Saddle problems.. STILL

[Manonabike]

I am of somewhat generous proportions where I sit, ie, I have a fat arse, and the recently acquired Brooks B17 is working well for me. It is gradually breaking in, and that is something you will have to accept. It might be good from day one or you may have many miles of purgatory before one day you realise the saddle is suddenly comfortable. I also find it more comfortable to ride in unpadded trousers or shorts.

NO PADDING - quickest way to brake in a brooks saddle

Braking in my Team Pro was hard work.... I think I've conquered it after over 1000 miles and it's my favourite this week .

On the other hand breaking in the B67 was a doddle.

Braking in the Flyer was a bit easier than the B17 I think.

A half broken in Swallow is heading this way which my backside is getting ready for

Good luck with the breaking in period..... it'll be worthy.

 

[jay clock]

i broke my Brooks in using Flexalan saddle stuff for horse saddles. Warm saddle in oven ( 70 degs), paint on underside, stand on saddle. It still looks in perfect shape but softened up very much quicker.

 

[Manonabike]

i broke my Brooks in using Flexalan saddle stuff for horse saddles. Warm saddle in oven ( 70 degs), paint on underside, stand on saddle. It still looks in perfect shape but softened up very much quicker.

You are a brave man Jay only in desperation I'd try something like that

 

[jay clock]

I think there is a lot of guff about the dangers of treating leather saddles. Mine is not saggy mess. Had it several yrs, only on my tourer, but prob 15,000 miles.

A great and helpful forum member put me on to the technique. George White. Not sure if he is on CC but he was on C+ (bikeradar now). It is here if you fancy a read (George thanks for that!)
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10404889/brooks saddle.doc

 

[MattHB]

Mmmm, I have a B17 Special which I have laced so you could say it's an imperial special

It's not for sale but I could let you borrow it for a weekend or even maybe a week.

I think you are just down the road from me in Poole. I'm in Bournemouth.

PM me if you are interested.

Thanks for your kind offer I'd not want to ruin it for you. Im going to take the plunge after pay day I think I can always sell it if it doesnt work out.

 

[Manonabike]

Thanks for your kind offer I'd not want to ruin it for you. Im going to take the plunge after pay day I think I can always sell it if it doesnt work out.

No problem.

Depending on your sit bones width you could get away with the Swallow or Swift - which would look nice on your carbon bike. If you take an aggressive riding position and the Swallow or Swift are too narrow for you then the Team Pro could be just the saddle for you. I have to warn you though that it can be a very hard saddle to brake in.

Some people find the B17 a bit too wide for riding aggressively....

Best of luck.

 

[MattHB]

Thanks for the advice I tend to cruise about mostly, but like the drops occasionally. I measured my sit bones to the best of my ability are about 115mm, I really like the look of the swift, I might have a go with that.

 

[MattHB]

Wow, in a moment of inspiration I fitted the charge spoon for the wiggle sportive today. I figured it was the widest saddle I had so would probably be the most comfy.

After 3 3/4 hours no issues at all! It appears that as my weight has come off my butt must have changed shape (loss of fat?) and now it fits perfectly!

I'm so chuffed. I've not ridden with it for ages. It just shows you should not sell anything on!

 

[Manonabike]

Wow, in a moment of inspiration I fitted the charge spoon for the wiggle sportive today. I figured it was the widest saddle I had so would probably be the most comfy.

After 3 3/4 hours no issues at all! It appears that as my weight has come off my butt must have changed shape (loss of fat?) and now it fits perfectly!

I'm so chuffed. I've not ridden with it for ages. It just shows you should not sell anything on!

Excellent..... your bum must have toughened up too.

 

[MattHB]

Excellent..... your bum must have toughened up too.

I think u might be right. I think the trick is is to use a bloody uncomfy saddle for 500 miles then go back to what you started with! Sorted!

 

[Manonabike]

I think u might be right. I think the trick is is to use a bloody uncomfy saddle for 500 miles then go back to what you started with! Sorted!

It's not the first time I hear somebody finds a saddle quite comfy after dismissing it as a piece of "cr*p" ..... I experienced something similar a few years ago and the only explanation I can think of is that my back side was better prepared to support a longer ride but most importantly.... a) I had lost weight and b) I was a much fitter rider (not anymore ) As one gets tired one tends to put more weight on the saddle and less of the weight on the pedals. In no time this situation becomes very uncomfortable and one can easily end up blaming the saddle.

 

[MattHB]

I think the weight loss has been the biggest factor. Which I guess stands to reason. My fitness has really jumped in the last 2 months as well I think.

 

[Manonabike]

I think the weight loss has been the biggest factor. Which I guess stands to reason. My fitness has really jumped in the last 2 months as well I think.

Congratulations on loosing the weight.... 2 years ago I was going through the same phase..... starting at about 17.5 stones and cycling it down to about 14.5..... just in time for my daughter's wedding . Unfortunately, the weight is coming back over the last 6 months or so. I'm not riding that much these days.... I started filling pain on my wrists and the doc suggested a bike with good suspension and that is not the way I want to go..... and then I caught some kind of a virus that has me coughing all the time.... I've had it since Xmas and won't go away - today I went out for a 50 miller but had to cut it short - the cough made me feel poorly... well, at least I managed 20 miles. Hopefully I can get back to the amount of cycling I was doing 18 months ago.

I can imagine how much you are enjoying the cycling and the results..... having a comfortable saddle makes it all a lot more enjoyable. Best of luck and keep it up.

 

[MattHB]

sounds like youve had a rough ride. I too started at 17.5 stone, and Im not tottering between 14 11, and 15 depending on which way the wind is blowing! I think Ive been going through a few teething problems getting used to drop bars, but I feel very much over that now. Im also looking to start doing Pilates classes to help with my core strength. Im very tall and have always had a problem with posture and achy back, so it might well sort a few bugbears out!

Hope the virus gets better.. someone in my house has had something since about october last.. roll on summer and I think we'll all feel much healthier!

 

[Manonabike]

I'm only 6 ft but I know all about achy back while doing a long ride. The good news is that with training it gets better..... my main problem was achy neck due to riding on the drops / hoods and looking up the road ahead. That also got better with time.

It never occurred to me to do yoga or Pilates.... having said that, I did use an exercise ball which helped a great deal. Use to sit on it while watching TV and do stretches + exercise core muscles and legs..... you can really feel the work.

The doc said it's a virus that quite a few people got and not much he could do....

Where about do you do your riding?