Should I feel guilty about this?
#26
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Okay, Okay, Okay....
....I don't think I should let this continue any further than it has already gone.
Here's the story:
In my quest for a comfortable saddle I've tried just about everything. I've ridden Rolls, Turbos, Flites, Max Flites, WTBs, SLR, SLR Gel Flow, Specialized, etc. This list really goes on, and on, and on. I've never found something comfortable for both short and long rides. I've known about Brook's saddles for many years but always found them hideous in appearance and couldn't, for the life of me, understand how that leather could be comfortable. Well, after getting tired of buying and trying new saddles I thought I'd give Brooks a shot. I spent quite some time researching which saddle was right for me. B17? Nope, only really comfortable for upright riding. Swallow? Ha, I'm not about to start selling off parts to afford it. I settled on the Team Pro. A week later I had it sitting in my room.
I researched and read everything there is to know about Brooks saddles. I used all the appropriate break in procedures, saddle height/tilt/foreaft adjustments that are critical to make the saddle feel right. Now, this f****ing thing was a b****h to break in, but once it was, it felt great. Except there was one problem.
Before I continue I was to say this: I am a firm believer in the idea of having the padding in your shorts, not your seat. If you've ridden for any considerable amount of time on a soft, fluffy, gelly seat, you'll understand. If you want to be comfortable on any firm seat you really should ride with a nice pair of shorts. Thing is, I ride 5 days a week without shorts, and I'm not looking to start, or change my saddle. So i wanted a firm, yet slightly flexible saddle.
Anyway, back to the problem. The thing with Brooks users is that they end up running the saddle level or slightly tilted up. You have to do this to keep from sliding off and end up putting a lot of pressure on your hands. So I had my slightly tilted, but I was expierencing way too much pressure on my perineum, not good. So I would go back and forth between level and tilted up, too much pressure on my hands, too much pressure on my perineum. I know other Brooks users have expierenced this as well.
Jesus, I just realized how long this is getting. I'll just cut to the chase.
Bottom line--Most comfortatable saddle I've ever ridden, period. The zipties keep it stiff while the long cutout allows each side to independently flex with each peddle stroke. No, it doesn't pinch. I sanded the whole seat because I'm going to dye the seat with leather dye, seal the pores and then polish it to a nice shine. No I don't recommend doing this. Yes the seat looks ugly. There is a company that does this, I recommend checking them out.
Here's the story:
In my quest for a comfortable saddle I've tried just about everything. I've ridden Rolls, Turbos, Flites, Max Flites, WTBs, SLR, SLR Gel Flow, Specialized, etc. This list really goes on, and on, and on. I've never found something comfortable for both short and long rides. I've known about Brook's saddles for many years but always found them hideous in appearance and couldn't, for the life of me, understand how that leather could be comfortable. Well, after getting tired of buying and trying new saddles I thought I'd give Brooks a shot. I spent quite some time researching which saddle was right for me. B17? Nope, only really comfortable for upright riding. Swallow? Ha, I'm not about to start selling off parts to afford it. I settled on the Team Pro. A week later I had it sitting in my room.
I researched and read everything there is to know about Brooks saddles. I used all the appropriate break in procedures, saddle height/tilt/foreaft adjustments that are critical to make the saddle feel right. Now, this f****ing thing was a b****h to break in, but once it was, it felt great. Except there was one problem.
Before I continue I was to say this: I am a firm believer in the idea of having the padding in your shorts, not your seat. If you've ridden for any considerable amount of time on a soft, fluffy, gelly seat, you'll understand. If you want to be comfortable on any firm seat you really should ride with a nice pair of shorts. Thing is, I ride 5 days a week without shorts, and I'm not looking to start, or change my saddle. So i wanted a firm, yet slightly flexible saddle.
Anyway, back to the problem. The thing with Brooks users is that they end up running the saddle level or slightly tilted up. You have to do this to keep from sliding off and end up putting a lot of pressure on your hands. So I had my slightly tilted, but I was expierencing way too much pressure on my perineum, not good. So I would go back and forth between level and tilted up, too much pressure on my hands, too much pressure on my perineum. I know other Brooks users have expierenced this as well.
Jesus, I just realized how long this is getting. I'll just cut to the chase.
Bottom line--Most comfortatable saddle I've ever ridden, period. The zipties keep it stiff while the long cutout allows each side to independently flex with each peddle stroke. No, it doesn't pinch. I sanded the whole seat because I'm going to dye the seat with leather dye, seal the pores and then polish it to a nice shine. No I don't recommend doing this. Yes the seat looks ugly. There is a company that does this, I recommend checking them out.
#28
King Among Runaways
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,215
Likes: 1
From: MKE
Bikes: 2004 Bianchi Pista, Cannondale Track, Soma Pake, Schwinn Breeze
I don't any of us were under the impression that you had already ridden on this.
Since you have and it's comfortable and secure, then that's all that matters.
Since you have and it's comfortable and secure, then that's all that matters.
__________________
"I owe everyone an apology" - hyperrevue
"I owe everyone an apology" - hyperrevue
#29
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,990
Likes: 36
From: Williston, VT
Bikes: Bridgestone RB-T, Soma Rush, Razesa Racer, ⅔ of a 1983 Holdsworth Professional, Nishiki Riviera Winter Bike
should you feel guilty? No way it's your saddle do what you want with it!
Will you regret it? Time will tell. that's what experiments are all about.
Will you regret it? Time will tell. that's what experiments are all about.
#31
live free or die trying
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,999
Likes: 0
From: where i lay my head is home.
Bikes: bianchi pista workhorse, cannondale r1000, mountain bike fixed conversion
"hi and goodbye pt II"...
nah, i can see the logic now. i do want an update thread. cuz...time is the only real way to tell how well these things work.
nah, i can see the logic now. i do want an update thread. cuz...time is the only real way to tell how well these things work.
#33
King Among Runaways
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,215
Likes: 1
From: MKE
Bikes: 2004 Bianchi Pista, Cannondale Track, Soma Pake, Schwinn Breeze
Just tell people you carved it from a piece of wood that broke from a tree that was struck by lightning.
__________________
"I owe everyone an apology" - hyperrevue
"I owe everyone an apology" - hyperrevue
#36
Originally Posted by hyperRevue
Just tell people you carved it from a piece of wood that broke from a tree that was struck by lightning.
#37
spin
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 0
From: Champaign, IL
Bikes: raleigh m-60, azonic steelhead, schwinn world sport fixed gear
Originally Posted by humancongereel
"hi and goodbye pt II"...
nah, i can see the logic now. i do want an update thread. cuz...time is the only real way to tell how well these things work.
nah, i can see the logic now. i do want an update thread. cuz...time is the only real way to tell how well these things work.
#38
the goal
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 457
Likes: 0
From: Brixton, London
Bikes: Bob Jackson track
What in the hell kind of clothes do you guys ride in that your ballsack could hang down and get caught in something? Riding behind you must be like following a loose lorry load of grapes...
#39
#41
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,047
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
Bikes: Custom Holland Ti road bike, Custom track bike I traded a painting for.
__________________
Ode to the after work nap ( ride your bike instead)
Ode to the nap
The evil, evil nap
It lures
you succumb
But only with good intent
Shortly I will rise
But you do not.
Do not succumb
To the evil, evil nap
Ode to the after work nap ( ride your bike instead)
Ode to the nap
The evil, evil nap
It lures
you succumb
But only with good intent
Shortly I will rise
But you do not.
Do not succumb
To the evil, evil nap
Last edited by Terror_in_pink; 06-07-06 at 02:41 AM.
#42
#43
The Legitimiser
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,849
Likes: 6
From: Southampton, UK
Bikes: Gazelle Trim Trophy, EG Bates Track Bike, HR Bates Cantiflex bike, Nigel Dean fixed gear conversion, Raleigh Royal, Falcon Westminster.
Originally Posted by eddiebrannan
jeez you must have some crappy bikes. that's a $100 saddle.
please don't measure everything in life in beaters
please don't measure everything in life in beaters
Actually though, my bad. I saw that thing, thought "Swallow", and don't know anything about Brooks in between the basic B17 and the top end. I assumed it was a $300 model. At $100, you can only get 2 of my bikes. I actually have nice bikes, but also an eye for a bargain on ebay. And I don't own a classic track bike (or at least, only the one I bought to flip).
#44
Yay!11! I has!!!1
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,659
Likes: 0
From: Eastcoast
Bikes: Cocaine the white stallion, Custom Witcomb pista, (Being restored) 80's Pogliaghi Track, (destroyed) RAP Round Breeze NJS, Cannondale Jekyll 900, 84/5 Pinarello Montello (all italian)
Looks pretty sweet actually. Got an inch pitch drive train to go with it? Definitely update.
and momentum, you should be used to that by now.
and momentum, you should be used to that by now.
__________________
Bloodstains, speed kills, fast bikes, cheap thrills, French girls, fine wine...
Bloodstains, speed kills, fast bikes, cheap thrills, French girls, fine wine...
#46
Scum, Freezebag!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,546
Likes: 0
From: Poway, CA
Bikes: 2007 Leader 796R w/ 10sp DA and 2005 Jamis Dakar XLT FS MTB
Oh well...I thought it looked good the way it was. Nice chop job. Reminds me of mine:

Did you oil it or tan the sanded-down leather in any way? It just looks rough, but I suppose with sweat, sun, and age, it'll darken like the Honeys are supposed to. If that's the case, then it might not looks so bad. Post a 'finished product' pic with the zip ties. (sacriledge! You could have got a baseball mitt re-lacing kit from any sporting goods store and tied it up classy-like)

Did you oil it or tan the sanded-down leather in any way? It just looks rough, but I suppose with sweat, sun, and age, it'll darken like the Honeys are supposed to. If that's the case, then it might not looks so bad. Post a 'finished product' pic with the zip ties. (sacriledge! You could have got a baseball mitt re-lacing kit from any sporting goods store and tied it up classy-like)
#47
Honking drivers see you
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Bikes: Fuji Track, KHS Witch Doctor, Balance AL 750, Tank Mod Trials Bike
Originally Posted by Ill Mitch
Some reviewers didn't like the way the plastic around the saddle felt. They said it dug into their thighs. I was either gonna buy a brooks or the saddleco saddle, but after reading those reviews, went with the brooks. Woulda been nice to have that mesh air-conditioning, though.
#48
Originally Posted by TheSergeant
....I don't think I should let this continue any further than it has already gone.
Here's the story:
In my quest for a comfortable saddle I've tried just about everything. I've ridden Rolls, Turbos, Flites, Max Flites, WTBs, SLR, SLR Gel Flow, Specialized, etc. This list really goes on, and on, and on. I've never found something comfortable for both short and long rides. I've known about Brook's saddles for many years but always found them hideous in appearance and couldn't, for the life of me, understand how that leather could be comfortable. Well, after getting tired of buying and trying new saddles I thought I'd give Brooks a shot. I spent quite some time researching which saddle was right for me. B17? Nope, only really comfortable for upright riding. Swallow? Ha, I'm not about to start selling off parts to afford it. I settled on the Team Pro. A week later I had it sitting in my room.
I researched and read everything there is to know about Brooks saddles. I used all the appropriate break in procedures, saddle height/tilt/foreaft adjustments that are critical to make the saddle feel right. Now, this f****ing thing was a b****h to break in, but once it was, it felt great. Except there was one problem.
Before I continue I was to say this: I am a firm believer in the idea of having the padding in your shorts, not your seat. If you've ridden for any considerable amount of time on a soft, fluffy, gelly seat, you'll understand. If you want to be comfortable on any firm seat you really should ride with a nice pair of shorts. Thing is, I ride 5 days a week without shorts, and I'm not looking to start, or change my saddle. So i wanted a firm, yet slightly flexible saddle.
Anyway, back to the problem. The thing with Brooks users is that they end up running the saddle level or slightly tilted up. You have to do this to keep from sliding off and end up putting a lot of pressure on your hands. So I had my slightly tilted, but I was expierencing way too much pressure on my perineum, not good. So I would go back and forth between level and tilted up, too much pressure on my hands, too much pressure on my perineum. I know other Brooks users have expierenced this as well.
Jesus, I just realized how long this is getting. I'll just cut to the chase.
Bottom line--Most comfortatable saddle I've ever ridden, period. The zipties keep it stiff while the long cutout allows each side to independently flex with each peddle stroke. No, it doesn't pinch. I sanded the whole seat because I'm going to dye the seat with leather dye, seal the pores and then polish it to a nice shine. No I don't recommend doing this. Yes the seat looks ugly. There is a company that does this, I recommend checking them out.
Here's the story:
In my quest for a comfortable saddle I've tried just about everything. I've ridden Rolls, Turbos, Flites, Max Flites, WTBs, SLR, SLR Gel Flow, Specialized, etc. This list really goes on, and on, and on. I've never found something comfortable for both short and long rides. I've known about Brook's saddles for many years but always found them hideous in appearance and couldn't, for the life of me, understand how that leather could be comfortable. Well, after getting tired of buying and trying new saddles I thought I'd give Brooks a shot. I spent quite some time researching which saddle was right for me. B17? Nope, only really comfortable for upright riding. Swallow? Ha, I'm not about to start selling off parts to afford it. I settled on the Team Pro. A week later I had it sitting in my room.
I researched and read everything there is to know about Brooks saddles. I used all the appropriate break in procedures, saddle height/tilt/foreaft adjustments that are critical to make the saddle feel right. Now, this f****ing thing was a b****h to break in, but once it was, it felt great. Except there was one problem.
Before I continue I was to say this: I am a firm believer in the idea of having the padding in your shorts, not your seat. If you've ridden for any considerable amount of time on a soft, fluffy, gelly seat, you'll understand. If you want to be comfortable on any firm seat you really should ride with a nice pair of shorts. Thing is, I ride 5 days a week without shorts, and I'm not looking to start, or change my saddle. So i wanted a firm, yet slightly flexible saddle.
Anyway, back to the problem. The thing with Brooks users is that they end up running the saddle level or slightly tilted up. You have to do this to keep from sliding off and end up putting a lot of pressure on your hands. So I had my slightly tilted, but I was expierencing way too much pressure on my perineum, not good. So I would go back and forth between level and tilted up, too much pressure on my hands, too much pressure on my perineum. I know other Brooks users have expierenced this as well.
Jesus, I just realized how long this is getting. I'll just cut to the chase.
Bottom line--Most comfortatable saddle I've ever ridden, period. The zipties keep it stiff while the long cutout allows each side to independently flex with each peddle stroke. No, it doesn't pinch. I sanded the whole seat because I'm going to dye the seat with leather dye, seal the pores and then polish it to a nice shine. No I don't recommend doing this. Yes the seat looks ugly. There is a company that does this, I recommend checking them out.
I think it looks cool. Nice work.
My taint aint comfortable on my saddle even for short peiods of time. Also, the clasp is stripped that loosens the saddle for adjustment. I need to take my bike to the lbs for some assitance and a new saddle!





