dealer suggested the B67, but I wondered if anyone had compared this to the B72 (the one with the wierd internal springs). It seems to sit lower, and may allow the suspension post.

I would like the seat with the most "give" for Pam. I know its not as efficient, but thats not an issue. She can't see the bumps coming and softer springs will help. The Brooks dealer said the Brooks springs are not the "springy", so softer seems better considering the Brooks springs are firm anyway.

Any words of wisdon would be appreciated.

BTW- even the bikers with high tech road bikes compliment us on our bike, and we like the "feel" of quality equipmant.

I have the Brooks Conquest sprung saddle on my Mtb/tourer and am very happy with it. Although the springs squeek from time to time, it does its job effectively and is very comfortable. Now this particular saddle sits about an inch and a half higher compared to other Brooks non-sprung saddles. This is not an issue on mtb's since seatposts extend several inches out but may be an issue on a tandem, especially for the stoker. Anyway, I much prefer a sprung saddle over suspension posts which I've used in the past.

I also have a Brooks Conquest on one of my bikes. Keep in mind that it is the same width, 160mm, as their standard racing saddle, the Professional, so it may not be suitable for an upright stoker position.

I talked to Wallingford about getting the B72 style springs under a Conquest top. The B72 springs seem like a nice half step between an unsprung saddle and a fully sprung saddle.

That said, the B67 should be suitable for someone who rides less frequently, has a wider pelvis, and is looking for max comfort.

Now for saddles. We both get sore, but will never ride enough to break our butts in. We've tried Serfas gel saddles, but are willing to go leather...both for looks and for fit and comfort. I've read extensively about saddles, and talked to shops (Wallingford is one, I believe). I know the pros and cons of leather, and am willing to go through the break-in period and regular upkeep needed.

I have a Brooks B17 unsprung saddle and I love it. My experience may be atypical - it has not been "broken in" (i.e. it still feels just as it did on KM 0 four months ago as it does today on KM 1200) and I've yet to find Proofide at local shops or purchase the adjustment spanner.

Basically it has fit me and been the most comfy saddle of all my bikes, out of the box.

My only complaint? A little squeaking has set in, which no doubt means I need to either a) tighten the adjustment bolt or b) grease the seat post a little. Going to do b) right now.

I'm writing not to suggest considering the B17 over other models but to add one more voice to the small crowd of folks that have never had any "break in" period or pain.

I also have a Brooks Conquest on one of my bikes. Keep in mind that it is the same width, 160mm, as their standard racing saddle, the Professional, so it may not be suitable for an upright stoker position.

I talked to Wallingford about getting the B72 style springs under a Conquest top. The B72 springs seem like a nice half step between an unsprung saddle and a fully sprung saddle.

That said, the B67 should be suitable for someone who rides less frequently, has a wider pelvis, and is looking for max comfort.

OK, I just opened the box from Wallingford. I ordered both the B66 and B72. The B72 may as well not even have springs from what I can tell. It looks cool, but has almost no give. Even the B66 springs are not bouncy (they feel "properly done"), I'm going with the B66 if Pam approves.

Thanks

Jeff:
My stoker used a B-72 for 20,000+ miles in the mid-70s and loved it on our Assenmacher custom tandem. However, on a century ride in Arizona one of the saddle rails broke with 30 miles left to pedal.
Ever practical she suggested: "Find a rock that fits between the bottom of my saddle and the rear carrier". First big rock fit just right and she finished the 100 miler literally on a 'saddle as hard as a rock.'
Ordered another B-72 and she never could break it in right; using neatsfoot oil and even beating it with a small sledge hammer did not solve her dilemma. Guess the first saddle came from a cow and the second one from a bull!
However all butts seems to need different solutions . . . one saddle does not fit or suit all riders.
Good luck to your stoker . . . and yes, old Motobecanes are 'cool tandems!'

Pedal on TWogether!
Rudy & Kay/Zona tandem