Two Wheel Blogs

I have seen this done before and often wondered why in the heck someone would do this to a saddle...and here I am doing it.

First of all, there is a very good reason for doing it. Second of all, not everyone should rush out and do it.

I have enjoyed the feel and performance of a fine leather saddle for some time now. Recently I acquired this new Brooks Swift model which is a bit narrower than the B-17 that I have used in the past. While I like the narrower profile, lighter weight, and generally stiffer shell, I have noticed something in recent weeks.

While surfing the web this weekend, I found this picture that someone posted. What a beautiful arrangement!

Have you ever ridden on a Brooks? They are truly worthy of the term "saddle". I have never ridden with any other "seat" that has gone un-noticed so long (think about it, that is a high compliment for a saddle).

I'm calling this one chapter nine because I've lost count of my "My aching back" posts. I think it has been about 9 or 10 months since it all started in earnest for me, therefore this one we're going to call Chapter 9.

The more I ride while thinking about what hurts and what doesn't, the more I unravel the mystery of what it was that's given me these aches and pains. Recently I started considering the possibility that my saddle might have a role in the problem. Until a couple of days ago I had been riding on my "gold standard" saddle. I've always loved the Selle Italia Flite. From the first time I tried it on, it worked for me. Anyone who rides knows how rare that is. Principally for that reason alone I wasn't willing to consider that my saddle could be a factor. But could it be?

Should I put that love at first sight history aside and question my saddle choice? I had to admit that at the very least there was a possibility it could be a factor. Then I thought back to the photo from my video, the one with the left side lower than the right, it occurred to me that my Flite has a somewhat rounded top which would allow me to situate myself at some position other than 12 o'clock. Possibly I was sitting on my saddle over towards 11 o'clock and I didn't even know it.

My new Brooks saddle.
Got the green
Got the copper

Got bling

Got to go ride it and see what it's like.

I bet I like it a lot. Well, at least for a while I will.