Sprung leather for littler
03-07-12, 03:19 PM
#1
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Sprung leather for littler
How do people like their sprung brooks saddles? I'm thinking about getting a flyer for my commuter. I, however, have a couple reservations.
I read a blurb by Grant Petersen (which I swear I'm not taking as gospel) that the springs don't make much of a difference unless you're over 180 lbs. And also the flyer doesn't offer quite as much back to front adjustability. Is this true? I've also heard from an acquaintance (who is bigger than I am) that they tend to 'hammock' out a little quicker than the standard B17. I weigh 150lbs at my most slovenly and well-fed-- would the investment in a Flyer simply be an experiment in spending more money to make my bicycle heavier? Can anyone in the 150# and under set attest to springs adding to the plushness of a ride?
I read a blurb by Grant Petersen (which I swear I'm not taking as gospel) that the springs don't make much of a difference unless you're over 180 lbs. And also the flyer doesn't offer quite as much back to front adjustability. Is this true? I've also heard from an acquaintance (who is bigger than I am) that they tend to 'hammock' out a little quicker than the standard B17. I weigh 150lbs at my most slovenly and well-fed-- would the investment in a Flyer simply be an experiment in spending more money to make my bicycle heavier? Can anyone in the 150# and under set attest to springs adding to the plushness of a ride?
03-07-12, 03:22 PM
#2
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I wouldn't bother with a sprung saddle at 150 pounds. I weigh 170-180 and replaced my Flyer with a B-17. The springs were unnecessary, heavy, made the saddle sit higher for the same amount of seatpost showing and didn't look as good as a B17. I'm happy with my decision. In fact, I use Professionals on more bikes than B17s now.
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03-07-12, 04:21 PM
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I'm not going to answer for those over 200; no data.
But I will endorse Justin's remarks. I had a Flyer for a while; I weigh 160 or so and it did me no good at all. But that was a new Flyer I got in 2007 or so; I have heard the older ones have weaker springs. I wouldn't mind trying one of those.
Then again, I'd also say, it's a matter of posture. If your handlebar is higher than the seat, maybe Springs aren't too bad. I always have my bar quite a bit lower than the seat, and I hated springs.
But I will endorse Justin's remarks. I had a Flyer for a while; I weigh 160 or so and it did me no good at all. But that was a new Flyer I got in 2007 or so; I have heard the older ones have weaker springs. I wouldn't mind trying one of those.
Then again, I'd also say, it's a matter of posture. If your handlebar is higher than the seat, maybe Springs aren't too bad. I always have my bar quite a bit lower than the seat, and I hated springs.
03-07-12, 04:32 PM
#5
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Ask me in a few years when I'm fat.
Actually, I think RHM is right. More important than your weight is the position of your handlebars in relation to your saddle. No need for springs if your hoods/grips aren't a good bit higher than your saddle.
Actually, I think RHM is right. More important than your weight is the position of your handlebars in relation to your saddle. No need for springs if your hoods/grips aren't a good bit higher than your saddle.
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Last edited by ColonelJLloyd; 03-07-12 at 04:36 PM.
03-07-12, 04:44 PM
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My handlebars on my touring bike are a bit higher than the saddle (a sprung Flyer). I'm about 170 and I feel like the springs are overkill vs a B17. I usually try to stand up a bit to shift some weight to the pedals instead of the seat if I know I'm going to be riding over some bumps though.
03-07-12, 06:52 PM
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I've been running a sprung Flyer on my Shogun 2000 touring bike. I put in several thousand miles on it last year with that saddle and found it to be mighty comfy. My only complaint is that when I put the hammer down I tend to bounce on the springs... that's where I prefer a solid butt base.
03-07-12, 07:50 PM
#8
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I've been running a sprung Flyer on my Shogun 2000 touring bike. I put in several thousand miles on it last year with that saddle and found it to be mighty comfy. My only complaint is that when I put the hammer down I tend to bounce on the springs... that's where I prefer a solid butt base.
03-07-12, 08:19 PM
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03-07-12, 09:52 PM
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03-08-12, 10:42 AM
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I use a B-66 sprung saddle on my commuter, but it's a Raleigh Superbe so more upright than many other bikes.
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