Cambium vs. Flyer question

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lungimsam

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Mar 29, 2015, 11:32:58 PM3/29/15
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If you have used both, does the Cambiums flex reduce road shock as nicely as the sprung Flyer does? I hate road shock, It hurts my back. Interested in Cambium though because of its waterproof-ness.

I asked Brooks if they were going to have a sprung Cambium, and they said no because the flex properties on the Cambium do the job well.
Wondered if you all think so.
Thanks for any info.
I like that it is not affected by rain like the leather.

René Sterental

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Mar 30, 2015, 11:45:55 AM3/30/15
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I found the Cambium to be quite comfortable from the start. That being said, if I don't use padding, my butt/seat bones still hurt as I'm getting acclimated to riding again. I have the carved version, haven't tried the other one. It does flex nicely, but I don't feel it while riding. There's no bouncing on it while you pedal. I like it a lot.

If you purchase yours from Wallingford Bicycle Parts (wallbike.com), you'll get a 6 month return trial period, no questions asked.

René 

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Arthur Mayfield

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Mar 30, 2015, 11:53:24 AM3/30/15
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I haven't riden a Flyer, but have a B-67 (sprung), B-68 (same wide saddle unsprung), B-17, C-17, and C-17 carved, so I may be able to offer something... The coil springs on the Flyer/B-67 are at the rear, so they compress only when you are sitting back on the saddle, and they are pretty stiff.  I've heard some say that they don't respond at all if you weigh less than 180 lbs/82kg, but I think that must come from those who ride with little of their weight on their sit bones.  In a more typical "road" position, the Cambium, and especially the Cambium carved, will be as flexible or more so than the Flyer ridden the same way.  So you really have to analyze the way you ride to choose the best saddle for you, and try them out if you can.  That said, wider tires with lower pressure will do more to absorb road shock than any saddle.  I used to have my B-67 on a Bianchi Milano with 26x1.5 tires.  Now the B-67 hangs on the wall and my Bianchi rides much better with a B-68 and 26x1.9 tires at 45psi.  On my Sam, I ride a C-17 carved and 650bx38mm tires at 55psi.  If Brooks would come out with a wider Cambium, I'd replace the B-68 on my Bianchi—I like the Cambium that much!

Matthew J

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Mar 30, 2015, 1:57:34 PM3/30/15
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 If Brooks would come out with a wider Cambium, I'd replace the B-68 on my Bianchi—I like the Cambium that much!

+1.  Very happy with my two Cambiums.  If a wider model were available I would have three.


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Amit Singh

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Mar 30, 2015, 4:52:26 PM3/30/15
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Maybe TMI, maybe a laugh for some, but definitely worth considering: Has anyone experienced the Cambium saddle pulling their butt hair? It's terribly uncomfortable for me to ride ... I tried two different saddles, two different times, two miles each time and it was too unbearable.

Norman Bone

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Mar 30, 2015, 4:55:28 PM3/30/15
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Was this during World Naked Bike Ride?

-Norm who has not experienced ass hair yankage with his Cambium in PDX


From: Amit Singh <asd...@gmail.com>
To: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2015 1:52 PM
Subject: [RBW] Re: Cambium vs. Flyer question

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Paul G

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Mar 30, 2015, 6:10:03 PM3/30/15
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The differences in material also make a difference in how the saddles feel. I think the Cambium is more prone to chafing due to more friction in the saddle. I tends to grab clothing more which can rub it against skin while pedaling. Leather allows clothing to slide across its surface more reducing this effect. The Cambium (non-carved tested) does have a good amount of flex and vibration damping though. That aspect is very similar to B17. But it seems the pressure against my sit bones is fairly hard and it will never improve like a leather saddle.

Since I only weight around 160, I've never tried a Flyer version.

lungimsam

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Mar 30, 2015, 10:34:41 PM3/30/15
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I am ~ 170lbs., and I have always felt my Flyer springs bounce. Its like turning your bike into a limo. At my weight it bounces just enough to be comfortable. It doesn't bounce too much. Just right.
It is great at eliminating road shock.

I need a saddle with a cutout and was wondering if the Cambium eliminates road shock as well as the Flyer. Otherwise I might try an Imperial Flyer. They are available now at wallbike.com.

 

Hoffsta

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Mar 31, 2015, 4:35:46 AM3/31/15
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I've been riding a B-17 for about ten years and have a Gyes Flyer knock-off. I recently tried a Cambium C15 for a few days. It has nice shock absorbing qualities but I didn't care for the texture at all. As mentioned above, I felt much more chafing action as it grabbed onto my shorts. I also found it much more difficult to reposition myself as I've grown accustomed to just sliding along smooth leather, the C15 required me to stand up and sit back down. I much prefer a smooth leather saddle. In the end, I returned the Cambium demo and purchased a Selle Anatomica and it is my new favorite saddle ever.
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