Alternative to Brooks B17
#26
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I'm a big fan of the B.17, but the other saddles I've had and liked a lot are:
Selle Italia Turbomatic (Turbo shape with little rubber bumpers where the frame met the shell.)
Selle San Marco Concor (Great on mountain bikes, because of the "duck tail" shape, which was great for long, slow, grinding climbs.)
Selle San Marco Rolls (Close to, maybe even tied with, the B.17 for a drop-bar road bike saddle.)
All that said, every body is different, and there's no cheap way to find what yours likes best. There are some that seem to work for a lot of people, but for every saddle that "everyone loves", there's gonna be a minority report of "total ass hatchet... I called for a ride home, and had taken it off the bike becore they got there." Also, your position on the bike will matter as well, as will how hard you tend to ride.
--Shannon
Selle Italia Turbomatic (Turbo shape with little rubber bumpers where the frame met the shell.)
Selle San Marco Concor (Great on mountain bikes, because of the "duck tail" shape, which was great for long, slow, grinding climbs.)
Selle San Marco Rolls (Close to, maybe even tied with, the B.17 for a drop-bar road bike saddle.)
All that said, every body is different, and there's no cheap way to find what yours likes best. There are some that seem to work for a lot of people, but for every saddle that "everyone loves", there's gonna be a minority report of "total ass hatchet... I called for a ride home, and had taken it off the bike becore they got there." Also, your position on the bike will matter as well, as will how hard you tend to ride.
--Shannon
#27
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#28
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#29
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The problem with your question is not stating what issues you are having with a B17.
If you have no pain, numbness, any other issues the answers are yes, almost any other non leather saddle is lighter, but who knows what is better.
I rode a Brooks Team Pro for many years. I was getting some numbness on longer rides, I went to WTB Pure V that I use on my MTB. It was a bit better and I’ve ridden a lot of miles on it. I just went to Selle SMP Well that seems to be a bit better yet.
But because the Brooks and Selle are not comparable designs there are no dots to connect to make a recommendation. There is a trial and error process.
John
If you have no pain, numbness, any other issues the answers are yes, almost any other non leather saddle is lighter, but who knows what is better.
I rode a Brooks Team Pro for many years. I was getting some numbness on longer rides, I went to WTB Pure V that I use on my MTB. It was a bit better and I’ve ridden a lot of miles on it. I just went to Selle SMP Well that seems to be a bit better yet.
But because the Brooks and Selle are not comparable designs there are no dots to connect to make a recommendation. There is a trial and error process.
John
#30
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The problem with your question is not stating what issues you are having with a B17.
If you have no pain, numbness, any other issues the answers are yes, almost any other non leather saddle is lighter, but who knows what is better.
I rode a Brooks Team Pro for many years. I was getting some numbness on longer rides, I went to WTB Pure V that I use on my MTB. It was a bit better and I’ve ridden a lot of miles on it. I just went to Selle SMP Well that seems to be a bit better yet.
But because the Brooks and Selle are not comparable designs there are no dots to connect to make a recommendation. There is a trial and error process.
John
If you have no pain, numbness, any other issues the answers are yes, almost any other non leather saddle is lighter, but who knows what is better.
I rode a Brooks Team Pro for many years. I was getting some numbness on longer rides, I went to WTB Pure V that I use on my MTB. It was a bit better and I’ve ridden a lot of miles on it. I just went to Selle SMP Well that seems to be a bit better yet.
But because the Brooks and Selle are not comparable designs there are no dots to connect to make a recommendation. There is a trial and error process.
John
My original posting clearly said I am not having any problems but I'm always looking for a better alternative. Your comments, though, are appreciated...thanks!
#31
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Check out the Selle Anatomica R2. If you're feeling flush, get it with the carbon rails upgrade.
Likes For tcs:
#32
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The last Brooks B17 saddle I bought was in 1970 and a friend removed the rivets and softened the leather and then riveted back on the frame. I used this saddle for the following 45 years. With every new bike I bought a synthetic saddle that would not require a break-in period. Thousands to choose from and I like to buy them from a reseller where returns are easy to do.
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They have been very good responding to my questions and I'm sure will be happy to give you pros/cons of the two series.
#35
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I wonder if the carved nature makes it more flexible. I have the non carved C15 (i.e. no cutout) and it's nice and firm. Doesn't flex more than I'd want it to, and is super comfy for me.
#36
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The Selle Anatomicas' geometry aren't too far afield from the Brooks B17 you said you were happy with (also in post no. 1).
#37
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Otto