Here's an example of a saddle that has almost no nose.
Click to enlarge.
Here's an example of a saddle that has almost no nose.
Click to enlarge.
One major worry that a lot of new cyclists have prior to leaving on their first bicycle touring adventure has to do with how comfortable their butt will be on the seat.
Although this issue is typically mentioned by riders of upright or diamond frame bikes there are also seat issues that face recumbent riders. This web page will discuss saddles for upright riders and another web page will discuss recumbent seat concerns.
There are many, many different types of bicycle seats available and when all is said and done the way a saddle feels for you personally should play the biggest role in deciding the type of saddle that's best for you. There is no one saddle that's clearly the only possible saddle to use.
The various saddles out there range from saddles like the one shown at the left with almost no nose, ergonomic saddles that feature areas of softer sponge or cut-out holes and the traditional narrow racing saddles that often come with most bikes when they are new. Some saddles also use gel to help cushion the rider.
I tried many of these saddles and while some worked for short to medium distances (10 - 50 km) I always discovered pain or numbness once I reached the longer distances that I would typically do during an average touring day (100 - 180 km).
One saddle that seems to be used by many upright touring cyclists is the Brook's brand of saddles. During my tours I have met approximately 43 upright touring cyclists. The vast majority of these cyclists (32) have been using Brook's saddles.
The most common Brook's saddle seems to be the B-17 with the Champion Flyer coming in second.
I use a Brook's Champion Flyer saddle for my touring bike. This saddle is a leather saddle that rests suspended on some large springs. During the winter I often move the saddle to my Icebike.
The leather saddle gradually changes to closely match the shape of your butt. After a short period of time small dimples appear in the rear area of the seat as your "sit bones" gradually reshape the leather.
For some people the break-in period can be as little as the time it takes to hop on the bike and try the saddle out. For others it can take up to 300 km of riding before the seat feels great. For some people the saddle never works out.
To assist with the break-in period and as normal maintenance I use a product called Proofide. This wax-like product is a leather treatment to replenish the oils in the leather that dry out over time. It also helps to protect the saddle from water while assisting with the reshaping of the saddle by preventing you from needing to work with dry leather.
A picture of my Brooks Champion Flyer leather saddle after several tours and a winter of Icebiking.
Click to enlarge.
I was curious about the water protection qualities of Proofide so I asked Bill Laine from Wallinford Bicycle Parts about it. Here's what he had to say:
"Proofide has a milder waterproofing function than some other products (Mink Oil, SnoSeal, etc). The serious waterproofing leather treatments clog the pores of the leather. On a saddle you want the leather to breathe and absorb your sweat.
A saddle treated with something like Mink Oil would be hotter and more slippery with sweat on a hot day. While Proofide helps protect the saddle from water I try to steer people away from thinking that waterproofing is a primary goal. A waterproofed saddle will not be as comfortable."
A small wrench is available that makes the retensioning of the saddle a much easier process then using typical tools. Saddle retensioning is something that is performed rarely and on the order of a quarter turn once a year.
Many people when confronted with the idea of a leather saddle are understandably skeptical. Their concerns become even more heightened when they invariably press their finger against the saddle and discover that their fingers bend before the saddle does.
The secret to these saddles lies in the fact that your sit bones end up bearing your weight rather then the soft and more tender areas that are located between the sit bones.
I too had these concerns but luckily I discovered a company that offers a money-back guarantee for people who purchase their saddles. The company is Wallingford Bicycle Parts. Bill Laine from Wallingford has provided me with the following quote clearly stating the terms of their money back agreement.
"Wallingford Bicycle Parts gives you a six-month unconditional satisfaction guarantee on all new Brooks saddles. (USED saddles that are returned will be subject to a 15% restocking fee) You may return your new saddle at any time within the warranty period for a full refund of the price of the saddle. You will be responsible for postage. In addition, if you return a saddle in as-new condition (no scratches, original packaging, etc), so that I can re-stock it as a new saddle I will refund your shipping expense (up to $7. This Wallingford Bicycle Parts Unconditional Satisfaction Guarantee is in addition to the Brooks two-year manufacturing defects warranty. We will be glad to handle any claims made under that warranty also.
It's really hard to decide on a saddle from a two dimensional photo. You need to try it out. We are asking you to buy a premium piece of equipment and we want you to be happy with your Brooks saddle. Many people think a Brooks saddle is an improvement over any other saddle that they have tried. Some people just can't get comfortable on them. We believe in the product. Buy a Brooks from us and you have six months to give it a good trial. We think you'll be pleased. If not, we'll give you your money back."
Originally I purchased a single Champion Flyer from Bill. Later I purchased a second saddle. Customer service has been top notch and I have absolutely no reason to complain. I have received no special consideration or compensation for writing these comments either. In this case the option of being able to try an essential product like a saddle for six months without risk merits special mention on this website.
To help prevent water damage to the leather I carry a helmet or saddle cover along with me whenever I am riding a bike with a Brooks saddle on board and there is a possibility of rain.
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