i need your advice!
Thread started by
radmadchad at 10.12.08 - 9:49 pm
good evening!
i'm currently in the market for a new saddle, because my current one makes me feel like a rape victim. in that regard im looking for something thats quite comfortable but aggressive enough for all kinds of distances thru the city (in the 10-50 mile range). right now my seat is positioned just slightly below the level of my handle bars, but my bars drop down far enough so i can get horizontal if need be. i was looking at some brooks saddles simply because of their reputation for quality and i like the leather style, but i dont know if i need to be spending that kind of skrill.. id prefer my maximum spending limit to be $100ish. whatchu think? thank you i love you
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I got a brooks B19 saddle and I think It still needs some breaking in before it is really comfy. I've discovered after time though that it helps to make sure that the nose is flush or slightly pointing down, especially if you are a guy. Also, the height of the seat makes a world of difference. You might think your height is right, but once you get it at the correct spot it will save you a lot of discomfort and strain. I am no expert though. I actually prefer this ergonomic RX seat, you know the one with the channel in the middle to protect your genitalia.
Good luck, and do a search for bike seat info on these forums too.
Joe Borfo10.12.08 - 10:02 pm
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I would totally go with a brooks saddle.... I love it. I have the B.17 special but you can go w/ the standard. Same thing... except the rivets are smaller and it's a tad less dressier but you can't go wrong w/ the standard. You can find the B.17 standard for under $100. I bought mine from wallbike.com. You can't go wrong. Good luck!
PS. It takes a bit to break into but once you do... ahhh.... your bottom will thank you!!
Al
digablesoul10.12.08 - 10:05 pm
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I have three Brooks saddles, I love them. Great all around saddles, works for most butts and most riding positions. On my racing bikes I use a Concor and a Rolls, also very comfortable but a bit narrower and suited to more aggressive riding.
No saddle will be comfortable if you don't dial in the fit on the bike properly. Also, it could be that you are riding too upright. That puts more pressure on the saddle. An upright position is cool for cruising around, but for long distances you want your back to be a bit closer to 45 degrees and to be able to change the angle you sit at.
cabhauler10.12.08 - 10:52 pm
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As long as your current saddle is wide enough to support your sit bones, it may just be a matter of adjusting height, and angle,
and moving it backward and forward until you get it just right.
It's a pain in the ass (literally), and can take a few rides, but once you've gotten it adjusted properly, it's amazing what a difference it makes.
Of course, aside from the vegan crowd, I've yet to hear anyone say anything bad about Brooks, so that's an option.
JB10.12.08 - 11:04 pm
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I just re-read your post OP.... and you mentioned that the saddle is lower than your handlebar? I would definitely follow cabhauler and JB's advice and get dialed in right on the saddle.... It's a lot of fine tuning and plenty of info on the web on the slight bend of the knee and the fore and aft stuff...
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm
check out the link.. he discusses a good amount on the saddle alone. Good info.
http://www.andoverwheelers.com/Documents/Erics_bike_set_up_instructions.htm
and
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html
This reminds me... I've got adjust my saddle. Good luck!
digablesoul10.12.08 - 11:16 pm
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Not be contrarian, but...
You might consider a more NARROW saddle. Your back end may be hurting because your current saddle is already too wide. I originally threw a Brooks B17 on my bike, but had to swap it for a B17N (the N stands for narrow). Much better.
And unlike Borfo, Brooks saddles are the only ones on the planet I recommend tilting slightly upwards. Otherwise you're liable to slide forward and put more pressure on your hands/wrists. Point is, what works for some doesn't work for others.
I guess I'm fortunate...my Brooks was comfortable from Day 1.
Wallbike.com has a very generous 6 month return policy on Brooks saddles. Worth checking out. Also a good selection at Hollywood Pro Bike Shop if you prefer brick & mortar.
hatehills10.12.08 - 11:59 pm
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