rhopkins

I am 280 pounds. I ride a Specialized Tricross and I have put about 3k miles on my bike this last year. About 5 months ago, a bike fitter recommended that I switch to the Specialized 143 saddle. I like the saddle but it has begun to squeek on a regular basis as I pedal. I took the bike in yesterday and my bike shop said the saddle was sagging so much it needed to be replaced. Does anyone have a recommendation for a saddle that will hold up under my weight and time in the saddle? If it is a little heavier, but will hold up, I can deal with a little bit of extra weight. I don't care if it has a cutout. I am riding 30 - 50 miles on average when I go out. Suggestions?

professorbob

There are a couple of good ones out there, but a lot of the larger riders use a Brooks B-17. However, it seems to be one that you'll either love or hate. I love mine. Felt great right out of the box.

Mazama

I have had the B-17 now for about 6 months, but I prefer the (sprung) b67. The B-17 is just a tad too narrow.

theetruscan

The B.17 was alright, but the imperial wasn't yet available when I tried one. I ended up with the Sell An-Atomica Titanico. It's wide enough that, at first, you kind of wonder, but it's seen me through PLENTY of 60-100 mile rides. I started using it at 260 pounds with a 20-30 pound bookbag, and it's still doing alright now, years and pounds later.

RoaringMad Mac

Well, I'll tell ya what.

The other day I decided on getting a large cruiser seat because my wife has one on her bike and I thought it might do better on my specialized Hardrock. I installed it last night and it was okay for a few miles. This morning however something was off. I just could not get comfortable in it. I went back to the house and put back on another saddle I had that was just a tad bit wider than the normal saddle. Now, this large Cruiser seat was really wide and plush.

I will say this here and now. Those really large ones are not for hard riding. LOL. I definitely know now that it takes away on the stroke of pedaling and ultimately the smaller seats are more comfortable when you get used to them.

Oh and another thing the cruiser seat had me higher in the saddle as well.

rhopkins

Thanks for your input. I explored the B17 and have ordered one. It will be on my bike by Friday. I did email Brooks in England and they first recommended the saddles with springs, but I just could not bring myself to put one of these on my bike. Their second best option according to them was the Titanium B17 or the Team Pro. These are quite a bit more money. I am going to start with the B17 and see how it feels. Thanks again

rhopkins

Thanks for your reply. I have ordered the Brooks B17. If it doesn't work, I will give the one you recommended a try.

eddiejclayton

Hopefully the B17 will work out for you. I started using one about 2 months ago and I love it.

jtsin67

B-17 special user, moved form my scott sportster to my cinelli roady. About 800k's on it and probably 10 rides ago broken in for me.. I find it wide enough for my bones and still slim enough at the front to get the legs working without rub issues. My wife swears it looks like an "old fart thing" but my butt says it don't mind. Sure i want a pretty red thing to match my bike but not at the expense of pain - and so far there is no one common answer for clydes that i can find other than a lot of b-17 praise. I'm 6' and 225 for figuring.

mesasone

I have a B17 and love it, it's been comfy from day one for me, although it does squeak a fair bit. I've tried greasing/oiling pretty much everything but no luck getting it to stop. Doesn't bother me much though. I don't seem to have any problems with it sagging or any such.

If you're riding in a more aggressive position, you might find that the Team pro may be a better option. I think the general rule of thumb is if the handlebars are going to be roughly level with the saddle or higher, go with the B17. If lower, go with the Team Pro. YMMV. Depending on where you ordered from, you may have the option exchanging if the B17 doesn't work out for you. I know Wallbike has a pretty liberal exchange policy regarding their Brooks saddles.