Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Commuting
Reload this Page >

brooks saddles for health concerns

Notices
Commuting Bicycle commuting is easier than you think, before you know it, you'll be hooked. Learn the tips, hints, equipment, safety requirements for safely riding your bike to work.

brooks saddles for health concerns

Old 10-16-04, 02:00 AM
  #1  
18 dog baby
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Honolulu
Posts: 400

Bikes: 2008 crosscheck complete, 1984 Pugeot fixed conversion

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
brooks saddles for health concerns

Alright, I know the general opinion on this forum about bicycle related impotence and what not, but I think there's some credence to this fear. So, after trips to the doctor and antibiotics, I hooked myself up with one of those split saddles with no horn. Now I get looks whenever I park it, track stand, take it in to the LBS. Usually they're like, WHAT IS THAT ABOMONATION? HOW DARE THEE DEFILE THE HOLY BICYCLE? and other times, they think it's pretty sick, and want to know more.
It's taken care of the problem, and I'm good to go. But the feel just isn't right. I want a "regular" saddle. One I can really sit on and feel at one with. This new one with just the two pads is alright, but I just don't feel at home on it.
So I'm wondering, can the Brooks saddles take care of this, and still be soft tissue friendly? They're wider, and look pretty neat, but can they take care of the boys?
2mtr is offline  
Old 10-16-04, 06:50 AM
  #2  
Slow and unsteady
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: St Louis, MO
Posts: 473

Bikes: Bacchetta Agio, Bacchetta Giro 20, Trek 520

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I used to have some problems in "that area".

Then I got one of the saddles with a hole down the center.

No more problems.

I can't see how a Brooks saddle would help at all. The leather will soften up and conform to parts of your anatomy that push hard against the saddle. The soft nether regions that suffer so much just don't push back very hard. The leather isn't going to give in to tissues that are that soft. Of course I may be wrong about this.

Anyway, you have a saddle that works, and what is more important to you, the health and well being of the boys or the opinions of others? And the Brooks saddle will be expensive, require more maintenance, and is probably much heavier than your current saddle.

I say stick with what works and to hell with people who would have you suffer just so you can conform to their expectations.
bradw is offline  
Old 10-16-04, 09:02 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
Rogerinchrist's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Plymouth,WI
Posts: 724

Bikes: TREK-520 & 830

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I too have had such problems.
My first try was a Terry saddle, although it seemed to work, I found two things with this saddle. First, when I spent alot of time in the drops, ie. long rides into the wind, the numbness would return, second, the saddle's padding broke down. Too soon in my opinion.
Next I moved to a higher quality saddle (my opinion) a Koobi, Enduro Gel model. That helped, and it seems to be holding up quite well.
But what I believe to be my most impotent (pun intended) discovery was raising my stem so that my handlebars are even with my saddle position. This brings a much more comfortable & relaxed position. I'll admit that I don't fell as "racey" by sitting a little more upright, but then again I don't ride in races.
As far as the feel of your bike with the hornless seat, I spoke at length this past summer with a guy that has riden such a seat for over ten years. He told me it feels different because we tend to steer a little by shifting our hips, using the horn agianst the thighs for leverage. Seemed to make sense.
About a Brooks. When and if my Koobi gives out, I' probably go Brooks, a narrow one, maybe with springs.
Rogerinchrist is offline  
Old 10-16-04, 11:43 AM
  #4  
Enjoy
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Seattle metro
Posts: 6,165

Bikes: Trek 5200

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by 2mtr
WHAT IS THAT ABOMONATION? HOW DARE THEE DEFILE THE HOLY BICYCLE?
Ha ha! I get this all the time. The loudest shouters seem to be the wanna-be or the stale "have-arrived".

I pass by a Unicycle commuter a couple of times a month. He *really* takes the heat! My hat's off to him...he's got a great saddle and with 1 wheel about 1/2 the maintenance. Hey If it works for you, and it's not illegal or endangering go for it. Just keep going!
vrkelley is offline  
Old 10-16-04, 01:30 PM
  #5  
Along for the ride.
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 140
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by bradw
I used to have some problems in "that area".

Then I got one of the saddles with a hole down the center.

No more problems.

I can't see how a Brooks saddle would help at all. The leather will soften up and conform to parts of your anatomy that push hard against the saddle. The soft nether regions that suffer so much just don't push back very hard. The leather isn't going to give in to tissues that are that soft.
Obbligatory "Me Too" reply...

I just swapped a Brooks B-17 for some panniers to someone who subscribes to the Brooks religion. I rode the thing for about 600 miles (came on the bike I bought) and never was able to make friends with it. A Terry Liberator took its place. Negotiations with the Terry are ongoing, but at least it doesn't leave me insensate the way the Brooks did.

Once you find something that lets you ride comfortably, go with it. Riding something that hurts your body defeats the whole purpose of riding for exercise and enjoyment. Let the racer boys suffer if they wish.
scrantr is offline  
Old 10-16-04, 01:48 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
late's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Southern Maine
Posts: 8,938
Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12172 Post(s)
Liked 1,481 Times in 1,094 Posts
The rails of a Brooks saddle bend when you hit a bump, creating a
hammock sort of effect. If the saddle isn't in the middle of the seatpost clamp, the effect diminishes, especially if the clamp is towards the front of the saddle. When they fit, and they're set up correctly, they are the most comfy thing I've ridden. But things can go south fast if it's not set up just so...
late is online now  
Old 10-18-04, 12:07 AM
  #7  
Banned.
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Posts: 4,761

Bikes: 84 Trek 660 Suntour Superbe; 87 Giant Rincon Shimano XT; 07 Mercian Vincitore Campy Veloce

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
There is a saddle on the market made by Trico Sports that looks like someone cut the thing in two length wise down the middle; but they did this so that you could adjust the width of the saddle to your liking. I've never used this saddle so I can't report on its comfort, but maybe some here has.

The Brooks saddle is what I have (a Swift) and it's more then religion, it works...at least for most people-no one specific saddle will work for everyone! But the large majority of people that tour long distances all over world and here in the USA, ride on either Brooks Professional or the Brooks B17, because these saddles work! I tried about a dozen different saddles in the last 15 years and about 2 years ago went with the Brooks Swift to try it out. Those other saddles I could only go 75 miles tops before the pain in the asse got to be extremily uncomfortable; with the Brooks I can go 150 miles before it becomes extremily uncomfortable.

The saddle does act like a hammock as Late described, but it also breaks in like a leather shoe, whereas plastic of carbon fiber shelled seats do not.
froze is offline  
Old 10-18-04, 06:30 AM
  #8  
Long Live Long Rides
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: KCMO
Posts: 718

Bikes: 1988 Specialized Rockhopper Comp, converted for touring/commuting. 1984 Raleigh Team USA road bike.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I rode two different Brooks saddles. One B17 that I put on over 1000 miles. This one I bought new. The saddle didn't like me and I didn't like it! I sold it at a great loss and picked up a Brooks Conquest (with springs). I didn't know I was too light to flex the springs! I didn't get that one to work for me either (1800 mi). I actally found an Avocet Touring saddle on e-bay for $2 plus shipping. This one I have put Thousands of miles on with no problems. I believe in function over fashion. For some (most of the cyclists I ride with) the Brooks works. I think it depends on each person's anatomy. Function over fashion, for me. I think most deticated cyclists would find interest in new ideas like the split saddles. It's what makes us who we are.
jharte is offline  
Old 10-18-04, 10:35 AM
  #9  
Mr. Cellophane
 
RainmanP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 3,037
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I find it interesting that people have difficulty with Brooks saddles. Are you sure your bikes are set up properly with saddles level? Also I find on Team Pros I actually need to tilt the nose up considerable so that the rear seating part is level. Otherwise the shape makes me feel like I am sliding forward. So now you may be wondering "What about that nose tilted up?" Not a problem. I read a recommendation a few years ago by John Cobb, aerodynamics advisor to Lane and other time trialists. He suggested that if you have discomfort gettin' down and aero' offset the nose of your saddle by about 1/2" or about half the width of the nose. Offset to either side depending on which way you, uh, that is, ah...hang. This gets the ridge of the saddle from under the ischial protuberance or whatever it's called. You also need to be "adjusted" properly out of the way. Might take a little trial and error to find proper positioning. Cycling shorts make it easier to keep everything in place.

I had a B17 which was perfect early on in my cycling. As I got a little faster I found that it was actually too wide (and I'm a big guy) so I went to Team Professionals which I love. Even at my hefty 210-215 pounds, my Team Pros have not "softened" at all. They are so hard they sound like wood when knocked on. I don't think they are supposed to get soft; that's why the instructions warn against using anything but Proofide.
__________________
If it ain't broke, mess with it anyway!
RainmanP is offline  
Old 10-18-04, 10:38 AM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Okanagan Valley, BC
Posts: 431

Bikes: Too Many

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Have Brooks on all my bikes, if they're adjusted right - nothing as good.
toomanybikes is offline  
Old 10-18-04, 10:47 AM
  #11  
Banned.
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Home alone
Posts: 6,017

Bikes: Trek 4300 X 2. Trek 1000, Trek 6000

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
I would probably give up riding before i would give up either of my Brooks B-17 saddles. I have sat on each of them for 2500 miles each, since last November. I ride mainly on very rough unpaved roads on my hard tail mountain bike.

I can't remember once being uncomfortable, even when they were new. I would have to say that there must be some differences in how people are wired. Apparently there are some people that it doesn't work for, although i can't imagine it. This Brooks thing is not just a fad. They have been around for well over 100 years.

I still can't believe how I never think about my saddle ever. It simply is never a factor in my ride. That is what makes a good saddle.
Portis is offline  
Old 10-18-04, 11:00 AM
  #12  
Quadricepius Exquisitus
 
eurotrash666's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Pfalzerwald
Posts: 517

Bikes: christini awd, caondale bad boy ultra, 26" hardtail touring bike, KHS track

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
the selle italia max series with the hole has been good to me- i have several: max flite, xo, and prolink. my old selle italia turbo matic causes numbness on long rides, but not nearly as bad as stock seats. i am interested in the trico, but brand loyalty is keeping me from trying. i am just grateful that the industry has acknowledged this issue, and is doing something about it.
eurotrash666 is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.