the watcher

Hi, I'm about to modify my claud-butler urban 400 for a fully upright position (back/neck issues) and was considering getting a brooks flyer to offset the extra jolt transmitted into the spine. Any advice if this will help? I've read a lot of comments on the forums that say that the springs only really work for large bumps and are not much use for general bumpiness on roads. I think the comment was that the springs are so tough/stiff that you need to jump on them to make them move.

Any comments/advice? I'm only 50kg if that makes any difference.

I would get big apples for the comfort issue but I'm fitting Marathon Pluses instead for the complete peace of mind.

Wino Ryder

I think a Brooks 'flyer' is a B-17 with springs, which is mainly suited for slightly aggressive positioning where you're bent over a little but not straight upright. Have you considered the B-67? It has springs too and is made just for upright riding with its flatter and wider back area.

kk4df

I have the Brooks Flyer on my commuter/touring bike. I also have a B17 and B17 Imperial on other bikes. The springs on the Flyer do seem to help with the bigger bumps (i.e. railroad tracks). These saddles work best for me in a semi-aggressive (not fully upright) riding position, but that may have to do with how I have the saddle tilted. I believe I could tilt it back a bit and get it most comfortable for an upright position if that was my intent.

Any of the Brooks saddles will be a fine choice for a commuter. Just keep it dry on wet days if you can, and enjoy the ride!

I'm running Schwalbe Marathons on mine. The Marathon Plus is a heavier tire, and I've not experienced the need (flats) for that one yet. Only time will tell.

jbabic

The B67 might be too bouncy if you like a fast pedaling cadence.

Allen

The difference between the Flyer and B67 is just the top, the springs are the same.
It is not very bouncy at all.
The B33 and B73 are the bouncy ones.

The B67 is better for an upright position.

jbabic

Thanks for correcting.

PaulH

I've got about 1,000 miles now with a Brooks B67 on my Kettler Silverstar now. It's a very good saddle for the application - every day, I look forward to riding on it. The springs seem about right. I use the Marathon Plus with Mr. Tuffy. No way I want my bike to have less flatt resistance than my car, seeing as they are doing the same job for me.

Paul

d2create

I'll be putting a flyer on my Riv very soon.
I have the b17 on there now. I'll let you know if there is much difference.
My handlebars are just a little higher than the seat, btw.

rhm

I have a new flyer on my recently rebuilt tourer:
and I do find it a bit bouncy when spinning (I like to pedal around 120 rpm). I don't like the bouncing much, but I suspect it will force me to develop a smoother pedal stroke, and then everything will be perfect.

harleyfrog

I just ordered a Brooks Flyer from Lickton Supply. I should be receiving it some time next week. I can't wait.

Technojunkie

I found that raising my handlebars to be closer to even with the saddle height made my Flyer a bit more comfortable but I'm still having "soft tissue" problems. I guess I need the cutout that the Brooks Imperial has (or will have), or the Selle An-atomica or maybe just a Serfas Performance RX since I have a convenient REI store.

So long as that isn't your particular problem the Flyer ought to work out nicely. I do notice the springs doing their job but I'm considerably heavier at around 86kg. I wouldn't call it "bouncy" but at my weight that would be difficult. An Imperial version of the Flyer would be just about perfect for me I think.

ItsJustMe

I have a flyer on my upright (hybrid) bike. I like it. 4 of my 11 miles each way, daily, are over gravel road which can be quite bumpy. I think the springs help; my arms take a lot more pounding than my spine does, even though I have a suspension fork.

harleyfrog

Sweet looking ride.

GV27

I guess the question is what are you riding now? I'm riding an old Avocet racing saddle with a mostly-upright position just fine. I reckon a Flyer would be totally plush for me. If you're already on a soft saddle and you're getting sore, then maybe you won't. That's the angle I'd approach it from. One guy's plank of wood is another's saggy mattress.

Allen

Check out Wallingford's Butchered Brooks page.

Allen

Very pretty.

Wino Ryder

OMG...I dont know if I could do that to a B-17. I dont have the heart!!

d2create

My wife just got me a Honey Flyer Special for my bday.
Rode on it today for the first time and it was nice. Just like the my old B17 but it takes the edge off the bumps. Not bouncy at all.