Brooks sprung saddle question
 

I have a B-17 on each of my road bikes, but I recently purchased a tandem to ride with my son (www.buddybike.com). I'm forced to sit pretty much straight up and down while riding with him and after about 15 minutes my posterior has had enough!!

Can I get some feedback on the Brooks sprung saddles? If the standard B-17 is a good fit for my anatomy, which sprung model should I try?

Thanks!!

I think that the Conquest is a B-17 with springs.

I would give the Champion Flyer (B17 top) the first shot then if that is still uncomfortable go to the B67 (I am assuming you can mount a single rail) if you need double rail a B-66 in either the universal or the Champion form. The B66 Champion is the B17 top on a sprung frame.
I also reccomend ordering from Wallingford Bike Parts they have a very generous return policy.

Aaron:)

The Flyer is a B17 on a sprung frame. It's my favorite Brooks for comfort, but it's a bit heavy. It's good for a semi-upright position. I'd get a wider one for sitting bolt upright.

http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/18...600x600Q85.jpg

I have both the B72 and the B67, which have the same tops but different frames. They are both wide saddles which I like but the B67 has much larger springs and weighs almost a pound more than the B72 which is why I didn't buy it at first. I haven't decided if I like it or not, compared to the B72, because those springs also squeak with every downstroke which I find annoying. But, they are both very comfortable.

Maureen

"Squeaky hinge, always get the oil.":p

+1 on the Champion Flyer. It's a single-rail saddle that'll fit in a standard one-piece seat post/clamp, as opposed to the B72, which needs a straight post and a clamp or an adapter. I also have a Conquest on one of my bikes, and I like it, but not as much as the Champion Flyer.

Neal

I also have the Flyer on my townie and love it. I replaced an unsprung saddle with it for the same reason - upright riding position.

^nice collection of Rex's. I think I have talked to you on M st. a few years back. I was probably on a red fixed gear.

Nice Bike & set up! Can you tell me what you did to that rear wheel to run SS and what gears you are running. I have a 1965 Carlton with 120mm spacing, a five speed with 27 inch wheels I am contemplating making a single out of.

By looking at the pic of that BuddyBike, the posture appears to be BeachCruiser Upright. Or, if you prefer, like a 3-speed. For that, despite the fact that your 17's are good on the roadies, I'd go with a 67 all day long. Springs minimize road shock, but it's the top that matters when you're bolt upright like that. What is required is a larger weight-bearing surface for constant contact - not the incidental bump.

The Flyers are wonderful as are the Conquests, but I predict that you'll not get what you think in terms of comfort and enjoyment on that bike. You ischials will still have pressure because of the smaller web area.

I agree. The Flyer is good but I can't handle it or the B-17 if I'm sitting really upright. Also, that bike is extremely cool!

See the little pulley on the seat tube? It's a Sturmey-Archer three speed conversion.

It used to be a 52 X 22 single speed with Capagnolo NR hubs and Ambrosio tubular rims. I just switched spacers around to move the hub to the right and then twisted spoke nipples to move the rim back to the center. In other words, I respaced and redished. The bottom bracket is a 115mm Miche Primato.

dirtdrop: nice work.

maureen:
There are really only three areas that can squeak on a Brooks:
In order of prevalence,
1) Tension bolt assembly
2) Spring nuts, where they mate against the loops
3) Mostly applies to 17's and their derivatives. Skirts rubbing against the U-frame ends under the sides of the saddle. Test this by sqeezing the skirts together as you place the tip of a finger very lightly at the frame ends under the saddle. You'll feel, as well as hear the squeak as the leather works against the steel.

Solutions:
For 1, Loosen the nuts connecting the springs and paint a little bearing grease on the threads of the bolts.
For 2, Turn the tension bolt out about a quarter inch and paint some of the same grease on the threads. You will not stretch the top if you return the bolt to it's position soon after you apply the grease.

For 3, Cut two postage stamp size squares out of an old inner tube. Have a friend pull the skirts apart. Using two pliers, stretch the rubber thin as you slide them up between the frame ends and the leather. Get them as close to the first rivet as you can. Let the skirt go. Trim off any rubber that shows. Viola!

The white area is the place to put the rubber gasket. The black outline is the frame.
http://i23.tinypic.com/2wdmukg.jpg

I've got five and none of them has ever squeaked.

Thanks very much for the anti-squeak recommendations, I'll try them out tonight. The saddle is brand new. I think the other problem was that I had the seat post positioned a little too high and was consequently somewhat "rocking" on the saddle when pedeling. I've lowered it and I'll apply the grease and put the rubber shim under the rear bracket as you showed on the illustration.

Maureen

I always thought the squeak was sort of comforting.

of B67's... I'm setting up my first bad weather commuter, a Peugeot US Express with a 3 speed Shimano hub in back and YELLOW Planet BIke Freddie Fenders. First sorta upright bike I've ridden in like decades. I have a B-67 that I put on there...haven't taken it for a long ride yet, but the test ride showed that it could be set back further... always a problem with Brookies... Imay have to get some fancy pants set back seat post.

I have numerous B17s & a Team Pro with a B72 on my touring bike. The B72 is the most comfortable of all, but intended for a pretty upright riding position & wouldn't work on many of my bikes.

I think I'll give the B67 a try.

Thanks for all of the feedback.

My LBS does not carry Brooks, this is the best price I found:

http://www.ibikedoyou2.com/product/S...dle_Black.html

Talked to the owner on the phone and he seemed very nice and knowledgeable. He suggested the B-67 based on my situation. I also needed a B-17 for a bike I picked up this summer.

IBikedoYou2
B-67 $74.95
B-17 $59.95
Ship Free
Total $134.90

WallBike
B-67 $104.00
B-17 $82.00
Ship $7.00
Total $193.00

I've heard nothing but good things about WallBike and if it were my first Brooks I would pay the extra for the insurance of the return policy. However, I'm confident I'll be happy with the B-67.

If my LBS doesn't carry Brooks, and I want to get one, how do I decide what size to get?

Tommy

They don't come in sizes. There are different models to choose from and some of those were discussed above.

The best place to buy a Brooks is wallbike.com because they'll let you return it if you don't like it, up to six months after purchase.

Wall Bike also has excellent descriptions, dimensions and comparison photos. Besides that, they are great people to deal with.:D They are not a big internet retailer like Performance or Nashbar, you get personal service and can actually speak with someone that can help you.

Aaron:)

I f you order in February or March, you may get some Mardi Gras beads included with your order.

All without having to show your tah-tahs. :D