Brooks saddle bad choice for commuting?
05-12-08, 10:50 AM
#26
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I definitely like the feel of the brooks for the commute ride. Even rock hard i like it (I've got about 750 miles on there, mostly seated spinning and no signs of breaking in yet), except for when I hit a bump with no padded shorts.
I use the plastic bags and keep it out of the rain. I've hit it lightly maybe three times in as many years with proofhide (The saddle sat for about 18 months till my old Turbo wore out).
It's really the constant lifting I was worried about. I hate to think of it getting stolen, but better that than it sitting unused in the box.....If the lifting is really bad for it I'd rather stick it on another bike not used for commuting (course, then I'd have to buy a fourth bike!!!
)
I use the plastic bags and keep it out of the rain. I've hit it lightly maybe three times in as many years with proofhide (The saddle sat for about 18 months till my old Turbo wore out).
It's really the constant lifting I was worried about. I hate to think of it getting stolen, but better that than it sitting unused in the box.....If the lifting is really bad for it I'd rather stick it on another bike not used for commuting (course, then I'd have to buy a fourth bike!!!
)
05-12-08, 02:02 PM
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I've seen a couple old B72's off of some old Raleighs' that looked much better than the bicycle did. B72's were the primary saddle on a lot of these old 3 speeds and most people back then didn't worry about protecting their saddle, they just got on the bike and rode. 30 years later, those abused saddles fetch ~$50 on ebay.
05-12-08, 03:06 PM
#28
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Indeed - i bought an older model Brooks off ebay for a display bike restoration project.....it's weathered looking but I bet i could hop on and ride it another 5 or 10 years with a little conditioner and TLC.....
05-12-08, 03:22 PM
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Does it really take that long to break in? I'm considering a Brooks saddle but my commute is only 15 miles, so I'm riding, Monday-Friday, about 75 miles a week. Is it really gonna take more than 2.5 months of commuting to break in?
05-12-08, 03:37 PM
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1 - The saddle breaks-in over use
2 - Your butt breaks-in over time
I think it's a combo of the two. I found the B-17 to be comfortable right out of the box, but it did get even more comfy as I rode more. 750 miles without any break-in signs would be a very extreme case, IMO. Mine was starting to show crease marks (break-in) after only 50 miles.
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05-12-08, 03:51 PM
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I use an old rigid mtb for my 6-mile commute on fairly rough city roads.
Last fall I sensed my 15 year old Selle Italia Turbo was going mushy (felt it squishing up into the soft tissues) so I threw a new Brooks Swift onto the bike.
I like the width of the Brooks (I have wide sit bones, about 130 to 140mm, depending which assometer you believe) and I actually use it on my racing and touring road bikes with padded bibs.
On the commuter, the stiffness is nice for climbing the 59th st. bridge and surging through an intersection when necessary, but it is rather too hard when riding over bumps and crevices in the road (I don't wear padded shorts when commuting).
I was going to go back to a new Turbo.....I was always worried about the Brooks getting rain soaked, stolen, or ruined by constantly grabbing it to maneuver a 30 pound loaded bike in and out of buildings on a daily basis.
Does anyone else have these concerns for a new Brooks, or do you beat 'em up on a utility bike?
Last fall I sensed my 15 year old Selle Italia Turbo was going mushy (felt it squishing up into the soft tissues) so I threw a new Brooks Swift onto the bike.
I like the width of the Brooks (I have wide sit bones, about 130 to 140mm, depending which assometer you believe) and I actually use it on my racing and touring road bikes with padded bibs.
On the commuter, the stiffness is nice for climbing the 59th st. bridge and surging through an intersection when necessary, but it is rather too hard when riding over bumps and crevices in the road (I don't wear padded shorts when commuting).
I was going to go back to a new Turbo.....I was always worried about the Brooks getting rain soaked, stolen, or ruined by constantly grabbing it to maneuver a 30 pound loaded bike in and out of buildings on a daily basis.
Does anyone else have these concerns for a new Brooks, or do you beat 'em up on a utility bike?
I also use a brooks champion flyer and that takes the bumps out.
05-13-08, 07:58 AM
#33
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There's two camps on this one:
1 - The saddle breaks-in over use
2 - Your butt breaks-in over time
I think it's a combo of the two. I found the B-17 to be comfortable right out of the box, but it did get even more comfy as I rode more. 750 miles without any break-in signs would be a very extreme case, IMO. Mine was starting to show crease marks (break-in) after only 50 miles.
1 - The saddle breaks-in over use
2 - Your butt breaks-in over time
I think it's a combo of the two. I found the B-17 to be comfortable right out of the box, but it did get even more comfy as I rode more. 750 miles without any break-in signs would be a very extreme case, IMO. Mine was starting to show crease marks (break-in) after only 50 miles.
Still, at 220 pounds, I woulda thought my sit bones woulda made some dentage by now!!
05-13-08, 08:00 AM
#34
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I rode in with the Turbo special this AM.....weird feeling after riding a wide rock hard Brooks for the last two years.....I used to think of the Special as a firm racing saddle - it feels like a cushy gel seat for Freds now....
05-13-08, 08:13 AM
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'nother Brooks/leather saddle fan here
. I run them on most if not all of my bikes. Proofide the crap out of the undersides a couple of times a year. Ride with fenders, and use the free shower caps from the motels as saddle covers if the bike is parked outside. As far as damaging the saddle by grabbing the back of it...as long as you have your hand on a piece of the saddle framework I don't see a problem, grabbing just the leather...maybe.
Aaron
. I run them on most if not all of my bikes. Proofide the crap out of the undersides a couple of times a year. Ride with fenders, and use the free shower caps from the motels as saddle covers if the bike is parked outside. As far as damaging the saddle by grabbing the back of it...as long as you have your hand on a piece of the saddle framework I don't see a problem, grabbing just the leather...maybe.Aaron
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ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
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05-13-08, 10:07 AM
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The rail at the back is so close to the edge, just put your fingers in that and lift. I use that all the time. I wouldn't grab it by the side of the saddle and lift (the wings so to speak) because there is no support there, and it might be more likely to pull from the rivets.
My seat has been more wet from sweat on a summers ride than in a downpour with no problems (I think I proofhided once when I got it...) but I don't leave it out all day in the rain.... makes the chain rust :-)
My seat has been more wet from sweat on a summers ride than in a downpour with no problems (I think I proofhided once when I got it...) but I don't leave it out all day in the rain.... makes the chain rust :-)
05-13-08, 10:27 AM
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For breaking in the saddle, my butt was only sore for about 1-2 weeks max. Of course, it was already sore from my former "ergonomic" saddle, so it just got better from there. After the first couple weeks, it fit like a butt-glove 
05-13-08, 06:24 PM
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I should mention even tho I haven't noticed any softening of my brooks, I was able to ride them from day one with no issues. They are indeed rock hard when new, but I prefer a firm mattress generally speaking.....
I tried a commute on my old Turbo Speical saddle today....weird.......it definitely soaked up the nasty bumps and ruts better (They are doing lotsa work right now around 34th street - ouch) and The Turbo's longer length and orientation of the rails allow you to scoot your butt a bit further back, which really helped on climbing......but yeah, I missed my Brooks!!
I tried a commute on my old Turbo Speical saddle today....weird.......it definitely soaked up the nasty bumps and ruts better (They are doing lotsa work right now around 34th street - ouch) and The Turbo's longer length and orientation of the rails allow you to scoot your butt a bit further back, which really helped on climbing......but yeah, I missed my Brooks!!
05-13-08, 06:39 PM
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1. Your Brooks will NEVER soften ... unless something has gone terribly wrong. Your Brooks will always be a hard saddle ... that's how it is supposed to be.
2. When your Brooks is broken in, it will develop divots for your sitbones, making it a custom saddle, and will perhaps, have a little more give.
3. Brooks saddles can take some time to break in. Some people can hop on them and ride ... mine took 800 kms (3 weeks) to break in.
4. Brooks saddles can withstand a lot more water than people give them credit for.
I am a randonneur, cycletourist, commuter, recreational rider, etc. etc. etc.. I've logged about 40,000 kms on my Brooks saddle, and have ridden it in all sorts of weather ... heat, sun, drizzles, torrential downpours, snow, slush, sleet ... you name it. And my Brooks is still the most comfortable saddle I have ever owned. I'm planning to order another this summer.
2. When your Brooks is broken in, it will develop divots for your sitbones, making it a custom saddle, and will perhaps, have a little more give.
3. Brooks saddles can take some time to break in. Some people can hop on them and ride ... mine took 800 kms (3 weeks) to break in.
4. Brooks saddles can withstand a lot more water than people give them credit for.
I am a randonneur, cycletourist, commuter, recreational rider, etc. etc. etc.. I've logged about 40,000 kms on my Brooks saddle, and have ridden it in all sorts of weather ... heat, sun, drizzles, torrential downpours, snow, slush, sleet ... you name it. And my Brooks is still the most comfortable saddle I have ever owned. I'm planning to order another this summer.
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05-13-08, 09:07 PM
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I have Brooks saddles on all 3 of my road bikes. Ditto on the proofide and a plastic bag when it's raining hard. Brooks saddles are pretty tough. We don't worry too much about our saddles getting stolen in upstate NY
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05-13-08, 10:01 PM
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Any problems with mold and mildew on them? I occasionally have problems with leather shoes here.
What fraction of these are used without 'bike shorts', vs. those that used with padded 'bike shorts'? Do they have different designs for use with/without "cycle diapers"?
BTW, though my name is Brooks (Which actually makes it fairly disorienting to see a page full of the name 'Brooks'...) I don't work for or hold stock in the company.
What fraction of these are used without 'bike shorts', vs. those that used with padded 'bike shorts'? Do they have different designs for use with/without "cycle diapers"?
BTW, though my name is Brooks (Which actually makes it fairly disorienting to see a page full of the name 'Brooks'...) I don't work for or hold stock in the company.
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05-13-08, 10:05 PM
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I have a Brooks on my Surly Cross Check fixed gear and I love it. Was very firm at first, but I put Proofhide on a few times (maybe 3-4) and then just rode it a lot. I don't have a lot of miles on it yet, but it's now very comfortable and I don't notice it at all. Did a 17 mile ride on it this past Sunday and didn't have any soreness at all.
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05-13-08, 10:58 PM
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I ride my B-17 either way ... I prefer riding long distances with padded shorts, but I'll ride shorter distances (under 100 kms) with regular shorts.
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05-13-08, 11:08 PM
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It really depends on how you have your bike set up, and less about the saddle. More upright, less lycra. More aggressive, more super hero gear.
Brooks has a whole range of saddles from racing saddles to heavily sprung tractor seats. The B17 is about the middle of the range.
05-14-08, 07:37 AM
#45
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Ugh - day two on the Turbo Special and my soft tissues are hurting (started last night after the ride home).
Not the usual "I just changed saddles and my body is adjusting" pain, either. This is more - "please give me my Brooks back"
I guess I'll have to live with the security chain and plastic bags....sigh.
On the positive side, I have about a dozen NOS padded saddles I'm gonna sell to raise funds for a backup Brooks, just in case the commuter bites the bullet or 'walks away' (did I mention I already have a new Swallow waiting for my next new road bike?)
Not the usual "I just changed saddles and my body is adjusting" pain, either. This is more - "please give me my Brooks back"
I guess I'll have to live with the security chain and plastic bags....sigh.
On the positive side, I have about a dozen NOS padded saddles I'm gonna sell to raise funds for a backup Brooks, just in case the commuter bites the bullet or 'walks away' (did I mention I already have a new Swallow waiting for my next new road bike?
)
05-14-08, 07:38 AM
#46
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1. Your Brooks will NEVER soften ... unless something has gone terribly wrong. Your Brooks will always be a hard saddle ... that's how it is supposed to be.
2. When your Brooks is broken in, it will develop divots for your sitbones, making it a custom saddle, and will perhaps, have a little more give.
3. Brooks saddles can take some time to break in. Some people can hop on them and ride ... mine took 800 kms (3 weeks) to break in.
4. Brooks saddles can withstand a lot more water than people give them credit for.
I am a randonneur, cycletourist, commuter, recreational rider, etc. etc. etc.. I've logged about 40,000 kms on my Brooks saddle, and have ridden it in all sorts of weather ... heat, sun, drizzles, torrential downpours, snow, slush, sleet ... you name it. And my Brooks is still the most comfortable saddle I have ever owned. I'm planning to order another this summer.
2. When your Brooks is broken in, it will develop divots for your sitbones, making it a custom saddle, and will perhaps, have a little more give.
3. Brooks saddles can take some time to break in. Some people can hop on them and ride ... mine took 800 kms (3 weeks) to break in.
4. Brooks saddles can withstand a lot more water than people give them credit for.
I am a randonneur, cycletourist, commuter, recreational rider, etc. etc. etc.. I've logged about 40,000 kms on my Brooks saddle, and have ridden it in all sorts of weather ... heat, sun, drizzles, torrential downpours, snow, slush, sleet ... you name it. And my Brooks is still the most comfortable saddle I have ever owned. I'm planning to order another this summer.
That's good to know about the break-in...to my knowledge there were two types of brooks - the brand new cast iron types I own, and the ones that are all patina floppy you see on old three-speeds.....I'll keep riding mine patiently.
05-14-08, 07:39 AM
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05-14-08, 02:21 PM
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I tried two other saddles when I started commuting last year. Finally went with a Brooks. I keep my bike inside at work/home so I have no issues there.
05-14-08, 06:33 PM
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05-14-08, 09:48 PM
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I did not achieve butt nirvana on my commuter until I combined bike shorts with my B17. The B17 has about 3000 miles so I think it is about as broken in as it will get. Without bike shorts I get seams and bunched up underwear pressing into my tender spots.