Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)
Reload this Page >

Sprung saddle beat the crap out of me

Notices
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) Looking to lose that spare tire? Ideal weight 200+? Frustrated being a large cyclist in a sport geared for the ultra-light? Learn about the bikes and parts that can take the abuse of a heavier cyclist, how to keep your body going while losing the weight, and get support from others who've been successful.

Sprung saddle beat the crap out of me

Old 06-18-09, 09:05 AM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
BigPolishJimmy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Southwest Michigan
Posts: 1,561

Bikes: Fuji Monterey, Schwinn Traveler, Fuji Special Road Racer, Gitane Interclub, Sun EZ-1, Schwinn Frontier, Puch Cavalier, Vista Cavalier, Armstrong, Raleigh Sports, Schwinn Stingray

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Sprung saddle beat the crap out of me

I switched my saddle the other day in the never-ending quest to find a better fit. So I put on a no-name sprung saddle that's similar to the cheap vinyl Brooks saddles you sometimes find on old Raleighs. These are comfortable--but heavy--saddles and I rode at lease six miles on an untraveled rout of discovery. My bum has been unhappy with me and after the ride it was pretty happy, but the springs seemed too much for my back and sides. Often while pedaling id get this bouncing action going, a popping up and down in the seat that seemed to rob me of my power a little bit. I'd pedal along and the bouncing would grow according to my cadence. It was somewhat irritating, but man those springs did iron out the harsh bumps though. I'm still feeling it in my sides and back 3 days later. Well I guess the search continues. Soon a Brooks B-17... soon.
BigPolishJimmy is offline  
Old 06-18-09, 09:39 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
CliftonGK1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 11,375

Bikes: '08 Surly Cross-Check, 2011 Redline Conquest Pro, 2012 Spesh FSR Comp EVO, 2015 Trek Domane 6.2 disc

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times in 6 Posts
If you want a springer saddle, go for the real deal and get a Brooks at Wallingford Bicycle. They have a 6 month return policy if you don't like it. Plus, I'm going to venture a guess and say that the springs on a Brooks are probably higher quality and heavier compression than on a knock-off, so you won't experience the harmonic bouncing that you did with the current saddle. (Anyone with a sprung Brooks who can back me up in this line of reasoning?)
CliftonGK1 is offline  
Old 06-18-09, 11:22 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Lincoln, NE
Posts: 78
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
You definitely must have a really high cadence to experience any bouncing on a sprung Brooks. I have a champion flyer special and got it when I weighed 330, I am at about 300 now and I love it. You really don't notice the springs being there from normal riding, but they help to soak up a lot of the bigger bumps.

If I get my cadence up really high I do get a little bit of a bounce, though I get the same sensation on any saddle when my cadence gets too fast.
mo_feezy is offline  
Old 06-18-09, 03:21 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Marysville WA
Posts: 440
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I agree, try the brooks if you want springs. I have a flyer ( I got it at 280#) and I don't notice the springs unless I slam a pot hole in the road or something like that.
EasyEd is offline  
Old 06-19-09, 10:51 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Lincoln, NE
Posts: 78
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by EasyEd
I agree, try the brooks if you want springs. I have a flyer ( I got it at 280#) and I don't notice the springs unless I slam a pot hole in the road or something like that.
and when you do, you'll be glad you have them.
mo_feezy is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.