Bill, Thanks for the info. I've been doing my research and the Rivet looks intriguing for all the reasons you describe. But I have to ask - When you talk about contact with the inner thigh, is that the same as my issue where saddle sores develop at the back of the thigh where it meets the buttox just below the sit bone?
Another question I have is related to the cutout. I've read that it is unique and designed for women. How would you rate the Rivet for relieving genital pressure on men? The reason for the test ride is to help determine if I should get the Pearl (170mm) or the Diablo (155mm). My confusion comes from problems with the B17 (170mm) and relief from the Specialized Romin Evo (155mm). However, as we know, other factors need to be taken into account, and logic points to the Pearl (170mm). I'm hoping that actually sitting each will help me to decide. Matt , On Saturday, December 1, 2012 8:02:21 AM UTC-8, Bill M. wrote: > > Matt, > > If you look at an SA, a B17 and a Rivet Pearl from above, you'll see that > they are all about the same width at the widest part. The SA is nearly > triangular from nose to tail, the skirts are wide and flared but relatively > soft. The designer INTENDED for them to contact your inner thighs (per an > e-mail exchange I had with him before his untimely passing). The Brooks > has a little more 'shape' to it, the nose stays narrower longer than on the > SA. The skirts are more vertical, but there's still some contact there. > > The Rivet's nose stays narrow much longer than that of the Brooks, then it > flares much more rapidly to the wider section. This is achieved by the > skirts being pulled together under the saddle and riveted together with a > small metal reinforcing plate. The result is that the Rivet eliminates > (for me) the contact point between the inside of the thigh and the corner > of the saddle. That makes a real difference in comfort, IMO. Also, the > Rivet leather is very stiff, so it supports the sit bones well. The more > you sink into the saddle, the more that contact point becomes significant. > It takes some real mileage for the Rivet to break in, so you can't judge > one on the first ride. > > I have the skirts of my B17 Imperial laced in tight, and have also laced > the skirts of my SA and pulled them in tight, but compared to the Rivet > those are only partially successful in eliminating that inner thigh > contact. My B17 Special is not laced (yet), but I have cut a fairly large > slot into the center of the saddle to relieve pressure from the 'hump' that > can develop in a Brooks over the years. I also have a Brooks Flyer that's > both cut out and laced, but it''s not currently in use. The SA, Imperial > and Rivet all come with cutouts. There's a pattern here! > > Hope that helps, > > Bill Mennuti > > > On Friday, November 30, 2012 11:36:27 AM UTC-8, hangtownmatt wrote: >> >> Bill, or anyone else for that matter, >> >> Would you please explain how the Rivet Pearl is different for your >> anatomy? I ask because I've put 3,000 miles on a Brooks B17 over the last >> 7 months and have suffered horribly from saddle sores where the back of my >> thigh meets my buttocks. I'm not sure if it is the shape of the Brooks B17 >> or its skirt that is causing me issues, but I finally gave up last week and >> robbed Peter (vintage Bianchi) to pay Paul (Sam Hillborne). Sam is now >> sporting a Specialized Romin Evo and the saddle sore issue is going away. >> I'll stick with it if I have to, because it works, but I'd rather have a >> Rivet, Berthoud or another Brooks model. I was supposed to test ride a >> Pearl today but PNW weather is preventing that. >> >> I sure wish there we more online reviews of the Rivet products. >> >> Matt >> >> >> >> On Thursday, November 29, 2012 6:31:59 PM UTC-8, Bill M. wrote: >>> >>> >>> The Rivet has not been mentioned here yet, and they are certainly not >>> cheap, but I have to say the shape of the Pearl is far better for my >>> anatomy than any Brooks I have ridden. >>> >>> Bill >>> >>> On Thursday, November 22, 2012 8:47:06 PM UTC-8, Christopher Murray >>> wrote: >>>> >>>> I had not bought a new Brooks in a few years and was shocked at the >>>> prices. I think they are great saddles but starting at $120 for a standard >>>> B17 is insane. You could get them for a fraction of that just a few years >>>> ago. WIth all the other saddles out there, do you think they are worth >>>> this >>>> much money? Especially with some great new brands and re-intro of some >>>> classics (Regal, Contour, Regal, etc). Has anyone tried any of these >>>> re-intros or have a Brooks alternative they like? >>>> >>>> Cheers! >>>> cm >>>> >>> -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/Zza6PQVdYnUJ. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
