The_Mickstar

I'm interesting in trying a Brooks saddle. However, since I've never actually ridden one, I'm not quite sure which model would be best. Because this is mainly an experiment, I will be limiting my choices to the less expensive models - the B17 (standard), the Team Pro and the B17N (narrow). Here's a little about me...

I'm 6'3, 205lb and have an athletic build (lean but not skinny, 34" waist). The vast majority of my road cycling is cross-training for running, so it is fairly high cadence (90+rpm) without much "just cruising". I do about 50/50 on the hoods and in the drops (or on the aero bars). 95% of my riding is in the seat (not real hilly where I ride). In addition to the above cross-training, I plan to do some triathlons this year which will increase my time in the aero position.

While important, weight isn't my main concern. I want comfort.

I posed this question to Wall Bike CS, and they recommended the B17N due to the fact that I rode fairly aggressively (position-wise). Would you agree? I guess the fact that it's the narrowest of the bunch and that I'm fairly large is the main reason for questioning this choice.

Thanks for any input.

Steve

Mo'Phat

Definitely go to www.wallbike.com and look at the comparison pictures of the Brooks saddles (I posted the links on another thread last week, search it!).

I have the Team Pro, and the difference to the B17N is a thicker leather and a little wider seat while having a longer nose and a little narrower between the thighs. Since you're leaning forward most of the time, Brooks recommends the Team Pro, Swift, or Swallow for more agressive postures.

If, however, this is just an experiment to see if you even like leather saddles, you might pick up a cheap B17. Ride it for awhile, determine what you like and dislike about it, and either eschew leather altogether with little monetary commitment or splurge for the exact saddle you want after an educated decision. (Chances are, you'll love the B17 like most everybody else!)

The_Mickstar

I've been on the Wall Bike site. The pictures are nice, but it's tough to really get a handle on the size(s) from an internet picture. I really need to get to a store that carries Brooks saddles (if I can even find one that has the one's I'm interested in trying in stock) and just try them.

I guess my big question is wether anyone roughly my size has experience with the B17N (or, especially a comparison of it to the B17 or Team Pro). Diane at Wall Bike did recommend the Narrow to me. I guess I'm just a little nervous about going with the narrowest of my choices. Of course, with Wall Bike's exchange policy...

Steve

roadfix

I'm assuming you're currently using a narrow racing type saddle on your road bike. I think the narrow or the pro would be the logical choice.

biker7

My suggestion having tried a few Brooks variants is if you are a big guy who doesn't ride too bent over, then the B-17 is a great saddle....what I ride. Width of 170mm is one of the reasons the B-17 is comfortable for bigger riders. I tried the more narrow Brooks models and they weren't quite a comfortable...a bit more localized sit bone pressure due to smaller surface area which plagues me with more narrow plastic racing saddles as well. If you are a slim smaller guy with narrow hips and you are an aggressive rider, the Team Pro, Swift, Swallow etc will likely suit you better. The remarkable thing about the B-17 is it has literally been around for 100 years and is virtually unaltered from its turn of the century design. I believe the B-17 maybe the most popular saddle of all time by virtue of its longevity. How many other designs of any product have stood this test of time?
HTH,
George

cs1

I'm 5'9" and about 150, I use a B17. I ride just for the fun of it.The Pro is very nice but a little narrow.

Tim

danimal123

I have a B17 Narrow. Just got it 200 miles (2 weeks) ago. It's getting a little broken in, but it's still quite hard.

Whatever you do, do NOT do what I did: get the saddle in the mail on Saturday afternoon, put it on the bike Saturday night and do a 101-mile ride Sunday morning.

Ouch! Dumb........

ronsmithjunior

I am 6'7', 220 lbs, with a medium build (36" waist). Last February I made the mistake of getting the B17N. The saddle was good for the first 1000 miles. After that it became apparent that my sit bones were on the arc of rivets on the back of the saddle. It simply wasn't wide enough for me. In October I got a regular B17. Boy, what a difference. Now I have just the right amount of room for my sit bones on the leather.

If there is any doubt at all, go with the wider B17. There is really no down side to it. The B17N ravaged my sit bones. I had to use a padded saddle for a while to allow them to recover. No kidding.

The_Mickstar

Interesting. I do have a couple of questions for you...

How much of your riding do you do in an aggressive position (in the drops or on the aero bars)? How much of your ride time would you say that you actually spend in the saddle (as opposed to time spent climbing, etc out of the saddle)?

And, just to be clear... "After that it became apparent that my sit bones were on the arc of rivets on the back of the saddle. It simply wasn't wide enough for me." Were your sit bones actually hanging over the sides and hitting the outermost rivets of were you sitting on the back edge of the saddle? Is this not something that could have been fixed by moving your saddle back a little? (I'm unclear on what, exactly, you mean here.)

Thanks.

Steve