New saddle and can't decide old school vs. new
#1
a.k.a. QUADZILLA
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Denver
Posts: 1,505
Bikes: Super Pista, Basso, Big Dummy
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
New saddle and can't decide old school vs. new
I have a pista, it's new. I like how people will have bikes that look totally new and fast with the clunky looking brooks on it that doesn't match anything. I like how people have the super ergo/super fast looking new style seats too. I have it pretty much narrowed down to a choice of 3. The brooks b-17, a forté pro SLX (because it's cheap and new schoolish) and a selle italia prolink gelflow (because I can get it in yellow and looks comfy and new schoolish). I know that neither of the second 2 choices will last me long, while a brooks will last forever. I just don't know if I want the clash look or the fast look, you dig? What would you do?
#3
institutionalized
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 237
Bikes: Two old Schwinns, Kona Cinder Cone, Redline MonoCog, Custom (U.B.I.) Columbus Cyclocross/commuter.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Have it all! Google "butchering" or "cutting" Brooks Saddles. It's an old style that was used in the early days of racing, when it was Brooks or nothing, and it gives the appearance of their much more expensive Swift or Swallow models. I cut mine and get compliments all the time. I used some electrical tape to make a guide line and then made several controlled passes with a new utility knife. After the first few passes it gets easier and the anxiety of ruining a brand new Brooks saddle becomes less. Use the first cut piece as a template for the second side. I use the Honey colored saddle, but black matches any bike. Use MANY coats of Brooks Proofide with a thorough drying/curing between each (put somewhere warm). It wont wear out and will never go out of style.
I also have a Selle Italia gelflow (not prolink). It's nice, and reasonably comfortable, but I'm always worried that it's going to get ruined, and it cost much more than my Brooks. It's red and matches my Mt. bike, but next time I'll go function over form and butcher a black B-17.
I also have a Selle Italia gelflow (not prolink). It's nice, and reasonably comfortable, but I'm always worried that it's going to get ruined, and it cost much more than my Brooks. It's red and matches my Mt. bike, but next time I'll go function over form and butcher a black B-17.
#4
Wolfman got nards!
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 601
Bikes: '06 Bianchi Volpe, '09 Mercier Kilo TT, '08 Jamis Exile 29er
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Get the one that doesn't make your ass hurt. If you like both styles, it doesn't matter which you go with and your ass doesn't care what the saddle looks like.
__________________
.
Reason is a scoundrel, stupidity is direct and honest. –Ivan Fyodorovich Karamazov
Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions. –Oliver Wendell Holmes
.
Reason is a scoundrel, stupidity is direct and honest. –Ivan Fyodorovich Karamazov
Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions. –Oliver Wendell Holmes
#5
or tarckeemoon, depending
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: the pesto of cities
Posts: 7,017
Bikes: Davidson Impulse, Merckx Titanium AX, Bruce Gordon Rock & Road, Cross Check custom build, On-One Il Pomino, Shawver Cycles cross, Zion 737, Mercian Vincitore, Brompton S1L, Charge Juicer
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
It really depends on your riding style and how your bike is set up, both aesthetically and in terms of comfort.
#6
via hiptop
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: youngstown, oh
Posts: 321
Bikes: wooden lightning, cyclepro conversion, varsity beater, nishiki conversion, fuji conversion
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
New school...or somewhere inbetween and go with a plastic bmx saddle...middle school?
#7
.
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,860
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sorry I say this all the time...but choose the saddle that doesn't involve killing a cow. There's really no need for using leather for a saddle when such high quality synthetics have been developed.
Also years of ergonomic development in new racing saddles amount to a far more comfortable saddle for most people. As far as looks are concerned, I can understand if you prefer the Broooks.
Also years of ergonomic development in new racing saddles amount to a far more comfortable saddle for most people. As far as looks are concerned, I can understand if you prefer the Broooks.
__________________
https://blicksbags.com/
https://blicksbags.com/
#8
steel lover
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Houston
Posts: 1,316
Bikes: Bianchi Alloro, Miyata 710, Fuji Espree Fixie convert
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Just curious, is there a weight difference? I too have been debating the brooks vs other, and have wondered if brooks weigh a ton, or are comparable.
#9
Banned
Join Date: May 2005
Location: GA
Posts: 5,317
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by chevy42083
Just curious, is there a weight difference? I too have been debating the brooks vs other, and have wondered if brooks weigh a ton, or are comparable.
#10
jack of one or two trades
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Suburbia, CT
Posts: 5,640
Bikes: Old-ass gearie hardtail MTB, fix-converted Centurion LeMans commuter, SS hardtail monster MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by chevy42083
Just curious, is there a weight difference? I too have been debating the brooks vs other, and have wondered if brooks weigh a ton, or are comparable.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Santa Barbara
Posts: 1,506
Bikes: SE Quadrangle, '82 Venus NJS, '03 Bianchi Pista, '86 P'sonic Mt Cat, Fat City Yo Eddy '91 + '93, B'cuda A2E, '86 Trek Elance 400, '88 Centurion D.Scott Expert, '88 Fisher Mt Tam (and no longer with me: SE OM Flyer, Umezawa/B-stone/Samson NJS)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
it's tough to wonder sometimes. but then again, what the world be without wonder?
#12
Banned
Join Date: May 2005
Location: GA
Posts: 5,317
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Aeroplane
Like any other brand, it depends on the model. The Swift and Swallow are a lot lighter than the B17. The sprung ones are even heavier.
#13
steel lover
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Houston
Posts: 1,316
Bikes: Bianchi Alloro, Miyata 710, Fuji Espree Fixie convert
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
hey, sorry... never even seen a brooks, much less picked one up.
My seat knowledge is limited to the one that came on my '83 Bianchi, and my 80's Fuji. The Fuji is now fixed, and needs a new saddle, so I'm trying to decide which one gets the Bianchi seat, and which one gets the new seat. Not a weight weeny, but still don't want a brick for a seat. If the brooks is comparable to the 80's seats I have, then that's fine with me.
My seat knowledge is limited to the one that came on my '83 Bianchi, and my 80's Fuji. The Fuji is now fixed, and needs a new saddle, so I'm trying to decide which one gets the Bianchi seat, and which one gets the new seat. Not a weight weeny, but still don't want a brick for a seat. If the brooks is comparable to the 80's seats I have, then that's fine with me.
#14
tarck bike.com exile
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: lancaster, pennsylvania
Posts: 2,058
Bikes: bfssfg iro--black.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
the brooks is probably very similar to the saddle on your fuji. fuji used to put "belt" saddles on their bikes which are (in my experience riding one) just as comfortable as a brooks.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lawrence
Posts: 152
Bikes: 1994 Paramount conversion
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
No one can really see your saddle that well if you're riding the bike. Get the comfy one.
#16
Thighmaster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 193
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by dutret
the unsprung ones are in general more then twice as heavy as a comparable modern saddle.
So you are looking at around half a pound of difference. A pound at the extreme end of things. Probably no worse for your bikes performance off the mark than a set of deep V rims.
*(Brooks Ti/CroMo 395g/550g vs SDG Bel Air 260g/325g. I wouldn't recommend the titanium railed Brooks to those that weigh too much over 200 pounds though.)
#17
partly metal, partly real
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Philadelphia.
Posts: 3,597
Bikes: Hummer H2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i'm always a proponent for new technology. saddles, like anything else, can be improved on. i've noticed that some riders have the "don't make it like they used to" mentality. this makes sense when referring to the mass produced low/"mid" range bikes of today, comparing the high end of then to the high end of now seems to nod in the direction of newer/more advanced. that said, a high end saddle of then is going to be better than a low end one of today, so a better idea might be "quality" vs. "cost".
myself, i use non-animal product selle san marco saddles myself. they tend to be light, break in rather quickly, and look kinda sex.
nevermind, you're just talking about colors. i thought this was a real thread.
myself, i use non-animal product selle san marco saddles myself. they tend to be light, break in rather quickly, and look kinda sex.
nevermind, you're just talking about colors. i thought this was a real thread.
#18
Fattest Thin Man
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Directly above the center of the earth
Posts: 2,648
Bikes: Miyata 610, Vinco V, Rocky Mountain Element
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
1 Post
Sometimes it's not about looks, it's about your ass.
Az
Az
#19
Fattest Thin Man
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Directly above the center of the earth
Posts: 2,648
Bikes: Miyata 610, Vinco V, Rocky Mountain Element
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by sp00ki
i use non-animal product selle san marco saddles myself.
Selle are about the only other saddle that works for me besides Brooks. And the Brooks is still better for longer rides. (100+ miles)
Az
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 58
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I was going to go with an a brooks b-17 and chop it, for my Pista. Then I got a great deal on a Selle Italia SLK so I went with that. I love it. Don't go with a saddle just for what color it comes in. Get something that fits your a** well.
#21
Thighmaster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 193
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Don't get me wrong. Brooks are not for everybody, or even every bike. You have to 'feed' Brooks saddles by smearing on a tallow based lotion for god's sake.
They are heavy, comfortable, high maintenance, and beautiful.
Get one if your bike needs it.
They are heavy, comfortable, high maintenance, and beautiful.
Get one if your bike needs it.
#22
partly metal, partly real
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Philadelphia.
Posts: 3,597
Bikes: Hummer H2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Az B
Which one? All the ones I've seen are leather.
Selle are about the only other saddle that works for me besides Brooks. And the Brooks is still better for longer rides. (100+ miles)
Az
Selle are about the only other saddle that works for me besides Brooks. And the Brooks is still better for longer rides. (100+ miles)
Az
I haven't done more than ~65 at a time on the rever yet, but i will be soon. I actually want to get a new saddle for the ms 150 in september, start breaking it in late august.
#23
in ur ____, ___ing ur ___
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Brooklyn
Posts: 189
Bikes: IRO Mark V
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by blickblocks
Sorry I say this all the time...but choose the saddle that doesn't involve killing a cow. There's really no need for using leather for a saddle when such high quality synthetics have been developed.
Also years of ergonomic development in new racing saddles amount to a far more comfortable saddle for most people. As far as looks are concerned, I can understand if you prefer the Broooks.
Also years of ergonomic development in new racing saddles amount to a far more comfortable saddle for most people. As far as looks are concerned, I can understand if you prefer the Broooks.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 132
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by blickblocks
Sorry I say this all the time...but choose the saddle that doesn't involve killing a cow. There's really no need for using leather for a saddle when such high quality synthetics have been developed.
Also years of ergonomic development in new racing saddles amount to a far more comfortable saddle for most people. As far as looks are concerned, I can understand if you prefer the Broooks.
Also years of ergonomic development in new racing saddles amount to a far more comfortable saddle for most people. As far as looks are concerned, I can understand if you prefer the Broooks.
The best option, enviro-wise, is to find a used saddle of any material.