tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post2480194038320742879..comments2024-03-18T08:41:35.438-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: Choosing an Upright Saddle: Brooks B72 vs Brooks B66Velouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-10796154134917029312013-08-15T14:53:02.548-04:002013-08-15T14:53:02.548-04:00I know this is years too late, but don't put a...I know this is years too late, but don't put a zipper in the back of your coat where it will scuff both you and your beloved saddle. Have a vent pleat put in, lined with some attractive fabric, and you will not have the problem of either catching yourself on the saddle or gouging everything with a zipper.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-77582215645595150212012-10-24T01:54:50.286-04:002012-10-24T01:54:50.286-04:00Thank you for your comparison! I am building a bik...Thank you for your comparison! I am building a bike for a friend of mine and we have been going back and forth about this. Now we can make a much more informed decision.WGullivernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-47543020928590697932012-07-18T14:44:50.209-04:002012-07-18T14:44:50.209-04:00I had a B72 on a Raleigh Sport and it was torture,...I had a B72 on a Raleigh Sport and it was torture, bruising the end of my spine...until I raised the seat and gave myself the leg length that improved my entire ride. Comfort is not always seated where you assume it is. Pardon the puns.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-39027754543832417972012-06-29T12:25:04.433-04:002012-06-29T12:25:04.433-04:00This is a good post, realise its pretty old, but a...This is a good post, realise its pretty old, but as good a place as any to provide some quasi-evangelical feedback on Brooks saddles. 12 years usage distilled below. If you've never experienced discomfort while cycling you <br />probably don't need one - otherwise please read on.<br /><br />The Dutch Gazelle<br />12 years ago, when living in Amsterdam (those were the days...), I picked up a 'tweedehands' Gazelle touring bicycle. The bike was immaculate but the seller had fitted a clapped out Brooks B66 saddle. My first thought was to throw it away but after riding it for the next few weeks I was overcome with enlightenment...<br /><br />The Brooks saddle<br />I've always cycled as a form of transport (and weekend rambles to nice places with stops at the pub to refuel). However I'd never been comfortable with rides of more than about 1 hour in the saddle (I'd get pain down my right leg). To help I'd tried various saddles (wide/narrow/sprung/ergo?) and various bikes (the low point was a bike with rear suspension). But nothing helped. With this old, clapped-out, slightly-saggy and generally past-it's-sell-by-date saddle I found I could ride longer distances for the first time in my life without pain! This was such a revelation I found out everything I could about Brooks saddles then splashed out on a fully-sprung double-rail B67. I've had the B67 for 12 years now - as strong as new - this has enabled me to start cycling 'normally' culminating in a two week, 50 mile a day tour through Northern France (Normandy/Brittany) with a cycling buddy.<br /><br />The (my) Medical opinion<br />The Brooks has moulded to the shape of my arse (or 'sit bones'). From this I have a clear visual picture of where my previous cycling problems had come from. There is a visibly deeper indentation on the right side of the saddle and also the saddle has 'twisted' down on the right side by about 0.5 cm. From this I can see that my 'sit-bones' are not symmetrical<br />and the saddle has moulded to my shape. This has answered many questions regarding on-going niggling back pain I've had over the years (i.e. sitting down for long periods on office chairs with unsymmetrical sit-bones). Now on the bike I feel totally connected and can ride all day (if I had the time to do this anymore...). By the way, I'm relatively normal in ther respects, tall, slim with both legs the same length etc.<br /><br />The B66 vs. B67<br />My preferred riding position is handlebars equal/slightly lower (never higher) than saddle with weight evenly balanced 50/50 between saddle and handlebars (a kind of 'balanced arch' where I can still see what's around me and 'smell the flowers' as I cruise along i.e. Not head-down grinding and not sit-up-read-the-newspaper, or at least this is how I visualise it...). I found the B66 a little too wide and more suited to higher handlebar position. The B67 is slightly <br />narrower and works perfectly or me. If I was to buy another I'd get the B67 single-rail which is compatible with micro adjust seatposts. (but would it be as bombproof?) Maintenance wise you don't need to look after these much other than the occasional application of 'proofride'.<br /><br />I now have one bike (Gazelle) and one saddle (Brooks) and after all the years of effort to get here I see no reason to change either!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-43179981969333902942011-03-30T06:09:56.183-04:002011-03-30T06:09:56.183-04:00I'm cycling to and from work as often as possi...I'm cycling to and from work as often as possible, an hour each way on a Gazelle Basic. This has the Selle Royal which does lead to a bit of saddle-soreness. Would it be worth upgrading to a Brooks? Or just wait for some callouses to develop? The £70 or so needed is a bit on the expensive side for me...Bernie Stockshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05829716847350780780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-8758047797676838162011-03-19T02:27:27.940-04:002011-03-19T02:27:27.940-04:00I just picked up a used and pebbled B72 for $30, i...I just picked up a used and pebbled B72 for $30, including a tin of proof.<br />haven't mounted it yet.<br />Thanks for the review/opinion.<br />=]RobinRombsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13386331416286945512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-55179905330078775972011-01-27T12:34:29.521-05:002011-01-27T12:34:29.521-05:00I love Brooks B67s but the price keeps escalating ...I love Brooks B67s but the price keeps escalating even though the exchange rate hasn't. I've found that the Gyes Parkside is a pretty good substitute and very close in quality to Brooks. It seems to take a bit longer to break in. I bought one in very light Natural Tan for about $65 and it looks beautiful. Gyes also makes the saddles for Velo Orange.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-51293891108402871462010-11-14T10:30:24.730-05:002010-11-14T10:30:24.730-05:00It might just be me but Brooks saddles look incred...It might just be me but Brooks saddles look incredibly hard and potentially painful; haven't (I don't think) tried one.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-89882087708829135232010-11-11T11:54:37.156-05:002010-11-11T11:54:37.156-05:00Hello, I have not posted on this site before. I ha...Hello, I have not posted on this site before. I have a B67 on my made to measure touring cycle. I put a spirit level on the saddle to get it level. My saddle is a pre-aged one. I also applied Neatsfoot oil underneath where my 'sit-bones' rest. After my last 45 mile ride I now have two nice dimples in my saddleBill/Worcestershirehttp://amalgamatedconserves.org.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-37699178674629978682010-11-11T07:19:25.023-05:002010-11-11T07:19:25.023-05:00Like many other commenters, I'm so grateful fo...Like many other commenters, I'm so grateful for these comparisons. I sort of like the B17 on my single speed Abici, because its narrowness and lack of suspension gives an incentive to lift myself out of the saddle and pedal more energetically at least part of the time (using the saddle to balance with more than sit on). That's good practice and a nice change, as it's impossible for me on the Pashley and feels unnecessary on the wildly comfortable Betty. But the B17 is very hard and narrow compared with the cushy B66/67. So far I haven't ridden for more than an hour on the Abici, and wouldn't want to unless I change to a springy, wider saddle. Does the B72 squeak less than the B66/67? I wondered if Abici etc go for the unsprung saddle for the sleek elegance and simplicity not only in looks but in sound. <br /><br /><br />By the way, I was pondering the whole unicrown fork thing on the Abici granturismo, and decided that I actively like it! I don't mean that I'd want to see it on other lugged bikes, but I think the smooth lines suit the simplicity and curviness of the bike. So I wonder if it was an aesthetic decision for them as much as or more than a budget one. I do agree with what many were saying about the cranks, though. And I have mixed feelings about the coaster brake, which I'm being very slow to get the hang of, so (for now) am just using the Abici on bike paths, not in traffic.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-31550338985968909592010-11-10T19:24:34.096-05:002010-11-10T19:24:34.096-05:00forest lee: your raleigh is a beauty!
as for the...forest lee: your raleigh is a beauty!<br /><br />as for the B73, i've never really felt any lateral play. i suppose if you were racing, or a lot heavier (i'm 6' and 165 lb), i might feel some lateral movement, but for the few times i've ridden my wife's bike, i've enjoyed the saddle. it's definitely cushier than a B67 (which I have on my DL1), despite having almost the same footprint (or should i say "buttprint").somervillainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13903377050982678550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-10761904291737098722010-11-10T18:38:38.474-05:002010-11-10T18:38:38.474-05:00Velouria - I did see a B33 on eBay that was solid ...Velouria - I did see a B33 on eBay that was solid black, seat, frame, and springs. Unfortunately I missed that auction but in doing so I decided to look at the Brooks website and found the B135. It brings fond memories of my old 1897 Crescent which had a very similar double action seat. (may its Victorian soul rest in peace – incinerated in a house fire – nothing burns quite like hundred year old wooden rims!).<br />I haven’t an issue with a saddle carrying weight. I am just a touch over six feet but weigh only 170-5 depending on the amount of pizza just eaten.<br />I have my mouth set for a B135 at this point…and now a pizza.<br />I had not thought about my long coat and coil springs. Hopefully my saddle bag will solve that possible issue.<br /><br />Bif - Indeed the B135 does touch on the Steampunk aesthetic. I had not thought of it that way, but I give it a plus for that as well!<br /><br />somervillain - Yes, I saw the B73 and wondered about the stability. With three coil springs does it increase the amount of sway? Absolutely gorgeous bicycle too! <br /><br />Here is my pride and joy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11656570@N07/4999636498/<br /><br />Sorry Velouria, I kept a picture of Co-Habitant’s DL1 next to mine for a few days to decide on cream tires and just could not tear myself away from my old black ones.anonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10333959064310072179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-31929280032113702172010-11-10T17:02:13.280-05:002010-11-10T17:02:13.280-05:00I also have that long tunic and short skirt proble...I also have that long tunic and short skirt problem with the saddle on my Retrovelo, which is B67s. It is a drag and also rather more attention getting than is desirable, since I generally have to hike up my skirt to unhook it. I haven't had any near crashes with it, but it does makes me feel like an idiot and blush. It doesn't happen with swingier clothes but does with pencil minis and a-lines.neighbourteasehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17571138655370581828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-42699374720671589342010-11-10T16:45:44.675-05:002010-11-10T16:45:44.675-05:00and here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bike/22577...and here:<br /><br />http://www.flickr.com/photos/bike/2257726621/<br /><br />best,<br /><br />JimAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-65714339760826343402010-11-10T16:43:47.817-05:002010-11-10T16:43:47.817-05:00FrtsB:
Titanium is not an option. Odd that in t...FrtsB: <br /> Titanium is not an option. Odd that in the discussion SS is supposed to Increase the weight of the bike. Not what I have read at all:<br /><br />http://www.pr-inside.com/stainless-steel-feel-the-steel-r2230987.htm<br /><br />best,<br /><br />JimAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-74104314376813117102010-11-10T16:27:07.292-05:002010-11-10T16:27:07.292-05:00As an afterthought, I took another look at the 198...As an afterthought, I took another look at the 1980 B-72 on my roadster a few minutes ago, and it is pebble-textured on top, with rounded edges. Hmmmm.<br /><br />That would explain your reticence to discuss the vintage ones, Velouria!<br /><br />I too occasionally catch my back pocket on a saddle, but never on one of the Brooks models.Corey Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15381826721030941179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-58308397081549743862010-11-10T13:24:51.852-05:002010-11-10T13:24:51.852-05:00Amy, Nina and Velouria: I have had the same probl...Amy, Nina and Velouria: I have had the same problem when riding in skirts or longish coats. By the way, it's not just a "girl thing": Back when I was the "before" photo, I sometimes rode to work in a jacket that caught onto the nose of the saddle. And I've had the back pockets of pants do the same thing.<br /><br />I like your solution, Nina. I might take a coat to a tailor and have a zipper sewn into the rear. (I still can't sew worth a damn!) You might also want to try the Brooks B18 "Lady" saddle, which has a nose piece that curls down. I had one but sold it because it's wider than I like.Justine Valinottihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10852069587181432102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-80495360124180682272010-11-10T13:10:48.583-05:002010-11-10T13:10:48.583-05:00On my commuter I ride Velo Orange "Milan"...On my commuter I ride Velo Orange "Milan" handlebars and the Gyes/Velo Orange "Parkside" saddle, which is similar to the Brooks B67--which is a B66 with a double-rail rather than a four-rail undercarriage. (This means that the B67 can be used as-is on modern seatposts with built-in clamps, while the B-66 or B-72 requires the use of an adapter or to be used on an old-fashioned plain-tube seatpost.) I've ridden the B67 and B72, as well as the Ideale 6, which was similar to the Brooks B72. <br /><br />What I'd really like for commuting is a saddle with the B-72s "loop" rails, as I don't feel I need the springiness of the B66/67 or Parkside. I'd also like for it to have two rather than four rails, and for the top to have the same width as the B66/67 or Parkside. I'd also like for it to have the length of a men's saddle, but to have the down-turned front of the Brooks B-18 "Lady" saddle so I could wear skirts easily, altough the rails and width are more important. (I can ride a saddle while wearing a skirt.) And I'd like for it to have the kind of saddle bag loops found on the B17.<br /><br />For now, I'm riding the Parkside, as I got it cheaply and the bike (from which I had a saddle stolen) spends lots of time parked on the streets. As it's not used for long rides, I find the seat's cushiness tolerable.Justine Valinottihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10852069587181432102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-15389898885371741862010-11-10T12:28:49.120-05:002010-11-10T12:28:49.120-05:00I have a 30 year old Brooks B72 saddle on my Ralei...I have a 30 year old Brooks B72 saddle on my Raleigh Sports (the original saddle from 1968) and I love it. It's extremely comfortable! I got a chance to sit on a newer Brooks saddle for the first time this past weekend while using Dottie's Betty Foy. I was so excited to see that my 30 year old Brooks feels just as great as a newer model. That's quality and durability! <br /><br />My 78 Raleigh Grand Prix also has the original Brooks saddle on it and from what I can tell it's what they call a 'racing saddle' and may be an L15. It's vinyl and padded. I also find it extremely comfortable. <br /><br />S.Simply Bikehttp://www.simplybike.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-87745229291378095712010-11-10T10:40:39.686-05:002010-11-10T10:40:39.686-05:00Amy - funny, I do have the pocket problem too. Ha...Amy - funny, I do have the pocket problem too. Haven't really solved that one yet except to do a slightly embarrassing scoop dance to get back on the seat. :)Ninanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-14200857931630538182010-11-10T07:43:48.053-05:002010-11-10T07:43:48.053-05:00JimP - Henry Cutler (WorkCycles) had a short discu...JimP - Henry Cutler (WorkCycles) had a short discussion with "Feddo" about a stainless steel version of his Fr8 some time ago. Read here:<br />http://www.bakfiets-en-meer.nl/2010/07/12/how-the-amsterdam-papa-rolls/#comments<br /><br />It seems titanium would be preferable, and even more expensive.Frits Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11399632570565541892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-57367904595304816472010-11-10T07:29:43.343-05:002010-11-10T07:29:43.343-05:00forrest lee: there's also a heavier sprung sa...forrest lee: there's also a heavier sprung saddle that's not as wide as the B33, which is *huge*. it's the B73, and it has the same size leather top as the B72, except that it has triple coil springs, two in back and one in front. my wife has it on her dutch bike:<br /><br />http://www.flickr.com/photos/7516215@N03/4788123266/somervillainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13903377050982678550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-52767913773587619422010-11-10T00:06:21.877-05:002010-11-10T00:06:21.877-05:00Cara - I tried the mixte with the B17 and it felt ...Cara - I tried the mixte with the B17 and it felt too narrow. The same was true with the Flyer on my vintage mixte last year, but I wasn't experienced enough to realise it at the time and didn't know why my saddle kept hurting me after months of riding that bike. Also, while at first I thought the springs on the Flyer were fine, I changed my mind when I began cycling faster and more aggressively - the springs would toss me up in the air over bumps and pot holes!<br /><br /> After trying the Royal H with the B17 (on some short rides and then on a 40 mile ride) and not liking it, I next tried the B68. It felt much more comfortable than the B17, but "weird"; just didn't seem to feel right with the bike. So finally I tried a B72 and within the first 5 minutes I knew it was "it". I simply forgot all about the saddle as soon as I started cycling, and that's what made it clear that it was the perfect fit. Thankfully I was able to return the B68, and the B17 was borrowed from one of my roadbikes, so no money lost. But I am still regretting buying that Flyer for my vintage mixte last year!Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-918617677025636132010-11-09T23:38:59.515-05:002010-11-09T23:38:59.515-05:00I've got an old B66 on the DL-1. Its in nice s...I've got an old B66 on the DL-1. Its in nice shape and I like it very much for the purpose, i.e. relatively short rides of typically less than 10 or 12 miles around town. Great saddle.<br /><br />Would love to put a B17 Special on one of my road bikes and ride the full length of Paris Roubaix.<br /><br />Forrest, the B135 goes beyond the vintage aesthetic into possible steam punk territory. Which is not a bad thing IMO. And if it takes a big man to cry, I would say it takes an even bigger man to bottom out the springs on a B135.Bifhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05543158648103470697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-67682623245578552412010-11-09T23:32:59.061-05:002010-11-09T23:32:59.061-05:00When you were building up the Royal H., you asked ...When you were building up the Royal H., you asked for advice about which saddle to put on it. What made you decide to go with the B72 over, say, a Flyer or B17? (I ask this as I consider components for my own mixte build.)<br /><br />This is actually my first comment to your site, although I've been reading faithfully since I discovered it a few months ago. Thanks so much for your wonderful, thought-provoking posts. I've learned so much about bikes from your blog!Carahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08842117311172701224noreply@blogger.com