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Brooks - Sprung or unsprung?

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View Poll Results: Brooks - Sprung or unsprung?
Springs? Extra weight, who needs it...
15
46.88%
Floatin' on air...
14
43.75%
Brooks?! You mean that ugly torture device?
3
9.38%
Voters: 32. You may not vote on this poll

Brooks - Sprung or unsprung?

Old 02-06-07, 12:19 PM
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Brooks - Sprung or unsprung?

Which do you have on your tourer?
Reasons for going with what you have?
Regrets?
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Old 02-06-07, 12:22 PM
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I have a sprung champion flyer. I figured weight was not a huge concern on my LHT and the extra suspension would be appreciated. After several thousand KMs I am quite happy with my choice.

I recently received a Selle Anatomica unsprung saddle for my Thorn touring bike. I haven't had much chance to use it, but I am interested to see if I miss the springs from my brooks.
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Old 02-06-07, 01:51 PM
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I was wondering about this the other day and went over to fullyloadedtouring.com and counted how many sprung saddles. There are 23 out of 163 (not counting the 3 recumbants and unless I miss counted). I didn't count how many seatposts w/ suspension though; there were quite a few of them.
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Old 02-06-07, 02:49 PM
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Springs are worth it if you are a heavy rider, the springs are pretty stiff. If you are a light person, maybe 170 lbs or less, I don't think it would make that much difference. At 215 the sprung saddle is great for me.
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Old 02-06-07, 03:07 PM
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Originally Posted by gregw
Springs are worth it if you are a heavy rider, the springs are pretty stiff. If you are a light person, maybe 170 lbs or less, I don't think it would make that much difference. At 215 the sprung saddle is great for me.
I'm 155-160lbs and I notice the springs working....
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Old 02-06-07, 03:38 PM
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Originally Posted by vik
I'm 155-160lbs and I notice the springs working....
Then again I could be wrong?
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Old 02-06-07, 05:51 PM
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I have a Brooks Flyer. I am 217, on a good day, and my bike has a steep seat tube angle, because of my relatively short femurs. That adds up to a sprung saddle. I bought the aged leather version, and I thought it was comfy right out of hte box. In an effort to solve problems I don't have, I sent it to Selle An-Atomica to get a slot cut into it, and have the rusting rivets replaced w/copper ones. They did a great job. I will take some pictures ASAP. I have only ridden 60-70 miles on it, and it is copmfy. I have noticed that certain parts in the hinterland haven't gone numb. That could be worth the price of admission!
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Old 02-06-07, 06:08 PM
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230lbs I'm plenty comfy with the unsprung, never really even contemplated trying springs.
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Old 02-07-07, 12:20 AM
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I like them both, and have sprung on one tourer, and unsprung on the other. either are comfortable at the end of a 120 mile day.
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Old 02-07-07, 06:57 AM
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Springs are good

I have to lightweight bikes set up with Brooks saddles. One a B17 and the other a Champion Flyer. The Champion Flyer equipped is much more comfortable. Both bikes have tires that are approx. the same width, so tire difference is minor as far as adding any better ride there. Both bikes are lugged construction with approx. the same geometry. I weigh 170# and the Champion takes out almost all of the buzz from chip seal roads. Has a slight amount of cush over rough areas. I wish my other saddle was a sprung saddle like the Flyer. The B17 is good but the Champion is more better for me. YMMV
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Old 02-07-07, 07:54 AM
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i'm buildin' up a surly karate monkey for fun. i put a flyer on it for looks. at 130 lbs the springs don't really compress. but i dig it.
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Old 02-07-07, 01:48 PM
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I have both right now, but I'll be replacing the 17's with Flyers as money allows. At 230lbs, the springs definitely increase my enjoyment level, especially on those all day rides. I don't care about weight, I've got enough extra om my gut to more than account for a few ounces of steel. Besides, I'm strong as an ox, and twice as stupid, so I don't notice things that are supposed to slow me down...

EDIT: I'll probably stay with a 17 on the Sequoia.
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Old 02-07-07, 02:07 PM
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Thanks for taking the time to answer, everybody!
I myself have a B17 on my road bike, and for my commuter/tourer i think i'll get a sprung B17. Flyer i think it's called. Or maybe a Conquest, if i feel like spoiling myself. Honey, of course, cause it will get on a Cherry Red LHT once i get one.
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