Brooks saddle question
#51
Senior Member
I agree with everyone that proper adjustment is critical with the B-17 as well as rider position (i.e. somewhat upright); all good advice. What I haven't seen mentioned is that the rail system on the B-17 has very little fore/aft adjustment. For that reason, when I hear people complain about the B-17 being torturous on the sit bones, I always wonder if it's because they can't slide the seat back far enough for proper adjustment, and might actually be sitting on the rear steel frame crosspiece instead of suspended leather. That is torturous! Believe me ... I know! One advantage to a suspended leather saddle like the B-17 is that while pedaling you can reach underneath the saddle and feel exactly where you sit bones are positioned. If they are in the sweet spot you will love this saddle. If not ....
#52
tougher than a boiled owl
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Rocky Coast of Maine
Posts: 1,125
Bikes: Fetish Cycles Fixation / Fuji S12S / Gary Fisher MTB / Raleigh Grand Prix / Ross Professional / Kent comfort cruiser
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Update: 4th ride on the brooks B17 and I'm becoming a believer. Mine is a B17S actually, shorter nose and its starting to comform and break in nicely already. I have treated it twice with mink oil to condition the leather and it was that slight tilt back that did it for me. Thanks to all that have suggested advice on setting these up. It doesn't only look good on my retro Fugi but feels real good now.
#53
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North DFW Metroplex
Posts: 122
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Update: 4th ride on the brooks B17 and I'm becoming a believer. Mine is a B17S actually, shorter nose and its starting to comform and break in nicely already. I have treated it twice with mink oil to condition the leather and it was that slight tilt back that did it for me. Thanks to all that have suggested advice on setting these up. It doesn't only look good on my retro Fugi but feels real good now.
Resistance is futile....
Pics!
#54
tougher than a boiled owl
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Rocky Coast of Maine
Posts: 1,125
Bikes: Fetish Cycles Fixation / Fuji S12S / Gary Fisher MTB / Raleigh Grand Prix / Ross Professional / Kent comfort cruiser
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
#55
Prefers Cicero
#58
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,629
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3871 Post(s)
Liked 2,568 Times
in
1,579 Posts
#59
Senior Member
How do Brooks saddles hold up after multiple rainy rides (and more to come)?
#60
Prefers Cicero
The Proofhide may soften it up a little and aid with break-in, but I think it's main role is actually to prevent water uptake and water-induced stretching and sagging. I regularily slather it on the underside of the saddle (and the top) for that reason.
#61
Lentement mais sûrement
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Montréal
Posts: 2,253
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 78 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
My first B17 felt ok after 50-60km. I don't remember any discomfort on my second.
I rode both in the rain quite a bit and it's never been a problem. I didn't proofide the second one until after a year or two. I do put my helmet cover or plastic bag or pannier cover overnight when touring. I'm more worried about animals chewing it than water.
I rode both in the rain quite a bit and it's never been a problem. I didn't proofide the second one until after a year or two. I do put my helmet cover or plastic bag or pannier cover overnight when touring. I'm more worried about animals chewing it than water.
#62
bragi
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: seattle, WA
Posts: 2,911
Bikes: LHT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Update from the OP: I'm now at about 350 miles on my first B 17, and I have to say it's much more comfortable than it was at 200. I rode about 25 miles yesterday, and when I got home I realized I hadn't thought about the saddle at all during the whole ride, which is a very good sign. I'm not sure if the saddle broke in, or some of my anatomy did, but either way, I'm happy...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
uprightbent
Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling
40
05-07-16 07:59 PM
KC8QVO
General Cycling Discussion
7
06-05-14 01:00 PM
Roll-Monroe-Co
Classic & Vintage
10
05-16-12 09:24 AM