Post by erictherat on Feb 1, 2016 21:08:32 GMT
Dont normally put up reviews, but recently got some kit I am really impressed with.
www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s204p2667
OK - its a Brooks B17 copy, but made in the far east and half the price with thicker leather. When unwrapped at xmas, it seemed less of a saddle and more of a piece of Victorian civil engineering. It is weighty, (even more than a Brooks) more than double my old spoon - and somehow the solidity of it makes it feel even more - defo not for weight weenies. It does, however feel a real quality item, it is lovely to hold in the hand, everything fits together well giving a real sense of strength. The other remarkable aspect is its hardness. It feels more like a piece of granite than something to sit on. I rubbed in as much wax as I could, then put on more, left overnight and buffed in the am. I also removed the laces, in the hope that letting the sides flare a bit would add a little softness.
The main difference between the Nidd and Brooks B17 is the thickness of the leather and it's hardness. I was prepared for a long uncomfortable couple of months as it breaks in. So, with a little trepidation, I fitted it up and rode it. Had quite a bit of trouble getting it set up - a little adjustment every ride. The angle was especially tricky - I either felt as if I was sliding forward or was uncomfortable in the drops. Got it about right now, but may make a few more changes as it breaks in more.
Despite all this faffing, I was amazed to find that it was immediately, from first ride, more comfortable than the spoon. I rode it happily wearing shorts on commutes for 3 weeks. I also rode every day round town and just wearing jeans I found it comfortable. Last week I did a 250km ride, was a bit sore, but a bit better than after than distance on the spoon.
It does not seem in any way broken in yet. There might be a little more give and suppleness in the leather (i have loosed it up a little), no sign of dimples. It is still extremely hard. I am mystified as to why it is so comfortable. 2 theories - firstly it fits better - i can feel my sit-bones, I fancy the spoon was a bit narrow. Secondly - the spoon is quite soft and spongy. This padding is quickly compressed, and so is like getting repeatedly hit. With the leather, your bones stay in contact with the surface which flexes - so no impact.
Anyway - I love it. Looking forward to it breaking in fully and giving years of comfy miles.
www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s204p2667
OK - its a Brooks B17 copy, but made in the far east and half the price with thicker leather. When unwrapped at xmas, it seemed less of a saddle and more of a piece of Victorian civil engineering. It is weighty, (even more than a Brooks) more than double my old spoon - and somehow the solidity of it makes it feel even more - defo not for weight weenies. It does, however feel a real quality item, it is lovely to hold in the hand, everything fits together well giving a real sense of strength. The other remarkable aspect is its hardness. It feels more like a piece of granite than something to sit on. I rubbed in as much wax as I could, then put on more, left overnight and buffed in the am. I also removed the laces, in the hope that letting the sides flare a bit would add a little softness.
The main difference between the Nidd and Brooks B17 is the thickness of the leather and it's hardness. I was prepared for a long uncomfortable couple of months as it breaks in. So, with a little trepidation, I fitted it up and rode it. Had quite a bit of trouble getting it set up - a little adjustment every ride. The angle was especially tricky - I either felt as if I was sliding forward or was uncomfortable in the drops. Got it about right now, but may make a few more changes as it breaks in more.
Despite all this faffing, I was amazed to find that it was immediately, from first ride, more comfortable than the spoon. I rode it happily wearing shorts on commutes for 3 weeks. I also rode every day round town and just wearing jeans I found it comfortable. Last week I did a 250km ride, was a bit sore, but a bit better than after than distance on the spoon.
It does not seem in any way broken in yet. There might be a little more give and suppleness in the leather (i have loosed it up a little), no sign of dimples. It is still extremely hard. I am mystified as to why it is so comfortable. 2 theories - firstly it fits better - i can feel my sit-bones, I fancy the spoon was a bit narrow. Secondly - the spoon is quite soft and spongy. This padding is quickly compressed, and so is like getting repeatedly hit. With the leather, your bones stay in contact with the surface which flexes - so no impact.
Anyway - I love it. Looking forward to it breaking in fully and giving years of comfy miles.