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Srung saddles aren't very sprung

Old 05-18-09, 12:29 PM
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Sprung saddles aren't very sprung

I was hoping that my new Brooks 67 sprung saddle would be more comfortable than a seatpost with a shock or at least the original seat. I just found that out today after mounting my new Brooks sprung saddle that it ain't so sprung. I weigh 210 lbs. and I can't get the springs to flex at all. What the deal with sprung saddle that really don't work very well.
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Last edited by screwdriver; 05-25-09 at 06:22 AM.
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Old 05-18-09, 12:59 PM
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Were you expecting a bounce when you ride?
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Old 05-18-09, 01:07 PM
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I have a "sprung" saddle/seat on my Columbia cruiser, and yes, it does give over bumps. It absorbs the backbone jolt felt from upright riding. Makes for a comfortable ride.

I have a B72 on my 3 speed and would, if it became necessary, replace it with a sprung Brooks.

Is there any type of adjustment on the spring body to control give? It shouldn't be that stiff.
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Old 05-18-09, 02:05 PM
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Hi,

It's giving more than you think. I commuted on an aluminum frame bike that's been ebay'ed. I kept the saddle (Brooks Champion Flyer). My route was over some third world pavement and sets of railroad tracks. While I never FELT the saddle give, the difference between solid rails and springs was immense. It's not a Cadillac ride, but there's enough of a benefit that the same saddle is going onto a custom touring frame this week.

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Old 05-18-09, 04:43 PM
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I've just installed my second sprung Brooks, this one a black B66. I'm heavier than you, that may be the difference, but they work fine for me. I can't take the sudden shock that sometimes arises on a hardtail bike with a unsprung seat. Don't expect a satin smooth ride, not gonna happen. Give it a fair shake, over time the odds are you'll like it.

on edit: A B67 is intended for a more upright riding position. If you using drop bars, that could be an issue.
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Old 05-18-09, 06:31 PM
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It will spring under your weight when you hit a bump. If you could get it spring just under your weight, it would be worthless.
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Old 05-18-09, 06:35 PM
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Yes, I understand that it's better than not being sprung. but I was expecting 2 spring the size of the ones on my Brooks B67 would have more spring action. I'm sure Brooks manufactures a fine saddle and know what they're doing. I was only a little disappointed that it didn't have somewhat more give.
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Old 05-18-09, 06:38 PM
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You do have to ride the saddle and break it in. As you do that, the comfort will increase.
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Old 05-19-09, 01:21 AM
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There is other Brooks saddles with softer sprrings than the one you bought. B73 or https://www.brooksengland.com/shop/sh...-------------2
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Old 05-19-09, 06:48 AM
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Originally Posted by screwdriver
Yes, I understand that it's better than not being sprung. but I was expecting 2 spring the size of the ones on my Brooks B67 would have more spring action. I'm sure Brooks manufactures a fine saddle and know what they're doing. I was only a little disappointed that it didn't have somewhat more give.
Fail.
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Old 05-19-09, 09:27 AM
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I get tremendous amounts of bounce on Brooks sprung saddles and weigh 175 or so.

B-66 and B-67s are the most comfortable saddles I've ever ridden on upright bikes, while the Champions (?) are sublimely sprung for use on drop bar bikes.

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Old 05-19-09, 09:30 AM
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I have Brooks saddles on four bikes--three B17s and an old Pro--but none is sprung. Looking at pix of the sprung models, it doesn't look like there's enough room for much travel, so you can't expect miracles. In general, with shock seatposts and one old sprung saddle, I've found them to be OK at smoothing out small bumps and vibes, but not very effective against big slammers. And as another post said, if you compressed the springs just sitting on the seat, it would already be flexed when you hit a bump, so it wouldn't do any good.
Bounce, by the way, is not a good thing. The best suspension is one you don't notice.
You don't mention what kind of bike or tires you have, but if you have room for larger tires at lower pressure, that's a good way to get more comfort. I do most of my riding these days on 700x35s or 37s at 80 and 75 psi, respectively.
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Old 05-24-09, 11:11 AM
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Originally Posted by screwdriver
I was hoping that my new Brooks 67 sprung saddle would be more comfortable than a seatpost with a shock or at least the original seat. I just found that out today after mounting my new Brooks sprung saddle that it ain't so sprung. I weigh 210 lbs. and I can't get the springs to flex at all. What the deal with sprung saddle that really don't work very well.
When I bought my Nirve sprung saddle at the bike shop I was visiting, they adjusted the springs for me before I boarded the train back home. I am sure there is a similar means to adjust a Brooks brand one as if I recall correctly, there is a screw to adjust the leather's stretching over the saddle. Either contact the shop you bought it from or e-mail Brooks Website directly with your question.
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Old 05-24-09, 02:01 PM
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Originally Posted by folder fanatic
When I bought my Nirve sprung saddle at the bike shop I was visiting, they adjusted the springs for me before I boarded the train back home. I am sure there is a similar means to adjust a Brooks brand one as if I recall correctly, there is a screw to adjust the leather's stretching over the saddle. Either contact the shop you bought it from or e-mail Brooks Website directly with your question.
There is an adjustment for tension on the leather, but it's intended to compensate for stretch over the years. I've never heard of a spring adjustment on the Champion Flyer, which I own.

As DieselDan says, it will flex when you hit a bump. That's what it is supposed to do.
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