Brooks b17, how long does it take?
08-15-17, 12:11 PM
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Brooks b17, how long does it take?
I have a brooks b17 that has a little over 100miles on it.
figured a lot of people in this subforum have these seats.
How long is it supposed to be until it feels comfortable?
Its extremely uncomfortable, after about 3 or 4 miles the pain becomes excessive. Not untolerable, but severe enough to ruin any fun in the ride.
Ive applied proofide twice.
my weight is about 225.
I have a cheap $15 ebay saddle on another bike that i am considering switching to because it is more comfortable. Hate to do it after spending so much money on a quality seat but I cant take it much longer
figured a lot of people in this subforum have these seats.
How long is it supposed to be until it feels comfortable?
Its extremely uncomfortable, after about 3 or 4 miles the pain becomes excessive. Not untolerable, but severe enough to ruin any fun in the ride.
Ive applied proofide twice.
my weight is about 225.
I have a cheap $15 ebay saddle on another bike that i am considering switching to because it is more comfortable. Hate to do it after spending so much money on a quality seat but I cant take it much longer
08-15-17, 12:42 PM
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mine was great right out of the box. I guess this saddle is not for you. sell it on craigslist
08-15-17, 12:50 PM
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It shouldn't have been this bad, even without a "break in" period. Many saddles do take some fine tuning to get them in the "just right" position, but if they will work for you, they shouldn't ever be just barely tolerable. For B-17's, typically have to have the nose of the saddle just tipped above level a tiny bit. Other than that, no other pearls of wisdom. I have the feeling you're describing pain I experience if I'm on a saddle that's a tad too narrow. While I suppose anything is possible, I'd say given the width of the B17, that's an unlikely scenario. Is the pain with soft tissues, or actual seat bone pain?
I also use successfully the Brooks Cambium C17 carved, which while it measures narrower, it rides very nicely. The Selle Anatomica seemed broke in almost from the beginning as well, though it hasn't lasted as long as the others. I think they've re-done the Titanica X again, so perhaps they've corrected the longevity issue.
I also use successfully the Brooks Cambium C17 carved, which while it measures narrower, it rides very nicely. The Selle Anatomica seemed broke in almost from the beginning as well, though it hasn't lasted as long as the others. I think they've re-done the Titanica X again, so perhaps they've corrected the longevity issue.
08-15-17, 01:14 PM
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It may be that the B17 is the wrong Brooks saddle for you. Brooks, like all saddle manufacturers, offers a variety of saddles in a variety of shapes and widths, each tailored to a certain kind of riding. Before investing in a Brooks, I emailed Brooks directly and explained the kind of bike I have (a hybrid which features a near-upright riding position) and the kind of riding I do. They recommended a B67. It is wider than the B17, and also has springs to add a bit more cushioning. I ordered a B67 through my LBS.
Mine was installed a few days ago. I just finished a fifteen mile ride, my second ride on it thus far. It is firm but feels comfortable, like sitting on a chair made of wood. I'm told it will only get more comfortable as it is broken in. No pain, like the stock saddle gave me.
It may also be, as some have already said, that you need to adjust the angle of your B17. Sometimes, even a couple of degrees can make a big difference.
Mine was installed a few days ago. I just finished a fifteen mile ride, my second ride on it thus far. It is firm but feels comfortable, like sitting on a chair made of wood. I'm told it will only get more comfortable as it is broken in. No pain, like the stock saddle gave me.
It may also be, as some have already said, that you need to adjust the angle of your B17. Sometimes, even a couple of degrees can make a big difference.
08-15-17, 01:36 PM
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It shouldn't have been this bad, even without a "break in" period. Many saddles do take some fine tuning to get them in the "just right" position, but if they will work for you, they shouldn't ever be just barely tolerable. For B-17's, typically have to have the nose of the saddle just tipped above level a tiny bit. Other than that, no other pearls of wisdom. I have the feeling you're describing pain I experience if I'm on a saddle that's a tad too narrow. While I suppose anything is possible, I'd say given the width of the B17, that's an unlikely scenario. Is the pain with soft tissues, or actual seat bone pain?
I also use successfully the Brooks Cambium C17 carved, which while it measures narrower, it rides very nicely. The Selle Anatomica seemed broke in almost from the beginning as well, though it hasn't lasted as long as the others. I think they've re-done the Titanica X again, so perhaps they've corrected the longevity issue.
I also use successfully the Brooks Cambium C17 carved, which while it measures narrower, it rides very nicely. The Selle Anatomica seemed broke in almost from the beginning as well, though it hasn't lasted as long as the others. I think they've re-done the Titanica X again, so perhaps they've corrected the longevity issue.
08-15-17, 01:37 PM
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It may be that the B17 is the wrong Brooks saddle for you. Brooks, like all saddle manufacturers, offers a variety of saddles in a variety of shapes and widths, each tailored to a certain kind of riding. Before investing in a Brooks, I emailed Brooks directly and explained the kind of bike I have (a hybrid which features a near-upright riding position) and the kind of riding I do. They recommended a B67. It is wider than the B17, and also has springs to add a bit more cushioning. I ordered a B67 through my LBS.
Mine was installed a few days ago. I just finished a fifteen mile ride, my second ride on it thus far. It is firm but feels comfortable, like sitting on a chair made of wood. I'm told it will only get more comfortable as it is broken in. No pain, like the stock saddle gave me.
It may also be, as some have already said, that you need to adjust the angle of your B17. Sometimes, even a couple of degrees can make a big difference.
Mine was installed a few days ago. I just finished a fifteen mile ride, my second ride on it thus far. It is firm but feels comfortable, like sitting on a chair made of wood. I'm told it will only get more comfortable as it is broken in. No pain, like the stock saddle gave me.
It may also be, as some have already said, that you need to adjust the angle of your B17. Sometimes, even a couple of degrees can make a big difference.
08-15-17, 08:23 PM
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Mine was comfortable out of the box. It's gotten even more so as I've put some miles on it. About 400 miles so far. It might not be the saddle for you.
08-16-17, 02:14 PM
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08-16-17, 03:22 PM
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Most like a Brooks 17 to tip up at the front which looks a bit odd, but if a leather saddle doesn't feel good at first it likely never will. Your frame however is quite small, how tall are you at 225? Size of bike likely an issue.
08-16-17, 03:43 PM
#12
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Tilt, tilt, and more tilt. They have to be adjusted to where all your weight is on the very back of the saddle, sitting only on your sit bones.
Mine was horrible at first. I was sliding forward and putting too much weight on my hands. I read about the tilt, adjusted my saddle, now I have them on five bikes.
Mine was horrible at first. I was sliding forward and putting too much weight on my hands. I read about the tilt, adjusted my saddle, now I have them on five bikes.
08-16-17, 03:48 PM
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The saddle does not adjust to your arse .... its the other way round ....
your arse gets used to the saddle ..... try a Gilles Berthoud Aravis (leather) .... it takes years before these sag, but they feel comfortable once you set it up right and your arse gets used to it (height, angle, posititin (forwards or back)....
move it a quarter inch forwards or backwards, or raise it up by half an inch, and you will curse if it's wrong
so don't give up ..... start adjusting the position etc .... they are very good comfy saddles
your arse gets used to the saddle ..... try a Gilles Berthoud Aravis (leather) .... it takes years before these sag, but they feel comfortable once you set it up right and your arse gets used to it (height, angle, posititin (forwards or back)....
move it a quarter inch forwards or backwards, or raise it up by half an inch, and you will curse if it's wrong
so don't give up ..... start adjusting the position etc .... they are very good comfy saddles
08-16-17, 04:23 PM
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aka Phil Jungels
My B-17 took about 2000 miles to break in. Heavy, stiff leather - I'm pleased. And, mine is perfectly level. My butttt stays wherever it's planted, and easy to move around on.
08-16-17, 04:30 PM
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Yep, tilt it back. Or try one with a wider ass, like the Gyes GS-09-1 on this page https://www.gyes.com.tw/2-1rail.html because you are sitting so upright.
Much cheaper than a Brooks and so far I've done 8000km on one no problems (plus I only paid $25 for it from eBay!)
Much cheaper than a Brooks and so far I've done 8000km on one no problems (plus I only paid $25 for it from eBay!)
08-16-17, 04:45 PM
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500 miles and counting on my Brooks B17 Imperial. It never really was uncomfortable, but nothing has changed. So if I were you, I'd keep pushing the pedals. Personally, I can't have any saddle without a hole in the middle. My junk goes numb.
08-16-17, 10:46 PM
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5'10. I know my frame is small, its only a 15". the seat is high and so are the bars though so it works out
08-16-17, 10:47 PM
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Tilt, tilt, and more tilt. They have to be adjusted to where all your weight is on the very back of the saddle, sitting only on your sit bones.
Mine was horrible at first. I was sliding forward and putting too much weight on my hands. I read about the tilt, adjusted my saddle, now I have them on five bikes.
Mine was horrible at first. I was sliding forward and putting too much weight on my hands. I read about the tilt, adjusted my saddle, now I have them on five bikes.
damn, thats a lot of cash on saddles
08-16-17, 10:48 PM
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holy crap man. I have more patience than i did when i was in my twenties, but I dont have that kind of patience!!!
08-16-17, 10:53 PM
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i have to say guys... I put a different seat on and its a cheap $13 dollar seat. The cheap one is staying. it is waaay more comfortable. Ive lost patience with the brooks seat. It may work well for some, but not for me. Im not gonna ride around for a few thousand miles with a sore a$$
08-16-17, 10:55 PM
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Yep, tilt it back. Or try one with a wider ass, like the Gyes GS-09-1 on this page Gyes because you are sitting so upright.
Much cheaper than a Brooks and so far I've done 8000km on one no problems (plus I only paid $25 for it from eBay!)
Much cheaper than a Brooks and so far I've done 8000km on one no problems (plus I only paid $25 for it from eBay!)
good suggestion. thanks
08-16-17, 10:57 PM
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I got a hardrock like that, except step-thru. Mine is too small too but I've got alot of miles on that bike, it owes me nothing. I would still be riding it but for winter use I needed a suspension fork, so I robbed components off it.