jlstrat

I've been riding a Brooks B17 for about 18 months now and I like it, but I've been struggling with some perineal pain. Definitely want to avoid that and any probs that might flow out of that, such as ED. I see that Selle Anatomica will modify your Brooks with their cutout and laminate for about 100 bucks. Can anyone here tell me if they've done that and if it's effective? If you have a Brooks Imperial, that will do, too, as far as whether the cutout relieves this particular problem. I was also wondering if just making sure you hydrate enough might help relieve any discomfort there.

Luke V

Right now you can get a new Selle Anatomica in any color except for black for $99. No need to sacrifice your Brooks. I got one about 6 weeks ago and I am finally comfortable on my bike. Very comfortable saddle. Love, Love, Love it.

Like your name by the way, I'm a Strat guy too.

https://www.selleanatomica.com/

NOS88

I'd be reluctant to cut the Brooks. I'd be more inclined to get the $99 Selle Anatomica special and see if I like it. If you do, you can sell the Brooks. If you don't you can send it back of sell it.

jlstrat

Had a mid-80s Japanese Strat stolen from my van a couple of months ago. 25 years on it.

The Selle Anatomica that's on sale is for guys under 200 lbs. I'm about that weight. Also, am I right that the rail on the Selle is longer and doesn't require the setback the brooks does?

Luke V

Yes, very long rails on the Selle. I'm a little guy, about 145 lbs.

I still have 5 America made Strat's, been playing them since '72. Love my Gibson semi- hollows too. :-) Bummer about your guitar.

jlstrat

[QUOTE=Luke V;15035205]Yes, very long rails on the Selle. I'm a little guy, about 145 lbs.

100 bucks for the Selle vs. 95 or so for the Brooks upgrade seems more sensible.

cplager

Slightly off-topic, but if after several saddles, you still can't get comfortable, it might be time to go to the dark side.

Recumbents... We have cookies!

(In all seriousness, if you're happy what you're riding, keep riding it. If not...)

Cheers,
Charles

curdog

I weigh 160 and they recommended the X. Planning on putting it on the Comotion.

jlstrat

I rode an E3 for 3 years and had no probs, but the Brooks, which I got for my birthday, was more comfortable overall. I pulled a hamstring shortly after I got the Brooks and, off and on, noticed some occasional perineal discomfort since. I think I was mashing some gears and that may be why I was having some issues, because when I switched back to the E3, things didn't really get better. So, it's possible that the saddles aren't the issue, but I've read that the Selle Anatomica is comfortable, even more than the Brooks.

Mobile 155

The only real cure for Perineum pressure is to have nothing touching that area. Some people don't have the problem but for those of us who do tilt, sag,whatever doesn't work. That is why Brooks came out with the imperial and why Selle Anotomicas are designed the way they are. Still I agree it would be better to get a Selle for $100.00 rather than cutting your brooks for $100.00. If your brooks is comfortable except for that one problem then a cut out will relieve that problem because the Perineum will be sitting on air not leather.

blt

I deal with perineal pain. I couldn't stand the B17. My LBS let me try an Imperial. I liked it, I bought it, the cutout definitely helps me.

Generally staying well hydrated whether I'm riding or not helps.

bwfox

I've tried 3 Brooks and I finally got a Selle and have only ridden it 3 times. Enough that I'm going to order another while the sale is still on....

Worknomore

I cut my Brooks. It was no big deal. Exaco knife with a new blade. I started small and whittled away till I got it right. Smoothed out the edges with a rasp and then sandpaper. I then punched holes along the bottom edge and laced it with a leather shoe lace. Way more comfy now. Still, I like my Selle better.

B. Carfree

Considering the perineal issue, it amazes me that Brooks saddles have made such a comeback in recent years. Almost everyone I knew threw theirs away or put it on a town bike when nicer saddles that did a better job of supporting the body weight on the sits bones came out in the early '80s. I remember the awful perineal pain lasting well into the week after weekend centuries back in the '70s.

Do whatever you have to, but find a saddle that works for you.

qcpmsame 

I have ridden and enjoyed Brooks saddles since 1978, starting with a Team Professional. My R500 had a B17 on it and it is comfortable, for me (bold intended.) This is my daughter's bike( Betty) now and one thing she wanted was if the Brooks stayed with the bike or if I was taking it off. She gets the saddle, no problems, she rides the R500 a good bit when she is here and loves its feel and comfort. We deliver the R500 to her in Atlanta in mid-January. I am considering an Imperial for my CAAD in the future, but right now the Prologo' Kappa saddle feels fine.

Since the Imperial has a cut out why are they being modified by Selle and by those that do it their self? Is the Selle cutout different? I have not seen a Selle saddle so I don't know how it is built or shaped. Just curious, not trolling at all. The Selle promotion sounds like a pretty good deal, however as I understand it the Selle are in various colours, and not in black (my preference.) thanks for any information.

Bill

jlstrat

Do you have a template for cutting it?

jlstrat

I took one step before deciding on a Selle Anatomica or a Brooks modification: I picked up a slightly shorter, higher angled stem. I'd guess it's a 30 degree angle. It raised the handlebar at least an inch, maybe an inch and a half. I rode 15 miles to work this AM and felt more comfortable. Let's see what happens.

jlstrat

Bill' Question: "Since the Imperial has a cut out why are they being modified by Selle and by those that do it their self? Is the Selle cutout different? I have not seen a Selle saddle so I don't know how it is built or shaped."

The mod is actually to a standard Brooks B17. You're correct that it wouldn't make sense to modify an Imperial.

NOS88

Just as a cautionary note, Brooks strongly recommends that you do not modify their saddles with a cutout. They believe it weakens it and you risk having the leather collapse. At least this is what I remember in their letter to the editor of Bicycle Times after they ran an article on how to do the cut out. Wish I could remember the issue number to give you. Anyone else know it?

jlstrat

Probably explains why Selle Anatomica adds a laminate to the underside when they cut it.

NOS88

Yes, I think this is part of the difference. As a side note, I've been very impressed with my Selle Anatomica on my commuter. What impresses me the most is that my commuter has me in the most upright position of any of my bikes. Hence, there is more weight on the saddle, and I have absolutely no perineal pressure/problems with it.

qcpmsame 

jlstrat,
Thanks for the answer, I realized just now that I misread the OP and mistook that they were ding the Imperial, he did not say that at all. I need to read things more carefully before making a fool of myself. My bad and my apologies.

Bill

jlstrat

Certainly the last place you'd have to apologize for that error. I make it more all the time as my eyesight fades...arrgggh! The humiliations of age.

HvPnyrs

jlstrat :

Actually both the Titanico (Rated for up to 190 lbs.) AND the Titanico X (Rated for up to 280 lbs.) ARE on sale for $99.00.

You have to click on the drop down arrow next to the Titanico that is for sale for $99.00
to show the Titanico X and then click on Titanico X to select (Just as you would do for selecting color preference).

HvPnyrs

Just ordered the Graphite Titanico X for $99.00. This will be my third Titanico X purchased this year!!! Only have the two bikes.LOL! (looking ahead to the inevitable N+1) Or to change the fashion statement on my fuji or trek.

Had purchased 2 others earlier this year when they were on sale for $130.00 (spring sale IIRC).