More Bike Geek Stuff: Brooks Saddles!

When Cindy and I rode across the U.S. in 2001, the thing that hurt the most all the time--every day, was my rear end. I mean it felt like a very deep bruise and every bump in the road made it hurt even worse. I was riding a Terry saddle with a hole in it to protect parts that need to be protected. The seat was a little bit soft, and it had come with very high recommendations for long-distance riding. Needless to say, it didn't work. About 20 times a day, I would say, "Stand up break!" and the two of us would stand on the pedals as long as possible to give "it" a bit of relief.

This time across, I am riding an old fashioned Brooks leather saddle...with springs. What a difference a saddle makes. I have not had one day of discomfort with this seat. If you will take a good look at it, you will note that the saddle has now formed to fit my particular rear end parts/bones, etc. I could be sitting in a lawn chair...it really is that comfortable.

The Brooks saddles were originally made in England. Back in the late 1800's John Brooks had purchased a bicycle that came with a very uncomfortable wooden seat. His father was a leather worker and made saddles for horses. John decided to make a more comfortable bike saddle. He accomplished his goal to the point that in the 1950's Brooks was selling 55,000 leather saddles per week. Then, like lots of things, they fell out of favor with the racing crowd. They were too heavy, etc. But about 15 years ago, with the help of a company called Rivendell Bicycles, they started to come back. Recently, the company was taken over by another saddle company, Selle Italia, but they continue to produce really excellent, old fashion Brooks saddles.

And tonight that Brooks saddle is sitting in the state of Wisconsin. We finished up Minnesota about noon and are safely in our campsite. It is good to be "home", and no black flies tonight! Tomorrow we will turn south and ride down to Teal Lake, where Joe Ossmann's family owns a cabin. We will meet his brother and cousin, take a day off on Saturday, and enjoy a place that is very special in Joe's boyhood memories. We look forward to this experience.