Cool Commute & B-17 questions

A nice crisp ride to work this morning. When I left it was -4C (24.8F) and when I got to work 1hr 45 minutes later, it was -2C (28.4F). I used to have this notion, and I would always say that I wouldn’t ride if it was colder than 3 Celsius. For some reason that was a magic number in my head. Of course I would still ride a bike, but not commute in anything colder than that. Today was just too convenient to ride to work .We’re looking at some houses this evening right after work, and I hate having two vehicles in Strathmore when we have running around to do. Then we have to drive separate vehicles back home, one right behind the other. Makes no sense. I figured I could brave the cold this morning, bundle up and ride. I’m glad I did. I feel like I’ve earned a whole new season of cycling. With my new found appreciation for wool, platform pedals to allow me to wear warmer footwear and my very warm skiing gloves, the cold wasn’t an issue today. Not for me at least. My water bottles froze up, but I was able to break the ice loose every time I pulled on the nipple with my teeth.

Leaving the house at 6am these days doesn’t mandate a good headlight. I ran my E6 for a bit, just because I had it, but about 15 minutes into the ride, I turned it off. I keep two super flashes going the entire ride. They are highly effective, and cheap to run.

For some reason, my brooks isn’t feeling really great right now on the LHT. I’ve ridden it for 1.5hr plus rides on my old sequoia and my fixie, both of which felt great. Possibly need some more proof hide to soften the leather a bit? I also know that I haven’t yet dialed in the fit on the LHT. My perfect bike as far as fit goes, is my fixie. I am going to use a plumb bob, and a tape and see if I can’t match every measurement on the fixie to my LHT. The B-17 is a different shape compared to modern saddles for sure, but I’ve heard so much good about them, and until I installed it on the LHT, I’ve had no issues with mine. Kent has a write up about the WTB saddles, and I agree with him. I found a speed V that was taken off of a bike for $10 at my LBS, and figured I’d buy it just because it was cheap. I’ve found that saddle to be very comfortable. Doug has switched from a B-17 on his LHT. My friend Vik gave me a Selle Atomica that still has some life in it. I’ve got it on my Xtra rebuild right now, but it might just find its way onto the LHT for some testing. I’m almost afraid to try it for long rides though. I’d probably have to buy a new one if it feels really good, and they’re not cheap.

Anyone else have any thoughts on the Brooks saddles? Long break-in I’ve heard, but I thought I was through that.