I have two Brooks B17 saddles: (a) a "ladies" (ahem) B17 Carved saddle, which is on my turbo trainer bike, and (b) a B17 "Special" with the brass rivets on my Do Anything bike. I can honestly say that both of them WERE comfortable "out of the box" and didn't need any break-in period at all. In fact, they are the most comfortable saddles I have ever ridden in a lifetime of cycling - and I'm 65! I've ridden the Brooks Special on some pretty lumpy-bumpy terrain and there were no comfort issues at all, even after a long day in the saddle. One dislike or heads-up you didn't mention was the RAILS. Although they are a standard width, the B17 rails have a shorter parallel section, and a more vertical back section, compared to most other saddles. This has a number of consequences. First is that the shorter parallel/clamp section restricts the amount of fore-aft wiggle room you have when adjusting your saddle fit. This, plus the more vertical, and wider, back section of the rails means that many saddle bag fittings won't fit the Brooks B17. Two examples are the Topeak Wedge saddle bag that comes with the quick-click fitting (although their newer models have a more one-size-fits-all fitting), and the Alpkit Exo-Rail that is used with their Koala seat pack.
Well, I've got B17 Ladies Aged or maybe Aged Ladies :) Couldn't find Imperial at the time when I was buying, so I made a cutout myself. Yep, Brooks lovers, don't faint. Just made a cutout with a knife. It's not as perfect as factory made cutout but works fine and I suppose thieves find it less attractive. Holes for lacing are a great thing. Allows to tighten it in transverse direction. I love this sadddle.
I *think* I have nine of them, in a few different iterations. There is no substitute. I am just about to do the build on a new touring bike. B17 Special, of course.
@@davidrowe8747 Thank you for all this information. I just purchased the B17 Special and I'm hoping I don't need to break it in very much because my current saddle is so bad I can't even ride my bike but a few minutes.
I own a Gazelle Medeo T10 class 1 ebike. I tried four saddles before getting the B17 special. The saddle was comfortable from day one but has gotten better over time. I don’t see a need to ever change seats again. I don’t mind doing a little extra maintenance on the saddle a couple times a year. The classic looks of the B17 compliments the style of my bike. I pared the saddle with a Kinekt suspension seat post and can take longer rides in complete comfort.
I've had a lot of saddle pain in recent years. tried the most expensive pants and saddles. nothing helped. Based on this review I bought the Brooks B17. and what a revelation. a happy feeling all week and has given my hobby a new impulse. thank you very much. greeting leo
I’m on my 46th year of riding and I’ve tried many different saddles and I always came back to the Brooks B17. I own 3 bikes and all 3 have a B17 fitted on them. I totally agree with your review. It’s a great saddle!
I bought my first B17 in the late '80s and it was out of the box very comfy but I killed it by non/low/wrong care because I was young and didn't know what I was doing. I tried many other seats over decades but B17 is still the best and I used them on several bikes like on my touring bike and my Surly Pugsley because they don't give me any grief.
Thank you so much for your thorough review of the Brooks saddle. I have been in love with this saddle for years and now when I finally got my touring bike, I can't wait to try this masterpiece under my butt. 😍
I love my brooks. I have the B17 on my commuter and my hard tail. I was starting to worry that it was sagging a bit too much, but it looks like yours. Appreciate knowing its my arse and not the saddle! :)
I got my Brooks Team Pro in 1992. It was originally on our tandem, then on my commuter/road bike. I've done zero maintenance and thousands of miles It's been left out in the rain, ridden wet, I've even done a few triathlons on it. its still going strong. Since then I've bought a couple more B17's and got my wife on one on the tandem. I've also tried the Spa Cycles Nidd, which I think is somewhere between a B17 and a Team Pro, and I really like it, a bit more robust than the B17, but consequently a bit longer break in period. If you are tempted by the Team Pro, be aware that some models don't have the saddle bag loops, if that is important to you (it is to me, I am old and British!).
I was reluctant to get a Brooks saddle because I’d heard all sorts of different opinions about them. But I ended up buying a used bike that came with a Brooks Professional - and I instantly fell in love! It’s such a great saddle. I’ve toured on it with no problems and I bought one for my commuter bike. Can’t recommend them highly enough :-)
This is the best Brooks B17 saddle review that I've seen. Genuine, smart, and original feedback on the rivets. The caretaking (saddle cream, etc.) part is important but you refer to that in another video. Thanks for this great review. I was also hesitant on the investment but it was worth it.
My wife complained of saddle discomfort over twenty odd years of touring and when she bought a Brooks I was convinced it would be in the bin within a week - she bought the “softened” version which doesn’t need breaking in. She was perfectly comfortable from day one and I bought mine the next week. My wife got the version with coil springs at the back which may be even more comfortable.
@@NonLegitNation2 As I understand it the softened, or aged, version is the same leather chemically treated so you don't need to break it in, but apparently it isn't as long lasting. My wife's saddle became deformed, probably partly because it is wider and mainly because I neglected to tension it regularly. It was still comfortable but she just bought a new one - the same model. Mine, the B17, is still perfect.
Y'all got me to dig out my brooks b17 about a month ago when I discovered your channel. Now since riding it again I love it. I thought I always needed a cut out after having surgery but that wasn't true. More of what it needed was some care, tensioning it and the proofide really did fix it. Now I swear by the brooks too and hate my other saddles lol.
Another huge thing I’ve noticed is that when your cranks are too long, that can cause your hips to gyrate excessively around the seat, which then causes discomfort on the sits bones. Historically, I had bought squishier and squishier seats to try to account for that, but I finally got the right size (shorter) cranks, and picked out a seat that just felt the most natural - and it’s the B17.
YMMV, but I got a Brooks B-17 saddle for my road bike about a dozen years ago, and it was the most comfortable saddle I ever had from the first day I rode it. I was expecting to have to break it in for a few miles, but that is not the case. I think I did about a 25-mile ride the first time and felt no discomfort at the end of the ride. I don't remember all the details, but I think I treated it with some neatsfoot oil or saddle soap before my first ride.
I had the B17 in black for years, more years than I'd like to admit. It was used on a long line of bikes. Ultimately it was stolen off my bike. My butt has never been the same.
Thank you, I have a Swift and on/off I could not get it get it to break in like my Terry saddles. But I will give the B17 a try, thank you for the video, I really enjoyed it thoroughly. EDIT: Just got my B17 Special and have put on about 70+ mile. So far, I'm loving it. I now understand all the rave about B17. First, it was rock hard. But I noticed my nerves are no longer pinched and numbs out my male anatomy after a ride. Second, I find that I get up less when anticipating a small imperfection and debris on the road. Actually I find it fun to feel them under the seat. Third, I thought it was slippery when first starting a run. But after I have been riding for about 40 minutes, it stays put. Forth, when I near the end of a run, I am tired and just want to get home. With B17, I am so looking forward to that last few mile stretch of my run just to appreciate how comfortable it is. Lastly, the bike feels like a completely different bike. I have it on a Bike Friday Pocket Rocket. Before putting on the B17, it was very harsh with Fizik seats. Now, it feels like a full sized Bianchi Campione De Italia road bike with Columbus CrMo frame; seriously. I just ordered another one, the Imperial with springs. But, here's what finally did the magic. Obenauf's Leather Conditioner - Leather Oil: applied this under the Brooks B17 using a small paint brush and less than half hour, the B17 became so soft and flexible. I never knew this before! I understand now why they were so hard when I received them. They dried out since it was first made. So once you condition it, it becomes what a leather saddle should be.
I love my brooks! I have a few on different bikes and I really like them. For non brooks saddles I need a cut out but with the brooks I prefer the regular ones. I have one brooks with a cut out but it’s a little too squishy for me.
Brooks Professional on both racing bike and randonneur. Racing bike build in 1991 got a rebuild (paint & new Campa group) but still has the old Brooks. Just cleaned the Brooks, hammered the copper nails in shape and polished them a bit. Saddle sits like a sofa although it shows its age. The randonneur (build 2005) inherited its Brooks Professional from its predecessor (1990). But that saddle had to be replaced during my 2006 Adventure Cycling Northern Tier as the leather got torn apart between two rivets. Replaced by a new Brooks Professional of course. At original purchase I got the advice to sparcely grease the saddle; and only on the back site. Over the years that resulted in tears in the leather, so nowadays I grease both sides more regular. So it is grease, stretch the saddle when needed, ride the bike a lot and grease/stretch the saddle... Also have a Brooks B66 (with the springs) but unfortunately that does not fit on my city bike with the modern seatpost :( . Once went to a bikeshop to replace it as one of the springs was broken. Find out that you can buy new springs for the saddle so I went for that option. Costs were lower than EUR 10.
Honestly if u can use the saddle for 50 miles, it is somewhat a good saddle to you. I just got my new bike that comes with fizik saddle and just 10 miles I decided to change.
I’ve had a brooks c17 on my roadie for 2 years because that’s my commuter in all weather, which is an awesome saddle, I just got a Kona gravel bike that is my new commuter so I put the c17 on it and just ordered a b17 for my jamis roadie because it won’t be exposed to all weather anymore, just long rides on good days, can’t wait to get it 😊
I think the shorter rails might be considered a con for some people. I've been thinking I need my seat positioned a little farther back than my brooks will go. I quite like it otherwise. A Brooks related tangent- I met someone going the opposite way on the C&O last year who had gotten their saddle saturated with water somehow, and the leather at the nose had ripped clean off the rest of it. Poor thing had to ride most of the day to the closest shop sitting on the rails. I don't know how it got so wet, but it was a sobering reminder to take good care of my own saddle. I double up on my seat covers now just in case.
Several thousand miles on my B17 and love it. It’s gotten wet a couple times and once air dried it’s good as new. Some discoloration very early on (I have the same color you’re reviewing) but doesn’t detract from the look. I also have same color Brooks handlebar tape (not leather), the look is cool and I get occasional compliments.
If anyone is interested in my experience: My b17 standard: 3000 miles riding on a front loader cargo bike, well taken care of, proof hide, never really found it super comfortable. Have adjusted the tension up and down, comfort is ok. Looks amazing, still going to ride it. My wife's b17 standard: 5000 miles on a gravel bike/commuter, she loved it the second she tried it, says it's the most comfortable saddle she's ever ridden.
If you are referring to a flat rivets as copper rivets on a B17 Special, believe me they are not flat. I have the Special and the copper rivets are actually a little bumps on the leather surface of the saddle that just push to your posterior. If a person has a bit wider sit bones (mine are 155 mm), then the rivets push directly on sit bones. And you can imagine that ride 🙂. So, if this is the matter, go for standard and not the special b17.
I have the B17 Special (honey brown)50 miles boom so nice happy days ,I also have black B17 ridden 2000 + miles and its hard as rock so am going to sell it.
You've heard me before, riding Brooks since the early '60's. Have several on road and mountain bikes. One B-17 since 1964. I also have (had) many other designs but tossed them out over these years. I still ride 8,500-12000 miles per year recreationally and a few two week treks. Minus a couple of years with destroyed nerves, removed by surgery caused by "clipless pedal systems and narrow toe shoes. please use flat wide pedals and comfortable wide toe box shoes. Regardless of who you are, these injuries will occur over time. No one really gains real efficiencies unless three seconds per 125 miles will get you a few hundred thousand dollars. come on.... Anyway, break in a Brooks and be comfortable! Thanks!
I just purchased a new flyer (the one with springs) because my old flyer broke at one of the front rivets. You can’t repair broken leather… i had it for around 12 years. I’m gonna take better care for the new one with a cover (that can easily be stored when you ride underneath the saddle!).
They are the best of the best. Had this saddle on a tourer and gave it away when the tourer died. Yes it outlasted the bike it came with. I ride Brooks Pros on all my bikes, Mind you just ordered a new bike with a Brooks Swift, taking a real risk here.
The B17 is a *saddle*… all others are seats. I bought one when I got my Trek 520 (about 10 years ago). I’ve loved since my very first ride, in blue jeans (no chamois). Straight out of the box, for me, comfortable from the first sit - I didn’t need to break into it, though as the mileage added, it just got more comfortable.
I have a ton of experience with leather boots. So I'm wondering if maybe just using a good leather conditioner with this saddle would help break it in quicker. I know Brooks has their own "Proofide" conditioner but I'm willing to bet a good Saphir leather conditioner would probably work better.
I've tried lots of different saddles. For my hard tail and full suspension mountain bike I now ride Brooks 17 in the titanium version to spare some weight. I will never use anything else, I find them super comfortable for this type of bikes. I believe it's the best for bikes with a less aggressive cycling position. For my road bike they are really bad, I've tried the slimmer Brooks swallow saddle also on my road bike, not impressed. I use a selle SMP well gel saddle for my road bike now, just as comfortable feeling as the B17 on my mountain bikes. Different horses for different courses.
Just back from the morning's ride and the Brooks is my friend as always. I'm fortunate to have one on each of my bikes: a 10-year old honey B17, an 8-year old black B17, and a two year old honey B67 in all it's coil spring plushness (plus a brown C17 Cambium that's swapped in on rainy rides). Many many miles all tolled and many more to come. Ryan's absolutely right, a little Proofide love and your Brooks will go on & on. Great review! 🤘🏻
I don't remember what it was like breaking mine in. I was told 1k miles but I know it didn't take that many. I think, in it's new state, was already better than the saddle that came with my bike.
My black B17 dates back to 2010. I’ll never use anything different, the natural shock absorbing leather a charm. Adding the small ‘Challenge’ tool bagwith Brook’s multi- tool, my bike looks distinguished!
I added the B17 special in black along with the Challenge bag to my Ivory Gazelle Medeo T10. I love the old classic look of the Brooks on the modern classic Gazelle ebike. I really like being able to ride without bike shorts too. Very comfy out of the box and now even better after a 100 miles. I think it will continue to break in and be even better over time.
Great Video! You can lock both bike wheels to the frame to a steel pole. Do you remove the Brooks saddle (Allen wrench and it comes off) when locking up your bike in the street?
Just bought a Brooks B17. Rode with it 1000KM. Within the first 10 hours, a center longitudinal ridge started to develop. Very painful as you sit on a spine. I contacted the company and they did everything possible to blame me, making assumptions about mishandling the saddle. I just rode it! Maybe it's a good saddle when not defective but if it is defective as mine was, the company will do everything they can to blame you and not take any responsibility, not even offering an exchange. Buy from better companies!
A 1:02 product on the market for 100 years (!) virtually unchanged - company in Business for as long. Judge for yourself - achievementwise - that against a fellow with a sample of 1 alleged and a screenname of "faironlinereviews" commenting on another man's Video.
I've got wide hips so I've been really hesitant about Brooks, but who knows how long the foam Selle Royal one I've been using is going to last. I think I would feel more confident if they had a greater size range?
I love mine. It's been a few years. A con you can add is, being made from hide, vegans don't like it. For them the Cambium is there, though it may not be as durable.
It went together easily in less than an hour. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Make sure the front fork is forward or the pedals will hit the front tire. Tires are both a little soft so it needs air before I ride it. The rear wheel didn't come with a clamp regular bolts hold it on. The front had the clamp. No scratches out of box. Rims are a little off with a slight wobble. They could have spent more time with the spoke tool fixing the run out. So far out of the box I'm happy with it. I did replace the pedals with a nice aftermarket set. After riding it a bit my A$$ is a bit sore so I ordered another seat. Overall I'm nearly 60 and didn't ride a bike in 30 years. I like my new 29" Schwinn. It will be used for casual rides with my friend.
I thought the cut-out was for males who are well-endowed, or who like to pretend they are. However, perhaps it would also be an advantage in hotter climes. I have an upright with a B67 which I find wonderful. 100 miles in padded shorts is no hardship and now I can ride comfortably in normal colonial khaki shorts or unpadded longs.
There is a reason why a horse rider is using a leather and not a plastic saddle. Why should I sit on plastic? Riding the B17 flyer since I can think. There is no alternative.
Lots of riders forget, that saddle comfort is not only the saddle, but the height and position, as well as the leather tension. 2cm up/down or back and forward can make a huge difference. My saddle was ridden in about 300km in Northern Germany in the beautiful Lüneburg Heath and greased as described by Ryan. Again thx!
Well it sure is not better than good modern saddles, specially ergonomic ones. I have them on my own bikes as well. Yeah they need to break in like leather shoes do as well. They also need protection from rain, and maintenance. But to me it is...more about the looks why I bought it. But that they are better or more comfortable, is an absolute myth if you ask me. I mean let's face it, it is going back to stone age, not all new is better, but in this case...in 2024+ I mean...we by now have saddles that are seriously better and better performing, easier to maintain, or maintenance proof. Buying and having a Brooks saddle, or nice leather ones, is all about the looks, and definitely not about expecting comfort. LOL
I'm so tempted to slap that sweet saddle on my electric hardtail (totally a vanity move). But (no pun intended) my butt and wallet may have a different opinion. Oh, well I can dream. 😉
Yeah unfortunately. I would have considered Brooks otherwise as I like a lot about them, but the fact that it's leather sadly makes it a no-go for me. Have been trying a lot of saddles through the years and haven't yet found one that is perfect, but the ones I have now (a Bontrager and an SQlab, both selected based on my measured sit-bone width) work for me 99%.
I’ve had multiple B17 and Swallow saddles and love them. I’m a big rider and have found the rivets bite a bit. I’m interested in trying the synthetic c17(?) and see how they compare. I did buy a Gille Bertough Aspen which has the rivets on the side and have been very happy with it too. Thanks for the great, relevant videos Ryan.
Hi ! Thanks a lot for the review ! I am considering both the b17 short and the b17 short carved. Any chance you've tried the carved as well, and could share "comparison" feelings/thoughts ? Cheers ! 🌞🏔🚲
I have both (a regular shape/size Brooks B17 Special, and the shorter Brooks Carved "ladies" (short) saddle). It's a bit difficult to compare, because the Special is on my "do anything" bike and the Ladies Carved is on my turbo trainer. If anything, the latter bike set-up has the potential for greater discomfort, because on a turbo trainer you are not constantly moving, changing position, etc. I have never, ever, had any discomfort with the carved saddle on the turbo trainer despite often doing long indoor rides, so I guess that edges it for me in terms of comfort - certainly, other saddles I have used on the turbo trainer WERE uncomfortable after an hour or so, but the Brooks Carved Ladies' saddle has been on the turbo trainer bike since the day I first tried it, and won't be coming off. The regular (non-carved) saddle is perhaps a bit stiffer, but still definitely very comfortable even on what I describe as long days (8 hrs in the saddle). (I don't really notice the difference in length between the two, but personally, I'd say you have more position options with the regular size, whereas with the Ladies'/short saddle you almost have to sit in one place, give or take a centimetre.)
⚡️👞Alright Brooks buddies, tell me the story of your Brooks saddles!
I have two Brooks B17 saddles: (a) a "ladies" (ahem) B17 Carved saddle, which is on my turbo trainer bike, and (b) a B17 "Special" with the brass rivets on my Do Anything bike. I can honestly say that both of them WERE comfortable "out of the box" and didn't need any break-in period at all. In fact, they are the most comfortable saddles I have ever ridden in a lifetime of cycling - and I'm 65! I've ridden the Brooks Special on some pretty lumpy-bumpy terrain and there were no comfort issues at all, even after a long day in the saddle.
One dislike or heads-up you didn't mention was the RAILS. Although they are a standard width, the B17 rails have a shorter parallel section, and a more vertical back section, compared to most other saddles. This has a number of consequences. First is that the shorter parallel/clamp section restricts the amount of fore-aft wiggle room you have when adjusting your saddle fit. This, plus the more vertical, and wider, back section of the rails means that many saddle bag fittings won't fit the Brooks B17. Two examples are the Topeak Wedge saddle bag that comes with the quick-click fitting (although their newer models have a more one-size-fits-all fitting), and the Alpkit Exo-Rail that is used with their Koala seat pack.
Well, I've got B17 Ladies Aged or maybe Aged Ladies :) Couldn't find Imperial at the time when I was buying, so I made a cutout myself. Yep, Brooks lovers, don't faint. Just made a cutout with a knife. It's not as perfect as factory made cutout but works fine and I suppose thieves find it less attractive. Holes for lacing are a great thing. Allows to tighten it in transverse direction. I love this sadddle.
I *think* I have nine of them, in a few different iterations. There is no substitute.
I am just about to do the build on a new touring bike. B17 Special, of course.
@@davidrowe8747 Thank you for all this information. I just purchased the B17 Special and I'm hoping I don't need to break it in very much because my current saddle is so bad I can't even ride my bike but a few minutes.
I own a Gazelle Medeo T10 class 1 ebike. I tried four saddles before getting the B17 special. The saddle was comfortable from day one but has gotten better over time. I don’t see a need to ever change seats again. I don’t mind doing a little extra maintenance on the saddle a couple times a year. The classic looks of the B17 compliments the style of my bike. I pared the saddle with a Kinekt suspension seat post and can take longer rides in complete comfort.
I've had a lot of saddle pain in recent years. tried the most expensive pants and saddles. nothing helped. Based on this review I bought the Brooks B17. and what a revelation. a happy feeling all week and has given my hobby a new impulse. thank you very much. greeting leo
Heck yea love to hear it!! 🤙
I’m on my 46th year of riding and I’ve tried many different saddles and I always came back to the Brooks B17. I own 3 bikes and all 3 have a B17 fitted on them. I totally agree with your review. It’s a great saddle!
I bought my first B17 in the late '80s and it was out of the box very comfy but I killed it by non/low/wrong care because I was young and didn't know what I was doing. I tried many other seats over decades but B17 is still the best and I used them on several bikes like on my touring bike and my Surly Pugsley because they don't give me any grief.
My raleigh sojourn came with it. And I realised by your video that I've never had a chaffing problem or any other. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your thorough review of the Brooks saddle. I have been in love with this saddle for years and now when I finally got my touring bike, I can't wait to try this masterpiece under my butt. 😍
Great saddle , I have been riding Brooks since 1976 they are on all my bikes.
I love my brooks. I have the B17 on my commuter and my hard tail. I was starting to worry that it was sagging a bit too much, but it looks like yours. Appreciate knowing its my arse and not the saddle! :)
I got my Brooks Team Pro in 1992. It was originally on our tandem, then on my commuter/road bike. I've done zero maintenance and thousands of miles It's been left out in the rain, ridden wet, I've even done a few triathlons on it. its still going strong. Since then I've bought a couple more B17's and got my wife on one on the tandem. I've also tried the Spa Cycles Nidd, which I think is somewhere between a B17 and a Team Pro, and I really like it, a bit more robust than the B17, but consequently a bit longer break in period. If you are tempted by the Team Pro, be aware that some models don't have the saddle bag loops, if that is important to you (it is to me, I am old and British!).
I was reluctant to get a Brooks saddle because I’d heard all sorts of different opinions about them. But I ended up buying a used bike that came with a Brooks Professional - and I instantly fell in love! It’s such a great saddle. I’ve toured on it with no problems and I bought one for my commuter bike. Can’t recommend them highly enough :-)
This is the best Brooks B17 saddle review that I've seen. Genuine, smart, and original feedback on the rivets. The caretaking (saddle cream, etc.) part is important but you refer to that in another video. Thanks for this great review. I was also hesitant on the investment but it was worth it.
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!
My wife complained of saddle discomfort over twenty odd years of touring and when she bought a Brooks I was convinced it would be in the bin within a week - she bought the “softened” version which doesn’t need breaking in. She was perfectly comfortable from day one and I bought mine the next week. My wife got the version with coil springs at the back which may be even more comfortable.
what is the "softened" version? Nevermind just looked it up and the difference is the softened version is nubuck leather.
@@NonLegitNation2 As I understand it the softened, or aged, version is the same leather chemically treated so you don't need to break it in, but apparently it isn't as long lasting.
My wife's saddle became deformed, probably partly because it is wider and mainly because I neglected to tension it regularly. It was still comfortable but she just bought a new one - the same model. Mine, the B17, is still perfect.
Y'all got me to dig out my brooks b17 about a month ago when I discovered your channel. Now since riding it again I love it. I thought I always needed a cut out after having surgery but that wasn't true. More of what it needed was some care, tensioning it and the proofide really did fix it. Now I swear by the brooks too and hate my other saddles lol.
Great review...thanks! I read soaking in water and glycerin then applying saddle lube and go for a ride...repeat 3X helps break it in quickly.
Another huge thing I’ve noticed is that when your cranks are too long, that can cause your hips to gyrate excessively around the seat, which then causes discomfort on the sits bones. Historically, I had bought squishier and squishier seats to try to account for that, but I finally got the right size (shorter) cranks, and picked out a seat that just felt the most natural - and it’s the B17.
Thank for sharing and yes, very good points!
loved the B17 carved from the first moment on. I never wear bibb shorts AKA pampers (8000 miles in two years)
YMMV, but I got a Brooks B-17 saddle for my road bike about a dozen years ago, and it was the most comfortable saddle I ever had from the first day I rode it. I was expecting to have to break it in for a few miles, but that is not the case. I think I did about a 25-mile ride the first time and felt no discomfort at the end of the ride. I don't remember all the details, but I think I treated it with some neatsfoot oil or saddle soap before my first ride.
I had the B17 in black for years, more years than I'd like to admit. It was used on a long line of bikes. Ultimately it was stolen off my bike. My butt has never been the same.
Great review! I have a standard B17 with only about 150 miles on it, but it's very comfortable already.
I bought a Brooks last year in Dec because of your reviews. Mine is still going strong. Great info! Thanks!
Glad you're liking it!
Thank you, I have a Swift and on/off I could not get it get it to break in like my Terry saddles. But I will give the B17 a try, thank you for the video, I really enjoyed it thoroughly.
EDIT:
Just got my B17 Special and have put on about 70+ mile. So far, I'm loving it. I now understand all the rave about B17. First, it was rock hard. But I noticed my nerves are no longer pinched and numbs out my male anatomy after a ride. Second, I find that I get up less when anticipating a small imperfection and debris on the road. Actually I find it fun to feel them under the seat. Third, I thought it was slippery when first starting a run. But after I have been riding for about 40 minutes, it stays put. Forth, when I near the end of a run, I am tired and just want to get home. With B17, I am so looking forward to that last few mile stretch of my run just to appreciate how comfortable it is. Lastly, the bike feels like a completely different bike. I have it on a Bike Friday Pocket Rocket. Before putting on the B17, it was very harsh with Fizik seats. Now, it feels like a full sized Bianchi Campione De Italia road bike with Columbus CrMo frame; seriously. I just ordered another one, the Imperial with springs.
But, here's what finally did the magic. Obenauf's Leather Conditioner - Leather Oil: applied this under the Brooks B17 using a small paint brush and less than half hour, the B17 became so soft and flexible. I never knew this before! I understand now why they were so hard when I received them. They dried out since it was first made. So once you condition it, it becomes what a leather saddle should be.
Thanks for the review. Just putting together a commuter using a vintage Claud Butler frame. The Brooks sounds comfortable enough and looks very cool 👍
I've used Brooks. They're OK. My go-to saddles are WTB Volt or my Selle Anatomica, depending on which bike and what I'm doing.
Gotta find what works for YOU!
I love my brooks! I have a few on different bikes and I really like them. For non brooks saddles I need a cut out but with the brooks I prefer the regular ones. I have one brooks with a cut out but it’s a little too squishy for me.
Der beste Fahrradsattel überhaupt 👍👍👍👍👍
Finally 😄 we come back 😂😂😂😂
Brooks Professional on both racing bike and randonneur. Racing bike build in 1991 got a rebuild (paint & new Campa group) but still has the old Brooks. Just cleaned the Brooks, hammered the copper nails in shape and polished them a bit. Saddle sits like a sofa although it shows its age.
The randonneur (build 2005) inherited its Brooks Professional from its predecessor (1990). But that saddle had to be replaced during my 2006 Adventure Cycling Northern Tier as the leather got torn apart between two rivets. Replaced by a new Brooks Professional of course.
At original purchase I got the advice to sparcely grease the saddle; and only on the back site. Over the years that resulted in tears in the leather, so nowadays I grease both sides more regular.
So it is grease, stretch the saddle when needed, ride the bike a lot and grease/stretch the saddle...
Also have a Brooks B66 (with the springs) but unfortunately that does not fit on my city bike with the modern seatpost :( . Once went to a bikeshop to replace it as one of the springs was broken. Find out that you can buy new springs for the saddle so I went for that option. Costs were lower than EUR 10.
Got the B17… love it!
Honestly if u can use the saddle for 50 miles, it is somewhat a good saddle to you. I just got my new bike that comes with fizik saddle and just 10 miles I decided to change.
4 B17s and one C17 in garage now. I retired a B17 a couple of years ago after 35 years.
Thanks for the advice, very much appreciated 🙏 😊🚴♂️💨
I’ve had a brooks c17 on my roadie for 2 years because that’s my commuter in all weather, which is an awesome saddle, I just got a Kona gravel bike that is my new commuter so I put the c17 on it and just ordered a b17 for my jamis roadie because it won’t be exposed to all weather anymore, just long rides on good days, can’t wait to get it 😊
Hi guys
Bought a b17 sprung flyer in Lander when riding the trans am in 2019. And used it for new Zealand TA in 2020.
Incredibly comfortable
Cheers
Thanks for this review. Now I want one of those asap:D
I think the shorter rails might be considered a con for some people. I've been thinking I need my seat positioned a little farther back than my brooks will go. I quite like it otherwise.
A Brooks related tangent- I met someone going the opposite way on the C&O last year who had gotten their saddle saturated with water somehow, and the leather at the nose had ripped clean off the rest of it. Poor thing had to ride most of the day to the closest shop sitting on the rails. I don't know how it got so wet, but it was a sobering reminder to take good care of my own saddle. I double up on my seat covers now just in case.
Well im looking into it, yep good idea with a bike fitting. hugs to all ! nice to get a video. :D
Excellent Ryan
Great review
Ho provato tante delle per la bici ma adesso volevo ritornare a provare Brooks B17 mi sembra una delle migliori 👍🏽
Several thousand miles on my B17 and love it. It’s gotten wet a couple times and once air dried it’s good as new. Some discoloration very early on (I have the same color you’re reviewing) but doesn’t detract from the look. I also have same color Brooks handlebar tape (not leather), the look is cool and I get occasional compliments.
I just put one on my Trek Roscoe, as goofy as it looks I love it for that. I'm used to breaking in boots so I understand what I've signed up for 😅
If anyone is interested in my experience:
My b17 standard: 3000 miles riding on a front loader cargo bike, well taken care of, proof hide, never really found it super comfortable. Have adjusted the tension up and down, comfort is ok. Looks amazing, still going to ride it.
My wife's b17 standard: 5000 miles on a gravel bike/commuter, she loved it the second she tried it, says it's the most comfortable saddle she's ever ridden.
Awesome review appreciate the info
Great review, thanks.
If you are referring to a flat rivets as copper rivets on a B17 Special, believe me they are not flat. I have the Special and the copper rivets are actually a little bumps on the leather surface of the saddle that just push to your posterior. If a person has a bit wider sit bones (mine are 155 mm), then the rivets push directly on sit bones. And you can imagine that ride 🙂. So, if this is the matter, go for standard and not the special b17.
My fav is the Selle SMP TRK with a cut out, best i've found for me !
Nice review bud
Thanks 👊
I have the B17 Special (honey brown)50 miles boom so nice happy days ,I also have black B17 ridden 2000 + miles and its hard as rock so am going to sell it.
You've heard me before, riding Brooks since the early '60's. Have several on road and mountain bikes. One B-17 since 1964.
I also have (had) many other designs but tossed them out over these years. I still ride 8,500-12000 miles per year recreationally and a few two week treks. Minus a couple of years with destroyed nerves, removed by surgery caused by "clipless pedal systems and narrow toe shoes. please use flat wide pedals and comfortable wide toe box shoes. Regardless of who you are, these injuries will occur over time. No one really gains real efficiencies unless three seconds per 125 miles will get you a few hundred thousand dollars. come on....
Anyway, break in a Brooks and be comfortable!
Thanks!
Love it!
what kind of destroyed nerves you have?
@@RevoltingRudi Crushed behind the ball. Tissue buildup similar to Mortons but further rearward
Ryan looks nice with that apron. Bike tech support outfit version of him.
first ride OMG this is a rock what the heck did i do, month later would never buy another saddle and seeing how well they last may never have to
I just purchased a new flyer (the one with springs) because my old flyer broke at one of the front rivets. You can’t repair broken leather… i had it for around 12 years. I’m gonna take better care for the new one with a cover (that can easily be stored when you ride underneath the saddle!).
What saddle cover do you recommend?
They are the best of the best. Had this saddle on a tourer and gave it away when the tourer died. Yes it outlasted the bike it came with. I ride Brooks Pros on all my bikes, Mind you just ordered a new bike with a Brooks Swift, taking a real risk here.
The B17 is a *saddle*… all others are seats. I bought one when I got my Trek 520 (about 10 years ago). I’ve loved since my very first ride, in blue jeans (no chamois). Straight out of the box, for me, comfortable from the first sit - I didn’t need to break into it, though as the mileage added, it just got more comfortable.
Awesome review! Love my Brooks saddles ♥️ I also have a black and a brown, both about 15 years old and so comfy! Truly a hammock for your butt 😂
I have a ton of experience with leather boots. So I'm wondering if maybe just using a good leather conditioner with this saddle would help break it in quicker. I know Brooks has their own "Proofide" conditioner but I'm willing to bet a good Saphir leather conditioner would probably work better.
I've tried lots of different saddles.
For my hard tail and full suspension mountain bike I now ride Brooks 17 in the titanium version to spare some weight.
I will never use anything else, I find them super comfortable for this type of bikes.
I believe it's the best for bikes with a less aggressive cycling position.
For my road bike they are really bad, I've tried the slimmer Brooks swallow saddle also on my road bike, not impressed.
I use a selle SMP well gel saddle for my road bike now, just as comfortable feeling as the B17 on my mountain bikes.
Different horses for different courses.
You may have a point there! I have a narrow one for my ol’ Fuji steel roadie and it just never feels quite right!
Nothing better than a run on b17, 6bikes 6 b17's
That’s what’s up!
It feels as comfortable as a brick wall. I’ve never gotten through the “200 mile” break-in period.
tis not a saddle for everyone!
Just back from the morning's ride and the Brooks is my friend as always. I'm fortunate to have one on each of my bikes: a 10-year old honey B17, an 8-year old black B17, and a two year old honey B67 in all it's coil spring plushness (plus a brown C17 Cambium that's swapped in on rainy rides). Many many miles all tolled and many more to come. Ryan's absolutely right, a little Proofide love and your Brooks will go on & on. Great review! 🤘🏻
I don't remember what it was like breaking mine in. I was told 1k miles but I know it didn't take that many. I think, in it's new state, was already better than the saddle that came with my bike.
My black B17 dates back to 2010. I’ll never use anything different, the natural shock absorbing leather a charm. Adding the small ‘Challenge’ tool bagwith Brook’s multi- tool, my bike looks distinguished!
I added the B17 special in black along with the Challenge bag to my Ivory Gazelle Medeo T10. I love the old classic look of the Brooks on the modern classic Gazelle ebike. I really like being able to ride without bike shorts too. Very comfy out of the box and now even better after a 100 miles. I think it will continue to break in and be even better over time.
I feel like the Brooks saddle is requisite if you have a handlebar moustache and/or ironic tattoos.
Great Video! You can lock both bike wheels to the frame to a steel pole. Do you remove the Brooks saddle (Allen wrench and it comes off) when locking up your bike in the street?
Hey Ryan - could you give some advice on figuring out the correct seat angle for using the B17 while touring? Thanks!
Most B17 users (including myself) tip the nose very slightly upwards, if that's any help.
Boot lace is the word you are looking for, not string. 8000 plus km on the speedometer of my E bike using a Brooks.
hello 我看到朱之文的视频 来到你这里 祝你玩的开心
I'm keen on my b-17!!🤣👌💯
Ayyyy! Keen on that leather sheen! 🔍
Having a brooks is the cherry on top of a sweeettt,build!!
I’m sure you have been caught in the rain. How do you protect your saddle inn that situation as you ride?
Just bought a Brooks B17. Rode with it 1000KM. Within the first 10 hours, a center longitudinal ridge started to develop. Very painful as you sit on a spine. I contacted the company and they did everything possible to blame me, making assumptions about mishandling the saddle. I just rode it! Maybe it's a good saddle when not defective but if it is defective as mine was, the company will do everything they can to blame you and not take any responsibility, not even offering an exchange. Buy from better companies!
Brooks loves money!
A 1:02 product on the market for 100 years (!) virtually unchanged - company in Business for as long.
Judge for yourself - achievementwise - that against a fellow with a sample of 1 alleged and a screenname of "faironlinereviews" commenting on another man's Video.
why does her saddle tilted down. is it her preference to ride with the saddle tilted down??
I've got wide hips so I've been really hesitant about Brooks, but who knows how long the foam Selle Royal one I've been using is going to last. I think I would feel more confident if they had a greater size range?
Brooks makes a large one called b67
So TLDW - you liked it?
I love mine. It's been a few years. A con you can add is, being made from hide, vegans don't like it. For them the Cambium is there, though it may not be as durable.
Somehow mine just wont wear in even a little. Not even after 1000km its just hard as a rock and hurts my ass. Can it be i have the tention too tight ?
Could be. You shouldn’t touch the tensioner after you get it. But it IS a hard saddle. You do have to get used to that a bit.
It went together easily in less than an hour. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Make sure the front fork is forward or the pedals will hit the front tire. Tires are both a little soft so it needs air before I ride it. The rear wheel didn't come with a clamp regular bolts hold it on. The front had the clamp. No scratches out of box. Rims are a little off with a slight wobble. They could have spent more time with the spoke tool fixing the run out. So far out of the box I'm happy with it. I did replace the pedals with a nice aftermarket set. After riding it a bit my A$$ is a bit sore so I ordered another seat. Overall I'm nearly 60 and didn't ride a bike in 30 years. I like my new 29" Schwinn. It will be used for casual rides with my friend.
How do you center the tensioner bolt?
Would you consider buying it second hand one like from eBay?
Sure! One of mine is second hand. It might take more time to break in to contour to your body but i'm all for buying used gear
E' un'ottima sella italiana
May I ask how tall you are? :) Thinking about getting the B17 or the B17 Short an I am 1,65cm tall
I'm travel sized lol. about the same height as you so the short might work for ya
How do you level the saddle? Is it nose up by 2 degrees or flat?
many people say nose up just slightly but find what works for you. i rode mine flat (level) for our entire trip and was very comfortable.
I thought the cut-out was for males who are well-endowed, or who like to pretend they are. However, perhaps it would also be an advantage in hotter climes. I have an upright with a B67 which I find wonderful. 100 miles in padded shorts is no hardship and now I can ride comfortably in normal colonial khaki shorts or unpadded longs.
There is a reason why a horse rider is using a leather and not a plastic saddle. Why should I sit on plastic? Riding the B17 flyer since I can think. There is no alternative.
Lots of riders forget, that saddle comfort is not only the saddle, but the height and position, as well as the leather tension. 2cm up/down or back and forward can make a huge difference.
My saddle was ridden in about 300km in Northern Germany in the beautiful Lüneburg Heath and greased as described by Ryan. Again thx!
Well it sure is not better than good modern saddles, specially ergonomic ones. I have them on my own bikes as well. Yeah they need to break in like leather shoes do as well. They also need protection from rain, and maintenance. But to me it is...more about the looks why I bought it. But that they are better or more comfortable, is an absolute myth if you ask me. I mean let's face it, it is going back to stone age, not all new is better, but in this case...in 2024+ I mean...we by now have saddles that are seriously better and better performing, easier to maintain, or maintenance proof. Buying and having a Brooks saddle, or nice leather ones, is all about the looks, and definitely not about expecting comfort. LOL
You like her saddle and she likes yours, why don't you just swap?
It’s a fair point 😆
I'm so tempted to slap that sweet saddle on my electric hardtail (totally a vanity move). But (no pun intended) my butt and wallet may have a different opinion. Oh, well I can dream. 😉
OK. Before I watch the video… I’m guessing the bottom line will be, “it’s good.”
It’s a fair assumption!
And it's leather...any vegetarians/vegans have a problem with that?
Yeah unfortunately. I would have considered Brooks otherwise as I like a lot about them, but the fact that it's leather sadly makes it a no-go for me. Have been trying a lot of saddles through the years and haven't yet found one that is perfect, but the ones I have now (a Bontrager and an SQlab, both selected based on my measured sit-bone width) work for me 99%.
The Brooks Cambium collection is not leather so that’s a vegan option
@@radbikeadventure Good to know! I may have a look at that next time I'm checking other saddles! :)
Are you a lady?
I’ve had multiple B17 and Swallow saddles and love them. I’m a big rider and have found the rivets bite a bit. I’m interested in trying the synthetic c17(?) and see how they compare. I did buy a Gille Bertough Aspen which has the rivets on the side and have been very happy with it too. Thanks for the great, relevant videos Ryan.
Get the one with flattened rivets! The “ B17 Special”. It’s a game changer!
Hi ! Thanks a lot for the review ! I am considering both the b17 short and the b17 short carved. Any chance you've tried the carved as well, and could share "comparison" feelings/thoughts ? Cheers ! 🌞🏔🚲
I have both (a regular shape/size Brooks B17 Special, and the shorter Brooks Carved "ladies" (short) saddle). It's a bit difficult to compare, because the Special is on my "do anything" bike and the Ladies Carved is on my turbo trainer. If anything, the latter bike set-up has the potential for greater discomfort, because on a turbo trainer you are not constantly moving, changing position, etc. I have never, ever, had any discomfort with the carved saddle on the turbo trainer despite often doing long indoor rides, so I guess that edges it for me in terms of comfort - certainly, other saddles I have used on the turbo trainer WERE uncomfortable after an hour or so, but the Brooks Carved Ladies' saddle has been on the turbo trainer bike since the day I first tried it, and won't be coming off. The regular (non-carved) saddle is perhaps a bit stiffer, but still definitely very comfortable even on what I describe as long days (8 hrs in the saddle).
(I don't really notice the difference in length between the two, but personally, I'd say you have more position options with the regular size, whereas with the Ladies'/short saddle you almost have to sit in one place, give or take a centimetre.)
I haven’t sorry 😕
Are you on Instagram ?