Brooks B17 Nose Pointed Up?
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Brooks B17 Nose Pointed Up?
I just purchased a Brooks B17 saddle and have it installed on my SS. The nose is pointed unusually up. The seatpost does not have a micro angle adjustment, and the other saddles I've used on this seatpost did not have any problems with seat angle.
Some of the other pictures of B17s on bikes have their noses pointed up. Is this normal for a stock B17?
Some of the other pictures of B17s on bikes have their noses pointed up. Is this normal for a stock B17?
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Saddle angle is a personal preference item. Most people, however, like their saddle to be near level.
If you have a single bolt seatpost, you may need to knock the bottom section of the saddle clamp loose before it will allow you to readjust your saddle tilt.
If you have a single bolt seatpost, you may need to knock the bottom section of the saddle clamp loose before it will allow you to readjust your saddle tilt.
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Some Brook's riders prefer the nose-up mounting. I think it is because the saddle is usually quite slippery until it gets broken in.
I ride mine level and have not had any problems with it.
I ride mine level and have not had any problems with it.
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Even my broken in Brooks saddles have a slight nose up tilt. If you are using the old style saddle post clamp it will adjust tilt.
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The saddle is designed more like a sling. Having the nose tilted slightly up (where you can barely see it) might keep you from slipping forward. Of course adjust it to your comfort level but try it, and you may be surprised! I thought the same but it's not uncomfortable for me. See? Juuust a tad...
#6
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I tend to keep the Brooks a bit nose up, but you should be able to set it where it is comfortable for you.
If you get totally frustrated with seat adjustments, you might throw in the towel and get a Salsa seat post. Fore and aft adjustment is completely separate from tilt adjustment. Tilt is secured by two lock bolts, and actually adjusted by rotating a cam. I promise, it is a dream come true.
If you get totally frustrated with seat adjustments, you might throw in the towel and get a Salsa seat post. Fore and aft adjustment is completely separate from tilt adjustment. Tilt is secured by two lock bolts, and actually adjusted by rotating a cam. I promise, it is a dream come true.
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Yes, it is normal ... and good, in fact ... to have the nose of your Brooks pointed up. It forces you to ride on your sitbones, in good cycling posture.
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What everybody else said--it's an individual thing. FWIW, I have B17s on three bikes, and they feel best nearly level on two, nose very slightly up on the other, I assume because of the top tube length or handlebar height.
I've also found that with the Brooks more than any other saddle I've tried, a VERY small angle change makes a difference in comfort. A millimeter or two may be enough.
I've also found that with the Brooks more than any other saddle I've tried, a VERY small angle change makes a difference in comfort. A millimeter or two may be enough.
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Depending on bar height setting the seat level or nose up will also relieve pressure from your hands and permit better weight distribution as the seat is holding you in position and not using arms to hold good posture by themselves.
Level on my hybrid and slightly up on my Super Sport, and level on my Continental. Have one on the way for a 76 Superior, so will need report back.
Level on my hybrid and slightly up on my Super Sport, and level on my Continental. Have one on the way for a 76 Superior, so will need report back.
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1+ That was exactly my issue. I treated my Brooks with Sno-Seal and it was so slick I was forced to "nose-up". After I washed off the surface of the over treated leather, it responded well to adjustment back to level. Mind, it took several vigorous washings to make the leather "sticky" with respect to lycra.
#12
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The majority of Brooks riders have the nose up. Look on Sheldon Brown's pages at his bikes and you will see how he had them adjusted.
Given that the bike's frame and fork are accurately aligned. you should be able to sit up on the seat vertically and continue pedalling on flat ground hands-free without slipping forward on the saddle.
Given that the bike's frame and fork are accurately aligned. you should be able to sit up on the seat vertically and continue pedalling on flat ground hands-free without slipping forward on the saddle.