Finally broke down and purchased a new saddle to replace the stock one. After so many years off a diamond frame I was not sure how my butt would handle a new saddle. And based on some information from friends and the Internet and well basically looking at a million picture on Flickr, I went with a Brook Flyer Special.
When it really comes to saddles its hard not to be sitting on a Brooks. But one of that main challenges is the long and painful break in period.
Brooks are a fabulous company that has nothing but awesome products in their line up. For touring and pulling around JAK in the burley I went with a sprung saddle. Hoping if afforded be some extra chushing. Although I am a bigger dude, i have a tiny boney ass. The Flyer Special is based on Brooks workhorse B-17 but with 2 heavy duty springs and hand hammered copper rivets. The quick specs are a saddle width of 170mm and length of 280mm and topping the scales at 870g (1.9#).
The Purchasing Story (My LBS is 25 miles away)
So after weeks of searching and reviewing saddles online, I get down to business and pull the credit card out and search with intent to purchase. Cheapest one out on the market is in the UK and with shipping its still cheaper then getting it anywhere local or in the US. So, on the way home from business trip I stop in North Central Cyclery in DeKalb. Great shop, bought my Trucker there, love the joint. Talk to Toby at the desk, they didn't have one out in their Brooks section, so he offers to get one in, I then tell him that I was still just researching and "found one real cheap online", he's like "well i don't normally match online pricing, but tell me what it is?" I tell him my crazy story about the UK bike shop etc and he was so shocked and thinks its such a great deal he felt he had to match the Price (LOWER then $125). He pulled the shoppe's website up on the Internet and Bing. New saddle baby!!
$40 less then REI and most other places.
While waiting for the new piece gear to arrive, I spoke to some friends and read a few reviews and stories on the best way to break it in. I currently am going with a heating with a very hot hair dryer, combo'd with Brooks Proofide. I have heard stories that it could take months to break in the saddle and after my first ride I hope my extra love with "heat & massage" shortens that time.
Just like in life...rub something long enough, something hard will become soft!!
More updates on the break in process to come
"Get on your bikes and ride"
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