I have a B17 Imperial that is too narrow for me (on my Mezzo folder), a B68 that is the perfect width and very comfortable, except that the back of my legs at the joint with the hip socket hit the edge of the saddle while peddling (on downstroke). The B72 (sprung) has essentially the same overall width as the B68 (209 mm vs. 205 mm), but doesn't appear to taper or widen as quickly from the saddle nose as the B68. In other words, the B72 is narrow from the saddle nose for a longer distance towards the back of the saddle. Because of this I think my leg hitting issue could be resolved with the B72.

Can any of you confirm this or have experience with this issue? Sheldon Brown's website (for the B72 description) says "for general riding comfort go with the fully sprung B66." I wonder if the B66 has the same taper as the B72, or is it more like the B68? I would like the B68 if it tapered the same and because it comes in black and works with my micro-adjust set post (without the sandwich).

Wasn't sure where best to post this - here, commuting, touring, etc??

The B-72 is a bit narrower so that should make a difference. I would buy from Wallingford Bike, they have a no questions asked return policy. Interestingly enough the B-72 is my least favorite of all the Brooks saddles that I have owned.

Aaron

I don't like the weird look of it (really flares out in the rear), but when I'm sitting on it if it is comfortable I guess I could let that go What did you not like about it if you don't mind telling? Which do you like best?

If I were just a little more upright on the Mezzo the B68 would be great - as it works well when I am sitting up with a few fingers of one hand on the grips or no-handed.

Put your backside on both and see..
that is the end of your body you have to satisfy with your saddle choice..

Correct me if I am wrong. It seems most of the Raleigh 3 speeds and perhaps other makers at the time used the B72 if they were offering an off the rack bike with a leather saddle.
It is probably a "middle of the road" type of saddle that most people could use and be comfortable on. Generic so to speak.
People at the time didn't have the selection, variety or knowledge of product like they do now.
Think back when you were a kid, did you have much of a choice with your bikes?
The B72, in my opinion, was a manufacturers "one size fits all". At the time it probably did.

Will do just that! However, was asking before I spend another $150 plus. The shape of the B72 is different from the B68 in my estimation and will likely address my issue described above. However, nice to have a forum whereby you can ask another of their experience, and be entertained at the same time.

Sheldon Brown's site does say that the B72 is the replacement on the Raleigh if you are doing a restorartion. However, for others not needing to restore go with the B66. My issue there is that the B66 shape looks to be the same as the B68 - both hitting the back of my legs.

B66/67/68 all have the same top, the 66/67 are sprung, one is single rail the other double, the 68 is a single rail unsprung.

I think the design of the B72 leads to early failure, the "springs" on it are basically decorative. I have never had a brand new B72 but every older one I have inherited has failed just behind the nose. I have never had any of my other Brooks saddles fail at that point. I currently have about 8 of them with roughly half of them coming used with the bike and the other half having been purchased new or nearly new by me. I have a tendency to head for the sprung saddles because they work best for me.

Aaron