day 4 of my B-17
 

Well I came on and complained about the B-17 after my first ride and told of what hell it was. Well I gave it another try the day after with two pairs of cycleing pants on (I was still sore). That seemed almost ok. Then the next day no cycleing pants just long johns and jeans. I hate to admit it but I think I may have been too fast to judge the saddle. I've noticed a dent on each side and wrinkles in the leather there on the surface and can feel the indentation with my hand. It's actually starting to feel good! I can't believe that this slight change on the surface of the saddle can make that much difference but it seems to. I only have about 10 miles on it, its mounted on my mountain bike because the weather here stinks and Im not taking the road bike out yet. So in other words, Im sorry for the bashing earilier.

Does anyone have experience with the B17 N? The B17 itself seems to be a little to wide for me due to years on Selle Italia saddles. Also how do Brooks saddles hold up in hot humid environments?

George,
If the B17 is too wide try the Pro, or the swift, both
narrower than standard B17.
I think they'd be ok in Fla heat/humidity if you proofide
it regularly. I'd also look at a cover for when it rains
(everyday at 3:00pm).

Marty

I just ordered the B17-narrow, yesterday. This saddle will replace my old, worn Flite on my old Litespeed Classic. I intend to trim (butcher!) the skirts off this new saddle as I have done on two other Brooks.....Team Pro & B17 (wide). It'll give that sleek racing look, similar to the classic Brooks Swallow.

Classy Response!

Fixer-What is your reasoning in going for a B-17-narrow, over another Team Pro. Thanks.

The smaller rivets and the overall shape of the B17 enables me to butcher it to make it look a lot more like the Swallow. Done it with my old B17, looks kinda cool, and has held up very well.

George

Well, we finally had some rain on Saturday so instead of riding I decided to butcher my newly acquired B17. This was my second B17 chop job. Here's what the saddle looked like before I took the Makita grinder to it:

...and after:

NICE JOB!!!! I ordered the B17N and am expecting it tomorrow.

George,

Do you do anything to reinforce the mid section of
the saddle after butchering? I've seen some very
nice ones with a bit of leather lacing to support
the sides.
Wondered how you were doing the butchering until you
mentioned the Makita grinder. Would have never thought
of that, all I've seen done were handcut with leather
tools (probably took a while too).
Nice job.
Marty

Looks nice!

I've thought to of doing this to mine, but was afraid it would ruin the functionality and durability of it....does it?

Is this (trimming a brooks) a common practice? I don't like the look of the b-17 on my road bike (I know, who cares), but I would do this if the saddle will still last.

What do you think?

ehenz

Since this was my most radical of all my chop jobs, I might install a leather tie in the midsection if it starts to flare out. But I don't foresee this happening since I'm not a heavy rider and my previous chop jobs have held up very well with no sagging or flare outs.

George

Yes, it used to be very common practice decades ago until the Brooks Swallow was introduced. But seems like this practice is gaining popularity once again. Even Wallingford has a page dedicated to modified Brooks. Who wants to pay $300 for a newly re-introduced Swallow? Aftermarket Swallows are available for much less but they are crap.
I've been riding a butchered Team Pro for over a year now....no problem. Thing is, these butchered Brooks look so much better on modern frames.

George

the cutting process...
 

If anyone's interested, this is how it's done....

Thanks, George!

I now have a little project to keep me busy, but I think I'll go with the Dremmel Tool.

BTW, what are you using for a jig?

That looks really good. I wouldn't have thought of a grinder on leather.

We really didn't get much rain on the ride on Sat. The road was a little wet at the start and just a few drops near the end. I got 60.8 miles in. Then it was raining pretty hard about 15 minutes after I got home. You are going to have to change your location if this weather keeps up.

Still not sure about that Litespeed saddle. I am afraid to change anything until after Solvang though. I just got it adjusted right.

Steady arms... ;)

George,

I may just have to try this. Of course I have to convince
my wife I'm not nuts butchering a perfectly good saddle
(of which she says I have way too many).
BTW the newly reintroduced Swallow will be $400 for
a limited run of 500. After that will be less but I don't
see them being a lot less.

Marty

Yeah.....I was kicking myself for missing the ride! I could have done the ride and spent the rest of the afternoon tinkering. Oh well...

I agree....I wouldn't swap saddles until after the Solvang ride. But who knows, it may end up being the right saddle for you afterall....

George

haha, I guess i should have been more clear. What is that thing you have your seat post clamped on?

I like my specialized saddle, but I have always resisted trying one becuase of the weight. why don't they use something hi-tech for the frame of the saddle? they could introduce a carbon fiber frame/rails, and with the stretched leather it could probably be under 300 grams. And it would be comfy. I think that tradition hurts innovation sometimes.

....the new Brooks Swallow...

Very nice looking saddle. How can you tell if a leather saddle is worn out? I picked up an ideal 90, and while I like the look, it is not comfortable. I either have rivets poking me, or I'm placing pressure of not pleasant amounts on my reproductive area.