Emerson

Hi all,

I was planning on using some kind of suspension in the seat on my new Surly, but there is so little seatpost showing that it looks like a sprung saddle is my only choice for providing a little cush for the tush.

Does anyone have experience with both saddles and can provide some feedback on the differences between them. The 72 is lighter which is a good thing, but Bill at Wallingford Bike suggested that the 72 might not be a good choice for a heavier rider (I'm ~200 lbs).

I need something to absorb a bit more shock off my back. I ride quite upright and so need/want a wider saddle. Bike is used for a little of everything--commuting, bike trails, simple off-road, and hopefully some light touring this summer.

I await your wisdom. Thanks.

chicbicyclist

Trust me, a bit of weight sacrifice(and I mean, a really tiny sacrifice, we're talking 300 grams, about a third of a pound - I can lose that by sweating, or wearing less clothing...) is an insignificant price to pay for the last saddle you will ever own(besides, the weight of your tires are more important than obsessing about the weight of a 2 pound saddle that doesnt rotate), if the Brooks works out for you. Get the B-67, sprung saddles will really help alot even more so than suspension seatpost, I was told. Spring saddles are also considered superior in absorbing shock and just generally more comfortably than an identical saddle, sans springs.

I own a B-66, it is identical to the B-67 in terms of the saddle itself, only mine has two rails.

jcm

Get a B-67 no question about it. I'm 225lbs and I ride 150 miles/week. All my previous experiments are now wall-hangers. There's nothing like coil springs.

Trek 520 with B-67 and North Road bars:
https://i2.tinypic.com/r9il8g.jpg

Trek 830 with same set up:
https://i2.tinypic.com/r9ilok.jpg

The Mighty B-73 Barco-lounger
https://i2.tinypic.com/r9im3k.jpg

EDIT: There's alot of testimonials on Brooks saddles in general over at How's Your Brooks Saddle Treating You.

FergusF

Like most others on this thread I would recommend the 67 over the 72 - the 3 coil springs on the 72 allow some side to side and back to front movement which can give a slightly wobbly feel to the ride, especially over uneven surfaces. The 67 is anchored at the front so it gives good bump absorption without the wobbly effect. I wouldn't worry about the weight difference.
Another one to consider is the Champion Flyer, 2 coil springs like the 67 but a narrower width. Depending on your setup this may be more suitable. The 67 & 72 are for setups with a pretty upright position, i.e. with the bars level with or above the saddle. If you use a more leaned forward position the Flyer might suit you better, be sure you mention this when you talk to Wallingfords.

ceridwen

I have not noticed any of this wobbling with my B-72 so far. But then I also weigh in at about 110 pounds, perhaps that makes the difference.

That said, while the B-72 has provided what I was looking for by evening out the really vibration heavy parts of my ride (there are a couple of sections on the MUP nearby that go over wooden bridges for instance), it doesn't give nearly the amount of suspension I expect a B-67/66 would.

I-Like-To-Bike

I think Fergus is confusing the B73 saddle which does have 3 coil springs, with the B72 which only has 2 wires which Brooks euphemistically describes as "springs". I have extensive experience with all three saddles; INever detected any wobbly feel with the B73 or the others.
I agree with Chicbicyclist and JCM, get the B66/B67 and the B73 is good also. Forget about the weight difference unless counting grams is more important than comfort.

Eggplant Jeff

What other choices are there? My B67 kicked the butt of my old suspension seatpost so hard it's still in orbit.

I'm very happy with mine, I got the B67 because I got the same advice about the B72... better for lighter riders. But I have to admit I haven't tried the B72.

ollo_ollo

I commuted with a well broken in B72 on my Raleigh Sports back in the 80s. Most comfortable Brooks I ever rode but I'm a little guy of about 145. Foolishly let it go with the bike when I sold it. I found the B67 to be bouncy & sometimes it squeeked on bumps but it would be the best choice for a heavier rider. Now I ride road & touring bikes with a B17 or B15 & likely the B72 or B67 wouldn't work as well. Don