Pages

Monday, October 8, 2012

Back in the Saddle

And it's a new saddle! Well, a new-to-me saddle anyway.

Note: not actual saddle

'It' is a beautifully aged mid-1970s Brooks B-17 and was originally on a Raleigh Gran Sport that I scored on Craigslist for $30. Yeah, $30! I couldn't believe it either! Anyway, the original plan was to refurbish the Raleigh, to make it sort of a speedy city bike. But after some consideration, taking into account how much it would take to get the thing in any sort of decent shape, I thought it might be better to put that project on hold, steal the Brooks away and put it to good use on my Trek Allant. And let me tell you, it's made all the difference in the world!

Now I've heard other people raving about their Brooks saddles, and I believed that the Brooks would make a difference, but it's unexplainable how much better my bike ride feels. True, I am dialing in the exact fit of the new saddle, but I'm still loving every pedal stroke. The stock seat on the Allant is a nice Bontrager Boulevard saddle, which is big and cushy. In contrast, as you may know, the Brooks is a section of leather stretched over steel rails: a very firm platform. I find I prefer this style of saddle, as it reduces any sort of friction and rubbing between my bottom and the saddle, which makes for a happier ride!

So, there it is. A new saddle so great, it's inspired me back into writing here. And I've got lots more to write about coming up. I've taken on the chasing mailboxes d.c.'s Coffeeneuring Challenge and successfully completed my first trip, which will follow in an upcoming post. I'm also shopping for a new bike, though I haven't made up my mind yet. I'll keep you posted.

I'll see you out there.