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Seatpost/saddle recommendations

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Old 08-31-09, 05:26 PM
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Seatpost/saddle recommendations

Hello,

I was looking to eventually get a decent saddle for my all around commuter bike. It is an old rigid Trek MTB that has the stock post on it (and a unfun PB seat). It only has one bolt, and angle is not adjustable. The seat starts giving me issues even on a short ride(5mi).I think the full length nose may be at fault, but I'm not sure.

If I spend good money on a nice saddle, would it make sense to have an adjustable angle post?Recs?

Saddle recs for usually short rides(but want to be able to ride longer-10-20mi)?

Thanks.

Ben
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Old 08-31-09, 11:02 PM
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I think the angle adjustment feature is there, the seatpost might just be frozen. try the seatpost off the bike, removing the seat, putting a bit of penetrating oil on the seat post clamp, right where the post flares out and grabs the seat. If that fails, hit it (gently) with a hammer.

I had this happen to one of my 'spare' bikes recently
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Old 09-01-09, 06:18 AM
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This is the the best thing I've ever sat on. If you get it from Wallingford you have 6 months to send it back if you don't like it.

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Old 09-01-09, 07:05 AM
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Originally Posted by hairyman
This is the the best thing I've ever sat on. If you get it from Wallingford you have 6 months to send it back if you don't like it.

You're going to get a lot of responses praising this saddle, and for good reason. I wish I'd bought mine sooner.
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Old 09-01-09, 07:19 AM
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Wow. Made it a whole two posts before the Brooks fanboys got it

WTB Rocket V on one commuter, and WTB Vigo on my cross bike. I don't like the Brooks torture devices.
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Old 09-01-09, 08:55 AM
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Brooks B-17 saddle and Thompson Elite seat post. Unfortunatly that will probably be more then the value of the bike.
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Old 09-01-09, 09:46 AM
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As has already been said, your seatpost almost certainly has adjustable angle but it is frozen in place. If you can't get it freed-up just get a new one. Your seatpost is basically just a tube that holds your saddle up. There are some really nice ones out there that cost a lot of dough; but you can probably find a perfectly functional one on eBay for $10 or less. Saddle preference is highly subjective but I am another cyclist for whom there is no more comfortable saddle than a Brooks B17.
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Old 09-01-09, 10:58 AM
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Get your sit bones measured for a starting point. Get at least a 10mm wider saddle then what your measurement is, otherwise you'll have a saddle wedgie. Seats with a cutout are great, a little padding is great if you're not using shorts with a chamios, but too much will cause numbness. I've found saddles that taper slowly from the part you sit on to the nose can cause rubbing or pain from hitting the inside/back if your leg on the down stroke, but that might only be an issue for me.

Personally I use a Specialized Sonoma Gel. Saddle, angle, and padding are all a personal thing though. Saddles with less padding feel bad at first, but on long rides they really increase comfort, compared to saddles with lots of it.

Last edited by MilitantPotato; 09-01-09 at 11:04 AM.
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Old 09-01-09, 11:26 AM
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I wouldn't put a Brooks saddle on a commuter unless I could keep it indoors. Its too easy to steal and get damaged by rain. Of course, removing the saddle is one additional anti-theft technique.

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Old 09-01-09, 11:31 AM
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You can't go wrong with a nice Nitto seatpost.
https://www.rivbike.com/products/list...product=11-053
or
https://www.rivbike.com/products/list...product=11-031

and ditto on the brooks saddle. B17 or the Champion Flyer are good places to start. I currently ride the latter.
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Old 09-01-09, 12:17 PM
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I ride a Brooks Swift now.. (changed from a B17) love it to death. My post is the stock one that came with my Aurora.
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Old 09-02-09, 10:50 AM
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Yes, I would be slightly concerned of theft of a nice saddle. I was going to get some pitlock skewers for the wheels and post but doesn't help saddle bolt.If only they made one for it...ughhh. I can take it into work, but if I am running(heh) errands or cruising to the pub its another story. Not exactly a bike friendly town here, but not the worst bike theft issues either. And yes, a saddle like the Brooks would be more than the cost of my bike alone, but I like quality products and know I would get it.Hmmm...

I will try to free the stock post tonight. I just figured it might not adjust that way. After all, its near 20 years old.

I will go get measured before I buy a new nice saddle.Thanks.

Ben
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