Having nearly sent my bike to the car crusher off the original, too narrow, saddle, and then dealt with but never liking a Specialized something in 154mm, I moved to a Selle SMP TRK (160mm?) which I really, really like a lot. Still, I'd like to try a Brooks but I'm not sure which one to go with. I know I need the wider saddle, and I like the cut-out of the Imperial, but I'm unsure what is the right width. Even the B17 Narrow claims to be wide enough, but I know its not going to be.

How do I sort this out?

(Maybe I should have put this in the Clydes section?)

Go to a LBS and have them size you. The one I go to has a Pad with lines on it. You sit there for a while, then when you get up, your sit bone have left an impression. That way the LBS can size you for most any saddle you want.


https://www.jurn.org/news/2010/11/07/...comfy-cycling/

I did that, know what size i need. I should have asked how true to stated width they run, and I should have posted in the Clydes section...

If mod will delete this I'll post in the right section with a more fitting title....pun intended.

WAIT WAIT you had your bum measured? did the tech tell you what seat to buy?

personally the whole thing sounds silly to me. if that bum measurer tells me I need a Specialized techno super tourer saddle, does that mean I need it on all my bikes? what if you tend to move about on the saddle? what if you get measured on a mountain bike but your 'sit bones' are in a different spot when your in the drops of your ultra long Italian racing bike?

like an old boss of mine used to say, "if your *** hurts ride more"

lmao

Last things first: This has nothing to do with being a clyde or a feather weight. It has to do with comfort.

Next to last thing: You sort this out by trying a Brooks. Which one? Begin by shop Wall Bike or Nashbar, they both let you return what you don't like. Second tell us what sort of riding you do and what sort of bike you ride.

Looking at this:



I'd recommend the B17-I Brooks.

So many variables -butt size, seating position, bike style, riding style, personal preferences. The only problem with Brooks saddles are they so expensive that getting the right one can cost a mint -and you don't know if it is right or wrong until it breaks in more often than not.

actually I got hooked on brookses by swapping saddles with another member. he wanted to try this weird Colnago labled saddle I had and I wanted to try his brooks. now I have enough of them to reupholster a small bovine

True dat.

l used to really like Rolls San Marco on my road bike way back in the day. But the first few rides after laying off for winter were utter torture, IIRC.

Don't know, but when I was young and fit, I prefered the Pro. Now its a B17. I've tried some of the vinyl things over the years, and there just not for me. My Cinelli came with a San Marco. First thing I ditched. I'm a Brooks fan.


Guy in my group that rides a tandem has one of those and really likes it. I guess I'll have to wait 20 years for one to turn up on the used market.

No, no, you're right abotu position being a factor. When you use teh Spec pad, you lean forward or not, to approximate the position you will be in on the bike. This pelvic rotation presents the representative portion of your ischia tuberosities to the pads. The recommendation one may get from this test shouldn't be taken out of this context. And while I believe nearly nothing happens in a bike shop that is not a sales ploy this is a little less so, since the numerical sizings hold true for Specialized saddles of all price ranges. If you're 143 on your sport bike, you're a 143 whether you buy an Alias or a Toupe. If the salesman tries to sell you a Toupe, it's, well, who can blame him. Like with women, can you blame a guy for trying? Caveat emptor!

@ the OP: these width measurements have nothing to do with Brooks saddles. The system is only designed for Specialized saddles, by Specialized. Specialized saddles do run true to size, but they are just not Brooks sizes. Probably the best way to deal with width sizing of Brooks saddles is to choose a starting point and evaluate and experiment from there. You can choose a starting point based on the aggressiveness of your preferred position. Handlebars more than a few cm lower than the saddle, I'd suggest a Pro, B17N, or Swift. Handlebars nearly even: a B17, Imperial or not. Handlebars more than a few cm above saddle, maybe a B72 or whatever the modern incarnation is. The saddle is made wider the more upright the positioning is.

With any trial of a Brooks saddle, your results may greatly depend on subtle positioning; up/down, fore/aft, tilt nose up or nose down. Don't just bolt it on and expect Nirvana. This applies to Spec's, too.

Brooks true to size? Yes, true to their sizes.

..ha ha ha!

My experience is, if my butt hurts there's a reason, and if I ride more it always hurts more. I get more mileage out of sizing things right.

Buy a B17 from Wallingford. It comes with a warranty that gives you six month trial period. If your not comfortable with it you can either exchange or get your money back.