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B17 vs Champion Flyer

Old 10-30-07, 10:02 PM
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B17 vs Champion Flyer

Okay, I have a question. I have looked at past threads but I want to see what people think now. I have been trying to decide between the B17 and the Champion Flyer. I don't mind the weight, but I am wondering if there is really a big difference between the two. I did a 110 mile ride this spring and by mile 60 I had to force myself back on the bike (Specialized Sirrus). I am planning on riding state line to state line this spring and I know my current saddle will never do. 90% of my riding is a 21 rt commute and that is what I want the saddle to be for. I am a clyde at 240 so I dont want bounce, but at the same time that is why I am commuting so hopefully the weight will continue to come off.



So, is it worth the weight to get the springs?

Thanks
Brian
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Old 10-30-07, 10:33 PM
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Ch. Flyer

Hi,

I can't speak about the B17, although I'm planning to order a B17n for a single-speed that's on the list, cutting down the skirts a bit. The Champion Flyer is on my commuter. It's hands-down the best saddle I've ever ridden. You won't feel the springs there until you hit a real bump. Then they come into their own. It's hard to describe but easy to feel. This saddle will never, ever be sold. It's now on an aluminum frame (soon to be sold -- steel is real) and it's part of me. That's literally and figuratively. My advice: go to Wallingford, try one and use the shop's generous exchange policy if you don't like it. The folks there are the best, and the prices are as good as any.
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Old 10-30-07, 11:30 PM
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You won't notice the extra 20 ounces. Get the springs.
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Old 10-31-07, 12:11 AM
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Champion flyer all the way. Like posted earlyer, you wont notice the weight only the comfort, especialy when you hit a pot hole.
I have to admit I haven't tryed the B17, but after the Champion flyer I didn't have to.
cheers
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Old 10-31-07, 12:34 AM
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Springs rule. Especially for us 240 pounders because we weigh too much to be overly concerned about a few onces of steel. Go for the comfort. You might want to measure your sitbone width. For me, at 150+mm, a 17 is right at the edge of being too narrow. The real useable web area on a 17/Flyer is about 155mm because of the steel U-frame under the rear and sides. There is no difference between the two regarding actual dimensions. They are the same saddle except for the springs.
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Old 10-31-07, 01:37 AM
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I got the Champion Flyer recently, and as I was riding on a dirt trail I noticed that the springs made a lot of creaking noises. Maybe my saddle is unique in this, but if not, it's certainly something to keep in mind.
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Old 10-31-07, 01:53 AM
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i'm new to this, so my opinion is not backed with extensive experience on both sides. however, i'd like to paraphrase a message i once found in brooks' own writings: "there are a lot of people to whom we really should be recommending springed saddles, but who we know will decidedly choose a springless model for its sleeker, cooler look." they should know best, so though i too think the springless looks more suave, i didn't even look at them. i weigh 130, and still thought extra comfort would be worth it, especially on a tourer. just think about it; our rides are all about flexibility and finding all kinds of new roads. sometimes, those roads will have lots of bumps, and our butts will appreciate something not so stiff.

as an aside, i highly suggest looking on ebay.. i saved probably us$50 or more on my flyer special. one shop even has lightly used ones occasionally!

and, iain.dalton, my springs started sqeaking once they first broke in, and continue to do so, on the downhill(high cadence on a fixed-wheel). i find it works as a decent measure of speed and road condition!
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Old 10-31-07, 05:41 AM
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I just got a Flyer last week. I'm 260 and going over potholes is nothing anymore! I do notice when I sit and push up hill I can kinda feel myself bouncing but it doesn't happen very often. Another guy I work with got the B17 so when he gets it on his bike we are going to compare them. But so far I have about 100 miles on it and I LOVE SPRINGS!!! And check Ebay like the earlier poster said, Wallingford sells the returned Brooks thru their Ebay store.
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Old 10-31-07, 07:00 AM
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Love the Champion Flyer on my LHT. I'm 160lbs and can feel the springs working nicely.
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Old 10-31-07, 07:39 AM
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Thanks,
I think I will go with the flyer.
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Old 10-31-07, 09:02 AM
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For those with squeaky Brooks saddles, check out this recent thread:
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/356684-brooks-sprung-saddle-question.html
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