Whats the big deal with Brooks saddles?
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,277
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Nothing hurt my rear like a brooks. Anyhow, none of my current bikes would look good with them so that is not an issue.
However, I keep wondering if it was more my rear adjusting to all the riding I was doing rather than the brooks itself. If my next project is going to be a touring bike, I may try a brooks out again just for the heck of it.
However, I keep wondering if it was more my rear adjusting to all the riding I was doing rather than the brooks itself. If my next project is going to be a touring bike, I may try a brooks out again just for the heck of it.
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Birmingham-England & Venezia-Italy
Posts: 114
Bikes: Pegoretti, Brompton, Pashley, Paul Smith by Mercian, Cannondale, etc.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Andrea
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 475
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I ask because I would like to find this episode on my digi-box and post it here, or maybe find on online link to it. I think it would be good for the members to actually see the just how a Brooks saddle is manufactured, to realise the care and and quality.. and common sense that used. As a cyclist I was awestruck as I watched.
#29
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
You must then of course know about the 'How It Is Made' episode shown on Discovery, were you there when this was filmed?
I ask because I would like to find this episode on my digi-box and post it here, or maybe find on online link to it. I think it would be good for the members to actually see the just how a Brooks saddle is manufactured, to realise the care and and quality.. and common sense that used. As a cyclist I was awestruck as I watched.
I ask because I would like to find this episode on my digi-box and post it here, or maybe find on online link to it. I think it would be good for the members to actually see the just how a Brooks saddle is manufactured, to realise the care and and quality.. and common sense that used. As a cyclist I was awestruck as I watched.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#30
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
After the bicycle frame the most important part has to be the saddle as nothing will spoil a good ride like an ill fitting perch.
Of my 14 bicycles, 4 have leather saddles and I do intend to fit more of my bikes with leather saddles that will most likely be Brooks... my favorite leather saddle happens to be a Wright's that dates to the late 30's and this is fitted to my 1955 Raleigh Lenton that I use for longer rides and tours.
My 1962 Peugeot has an Ideale "Le Beoff" which is a track saddle that really suits the bike and is also very comfortable although not in the same league as the Wrights or my B66.
My 1978 Raleigh Superbe has a superb Brooks B66 and my 1940 CCM has a sprung leather mystery saddle that has been ridden so much the markings on the side flaps are almost invisible and yet, it is still in wonderful condition.
I had a B17 and a Competition that I did not like and passed them along to several friends who love them and I believe that my disatisfaction came from the saddles not being wide enough... for a small guy I must have some wide sit bones.
The saddles I have are all a little bit wider than the B17.
What is also nice is the fact I can order a new Brooks saddle through our shop and save a little money in doing so.
Of my 14 bicycles, 4 have leather saddles and I do intend to fit more of my bikes with leather saddles that will most likely be Brooks... my favorite leather saddle happens to be a Wright's that dates to the late 30's and this is fitted to my 1955 Raleigh Lenton that I use for longer rides and tours.
My 1962 Peugeot has an Ideale "Le Beoff" which is a track saddle that really suits the bike and is also very comfortable although not in the same league as the Wrights or my B66.
My 1978 Raleigh Superbe has a superb Brooks B66 and my 1940 CCM has a sprung leather mystery saddle that has been ridden so much the markings on the side flaps are almost invisible and yet, it is still in wonderful condition.
I had a B17 and a Competition that I did not like and passed them along to several friends who love them and I believe that my disatisfaction came from the saddles not being wide enough... for a small guy I must have some wide sit bones.
The saddles I have are all a little bit wider than the B17.
What is also nice is the fact I can order a new Brooks saddle through our shop and save a little money in doing so.
#31
Senior Member
I figured I may as well ask this question here instead of starting a new thread. Has anyone tried one of the pre-aged saddles? I'm considering the aged B-17 or Flyer for my Univega. Do you just apply Proofide in the normal way?
#32
Perineal Pressurized
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: In Ebritated
Posts: 6,555
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Ah????
Let's see, they are tremendously expensive, especially since the USA importer doubled the wholesale price. Back when they were $50 they did not sell worth a damn, at $100 they go like hotcakes. You can get Indian or Chinese knockoff for $20-$30, but they do not say Brooks on the rear and no one buys those. That says nothing about the saddles and a lot about the buyers.
Let's see, they are tremendously expensive, especially since the USA importer doubled the wholesale price. Back when they were $50 they did not sell worth a damn, at $100 they go like hotcakes. You can get Indian or Chinese knockoff for $20-$30, but they do not say Brooks on the rear and no one buys those. That says nothing about the saddles and a lot about the buyers.
As to the Indian or Chinese quip, are you implying the buyers are driven by the label or are willing to pay for the obvious quality?
__________________
This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
#33
Perineal Pressurized
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: In Ebritated
Posts: 6,555
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
You must then of course know about the 'How It Is Made' episode shown on Discovery, were you there when this was filmed?
I ask because I would like to find this episode on my digi-box and post it here, or maybe find on online link to it. I think it would be good for the members to actually see the just how a Brooks saddle is manufactured, to realise the care and and quality.. and common sense that used. As a cyclist I was awestruck as I watched.
I ask because I would like to find this episode on my digi-box and post it here, or maybe find on online link to it. I think it would be good for the members to actually see the just how a Brooks saddle is manufactured, to realise the care and and quality.. and common sense that used. As a cyclist I was awestruck as I watched.
__________________
This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
Last edited by dobber; 02-25-08 at 09:21 PM.
#34
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Suburbia, Ontario
Posts: 882
Bikes: Specialized FSR
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Well... I just purchased my FIRST BROOKS SADDLE TODAY, and SO FAR...I LOVE IT. I haven't coated it yet or protected it...I just rode it.. I had a 10 minute ride to the subway and I extended that to about 30 minutes as I was enjoying the ride so much. My only complaint, is that i'm sliding forward quit a bit...but I just kept adjusting my position.
Thanks for all the advice!!!
** Edit ** Forgot to mention, it's a B-17
Thanks for all the advice!!!
** Edit ** Forgot to mention, it's a B-17
#35
Perineal Pressurized
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: In Ebritated
Posts: 6,555
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Well... I just purchased my FIRST BROOKS SADDLE TODAY, and SO FAR...I LOVE IT. I haven't coated it yet or protected it...I just rode it.. I had a 10 minute ride to the subway and I extended that to about 30 minutes as I was enjoying the ride so much. My only complaint, is that i'm sliding forward quit a bit...but I just kept adjusting my position.
Thanks for all the advice!!!
** Edit ** Forgot to mention, it's a B-17
Thanks for all the advice!!!
** Edit ** Forgot to mention, it's a B-17
__________________
This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Parker, CO
Posts: 1,654
Bikes: SS Surly Crosscheck; '91 Cannondale 3.0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well... I just purchased my FIRST BROOKS SADDLE TODAY, and SO FAR...I LOVE IT. I haven't coated it yet or protected it...I just rode it.. I had a 10 minute ride to the subway and I extended that to about 30 minutes as I was enjoying the ride so much. My only complaint, is that i'm sliding forward quit a bit...but I just kept adjusting my position.
Thanks for all the advice!!!
** Edit ** Forgot to mention, it's a B-17
Thanks for all the advice!!!
** Edit ** Forgot to mention, it's a B-17
The slip will supposedly disappear, but mine's still new enough that it hasn't. I use Obenauf's (I bought mine second hand anyways) and right after an application the saddle is much stickier. It's nice for a day or two and I can see how good this is going to get.
Everyday I feel like I find out more about the saddle and my bum and find an even sweeter sweet spot. It's funny, the B17 isn't as comfy in the first 5-10 minutes as my WTB SST 98, but for any length of time at all it is WAY better. It's like I have to break my butt in on every right. Where every other saddle starts really bugging the areas of pressure the B17 does not.
#37
Señior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 13,749
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 446 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
Where are these Chinese knockoffs for a fraction of the price? I'm not married to brand names.
Also I ride in the rain all the time so that makes me nervous.
Also I ride in the rain all the time so that makes me nervous.
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 1,840
Bikes: Bianchi San Remo - set up as a utility bike, Peter Mooney Road bike, Peter Mooney commute bike,Dahon Folder,Schwinn Paramount Tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have brooks B-17 saddles on my two bikes, one has 9000 miles on it, the other has 2500 on it. The new one is on a bike which I ride only in good weather, the other is my daily commuter. I am not an 'all weather' commuter, but my window in which I do commute is probably wider than an 'all weather' in Northern California (I don't ride when there is a lot of ice on the road, or if the temp is much below 0F, I also don't like riding in electrical storms, but rain, light snow, fog etc don't stop me). I keep brooks 'proofride' on the saddle to protect it from moisture, and I try not to leave the bike outside in bad weather without covering the saddle (I do keep a shower cap in my bike bag). I am sure that there are saddles which are more impervious to weather, but the brooks is not super delicate. Given how long they last, I don't consider them expensive either. I spend far more on chains, brake pads, cassettes and chainrings than I do on saddles.
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 1,840
Bikes: Bianchi San Remo - set up as a utility bike, Peter Mooney Road bike, Peter Mooney commute bike,Dahon Folder,Schwinn Paramount Tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think that part of what makes the brooks saddles so comfortable is that when they break in, they become softer in the areas that match the hard parts of your rear, and remain hard where you are soft - so the saddle molds to you. I can't imagine that pre-aging would help.
#40
SERENITY NOW!!!
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: In the 212
Posts: 8,738
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Or put your bike on your car's roof rack and drive it into a low ceiling parking garage. That'll scuff the nose up a bit. Then apply proofide liberally to the scuff, rub it out as much as possible and keep on riding. Don't ask me how I know this.
__________________
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
#41
Senior Member
I think that part of what makes the brooks saddles so comfortable is that when they break in, they become softer in the areas that match the hard parts of your rear, and remain hard where you are soft - so the saddle molds to you. I can't imagine that pre-aging would help.
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Montréal, QC, Canada
Posts: 389
Bikes: Surly 1x1 with Nexux 8 "Red line"
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I can't stress this enough, it is very important that you adjust the saddle correctly (the overall riding position), otherwise it will probably hurt. This has been de facto for everyone I've recommended them to. I suggest you go on a long ride with your tools until you find the right position. I took me 2 hours to find the right spot, but I'm no expert in riding ergonomy. Make sure it's the ass bones that sit on it, not the perineum area.
#43
Get on your bikes & ride!
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Lextown
Posts: 1,070
Bikes: See signature (it varys day to day)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I keep hearing about Brooks saddles...on and on, and there is even a thread about the website. I've never had one....but whats so special about them? I don't see a groove in the middle, are they ergonomic? How do they deal with the family jewels? I don't mean to distract from the other thread out there about the website.
https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/391829-brooks-b17-imperial-looking-testers.html
__________________
Litespeed Classic
Soma Double Cross DC
Litespeed Classic
Soma Double Cross DC
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Parker, CO
Posts: 1,654
Bikes: SS Surly Crosscheck; '91 Cannondale 3.0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I can't stress this enough, it is very important that you adjust the saddle correctly (the overall riding position), otherwise it will probably hurt. This has been de facto for everyone I've recommended them to. I suggest you go on a long ride with your tools until you find the right position. I took me 2 hours to find the right spot, but I'm no expert in riding ergonomy. Make sure it's the ass bones that sit on it, not the perineum area.
Brooks are not dream come true, they are just better than anything else out there (maybe).
#45
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Ogopogo's shoreline
Posts: 4,082
Bikes: LHT, Kona Smoke
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
As for keeping your Brooks waterproof...
What I do is, twice a year, I melt some beeswax and using a paintbrush, liberally coat the saddle.
Then, using a hairdryer and a cotton rag I buff out the top (but leave the underside with a fairly thick coating of the wax).
I ride year round, and my 3 y/o B-17 has been in rain/sleet/snow without a problem.
What I do is, twice a year, I melt some beeswax and using a paintbrush, liberally coat the saddle.
Then, using a hairdryer and a cotton rag I buff out the top (but leave the underside with a fairly thick coating of the wax).
I ride year round, and my 3 y/o B-17 has been in rain/sleet/snow without a problem.
#46
**** that
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: CALI
Posts: 15,402
Mentioned: 151 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1099 Post(s)
Liked 104 Times
in
30 Posts
In addition to what everyone has already stated, I love Brooks becasue of the saddle-bag eyelets! Brooks & Carradice, a match made in heaven.
I must say that my b17 broke in much faster than the swallow, and it's more comfortable for me - probably because it's wider than the swallow. But I still do 100 miles on the swallow without issue.
And weight-wise, you can always compensate for the few extra hundred grams by shedding some weight off the 'engine' if you know what i mean. =]
I must say that my b17 broke in much faster than the swallow, and it's more comfortable for me - probably because it's wider than the swallow. But I still do 100 miles on the swallow without issue.
And weight-wise, you can always compensate for the few extra hundred grams by shedding some weight off the 'engine' if you know what i mean. =]
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 258
Bikes: LeMond Etape, Specialized Allez
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have the B17 aged on a mountain bike and it's pretty cool. The one I have has the laced up sides. I was told not to put Proofride on it when I bought it. It's the only one I don't put it on. It seems to be working out fine. I'll be interested in seeing what Andrea the Brooks guy has to say about it if he responds.
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,946
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My first brooks was a used brooks...my dad's brooks saddle (with an awesome toolbag buckled on back!) on the hand-me-down rudge 3-speed I started cycling on as a teenager. That saddle lasted 40-odd years between us!
Not to be a big cheesebag, but with a brooks I really feel like you haven't bolted a saddle onto your bike...you've begun a relationship. and like any relationship, all the spiky, uncomfortable, getting-to-know-you bits are most pronounced at the beginning and many, many subtle adjustments will be necessary at first. So don't be shy... when something hurts or doesn't feel right, adjust by degrees. It took me two weeks of long rides to get the balance right... but now it's like hand-in-glove. Keep at it and it's all going to be worth it.
Not to be a big cheesebag, but with a brooks I really feel like you haven't bolted a saddle onto your bike...you've begun a relationship. and like any relationship, all the spiky, uncomfortable, getting-to-know-you bits are most pronounced at the beginning and many, many subtle adjustments will be necessary at first. So don't be shy... when something hurts or doesn't feel right, adjust by degrees. It took me two weeks of long rides to get the balance right... but now it's like hand-in-glove. Keep at it and it's all going to be worth it.
Last edited by Laika; 02-27-08 at 10:19 AM.
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: sacramento
Posts: 91
Bikes: 06 specialized stumpjumper,90s hardrock e assist xtracycle, 90s rockhopper xtracycle, vintage windsor single speed. vintage raleigh competition single speed
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I recently purchased a brooks b-17 for my xtracycle. I've read alot of good stuff and some bad stuff about them. I really was not expecting to like it. My first ride was 80 miles with padded shorts, I was a little sore afterwards but no more than any other saddle I've used. Its been a couple of weeks and a couple hundred miles and I no longer wear padded shorts and I've been switching the saddle between bikes because I refuse to sit on anything else. I love this saddle.
#50
2wicky
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: buttholecollegetown, FL
Posts: 81
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I keep hearing about Brooks saddles...on and on, and there is even a thread about the website. I've never had one....but whats so special about them? I don't see a groove in the middle, are they ergonomic? How do they deal with the family jewels? I don't mean to distract from the other thread out there about the website.
i do have one. might go on the SS when i build it.