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A question for longtime Brooks Cambium owners

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A question for longtime Brooks Cambium owners

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Old 09-30-16, 12:25 PM
  #1  
badger_biker 
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A question for longtime Brooks Cambium owners

I'm pretty sure I know the answer I'll get but here goes....

Has anyone noticed any softening or added flex to your Cambium after extended miles? Based on the materials I know it won't "break in" and change shape like a leather saddle but I'm just wondering if it flexes any easier after it has been ridden for numerous miles.

I recently purchased a basically new C-17 from a member here and I like the shape and general comfort but after a couple rides of a little more length I tend to feel more pressure and discomfort on my sit bones than I do on any of the various Brooks leather models at different stages of break in I've ridden.

I weigh 160 lbs so maybe a little more weight than that is required to flex the saddle?
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Old 09-30-16, 01:20 PM
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I have a C17 that I've owned for a little over 3 years with about 15,000 miles of use. I have another that I bought just a few months ago for another bike. I can't say for sure whether the 3 year old C17 has softened or developed more flex over time, but the new one does seem to be a little stiffer than the older one. It's subtle, but there's definitely a difference. Whether that's due to age/break-in or because the old one has always been softer is hard to say.

Either way, both saddles are extremely comfortable for me. I weigh about 150 lbs.

Personally I think life is too short to spend time suffering with an uncomfortable saddle waiting for it to break in. If it doesn't work straight away then you should probably go back to the leather Brooks saddles, especially if you know they work for you.
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Old 09-30-16, 01:37 PM
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I've had my C.17 for a couple of years and many hundreds of miles. When I first get on, it always feels hard, harder than the leather Brooks saddles I have on all other bikes, but right away it feels comfortable. I haven't noticed any change over time.
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Old 09-30-16, 02:19 PM
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Hmmm...I've always wanted to try one of these. You might PM me if you decide it's too harsh for you

DD
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Old 09-30-16, 02:25 PM
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Some prefer leather, some prefer latex!

I think time in the saddle will make it feel more comfortable, but a cambium is not for everyone.

My frame squeaks. Anyone else?
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Old 09-30-16, 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by oddjob2

My frame squeaks. Anyone else?
If by frame you mean my knees, back, and neck - then yes.
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Old 09-30-16, 04:40 PM
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Originally Posted by lonesomesteve
I have a C17 that I've owned for a little over 3 years with about 15,000 miles of use. I have another that I bought just a few months ago for another bike. I can't say for sure whether the 3 year old C17 has softened or developed more flex over time, but the new one does seem to be a little stiffer than the older one. It's subtle, but there's definitely a difference. Whether that's due to age/break-in or because the old one has always been softer is hard to say.

Either way, both saddles are extremely comfortable for me. I weigh about 150 lbs.

Personally I think life is too short to spend time suffering with an uncomfortable saddle waiting for it to break in. If it doesn't work straight away then you should probably go back to the leather Brooks saddles, especially if you know they work for you.
I find about the same thing. I think I've had my Cambium for 2 years, with much fewer miles than that... I got another Cambium this summer- and it does feel slightly harder- but not uncomfortable, and I get used to it right away- and I'm 160. Ish.
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Old 09-30-16, 10:27 PM
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Well I can't say I've ridden that bike with a lot of frequency since I put the Cambium on it. Consecutive rides may help me get used to it. I know if I don't ride a bike for a while and switch to it from something with a little different style saddle I have some discomfort and have to get used to it again.

Interesting that a couple of you may have noticed some slight softening over time. I appreciate the feedback.
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Old 10-01-16, 05:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Spaghetti Legs
If by frame you mean my knees, back, and neck - then yes.
I always thought those noises were from my frame.....

and I'd prefer to keep thinking that.
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Old 10-03-16, 09:24 PM
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My C17S seems to be harder initially but either it flexes with recent pressure on it better, or I just get more used to it after a few minutes. Either way it's more comfy than the padded saddle I had on the bike beforehand.
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