I am about to order a Brooks saddle (the Swift model). Does the color make any difference at all in terms of longevity or durability of the saddle? They come in Honey (Tan) or black.
I understand that Brooks saddles are very uncomfortable until you break them in (500 miles or so) but then they are very comfortable because they mold themselves to the shape of your body. Anyone have this or opposite experience?
Thanks.
Brooks Saddle/Color
Sat, 06/17/2006 - 4:22pm
Sat, 06/17/2006 - 4:53pm
#1
Leather lore
Chaim,
The color of the saddle will not affect its life or durability. Pick the color that goes best with your bike.
Now, as to the break-in period: In my experience a leather saddle should be pretty comfortable right out of the box. It may be a bit hard, but it shouldn't be painful to ride. If it's not comfortable after a few rides, it's never going to be comfortable. You've got the wrong model then.
Even though all Brooks saddles are leather, the various models are quite different, just as the many plastic saddles are different. It may take some experimentation to find the one that's right for you.
I ride the wider B.17. I tried the Team Pros, and truly persevered with one, but I was just never comfortable on the Pros. No amount of riding, balms, unguents, or other treatments made any difference.
The Swift is a very narrow, very minimal saddle. They look cool, but I know that model would never work for me - too tiny.
If you get a Swift, order from Wallingford Bicycle Parts, which has a six-months, no questions asked return policy.
You need to adjust a Brooks properly, too. You want to be sitting on it, which might mean tilting the nose up a bit higher than the rear. That's what I do, but, of course, some folks do the opposite!
If you can get a Brooks working for you, and can get your head around the weight and maintenance issues, then you'll never have a sore butt after a long ride again. Never!
Sun, 06/18/2006 - 8:30am
#2
And I like the B.17 but love (Tony's old) Pro.
The break-in stuff is nonsense, in my opinion. It should be comfy out of the box and get ever-so-slightly better over the first 500 miles.
- Christian
Sun, 06/18/2006 - 10:48am
#3
Thanks
Hello Anonymous Cow,
Thanks for the input, I will go ahead and order it. (I was hoping you would respond, I'm pretty sure you have a Brooks saddle on one of your bikes.)
Best regards, Chaim
Mon, 06/19/2006 - 1:40pm
#4
Hey Chaim,
Just in case you don't like it -- get it in black, and make sure it has the bag loops. That will ensure you get the best resale value, if you get my drift. :-)
Just kidding, I'm sure you will love it!
- Christian
Mon, 06/19/2006 - 2:08pm
#5
Brooks Swift
Is the Swift available with bag loops? I've never seen one. I know that the Swallow is available with loops.
I just got a B17 Narrow from Bill Laine (Wallingford) with laced sides. I'd like to have a Swallow, but I don't want to spend $320 on one.
Mon, 06/19/2006 - 4:22pm
#6
My understanding is that all (post-Selle Italia) Brooks saddles are now coming with bag loops. All of em.
- Christian
Sun, 06/18/2006 - 3:01pm
#9
500 mile breakin period
I have a Brooks Finesse (women's model). It took me a good 500 miles to break it in. Before I used it, I slathered it with Brooks Proofide as suggested. My first ride on it was horribly uncomfortable. Each ride got less and less uncomfortable, until finally it became the most comfortable saddle I ever owned. Please note: rides on this bike range from 60 - 150 miles, so it took me about 7 rides to break in the saddle.
Check out bikeforums.net. There are lots of threads there about Brooks saddles. Some people say they are comfortable right out of the box. Others, like me, need a little time.
Mon, 06/19/2006 - 6:55am
#10
Every Brooks I have owned, 4 swifts, were comfortable right out of the box and mounted on my bike. They just get better with age. Like us.
