Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Brooks Flyer saddle vs. Thudbuster seatpost for the potholes?

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mtalinm
02-18-12, 01:03 PM
I'm building my dream commuter for my nasty ride into downtown Boston - lots of potholes, etc. It is almost complete except for shock absorption. As a #270 Clyde I don't feel comfortable lowering the tire pressure lest I get pinch flats, so I'm considering two different approaches:

1) Brooks Flyer saddle. I currently have a B17 on the bike (a Xootr Swift) and love it, so fit is not a concern. I've read however that this is most appropriate when the saddle and bar are roughly level, but this setup has drop bars about an inch lower than the saddle.

2) Thudbuster seatpost. I've had bad experiences with suspension seatposts as my weight pretty much pushes them down, but I hear the Thudbuster is really good. I don't know if it is appropriate for someone of my size though. This link (http://www.thudbuster.com/faq.html) says there's a limit of 250 for their standard elastomers but that they have new ones for heavier riders. Curious whether anyone has tried these.

Thanks much. The two are roughly the same price.


Seve
02-18-12, 02:04 PM
The flyer shares the same leather top as the B17 so I wouldn't think you would have a problem with the saddle height. It's essentially a B17 with springs.
I have one on my city bike much for the same reasons as you mentioned and I wouldn't trade it for another.

Wallingford bike might be worth a look if you want to give a Flyer a whirl and if it doesn't work out you can return it.

We guarantee you will be satisfied with your new leather saddle by giving a SIX-MONTH UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE on all new saddles from Brooks and Berthoud. http://www.wallbike.com/catalog/saddles

mtalinm
02-18-12, 02:15 PM
thanks Seve, glad to hear. I think I will place an order with REI pronto as they have a rather liberal return policy