tpelle

I have a B17 on my Surly LHT, and am largely quite satisfied with it. I have just short of 800 miles on the saddle, and all of the chafing and numbness that I was experiencing from other saddles is no longer an issue.

When I ride - usually about 30 miles at a time - I pretty much stay on the bike the whole way, and usually take about a 5 or 10 minute break at my turnaround point. This is usually about an hour or so into the ride (depending on the route I take, the wind, etc., I average between 14 or 15 miles per hour).

The only problem from the saddle is a kind of "bruised" feeling - I don't how else to describe it - that starts to set in about 15 miles or so into the ride. I think it's just an issue with how long my weight rests on the hard saddle. It's kind of like when you were a kid and you played that game where another kid would hit you repeatedly on the same spot on your arm, if you know what I mean. But, by the time I get back home I am REALLY ready to GET OFF THE D@MNED BIKE!

I try to take short "coasting breaks" when the opportunity presents itself where I support my weight on my legs off of the saddle, and I shift my position around by riding in the drops once in a while. I am not in the habit of standing to pedal, except in very short bursts to crest a hill, etc. I am currently wearing Performance Century shorts.

I have never ridden as part of a group - I always go solo - so I don't really know how often other riders take breaks. Is an hour or more at a time in the saddle asking too much of my physiology? Should I get off for a minute or two, say, every 30 minutes or so? Any other suggestions?

Tom Stormcrowe

I stand and relieve the pressure every so often. I take a break pretty much whenever I feel the need.

fc_

+1 on standing and getting off the bike every so often. Do you use proofride on your saddle? It helps during the break-in period.

idig

Same bike. Same saddle. Riding similar distances and speeds. I'm at 100 miles as of this morning. I stand when I need to, and we generally stop about every 9-12 miles for a couple of minutes of stretching and water bottle filling (it's very hot and humid here). I rode on PI Quest shorts on Saturday, Performance Century Gel shorts yesterday, and Performance LiquiGel shorts today. The Quest and LiquiGel shorts seemed more comfortable than the Century Gels, but the saddle is just breaking in, and I may have been having a bad day. That said, I think riding heavily padded shorts, like the Century Gels, removes some of the benefits of riding a Brooks. I intend to do a bit more experimentation. You should as well.

rickyaustin

Also get out of the saddle whenever you can. See a short hill? Stand and blow up it. A few of those may help the bottom.

bab2000

This sounds has if your sit area is being starved of blood and tissues need better circulation. Standing is a good option, stopping and stretching as well.

I road my first century nearly 35 years ago, and did so getting off the bike at the half way point for some food and drink, then completed the ride without a stop.

Afterwards, I could have sworn I was wearing the bike seat (not a Brooks) for a week afterwards. Even warm baths provided no relieve. I will admit, I new no better, very little exposure to other riders, information was not shared unless part of a club, and two friends who talked we to ride with them, just assumed I knew. (They had both ridden two or more cross country tours before I had met).

Enjoy your rides, take a camer along and share some photos, if riding alone, best way to share the experience with freinds, and others. Never can tell, others may want to join you...

CliftonGK1

You may want to try a different pair of shorts. The century shorts aren't the most snug fitting, and the padding is a little over-sized for distance riding (IMO). It compresses the soft tissue, and that could be the source of your "bruised" feeling.

If you like Performance house brand (I'm a big fan of their stuff) then check out the Elite and Ultra shorts. The Ultras are a very snug fit, and a lighter weight padding. I've done 3 centuries in the last 2 months; one in Century Gel bibs, and the other two in Ultras... I'm pretty sure the Centuries are headed to the trash pile.

fdny_boss

Don't just stand, stand and pedal. You work different muscles that way. And don't wait til you start to hurt...do it routinely every 10-20 minutes...set a timer until it becomes automatic.
Also, level your pedals when you coast...it lets your legs absorb alot of the shock that your butt usually would.

Ranger63

As the saddle breaks in the 'bruised feelings' will abate.
If there's a brooks owner who hasn't experienced this as their saddle broke in we need to hear from em!
MY problem with Brooks came with the advent of the newer frames that required a saddle adjustment greater than the std. brooks saddles would afford.
(no, I am NOT buying a $500. swallow/ )