Which Brooks?
10-02-23, 11:35 AM
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Which Brooks?
I have on my commuter a Brooks B-17 that has serve me well for many years. Now I am old and with back problems, (A another story, another time.) I'm thinking of getting something with springs. What do this group prefer? B-67 or something else. I ride on good roads and are of normal weight for my age. (63) 
10-02-23, 11:47 AM
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The B67 is for upright bikes. For a drop bar bike I'd be looking at the Conquest.
BTW, what is the normal weight for a 63-year old? Asking for a friend.
BTW, what is the normal weight for a 63-year old? Asking for a friend.
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10-02-23, 12:21 PM
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Brooks flyer is a B17 on springs....since you know the b17 shape works this would be a good starting point
this is the best price I see from a good source $129 for honey https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...&category=1714 or $119 for black https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...&category=1714 MSRP is $170
this is the best price I see from a good source $129 for honey https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...&category=1714 or $119 for black https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...&category=1714 MSRP is $170
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(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
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10-02-23, 12:48 PM
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Is a heavy, sprung saddle going to help with back problems while riding on good roads?
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10-02-23, 07:23 PM
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10-03-23, 11:42 AM
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I have been a Brooks Pro fan for 50 years, but whatever Brooks saddle fits your needs and desires is arguably the best choice you can make.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
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10-03-23, 12:16 PM
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10-03-23, 12:23 PM
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10-03-23, 12:33 PM
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10-03-23, 12:45 PM
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Don't dismiss Flyer S. It's a little shorter (254mm vs 272mm) than the regular Flyer, but that makes it a bit easier to get on and off of on my around-town, short-distance and utility bike.
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10-03-23, 04:25 PM
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If you like the B.17 shape, the Flyer is probably your go-to. I love the B.17, and the Flyer I had on a Cannondale H300 hybrid was the business. Great saddle, and I'll be getting one for the GT Karakoram urban conversion bike, as soon as I get employed and can save up the bread.
One thing to keep in mind, especially if you have back issues, is that the Flyer is really, really tall. So, if you just replace your B.17, your saddle is going to be too high. (Much like replacing a typical road racing saddle with a B.17.) And, since it's a Brooks, the smooth slippery top won't make it obvious that you're rocking your hips back and forth with every pedal stroke. And then you come back from the 10 mile test ride and spend the next three days lying in bed, getting up only to go to the bathroom, and screaming every time you have to sit on the toilet.
Seriously... You're going to want to re-set your position as if it's a new bike. Start over from basic measurements and the kind of fit you like. Be conservative at first. Err on the side of lower and further forward, rather than higher and further back. Make small adjustments. Listen to your back. (And hope that it doesn't talk too loudly!)
--Shannon
One thing to keep in mind, especially if you have back issues, is that the Flyer is really, really tall. So, if you just replace your B.17, your saddle is going to be too high. (Much like replacing a typical road racing saddle with a B.17.) And, since it's a Brooks, the smooth slippery top won't make it obvious that you're rocking your hips back and forth with every pedal stroke. And then you come back from the 10 mile test ride and spend the next three days lying in bed, getting up only to go to the bathroom, and screaming every time you have to sit on the toilet.
Seriously... You're going to want to re-set your position as if it's a new bike. Start over from basic measurements and the kind of fit you like. Be conservative at first. Err on the side of lower and further forward, rather than higher and further back. Make small adjustments. Listen to your back. (And hope that it doesn't talk too loudly!)
--Shannon
10-03-23, 06:36 PM
#12
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10-04-23, 06:13 AM
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10-09-23, 05:45 PM
#14
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Which Brooks??
I have on my commuter a Brooks B-17 that has serve me well for many years. Now I am old and with back problems, (A another story, another time.) I'm thinking of getting something with springs. What do this group prefer? B-67 or something else. I ride on good roads and are of normal weight for my age. (63)
That said, good luck finding a new Conquest these days... they're discontinued, so they can be rare and quite pricey.
