Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Riding a Brooks B33, B66 or B73?

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.




View Full Version : Riding a Brooks B33, B66 or B73?


Velognome
10-28-11, 07:10 PM
I would like to get some feed back from someone over 200 lbs on any of these saddles. I love the Brooks B17 & swifts on my Roadbikes but don't have experience on sprung saddles for upright bikes. So if you are over 200lbs and have a B33, B66 or B73 I'd love to get your opinion.

Thanks!


Nightshade
10-28-11, 08:57 PM
I weigh in at 359 lbs (down from 380lbs!) and ride a Brooks B33 ,on my cruiser, which is specifically designed for really heavy people such as myself. I find the saddle to be VERY comfortable to ride.

In fact, I believe the B33 is the only saddle targeted to super clyde's like me.............

Velognome
10-28-11, 09:59 PM
In fact, I believe the B33 is the only saddle targeted to super clyde's like me.............

I'm 240, I wonder if the B33 would be too stiff?


Seve
10-28-11, 10:41 PM
I'm 240, I wonder if the B33 would be too stiff? You could if you wish, drop Brooks a note and describe what you are looking for, your details etc.

They are usually very good about answering queries.
http://www.brooksengland.com/getting-in-touch/

sstorkel
10-29-11, 09:24 AM
You could if you wish, drop Brooks a note and describe what you are looking for, your details etc.

You could also buy from Wall Bike (http://www.wallbike.com/), test-ride the saddle for up to 6 months, then return it for a full refund if it doesn't work out...

Nightshade
10-29-11, 11:30 AM
I'm 240, I wonder if the B33 would be too stiff?

yes, It might be since you are 119 lbs lighter than I am.

Brooks has great info on their site so look here to see the line up to choose from that IMO will do you best.

http://www.brooksengland.com/catalogue-and-shop/saddles/city+%26+heavy+duty/

Six jours
10-29-11, 11:44 AM
I use the Flyer (B17 with rear springs) at 210 pounds and like it very much. I suspect that more than 250 pounds or so might compress the springs too much, but couldn't say for sure.

I really like the look of the front loop saddles (the twisted springs on the B33 are fantastic, IMO) but my trouble with multi-rail saddles is that they all require two-piece seatposts which offer limited adjustability of the seat angle. I find that the angle of a Brooks saddle is absolutely critical for comfort, so I really need a two-bolt micro-adjust post with them.

Velognome
10-30-11, 12:23 PM
I use the Flyer (B17 with rear springs) at 210 pounds and like it very much. I suspect that more than 250 pounds or so might compress the springs too much, but couldn't say for sure.

I've got a Flyer on this Raleigh Sports, with the drop bars, it is only a slightly upright positon. I've notice that I hardly compress the springs at all, but then again my weight if somewhat forward.

225082


Brooks has great info on their site so look here to see the line up to choose from that IMO will do you best.

http://www.brooksengland.com/catalog...26+heavy+duty/ (http://www.brooksengland.com/catalogue-and-shop/saddles/city+%26+heavy+duty/)

Thanks, this is where I started the search, not much in the way of ride reports or recomendations other than "heaviest" and warnings of "lateral movement"


You could also buy from Wall Bike (http://www.wallbike.com/), test-ride the saddle for up to 6 months, then return it for a full refund if it doesn't work out...

Completely forgot about them! I bought a few saddles from them, fair price and a very generoous return policy. Thanks for the idea!!

Rona
10-30-11, 02:00 PM
I'm 220 and have a Brooks B66s. The springs are just right for me. I only feel them move when I hit something really hard.

I've also got a Lepper's saddle with a three spring set and I found it to be too much like a trampoline. I felt like I was about to bounce myself off the bike. Stiff springs are a must and the B66 is great.

Velognome
10-30-11, 09:16 PM
I've also got a Lepper's saddle with a three spring set and I found it to be too much like a trampoline. I felt like I was about to bounce myself off the bike. Stiff springs are a must and the B66 is great.

Thanks, I've been thinking the B73 would be bouncy
http://images-partners-tbn.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSNIiiJF3BzwwSwR4z67oc_LwfZP6R56eGUkQDiOHjr-hqpEDK7cmWjTNY:http://www.free-photos.biz/images/transportation/bicycles/brooks_b73_hg.jpg (http://www.free-photos.biz/photographs/transportation/bicycles/220893_brooks_b73_hg.php)

I like the look of the B66, the B33 looks awfully heavy.

Six jours
11-01-11, 07:44 PM
the B33 looks awfully heavy.

Three and a half pounds. More than a pound heavier that the B66. Enough to make me think putting it on one of my bikes would be the end of the world. But then I remember that my body weight varies by more than that just based on the time of day...

Velognome
11-02-11, 11:12 AM
The actual weight doesn't bother me as much as size of B33. I think they look more at home on a vintage motorcycle than a bicycle. maybe, Im just spending too much looking and should just pull the trigger on one?
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2571/4020704981_c1fed36905.jpg
http://motorbicycling.com/attachments/f23/38548d1312076102-english-style-tribute-bike-img_0478.jpg (http://motorbicycling.com/attachments/f23/38548d1312076102-english-style-tribute-bike-img_0478.jpg)

Six jours
11-02-11, 04:36 PM
Well, now I want a board track racer.

Mithrandir
11-02-11, 05:25 PM
I use the Flyer (B17 with rear springs) at 210 pounds and like it very much. I suspect that more than 250 pounds or so might compress the springs too much, but couldn't say for sure.

I really like the look of the front loop saddles (the twisted springs on the B33 are fantastic, IMO) but my trouble with multi-rail saddles is that they all require two-piece seatposts which offer limited adjustability of the seat angle. I find that the angle of a Brooks saddle is absolutely critical for comfort, so I really need a two-bolt micro-adjust post with them.

357 here, and the Flyer is working great for me. Got it when I was around 370, too.

thezeker
03-07-12, 08:31 PM
OK, after trying a couple of different seats I am going to give a Brooks B33 a try. I have a trek pure sport so I am almost riding a cruiser. I kind of understand that I need a special clamp to install this seat but not totally clear.

Do I need this clamp plus a new seat post?

Can someone recommend a retailer?

Thanks

Doohickie
03-07-12, 08:33 PM
I have a B72 on my Raleigh DL-1. Love it. I just got a B66 for another bike, but I haven't had a chance to ride it yet (&%@* business travel!)

sstorkel
03-07-12, 11:20 PM
Can someone recommend a retailer?

I think someone already did... :innocent:

thezeker
03-07-12, 11:27 PM
I think someone already did... :innocent:

They don't have the color I wanted.

sstorkel
03-08-12, 09:02 AM
They don't have the color I wanted.

You should probably wait until they do. Despite all the cheerleaders, Brooks isn't for everyone. Nobody has a better return policy, larger stock, or better customer service than Wall Bike...

thezeker
03-08-12, 10:54 AM
You should probably wait until they do. Despite all the cheerleaders, Brooks isn't for everyone. Nobody has a better return policy, larger stock, or better customer service than Wall Bike...

My logical mind says yes yes yes to your suggestion, but my butt screams NO NO NO!

Oilsooner
03-08-12, 11:16 AM
Man, the seats with springs just seem too out there for me. Like, they dont go on a "racing" bike or something. But, I'm guessing it has to be a huge improvement over the stock specialized saddle, yes? I'm 235 and dropping as I ride, and ride a 2008 specialized roubaix.

Suggestions anyone?

sstorkel
03-08-12, 03:28 PM
My logical mind says yes yes yes to your suggestion, but my butt screams NO NO NO!

You may find that a chunk of concrete or a splintery board is more comfortable than a Brooks saddle. I know I would :D

sstorkel
03-08-12, 03:34 PM
Man, the seats with springs just seem too out there for me. Like, they dont go on a "racing" bike or something. But, I'm guessing it has to be a huge improvement over the stock specialized saddle, yes? I'm 235 and dropping as I ride, and ride a 2008 specialized roubaix.

Suggestions anyone?

I own several very comfortable saddles. None were made by Brooks and there isn't a single spring to be found. I'm a big fan of Selle SMP, ISM, and WTB saddles. The ISM Adamo Road saddle is currently my favorite, but I'll admit that it is not for the casual rider. The do make saddles with more padding that might be appropriate, though.

pat5319
03-09-12, 01:50 AM
I'm not sure which mine is but it works great, bought it for my Electra Amsterdam from Steve Loveland http://stevesoncannonstreet.com/
He knows his stuff
Pat

thezeker
03-09-12, 06:06 AM
I'll find out starting sometime next week. I ordered a B33. I've been through more than a few saddles including a few off beat ones. Part of that was my fault for not investigating enough over the years. I've never tried a leather saddle before. I will eventually report back.

Nightshade
03-09-12, 11:21 AM
I'll find out starting sometime next week. I ordered a B33. I've been through more than a few saddles including a few off beat ones. Part of that was my fault for not investigating enough over the years. I've never tried a leather saddle before. I will eventually report back.

You might do what I did to my B33 to speed the break in time up. I placed a very thick towel over the seat then just beat the hell outta the leather with a dead blow hammer to loosen the leather a bit. That worked fairly well really since after about a day of riding the saddle fits my butt like a champ!!! Super comfortable!!!