Brooks seat owners?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Reno, Nevada
Posts: 266
Bikes: Pinarello, Cannondale Team Scalpel, Raleigh
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Brooks seat owners?
A couple of months ago I purchased a Pro Ti Brooks seat (with the pretty brass rivets), installed it and have about 800 miles on it...also, I lathered it down with the Brooks product suggested. MY BUTT IS STILL KILLING ME! Will there be a magical time when I say, "I'm so satisfied with my comfortable Brooks seat"? I paid a lot of $ for comfort but it hasn't happened yet!
Do I need to pay a lot more "seat time" dues? Thanks for any input....in any case, it sure is a prettly seat! Raydog
Do I need to pay a lot more "seat time" dues? Thanks for any input....in any case, it sure is a prettly seat! Raydog
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 643 Times
in
364 Posts
After 800 miles I'd think the seat (the one on the bicycle) would be broken in pretty well. How much fiddling have you done with the seat position? Brooks saddles are quite sensitive to being positioned properly expecially the angle of the nose tilt. If your butt is still killing you, I don't see that you have anything to lose by experimenting.
If that fails, you might just not have a Brooks butt. Brooks fans commemts notwithstanding, not everybody does. I know several riders who rode Brooks saddles for years but don't anymore. I assume they were less than enamered with Brooks for some reason or they wouldn't have changed.
If that fails, you might just not have a Brooks butt. Brooks fans commemts notwithstanding, not everybody does. I know several riders who rode Brooks saddles for years but don't anymore. I assume they were less than enamered with Brooks for some reason or they wouldn't have changed.
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Reno, Nevada
Posts: 266
Bikes: Pinarello, Cannondale Team Scalpel, Raleigh
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#5
Humvee of bikes =Worksman
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,362
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
It may not be the saddle that's not doing it's job. I broke my Brooks in less than 50 mi of city riding, BUT, I took very special care to set it up to fit me.
__________________
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
#6
Banned.
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Carlsbad, CA
Posts: 6,434
Bikes: '09 Felt F55, '84 Masi Cran Criterium, (2)'86 Schwinn Pelotons, '86 Look Equippe Hinault, '09 Globe Live 3 (dogtaxi), '94 Greg Lemond, '99 GT Pulse Kinesis
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 389 Post(s)
Liked 270 Times
in
153 Posts
I'm a Brooks refugee. Rode my B17-Ti for many years (96-06), believing it was the end-all/be-all of comfort, until I decided to see what the ergonomics revolution had produced.
I went to a Specialized dealership (with a seat exchange program) and just started trying their whole line. Tried the Toupe, Avatar, Alias, Romin, and a few others in the various widths. Found some that were PERFECT, but then tried others that were even more perfect. After two months of extensive testing (and smirking from the LBS employees) I finally settled on the Avatar 155. It has a junk-chute down the middle to avoid pressing on your perineum, and two perfectly-positioned gel pads right where your sitbones are. Perfectamundo.
The old Brooks is still on my Masi wall-hanger, and I still ride it now and then. But it's not nearly as comfortable as the modern, plastic-fantastic seats available nowadays, IMO.
(No offense, Brooks fans. We all have different butts.)
I went to a Specialized dealership (with a seat exchange program) and just started trying their whole line. Tried the Toupe, Avatar, Alias, Romin, and a few others in the various widths. Found some that were PERFECT, but then tried others that were even more perfect. After two months of extensive testing (and smirking from the LBS employees) I finally settled on the Avatar 155. It has a junk-chute down the middle to avoid pressing on your perineum, and two perfectly-positioned gel pads right where your sitbones are. Perfectamundo.
The old Brooks is still on my Masi wall-hanger, and I still ride it now and then. But it's not nearly as comfortable as the modern, plastic-fantastic seats available nowadays, IMO.
(No offense, Brooks fans. We all have different butts.)
#7
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,629
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3871 Post(s)
Liked 2,568 Times
in
1,579 Posts
Proofide is for keeping the leather from drying out and cracking, not to make the saddle more comfortable. The key is to get the height, fore/aft position, and tilt correct for your riding style.
Can you tell us what part of your butt is hurting?
Can you tell us what part of your butt is hurting?
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 2,324
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I should also add that my wet ride took place after I had adjusted the seat properly (had to have the nose tilted up a bit more than I expected).
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,904
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2604 Post(s)
Liked 1,933 Times
in
1,213 Posts
RG hit the nail on the head. If a Brooks fits you, it's a question of (fine) adjustment. Some people just aren't shaped right, apparently.
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Reno, Nevada
Posts: 266
Bikes: Pinarello, Cannondale Team Scalpel, Raleigh
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yeah, if you sit on the seat (narrower than most Brooks) and went out 2-3" all around the fanned portion (widest part of the seat) as though you were tracing the seat shape on my hiney. That area (kind of high and wide to the rear of the buttocks) feels like the crips beat me with a bat there! The narrow snout portion isn't too bad. My typical rides lately have been 40 intense miles with not much out of seat action (100-150 miles weekly). Raydog
#12
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Reno, Nevada
Posts: 266
Bikes: Pinarello, Cannondale Team Scalpel, Raleigh
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
BTW, thanks to all of you for opinions, it's a $350 seat so it's a pretty important aftermarket issue!
#13
Senior Member
My first brooks was better than OEM right from the start, but not really comfortable. After 150 miles it felt good. After 400 miles, I didn't feel it at all, which is what you want. If you've got 800 miles on it, and it isn't right when adjusted right, it just isn't for you. If you got it from the right internet dealer, whose name escapes me, you are still under dealer warranty. Send it back for full refund less shipping costs.
__________________
Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.
Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Reno, Nevada
Posts: 266
Bikes: Pinarello, Cannondale Team Scalpel, Raleigh
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My first brooks was better than OEM right from the start, but not really comfortable. After 150 miles it felt good. After 400 miles, I didn't feel it at all, which is what you want. If you've got 800 miles on it, and it isn't right when adjusted right, it just isn't for you. If you got it from the right internet dealer, whose name escapes me, you are still under dealer warranty. Send it back for full refund less shipping costs.
#15
Starting over
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Indianapolis
Posts: 4,077
Bikes: 1990 Trek 1500; 2006 Gary Fisher Marlin; 2011 Cannondale Synapse Alloy 105; 2012 Catrike Trail
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
About 30 years ago I bought a Brooks Team Pro, with the large copper rivets. I put over 1000 miles on it and it never broke in or got comfortable. I sold it and since then I've never tried another Brooks.
I did find out relatively recently that that particular model of theirs is made with thicker leather, so I guess in retrospect it shouldn't have been surprising.
I did find out relatively recently that that particular model of theirs is made with thicker leather, so I guess in retrospect it shouldn't have been surprising.
#16
Cycle Year Round
The Brooks Pro has thick leather over other Brooks. Mine took about 1,000 miles to break in. Others said a Brooks Pro takes about that many miles to break in.
Either give the saddle to me or try riding it another 400 miles.
Either give the saddle to me or try riding it another 400 miles.
__________________
Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.
Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Above ground, Walnut Creek, Ca
Posts: 6,681
Bikes: 8 ss bikes, 1 5-speed touring bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 86 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
A couple of months ago I purchased a Pro Ti Brooks seat (with the pretty brass rivets), installed it and have about 800 miles on it...also, I lathered it down with the Brooks product suggested. MY BUTT IS STILL KILLING ME! Will there be a magical time when I say, "I'm so satisfied with my comfortable Brooks seat"? I paid a lot of $ for comfort but it hasn't happened yet!
Do I need to pay a lot more "seat time" dues? Thanks for any input....in any case, it sure is a prettly seat! Raydog
Do I need to pay a lot more "seat time" dues? Thanks for any input....in any case, it sure is a prettly seat! Raydog
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Reno, Nevada
Posts: 266
Bikes: Pinarello, Cannondale Team Scalpel, Raleigh
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
OK, another thanks, I'll log another 500 before I make a decision. I'm doing a century on Jan 2nd so for that I'm using a seat I know is comfy!
#19
Senior Member
I guess I should have mentioned that my own good experience involved the B-17.
__________________
Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.
Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 3,811
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
FWIW, I also have a Pro, and I can't get as comfortable on that as on the B-17.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 3,811
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Reno, Nevada
Posts: 266
Bikes: Pinarello, Cannondale Team Scalpel, Raleigh
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#23
Senior Member
I got a B17 Special for Christmas, and I have to say I love it. It's not broken it yet as it's only got about 120 miles on it, but it's still more comfortable than the stock Giant seat that it replaced.
#24
Carpe Velo
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Posts: 2,519
Bikes: 2000 Bianchi Veloce, '88 Schwinn Prologue, '90 Bianchi Volpe,'94 Yokota Grizzly Peak, Yokota Enterprise, '16 Diamondback Haanjo, '91 Bianchi Boardwalk, Ellsworth cruiser
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 14 Times
in
13 Posts
I've had my team pro for about 11 years now. It's not a cozy soft kind of broken in, but it gives just enough in the right places. I did find that I was experienced a bit of an aching butt on today's ride. About 3/4 of the way through the ride, I realized I had put my cycling shorts on backwards. (I've never done that stunt before!) My man-parts were well protected!
I have a Colt that's not broken in yet. I'm figuring on putting that on my Prologue and doing some shorter rides with that bike for a while to get it broken in.
I have a Colt that's not broken in yet. I'm figuring on putting that on my Prologue and doing some shorter rides with that bike for a while to get it broken in.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Posts: 2,470
Bikes: Surly Long Haul Trucker, Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, Dahon Mu P 24 , Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Rodriguez Tandem, Wheeler MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 32 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've a bit more than 1200 miles on my B17 and so far the jury is still out. I'm still tweaking, but I still begin to feel it after 30 miles or so. Its better than the other seats I've had OTOH.