Saddles... trying to make a decision for fitness/recreational, with a vintage streak
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Saddles... trying to make a decision for fitness/recreational, with a vintage streak
I have an old steel bike that desperately needs a new saddle. The vintage guys say go with a Brooks. My LBS guy says Brooks suck and leave brown stains on your pants. If I go for a non- "vintage" saddle, it would have to be very minimal with very few graphics. Anything but black preferred.
Something like this for an anatomically correct saddle?
https://www.eriksbikeshop.com/2012-Ph...3C8623/Product
The LBS guy recommended a Selle San Marco for a pretty good, useful saddle with a vintage look:
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...s.php?id=16455
I have 125mm sit bones, and the current saddle I have has about an 85mm flat spot. It's not comfortable.
Suggestions?
Something like this for an anatomically correct saddle?
https://www.eriksbikeshop.com/2012-Ph...3C8623/Product
The LBS guy recommended a Selle San Marco for a pretty good, useful saddle with a vintage look:
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...s.php?id=16455
I have 125mm sit bones, and the current saddle I have has about an 85mm flat spot. It's not comfortable.
Suggestions?
#2
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Brooks would win hands down for vintage look (& comfort?). I've never heard of them leaving brown stains. But it's my understanding (I'm probably wrong as I've never owed one) that you oil them a bit when you first get them to soften the leather & help it mold into shape. Perhaps this is what he was referring to?
However, a Selle San Marco is also a classic "racing" saddle and no one could fault you for that choice. I believe it also comes in multiple colors.
However, a Selle San Marco is also a classic "racing" saddle and no one could fault you for that choice. I believe it also comes in multiple colors.
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Haven't noticed any stains from my Brooks saddles. Maybe because the only times I ride them long enough to sweat a lot are when I'm wearing cycling shorts.
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Selle San Marco
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Your LBS guys are wrong.
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Will the Regal be comfortable? I could do the Concor Supercorsa also.
Another issue I have with Brooks is that I don't want to spend more than $100 (would stretch a little). Something like a Swift costs like $200 and it would be pretty heavy as I understand.
Another issue I have with Brooks is that I don't want to spend more than $100 (would stretch a little). Something like a Swift costs like $200 and it would be pretty heavy as I understand.
Last edited by Netdewt; 10-06-12 at 03:53 PM.
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B17s aren't much more than $100 ... could be less depending where you get one.
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#9
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I would respectfully submit that the brown stains refered to by your LBS guy are not related to the Brooks saddle, rather to what he is so full of that its oozing out of his ..... well you get the idea.
BTW, here in Eugene OR Brooks B-17 run $170 - I was aghast when I saw that at my non over fecaled LBS
BTW, here in Eugene OR Brooks B-17 run $170 - I was aghast when I saw that at my non over fecaled LBS
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Is your bike something that you want to make a period piece, or just "an old steel bike?" In the first case, Brooks would be appropriate, although they are heavy and expensive ( and the less heavy ones are even MORE expensive). In the second case, I would look at the saddles at Nashbar or Performance, you can pick up a nondescript looking, non-black, comfortable saddle for under $40. In fact I did just that, but ended up with a Forte saddle on my LeMond Zurich and put the Selle Italia TransAm on my steel "10 speed" from 1976!
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I have an old steel bike that desperately needs a new saddle. The vintage guys say go with a Brooks. My LBS guy says Brooks suck and leave brown stains on your pants. If I go for a non- "vintage" saddle, it would have to be very minimal with very few graphics. Anything but black preferred.
Something like this for an anatomically correct saddle?
https://www.eriksbikeshop.com/2012-Ph...3C8623/Product
The LBS guy recommended a Selle San Marco for a pretty good, useful saddle with a vintage look:
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...s.php?id=16455
I have 125mm sit bones, and the current saddle I have has about an 85mm flat spot. It's not comfortable.
Suggestions?
Something like this for an anatomically correct saddle?
https://www.eriksbikeshop.com/2012-Ph...3C8623/Product
The LBS guy recommended a Selle San Marco for a pretty good, useful saddle with a vintage look:
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...s.php?id=16455
I have 125mm sit bones, and the current saddle I have has about an 85mm flat spot. It's not comfortable.
Suggestions?
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If you're going to ride it rather than"display" it, get what best fits your sittin parts...some classic saddles work great. Don't trust opinions from somebody who doesn't sit in your pelvic bones.
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I ride only Brooks saddles and I have never noticed staining. Of course, I don't ride in fancy white slacks either. Brooks saddles do not suck, whoever said that is trying to sell you something you don't want.
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Just really liking this guy. They have the one without rivets for a little cheaper too:
https://www.treefortbikes.com/product...gal-White.html
On a related note... is there a reason to go with a one piece seatpost over two piece? I have to get either Kalloy Laprade or Uno, and they are pretty much the only 26.2mm posts available. I currently have a "Dirt Research" two piece that I don't like. I suppose I could just grind off the paint and ugly graphic from that one.
Last edited by Netdewt; 10-06-12 at 11:02 PM.
#17
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Selle Italia Turbo or Flite
Selle San Marco Regal or Rolls
How many other options would you like?
Selle San Marco Regal or Rolls
How many other options would you like?
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Narrowed down to these three for sure: Brooks Team Pro, Selle San Marco Concor Supercorsa, or Selle San Marco Regal. All are similarly priced ($80-$110).
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https://www.wallbike.com/brand/brooks
That ought to give enough time to properly evaluate.
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The team pro may be out for you. Mine measures ~115mm across to the edges of the steel support frame under the leather. Your 125mm sit bones will be resting on steel instead of suspended by leather.
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I've got both the Team Pro and the Regal...actually, two of the Regals. Both are good saddles, and both would look right on your bike. The Regals are on my two steel bikes right now, and the Team Pro is waiting for my next frameset. Note that it takes a while for the Team Pro to break in - 700 miles, in my case. Also, I got these because I have relatively wide sitbones, and need at least 150mm of width. As noted above, the Team Pro may be too wide for you.
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I've got both the Team Pro and the Regal...actually, two of the Regals. Both are good saddles, and both would look right on your bike. The Regals are on my two steel bikes right now, and the Team Pro is waiting for my next frameset. Note that it takes a while for the Team Pro to break in - 700 miles, in my case. Also, I got these because I have relatively wide sitbones, and need at least 150mm of width. As noted above, the Team Pro may be too wide for you.
I'm not sure I really understand where you're measuring on the saddle support though:
Thanks again. This helps a lot.
Last edited by Netdewt; 10-09-12 at 08:24 AM.
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Concor supercorsa on my steel ride. One of the most comfortable of the "vintage" san marco saddles I've been on. In terms of comfort for me, Concor > Regal > Rolls.
Wife has the Brooks Professional Deluxe on her steel bike and it looks great. Gets better with age. No transferring of colours. Not sure what your LBS is smokin.
You can't really go wrong with any of these suggestions, just what fits your butt best.
Wife has the Brooks Professional Deluxe on her steel bike and it looks great. Gets better with age. No transferring of colours. Not sure what your LBS is smokin.
You can't really go wrong with any of these suggestions, just what fits your butt best.
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On a related note... is there a reason to go with a one piece seatpost over two piece? I have to get either Kalloy Laprade or Uno, and they are pretty much the only 26.2mm posts available. I currently have a "Dirt Research" two piece that I don't like. I suppose I could just grind off the paint and ugly graphic from that one.
Now leaning towards a Team Pro... will I ever decide?