Which Brooks for mixte roadbike: Sprung or Unsprung?
#1
Lug Princess
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Easthaven Isle, ME
Posts: 910
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Which Brooks for Mixte Roadbike: Sprung or Unsprung?
I am sprucing up this recently acquired Motobecane mixte c.1981. I plan to use it
for fast-ish long distance cycling and touring. I am keeping the drop bars for now,
but may later replace them with something like mustache bars.
I have never ridden a roadbike before, only relaxed frames with upright seating
positions. What are your recommendations regarding the most appropriate Brooks
saddle for this bicycle? My instinct is to get the Flyer, but will the springs be
counterproductive to the sportier geometry? I am not concerned about the weight of
the saddle, only comfort. It has been suggested to me that the B17 or B72 might
actually be better for this bike, but I have a hard time believing that. My other
saddles are the B66 and B18, both on upright bikes.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Last edited by Veloria; 07-10-09 at 04:12 AM.
#2
No lugs? No hugs.
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 1,115
Bikes: '85 Miyata 310, '06 GT Performer
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Why are you so fixated on Brooks saddles? They're decent saddles, but they're horrendously over-hyped, and there are better saddles available for the silly prices Brooks command.
#3
Lug Princess
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Easthaven Isle, ME
Posts: 910
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
The "suspended leather vs plastic" debate is a matter of personal opinion and I propose we leave it at that. This is not an issue I was raising with my question.
#4
Senior Member
Brooks B67 (order the "B67s" for ladies model) and Nitto Dove bars - both highly recommended for around town. If I had another upright bike, I'd buy another B67 in a second. If you're keeping the drop bars, a B17 might be better, depending on the width of your sitbones. I've got three of those as well.
Btw, I've been looking for a Motobecane mixte for years. That's a great find!
Btw, I've been looking for a Motobecane mixte for years. That's a great find!
Last edited by sunburst; 07-10-09 at 04:20 AM.
#5
Rustbelt Rider
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Canton, OH
Posts: 9,104
Bikes: 1990 Trek 1420 - 1978 Raleigh Professional - 1973 Schwinn Collegiate - 1974 Schwinn Suburban
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 261 Post(s)
Liked 372 Times
in
177 Posts
Exit, Why don't you name a few of the competitors that you personally like?
I have no experiences with these:
Velo-orange makes leather saddles that look nice, but the have a limited range. Cardiff saddles look very nice but I am not sure of the price. Persons makes leather saddles but I have seen complaints about the quality.
Anyhow, the originial question. I like the unsprung saddles with drop bars and the sprung saddles with north road bars, mostly for aesthtic reasons.
I have no experiences with these:
Velo-orange makes leather saddles that look nice, but the have a limited range. Cardiff saddles look very nice but I am not sure of the price. Persons makes leather saddles but I have seen complaints about the quality.
Anyhow, the originial question. I like the unsprung saddles with drop bars and the sprung saddles with north road bars, mostly for aesthtic reasons.
__________________
|^^^^^^^^^^^^^^| ||
|......GO.BROWNS........| ||'|";, ___.
|_..._..._______===|=||_|__|..., ] -
"(@)'(@)"""''"**|(@)(@)*****''(@)
|^^^^^^^^^^^^^^| ||
|......GO.BROWNS........| ||'|";, ___.
|_..._..._______===|=||_|__|..., ] -
"(@)'(@)"""''"**|(@)(@)*****''(@)
#6
Lug Princess
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Easthaven Isle, ME
Posts: 910
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Yup, I would be getting the S regardless of the model. You ride on a B67 with the Dove bars, interesting. That is even heavier sprung that the Flyer. I would possibly be getting the Albatros bars in future (the Dove would be too narrow for me). How upright is your position with those bars? Nice bike BTW!
#7
Membership Not Required
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: On the road-USA
Posts: 16,855
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
14 Posts
Depends on your riding style. If you are going to be riding it in with drop bars or in a forward leaning position get the Flyer. The springs really don't affect pedaling very much. I would only go with a B67 saddle if you are sitting nearly upright. FWIW I am a Brooks saddle fiend it is the ONLY saddle I have ever been able to ride out of the box for long distances with minimal discomfort, once broken in I can ride for long distances in comfort.
Aaron
Aaron
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#8
Lug Princess
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Easthaven Isle, ME
Posts: 910
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Yes, visually that's my feeling as well. But I'll feel silly getting a B17 or a Team Pro (the looks of which I prefer) if I then end up whining that my butt hurts after day-long rides. Tough decisions!
Last edited by Veloria; 07-10-09 at 04:47 AM.
#9
Senior Member
Yup, I would be getting the S regardless of the model. You ride on a B67 with the Dove bars, interesting. That is even heavier sprung that the Flyer. I would possibly be getting the Albatros bars in future (the Dove would be too narrow for me). How upright is your position with those bars? Nice bike BTW!
eous
#10
Lug Princess
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Easthaven Isle, ME
Posts: 910
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Depends on your riding style. If you are going to be riding it in with drop bars or in a forward leaning position get the Flyer. The springs really don't affect pedaling very much. I would only go with a B67 saddle if you are sitting nearly upright. FWIW I am a Brooks saddle fiend it is the ONLY saddle I have ever been able to ride out of the box for long distances with minimal discomfort, once broken in I can ride for long distances in comfort.
Aaron
Aaron
#11
Freewheel Medic
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: An Island on the Coast of GA!
Posts: 12,885
Bikes: Snazzy* Schwinns, Classy Cannondales & a Super Pro Aero Lotus (* Ed.)
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1453 Post(s)
Liked 2,195 Times
in
962 Posts
Nice blog! And welcome to C&V.
Since you are in Neal Learner's neighborhood (Cambridge area), possibly you could PM him (nlearner). I believe he has a great selection of Brooks and you could see which saddle might look/work best for you. Or take the bike over to Harris Cyclery and see what they have in stock.
Are you bringing your Moto's to NH this summer?
Since you are in Neal Learner's neighborhood (Cambridge area), possibly you could PM him (nlearner). I believe he has a great selection of Brooks and you could see which saddle might look/work best for you. Or take the bike over to Harris Cyclery and see what they have in stock.
Are you bringing your Moto's to NH this summer?
__________________
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
#12
Lug Princess
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Easthaven Isle, ME
Posts: 910
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Hi pastorbobnlnh and thanks! We used to live in NH and still go there occasionally. Neal Lerner caught my attention on another thread with his amazing '38 Raleigh Lady's Tourist. And we pester Harris with our presence on a regular basis!
Last edited by Veloria; 07-10-09 at 06:12 AM.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Springfield, Il
Posts: 72
Bikes: Mercian, (KOM),Waterford Paramount,Schwinn tempo,Pretenamount ss,Custom Kirk, Reserectio and many more.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
1 Post
I've got the VO model 67 clone on one of my bikes and I am quite happy with it. It stretched a bit at first, but that was easy to fix. There is a bit of spring noise, not bad and I suspect pretty normal for this type of saddle. It's a great looking saddle and I like the brown color. It has a pebble finish to the leather also...kinda' cool. IMHO almost as good as the Brooks.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,158
Mentioned: 481 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3810 Post(s)
Liked 6,702 Times
in
2,612 Posts
The two sprung Brooks models I ride regularly are the Champion Flyer and the Conquest. I like them both a great deal. I've tried the B66 several times, but felt it was just too wide and heavy for me (then again, I ride a B17 and a Pro with upright bars). I also think you can't go wrong with a B72. Yup, just as wide as the B66 but somehow a bit more give in my experience.
If you are in my neighborhood, you're welcome to come on over and try a few.
Neal
#15
Fuji Fan
I just ordered a B17 and Flyer. My plans was to use the Flyer on a bike with a similar purpose. If that doesn't work, I have other plans for its use. I'm really hoping it works though because it looks so comfortable and would be great for that bike.
#16
Lug Princess
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Easthaven Isle, ME
Posts: 910
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
The two sprung Brooks models I ride regularly are the Champion Flyer and the Conquest. I like them both a great deal. I've tried the B66 several times, but felt it was just too wide and heavy for me (then again, I ride a B17 and a Pro with upright bars). I also think you can't go wrong with a B72. Yup, just as wide as the B66 but somehow a bit more give in my experience.
If you are in my neighborhood, you're welcome to come on over and try a few.
If you are in my neighborhood, you're welcome to come on over and try a few.
Thank you for your nice offer; I might just take you up on it, if only to meet your Lady's Tourist! I do live "in the neighborhood", though I am abroad at the moment for work.
Hey, good idea -- I could get both! : )) Right...
Last edited by Veloria; 07-10-09 at 08:56 AM.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: n.w. superdrome
Posts: 17,687
Bikes: 1 trek, serotta, rih, de Reus, Pogliaghi and finally a Zieleman! and got a DeRosa
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
9 Posts
Hi Veloria and welcome to BF and C&V!
Personally, I think the B17 looks more appropriate on a mixte, but thats just my opinion.
My take on it is the Flyer is more for upright riding and the B17 more towards the drop
bar racing/touring position.
Marty
p.s. Gorgeous Moto Mixte!
Personally, I think the B17 looks more appropriate on a mixte, but thats just my opinion.
My take on it is the Flyer is more for upright riding and the B17 more towards the drop
bar racing/touring position.
Marty
p.s. Gorgeous Moto Mixte!
__________________
Sono più lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
Sono più lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,878
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1858 Post(s)
Liked 664 Times
in
506 Posts
Thanks, this is helpful. If the Flyer does not effect pedaling with drop bars, then there is no reason I should not get it. My concern was, that should I end up leaving the drop bars on, the Flyer would be inappropriate. As you can tell, I am biased towards the Flyer. However, my husband has it on his road bike (also with drop bars) and says he is still not sure whether it was the right choice vs. a B17. Several female acquaintances seem to also think the B17 is the one for fast, long-distance riding.
I haven't tried sprung saddles with anything but a trekker bar, and so far I don't like it (my wife's Breezer Liberty with a NOS B72). I'm currently using a B17N Imperial on my Trek with drop bars a few cm below the saddle, and an Ideale 92 (French competitor to Brooks from the old days, similar shape to a B17) on my Woodrup with drop bars at saddle height. Both work well for those arrangements, though the Ideale is going to be replaced by a B17 Imperial someday soon. Mrs. Road Fan did not like a suspension post on her flat-bar road bike, a Cannondale Road Warrior 800.
I've tried a Velo-Orange Swallow imitation, and like the shape but not in the rear, plus it stretches a lot. i don't know if it's the leather or the narrowness, but I've noticed Swallows to stretch a lot, too.
But if the Flyer springs just add a bit of shock protection and not much cush, then I might go for it. OTOH, your mixte with the twin lateral tubes probably has a decent amount of vertical compliance, compared to a solid drop tube or a standard top tube.
Last edited by lotek; 07-10-09 at 10:19 AM.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,878
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1858 Post(s)
Liked 664 Times
in
506 Posts
i just looked over your websites, and being a Wienophile, I am again itching to go to Austria again! Wurstl on the street!
Your husband's bike has a Flyer. Why not borrow it for a day, put it on the mixte, and take a ride? Then you'll know if it's for you. Mrs. Road Fan does this to me all the time. Coordination is key.
Your husband's bike has a Flyer. Why not borrow it for a day, put it on the mixte, and take a ride? Then you'll know if it's for you. Mrs. Road Fan does this to me all the time. Coordination is key.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,720
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 317 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
B17 or flyer. They`ve got the same top, so it is only about springs or no springs. You do not really feel the springs so do not worry about that. They are both good when the bars is approx same height as saddle.
I`ve got a B72 on one quite upright bike. Great for that use but I would not use it for the purpose you describe.
Personally I am not a fan of the short nosed S models (got two) but I guess it is about anatomy and what you are used to. I feel they are "small" in a way, not always sure where the saddle is..
I`ve got a B72 on one quite upright bike. Great for that use but I would not use it for the purpose you describe.
Personally I am not a fan of the short nosed S models (got two) but I guess it is about anatomy and what you are used to. I feel they are "small" in a way, not always sure where the saddle is..
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,878
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1858 Post(s)
Liked 664 Times
in
506 Posts
Mrs. Road Fan didn't like the Professional S I got her, either.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,720
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 317 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
What tires are you using? The air volume and air preassure in the tires is part of the spring system on the bike. Fat tyres w low preassure gives a cushy ride w less need of a sprung saddle (and oposite) but you may want both.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Pinole, CA, USA
Posts: 17,392
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 443 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 27 Times
in
25 Posts
The Flyer is the same shape as the B17, so I don't know why is would be less appropriate on a drop-bar bike. My Flyer is my most comfortable saddle, because it gives a little more shock protection than my second favorite B17's. I prefer the B17 shape for upright riding to the wider saddles. I don't ride the drops much, so the B17 works best for me with drop bars.
Trying Neal's saddles will only work if you ride each one for a couple of hours. The wide saddles feel more comfortable when you first sit on them, but are not necessarily the most comfortable after a couple of hours of riding. Ideally, you want a saddle that allows you to ride all day without ever thinking about your saddle.
Trying Neal's saddles will only work if you ride each one for a couple of hours. The wide saddles feel more comfortable when you first sit on them, but are not necessarily the most comfortable after a couple of hours of riding. Ideally, you want a saddle that allows you to ride all day without ever thinking about your saddle.
#24
Lug Princess
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Easthaven Isle, ME
Posts: 910
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
But based on the feedback, it seems that the thing to do is just go for the Flyer. If in doubt, I will just read this over and over again.
You don't think I could go 50 miles on this bike... Why not? That was certainly the plan.
Last edited by Veloria; 07-10-09 at 10:24 AM.
#25
Lug Princess
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Easthaven Isle, ME
Posts: 910
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
I am going to replace the current tires, most likely with Continental 27 x 1 1/4 Ultra GatorSkin. I am actually a little disappointed that (apparently?) there are no traditional-looking (gumwall) 27 x 1 1/4 tires that are also puncture resistant. I like the look of Michelin World Tour, but my understanding is that I'd be sacrificing performance (and puncture resistance) for aesthetics with these. This is a topic onto itself of course!