sprung saddle questions
Thomas Lynn Skean
I've been debating whether or not to get a Brooks B-67 (which I believe RBW does sell) or a B-72 or Flyer (which I believe RBW doesn't sell). The B-67 and B-72 are are both 210mm wide; the difference is the spring style (standard coil on the B-67, some loop-ity loop arrangement on the B-72). The Flyer is 170mm wide; it is basically a sprung B-17. I'm not (yet) interested in the front-and-rear sprung contraptions such as the B-33/B-190/B-135 or whatever else they have out there.... though I have a friend who gave thought to a black B-33 for his folding bike to establish a "steam punk" motif. I liked that idea.
I have used a B-68 (basically a B-67 without springs) in the past. It did not work out well. It was somewhat wider than ideal to begin with. But that was not such a big deal as it "broke in". In fact, it was superbly comfortable for a while (maybe 1,000 miles or so). However, eventually it broke completely; my heft (245# and riding very upright) and the width of the saddle combined to lever the sides of the back of the frame (outside the vertical rail attachments) downward a bit too far. One side eventually broke. Just before it broke, I had probably turned the saddle into a 190mm-wide saddle, as opposed to its original ~210mm.
I have used a B-17 and like it fine. It is not as comfortable as the B-68 was at its best. But I can ride it 50+ miles without giving it a second thought. So it's okay.... I'm just wondering whether more comfort is practical with the sprung saddles.
My questions, for those of you who are large-ish (or, if you prefer, "have a friend" who is large-ish :)) and who have put 100+ miles on a wider Brooks sprung saddle: What kind of saddle is it? What sort of payload does it carry? (I assume every pound over your ideal body weight is in fact in the backpack you wear on every ride.) Does the spring "give" enough to bottom out on trails or rough-ish roads? Do you have problems with the unsupported outer part of the frame creeping downwards? (I'm wondering whether the spring-y-ness reduces fatigue on the frame so that it might not completely give way in only a couple thousand miles.)
For those of you who put substantial mileage on any sprung Brooks saddle... Again, what model? Do the springs generally feel "dynamic" or "static"... that is, do they move significantly/continuously over uneven terrain? Or do they mostly serve to take the edge off of rough roads without much bouncing about? Are the springs noisy in a way that can't be address with a little oil/grease?
Lastly, and this is a somewhat forlorn hope... has anyone successfully used a saddle-bag "quick-release" of any kind with any sprung Brooks saddle? I can't see how the RBW-sold Nitto bag quick-release would work... but perhaps there's some way I don't perceive for it or some other brand to be made useful?
Yours,
Thomas Lynn Skean
who also is liking the idea of the new Brooks "Select" line of saddles
Allingham II, Thomas J
From: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com [mailto:rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Thomas Lynn Skean
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2011 3:51 PM
To: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [RBW] sprung saddle questions
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Thomas Lynn Skean
Yours,
Thomas Lynn Skean
Bill M.
railed version of a B67). I have not ridden the B66 extensively as I
find it's too wide for my riding style. I have quite a few miles on
the Flyer, which I have modified thusly:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/15750548@N04/3291263207/in/set-72157614095230958/
Why the cutout is probably self-explanatory. Without the hole I
couldn't ride that saddle long without inducing pain. With the
central pressure duly relieved, I find the Flyer quite comfortable.
The springs do take the edge off of small bumps. It does not bottom
on rough roads, but big bumps off-road can compress the springs enough
to try to launch me off of the saddle. That can be a little
disconcerting. I've had no trouble with the frames on either sprung
or unsprung Brookses.
If you liked the shape of the B68, a sprung one might work well for
you. I am looking to sell my B66 (along with a Seat Sandwich that
allows it to be used on standard one-bolt seatposts). Contact me off
list if you're interested.
BTW, if you have enough seatpost exposed, a Carradice SQR should let
you use any traditional saddlebag regardless of your saddle.
Bill
On Jul 18, 12:51 pm, Thomas Lynn Skean <thomaslynnsk...@comcast.net>
wrote: