brooks saddle - how to fit new bike

[anweledig]

I have just bought a new specialized tricross and am very pleased with it - except for the saddle which presses too hard in places I don't want pressed. On my Gary Fisher I have a brooks b17 which is really comfy so I decided to switch it to the tricross. However when I fitted it the reach from the saddle to the bars is about 4cm less than I needed. The rails on the saddle won't let me move it further back so I seem to have a limited set of choices.

1) can you get anything to allow the saddle to slide further back?
2) would a b17 narrow or pro have longer rails which would allow the saddle to move further back?
3) should I get a longer stem and regain the reach that way?
4) is there another option I've missed (quite likely)?

 

[RedBike]

You could get a layback seatpost; but moving your saddle 4cm back is going to put it in the wrong position relative to the pedals. A longer stem is an option but there's a limit as to how long the stem can be before you start to comprimise the way the bike handles.

It kind of sounds like you've brought the wrong size bike.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

+1

You could get a layback seatpost; but moving your saddle 4cm back is going to put it in the wrong position relative to the pedals. A longer stem is an option but there's a limit as to how long the stem can be before you start to comprimise the way the bike handles.

It kind of sounds like you've brought the wrong size bike.

 

[RedBike]

How tall are you / inside leg and what size tri-cross have you got?

I've recently test rode one. I'm 5'10" and I was torn between the 54 and the 56. I wanted the 54 for cyclo-x riding but the 56 was a better fit for on the road.

 

[anweledig]

oops - cock up time

When I fitted the saddle on Friday night I was racing to beat the darkness (unlit shed) and for my wife to get ready for us to go out. Today I checked it properly - the 2 saddles are the same length and the rails start at the same point going back. Since I knew that everything fitted fine with the original saddle I am confident of the bike size. So off it all came and this time put it on properly and check again. Result - no silly size difference and a test ride that convinces me to stick with the brooks for comfort (I'm actually going to get a new one for this bike and switch the old one back). The only thing is that I don't know what I did wrong - but next time I'll take my time and do it properly

 

[anweledig]

Btw - I'm 5' 7" (approx) with an inside leg of about 29.5" (about because I have a slight difference between leg lengths). I've got a 52cm tricross for rural road riding and occasional towpaths. I did try larger sizes but the tube was too close to delicate bits of my anatomy

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Well it is sorted out now, so that is the most important thing.

I'd guess that the 1st time it was down to GITW (Gremlins in the works)

oops - cock up time

When I fitted the saddle on Friday night I was racing to beat the darkness (unlit shed) and for my wife to get ready for us to go out. Today I checked it properly - the 2 saddles are the same length and the rails start at the same point going back. Since I knew that everything fitted fine with the original saddle I am confident of the bike size. So off it all came and this time put it on properly and check again. Result - no silly size difference and a test ride that convinces me to stick with the brooks for comfort (I'm actually going to get a new one for this bike and switch the old one back). The only thing is that I don't know what I did wrong - but next time I'll take my time and do it properly