A successful saddle swap
 

Grannygear and I swapped saddles in the short-lived parts swapping thread. I sent him a Specialized Alias, he sent me a Brooks B-17.

I got the B-17 a few days ago. It was in fine shape, but I gave it a Proofide treatment and let it sit a day before installing it on my GF's bike today. After about 20 minutes of making adjustments to fore/aft and saddle angle, letting her take it for a spin after each adjustment and making further adjustments based on her feedback, we took a nice 40 mile ride. She LOVES that saddle. Of course I knew that she would...she is a horsewoman, I had no doubt that a fine leather saddle would suit her on a bike.

So just want to say thanks to Grannygear - this was a good swap for me. How is the Alias treating you?

To FarHorizon - see, your idea worked!

All of this talk about Brooks saddles has me wondering if I should install my old Brooks saddle on my new bike. I bought a Schwinn Super Sport in 1969 and it came with a Brooks B17 as I recall. It's around here somewhere... It's heavy as a brick, but comfort is a bigger issue now than in my racing days!

Chipcom..cool you and Grannygear made the swap. Great fellowship. Did the Specialized Alias just not work for you?...if not, sure it was the correct width for you?...curious why you let it go?...the Alias has quite a following as you know...I have one coming my way. Also, are you riding a Brooks or another saddle?
Cheers,
George

Dan,
Glad the Brooks worked out well for your GF...many happy miles to her (and you)!! Ridden the Alias twice. No formal review here, but I like it. I am used to firm saddles...but took a few miles to accustom myself to a "flat" saddle (or maybe I'm a 143mm width size). The Alias is a keeper, accomodates itself well to a less upright, more forward leaning position, and has great potential for being a "long weekend ride" saddle. My only issue might be size/width.....but only more miles will tell.

Were this eBay, I'd give Chipcom a 5 Star and all the usual superlatives.

FarHorizon...thanks for your brokering this....damned shame we couldn't have kept equipment swapping as part of this forum...I have the usual scattering of old stuff that wants trading for "new" stuff.

I liked the Alias just fine on my road bike, but I gave the road bike to the GF's kid, who likes his Bontrager saddle, so I kept the Alias. I prefer my Brooks for my touring/commuting bike.

Thanks,
George

It took me a bit of tweaking to get the saddle position just right. Good luck and thanks again.