Dutch bike style seat

rcard

Hi,

I injured my back / hips (in a drunken accident!) and the traditional seat is no good for me and means i have all but given up cycling.

I was thinking the large spring dutch style seat might work for me. Can you buy these in a shop in DUblin anywhere? I would like to have a good look at them. Alternatively online links would be appreciated.

Many thanks for your help

Ruth

dave.obrien

My local bike shop, The Bike Shop in Deansgrange stocks some wide, springed saddles, I think the brand was called Sprint. The guy says they're popular with people who are trying out cycling after driving for years, looking for a bit more comfort, and they're only about €15, so if it doesn't improve the situation, you haven't wasted too much. I'm sure I also saw some Brooks springed saddles on sale on chainreactioncycles.com, but don't hold me too it...

Wez

Yeh, some of them are on sale on CRC:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=211

There's a good selection, but they're all €45+

I'd say have a look for some replica's/cheaper versions and see how ya get on, apparently Brooks are "The one and only" really justify their price, but I had a B17 (the slimmer one) won on Ebay for like €20, but lost shifts in work so couldn't afford the luxury!

blorg

I am not sure I would suggest a Brooks to an occasional cyclist who finds their current saddle uncomfortable, modern padded-type saddles can be perfectly comfortable for shorter distances. Brooks are great for the long distance stuff but might seem very hard initially. OP- are you sure it is the saddle that is the problem? What size tyres do you have currently?

rottenhat

Well, not a Brooks Team Pro, obviously, but the OP was asking about saddles with springs. I somehow doubt they need the break-in or maintenance of their higher-end models.

blorg

The tops of the sprung saddles are identical to the unsprung ones, they are hard leather you can knock on At the same time the springs would undoubtedly smooth out small road imperfections so might be a good choice for the OP if it's that sort of jarring that is the issue. If that is the issue though wider tyres run at lower pressure might also be a good idea.

Lumen

A suspension seatpost will also help reduce knocks coming through the saddle. I used to run one of these on my hybrid, and liked it. Not sure they're very fashionable now, but would obviously give you option of picking the saddle that fits best rather than the one with the springs.

Your description of injuries is a bit vague though. It's customary on boards to post pictures.

(joke)