the leather saddle rail length dilemma

[lukeheller]

I love my Brooks B17 but the rails aren't long enough (even with a major setback back) for one of my bikes. No, I don't think the frame is too small. It's more of an issue of where I am most comfortable on the bike for long distances. So, I need to be further back. I'm 6' and 180 lbs. I ride a 61x58.5 and a 60x58. The seat angle on the 60x58 is not as relaxed. Thus, I'm too far forward.

I am in seek of the right leather saddle with long enough rails. The B17 is 70mm and the VO saddles are 80mm. From my measurements of where I need to be, I need the rails to be atleast 85-90mm.

Selle-Anatomica is not even an option. I've had 2 and got rid of them. They sag. This is unfortunate in that they have lots of rail length to go around.

I also don't want to compromise comfort. The B17 is 175mm wide and I want to be close to that.

Dia-Compe Gran Compe leather saddle (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00461LTZO/ref=dra_a_cs_lb_hn_it_P1100_1000?tag=dradis-20)
Cardiff (http://cardiffltd.com/mercia.html)
Gyes GS-17A (http://www.crowcycleco.com/gyes/gyes-gs-17a-brown-leather-bicycle-saddle-black-laces-copper-rails.html)
VO model 6 (http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/components/saddles/vo-saddle-model-3-touring.html)
Rivet Pearl (http://rivetcycleworks.com/the-pearl/)

Rivet doesn't specify rail length on their website but I inquired and they said their rail length is 90. So it seems like Rivet is the best option for a leather saddle that won't sag right off and has plenty of rail length. However, I am not excited at all about dropping $150 on a saddle that I don't know is gonna work for me. Wonder if anyone has had any experience with Rivet or has other recommendations/knowledge. MUCH APPRECIATED!

note: I have a buddy who, while lighter than me, has been riding a Rivet since the Fall and is diggin' it.

[AngryScientist]

are you using a nitto wayback?

http://cdn.twospoke.com/forum/attachments/f30/4334d1312047228-need-help-finding-set-back-seat-post-11-048_waybacksv.jpg

[donevwil]

Can't help with the saddle search, but curious what seatposts & setbacks you've tried ? If I were happy with a current saddle I'd consider a custom seatpost (Bold Precision) before I'd go down the dreaded saddle search route.

[lukeheller]

Been using the VO grand cru 30.2 setback. I estimate needing to get back about 15mm further to be where I need

[vqdriver]

Perhaps a selle anatomica that's uncut? Don't know if they do it but it never hurts to ask.

[lukeheller]

Selle Anatomica has the NS (no slot) and the NSX. I could consider them but would probably go with the Rivet Pearl before trying another Selle Anatomica. The Rivet looks like it's made from very sturdy leather that will hold despite the cut-out.

And the nitto way-back is still only (i know that's utterly ridiculous) 40mm setback from what I can tell.

Why can't Brooks just alter 1, tiny, small, helpful piece of their design!?

[pdmtong]

are you using a nitto wayback?

http://cdn.twospoke.com/forum/attachments/f30/4334d1312047228-need-help-finding-set-back-seat-post-11-048_waybacksv.jpg

at first i thought i was looking at a metal bird with a beak staring at me

a bit too much to drink last night

[Len J]

Why not just get a seat post w more setback?

Len

[palincss]

I love my Brooks B17 but the rails aren't long enough (even with a major setback back) for one of my bikes. No, I don't think the frame is too small. It's more of an issue of where I am most comfortable on the bike for long distances. So, I need to be further back. I'm 6' and 180 lbs. I ride a 61x58.5 and a 60x58. The seat angle on the 60x58 is not as relaxed. Thus, I'm too far forward.


Have you tried the Nitto S84 seat post?

[lukeheller]

I would but.... what?
I'm using the VO Grand Cru 30.2mm setback (27.2 dia). I've seen the nitto wayback measured between 37-40mm in setback. Still, not really enough... thinking i need more like 45mm. Is my best option really the SR Sakae Ringyo MTE-100 Layback Seatpost? (http://www.ebay.com/itm/SR-Sakae-Ringyo-MTE-100-Layback-Seatpost-27-2-/221188966444?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item337fe3c82c&nma=true&si=TSUtcz8Qy6BGO2nxJReU%252F10E6Nw%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557) Say it ain't so. Aside from getting a custom post... which seems silly.

[lukeheller]

Hmmph! Does the S84 really have the 45mm setback? If so, I suppose that's the best solution. Anyone have one they can report on?

[lukeheller]

Varying reports on setback...
45mm at BensCycle (http://www.benscycle.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=8878)
37mm at AlexsCycle (http://www.alexscycle.com/seatposts/fixed-non-njs-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12/nitto-s84-lugged-seatpost.html)

[Len J]

If your best fit needs :45 mm of setback, you need a frame w a slacker seat post.

Len


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[mtechnica]

I'm the same height as you and have the same setback problem in general, and I've simply given up on leather / vintage / non racing saddles altogether. Not that anyone else here might care but a leather saddle + that nitto would weigh approximately 20lbs together and cost $300+ which I find completely unacceptable. A saddle like a specialized toupe, fizik arione, selle SLR, can go back a good 1+ inch farther than any brooks I've seen and coupled with a (real) 25mm setback post like a 3T it works and is light and comfortable. Plenty of people ride all day with saddles like these and if you have good bibs and log enough miles to harden the 'ol ass it shouldn't be a problem. Just IMO.

[pinkshogun]

i use a MTE 100 super set back post. just replace the heavy QR with a hex head bolt to save some weight

[Ken Robb]

at first i thought i was looking at a metal bird with a beak staring at me

a bit too much to drink last night

Some folks think it looks like a frog.

[sevencyclist]

Berthoud saddle is slightly more setback than the Brooks B17, but no more than 1cm though.

[abelson]

I think Rivet has a one year return policy so you can return it if it does not work. I just put a rivet pearl on a new build but I have not had a chance to ride it yet (can't bear taking a look brand new bike out in the snow and salt).

[palincss]

Hmmph! Does the S84 really have the 45mm setback? If so, I suppose that's the best solution. Anyone have one they can report on?

I've had one for a year and a half. Lots of setback, and the same wonderful 2-bolt Nitto adjustment as on the S83. You can easily dial in a half-degree of adjustment with this system and no chance of accidentally overshooting, losing the whole thing and having to start all over again. Even the "lugged" appearance grows on you. I like the looks of the S83 better, but this one's really got the setback.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6016/5974911747_eec223f0e1_z.jpg

Slideshow here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/97916047@N00/sets/72157627155309179/show/