[tazdevl]

Put this in the General Forum as well but it seems like Brooks pretty popular with SS these days.

Anyone have an idea how long the Brooks Team Pro takes to break in? Is it tough to ride on until breakin occurs? Searched through 50 or so threads, couldn't find an an answer.

Have a new HH100X build, looking for the ultimate saddle. Currently riding on a WTB Laser V Progel (147mm across). Working out OK but I know there is something better out there for me. One thing I do know is that I've spent way too much money and gone through 16 saddles in the last 2 years.

The Koobi SI 1st gen (160mm across) was one of the more comfy saddles I've ridden. So I'm thinking I'll try another 160mm saddle, Team Pro fits the bill but I'm wary of riding with a sore butt for a few hundred miles even if the payoff is great at the end. Years of uncomfortable saddles have made me a bit skittish.

Regardless, of what I decide on, getting Ti rails.

Few other questions...

- B17 owners... how tough is it to work around the saddle when you're riding? I'm thinking 170mm might be too wide for me (never gone that wide). Can any non-clyde's shed some light on their experience with this saddle?

- B17 Narrow/Swift are similarly sized (155mm/152mm)... so they might work as well... but what's the differences between the saddles? How would a flatter versus another kind of profile affect comfort? Any input?

I'm semi upright on my ride and generally ride technical XC. Tried to measure my ischial span (outside to outside last night), came in around 150-152mm. Also did the Specialized Body Geometry butt meter, came out to 139-140mm.

Definitely going to order from Wallingford BTW, just haven't been able to get them on the phone. Rather than take advantage of their return policy, I'd prefer to get it right on the first go.

Any help/input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Rainman]

I answered you in the "general" forum..


R.

 

[grawbass]

I only have experience with a B17 Narrow. Its a vintage model that I bought used, but it was basically in brand new condition. I don't have any Proofhide, so I applied some Wilsons Leather Lotion to the top and bottom of the saddle. I first used it on my mtb without any breakin period. It was quite hard/stiff but also quite comfortable and I actually liked the slipperyness of it. Its currently on my roadbike where I like it equally as much as on the mtb. I'm thinking of applying some baseball glove oil, as the leather lotion seems to be water based and it dries too easily, similar to hand lotion, but thinner.

 

[tazdevl]

I answered you in the "general" forum..

R.

Read it, thanks, responded. Definitely hundred dollars... Wopner @ 3.

So no Team Pro owners out there? I think it's in a sweet spot between the Swift and B17.

So what's the general opinion on the Swift? Seems to be positioned as a racing saddle that offers all day comfort.

B17N... no Ti rails, so I think I'll pass.

I think I might just go with a Black b17 Champ with Ti rails and see how it works out. Rather go with the most potentially comfortable saddle. Worst case I guess I can exchange it for something else.

 

[grawbass]

B17N... no Ti rails, so I think I'll pass..

Yeah its kind of a tank, but I'm not much of a weight weenie, so it doesn't bother me.

 

[tazdevl]

Yeah its kind of a tank, but I'm not much of a weight weenie, so it doesn't bother me.

I generally prefer to go Ti to have more compliant rails... weight is a secondary concern. If the others don't work out, definitely going to look at the Narrow.

Thanks for the info.