Brooks B17 special.... Should I??

[wafflycat]

shoes don't have to be broken in these days largely 'cos they're not made of leather. Shoes that are made of leather do.

Is the wrong answer. Shoes that fit do not require to be 'broken in' they fit from the first time you wear them.

 

[wafflycat]

Speaking of Brooks saddles... whilst having my break, sipping a cuppa, I switched on the idiot box and on National Geographic was a bit on Brooks saddles being made. It was quite fascinating.

 

[Bodhbh]

Ive made the kona look very retro with the addition of 60's little ally mudguards....and I think it looks superb! So what about a Brooks saddle on there too??

I stuck one on the MTB I use for touring along with full length mudguards - both, pretty instantly, make the bike look old-fashioned/retro/an oldman-mobile if that's what you want.

I can't remember exactly why I got one, either deliberately to age the bike like you say, or just liked the idea of the wearing in faff. Anyhow, I found it comfy enuff from the gitgo so it wasnt' a bad buy. Only thing - the surface is very smooth - the lack of purchase took some getting used to at first - but afterwards the saddle on my otherbike felt odd and too grippy. Give one a punt

Bike with the Brooks been on the blocks a couple of months plus and I've lost a couple of stone, hope it hasn't just molded to fit a fat arse.

 

[bonj2]

Brookes saddles are comfy once you've broken them in. But any decent bike saddle will be comfy straight away with no breaking in required. That's why I don't understand the appeal of Brooks saddles these days except as a retro item for traditionalists.

Maybe I'm lucky in that saddle comfort has never been an issue for me. They all seem comfortable - even the 12 yr old, plastic covered one that came on the Dawes Giro I bought in 1997 and which now is fitted to my everyday bike.

yeah but do you ride very faR?

 

[bonj2]

Is the wrong answer. Shoes that fit do not require to be 'broken in' they fit from the first time you wear them.

hmmm, well, some people buy shoes more for their looks/fashion than comfort, e.g. brogues, which are uncomfy but comform to a certain look, but are slightly comfier once broken in.

 

[Eat MY Dust]

My running shoes needed broken in. 20 miles and they were as good as gold. There, that's my 2 bobs worth!!

 

[phil_hg_uk]

I got a B17 for my Ultra Galaxy a week ago and I did 35 miles on it on sunday with no problems, very comfortable so far.

 

[Arch]

Bike with the Brooks been on the blocks a couple of months plus and I've lost a couple of stone, hope it hasn't just molded to fit a fat arse.

As far as I know, the saddle moulds to your ischia (sit bones), not the flesshyy bits. Your pelvis shouldn't have changed in a couple of months...

I have one on my Galaxy (well, I will have again when it gets rebuilt), and I broke it in with a gel saddle cover to take the edge off the hardness (I think the hardness takes a bit of getting used to, if you're used to a softer saddle). The only issue I've had is the slippyness too, but it took me a long time to find the right position on the bike, which might have been contributing to slipping forward.

 

[stedlocks]

My main issue is the WTB rocket that came with the kona hurt like hell.....Ive had it before that when you have a new saddle/bike, after a couple of rides it isn't a problem, but ive done a good few now on the new bike and it hurt.....simple as that!!

Ive ordered a new green B17 special now with the copper rails...mmmmm!!!

I'm thinking some green bar tape, and it will look the nuts.

We are planning a few good 4 day tours this year, as well as Stortford to Oxford via London ect....I don't want a hurty hoop!!

 

[BigonaBianchi]

B 17 for me...my arse thanks me every ride

 

[Chris James]

Is the wrong answer. Shoes that fit do not require to be 'broken in' they fit from the first time you wear them.

Yes, shoes that fit obviously fit from the start in that they are the right length and approximate shape of your foot.

But over time leather shoes will conform exactly to your foot shape, making them comfortable like slippers. If you try on someone else's shoes - even if the same model and size -you will discover this instantly.

Whether this is particlaurly relevant to saddles is a different matter.

My two pennorth is that good leather saddles, shoes and walking boots are supremely comfortable after using them for a while. However, they should stll be okay from new (if not QUITE as good as they will ultimately become).

 

[phil_hg_uk]

The only issue I've had is the slippyness too, but it took me a long time to find the right position on the bike, which might have been contributing to slipping forward.

I must admit I found myself slipping around on mine but I assume it is something that is either down to the newness of the saddle or me not used to it yet.

 

[tyred]

The slippyness is strange to begin within but I stopped noticing after a few miles.

 

[stedlocks]

just got the Brooks on for a trial fit and spin round the block before proofhide is applied.......

My bum thanks me already!!

Honest, I know it is just a quick trial fit, but it is better than the WTB rocket already....Pics to follow when they are uploaded if anyone is interested?

 

[Black Sheep]

even modern cars are still best not revved right up in the first 1000 miles.

actually, they shouldn't be thrashed, ie harsh acceleration, engines built with a bit of performance in mind (ie the vtrs or gt's that companies make) do need revving a bit from time to time while being worn in so that the seats and seals bed in properly.