Plastic-shelled, Brooks B-17-like saddle

Check out the Avocet 02 "Women" saddle. Its plastic and wide. Despite
being marketed as a "women's saddle," it measures 7.0 inches in width
and can be used by Men.

http://www.avocet.com/saddlepages/saddlespecs.html#anchor181086

bfd said:

Check out the Avocet 02 "Women" saddle. Its plastic and wide. Despite
being marketed as a "women's saddle," it measures 7.0 inches in width
and can be used by Men.

http://www.avocet.com/saddlepages/saddlespecs.html#anchor181086

Thanks, bfd. I was actually looking at Avocet's O2 Air 40 line earlier
today, but those gave me two problems: First, none of the local shops I
called had them (and I live near Avocet's offices!). I know one can
mail order them, but I'd really like to try it out before buying it.
Second, I noted that the cover is leather. Clearly the plastic shell
will prevent sagging, but I was worried about the long-term durability
of the cover, even when using grease. Do you have experience with
these? My current saddle has ("had" might be more accurate) a synthetic
cover, and even that cracked after a few years.

Yes, Avocet distribution policy is probably one of the worst ever as it
refuses to allow distributors like QBP to sell its products. Shops have
to order direct, so most don't.

If you're in the SF Bay Area, a(i.e., near Palo Alto), give them a call
and either ask if they know of a shop near you or whether you can drop
by their office to try one out. I live in SF and also find most shops
don't stock Avocet products.

I have 2 Avocet 02 saddles, one in leather and the a weird synthetic
cover. I've been using a leather saddle for years and recommend it.

The synthetic one I've had has developed a worn spot in the material. I
wouldn't recommend it.

Otherwise, call around to some more shops. Good Luck!

Here's a thought. Buy a B-17.

- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA

P.S. If I wanted to waterproof a B-17, I might take some silicone, cut
it with vinegar (=acetic acid, the basic catalyst in silicone), and
when it's really thin and runny, rub it into the bottom side of the
saddle to seat it from the rain.

Here's a thought. Buy a B-17.

- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA

P.S. If I wanted to waterproof a B-17, I might take some silicone, cut
it with vinegar (=acetic acid, the basic catalyst in silicone), and
when it's really thin and runny, rub it into the bottom side of the
saddle to seal it from the rain (the underside is the porous side.)

I have a B17 on my Rambouillet and it's comfy. On my other bikes I
have Selle Italia Prolink Transam saddles. This model is the one with
some padding, pubic relief cutout, and I think some sort of elastomer
bumpers underneath. Don't think Selle makes it anymore and not sure
what current model comes closest. My butt likes em both.

oops sorry, the Selle has no flaps to speak of.