Touring - Brooks Saddles

Are these really all they are cracked up to be? If so, which model do you recommend for a sportier touring setup?

Dan

I tried a b17 based on the hype and it didn't fit me well. Seats with a cutout work better for me.

Don't really understand what you mean by 'sportier', but both my butt and my eyes love my B17 Champion Special.

I have a B17 Narrow on my 520. It is about 1/2 inch narrower than a regular B17 and works well with the drop bars slightly below seat height. There are many long threads on this topic - do a search and have fun.

My favorite is the B17. I bought my first one strictly because I thought it looked good, but loved it and now have brooks on all my bikes. Wallingford Bikes in new orleans has a generous return policy in case you get one and don't like it.

once u try 1 u won't go back!

I would suggest that if you are seeking an opinion on a brooks saddle, that you seek advice from only people who ride one. Brooks saddles often get a bad rap for their discomfort, heavy weight, retro styling, etc. etc. The funny thing is that usually these negative comments are from people that have never used a brooks saddle or those who base their opinion on one 20 mile ride.

I spent 15 years swapping saddles. A friend finally talked me into trying a brooks. My first ride, I hated it. My second, same opinion. My third ride, I realized I was no longer riding in discomfort.

That was 5 years ago. I now have Brooks saddles on all my bikes. My favorite model is the venerable B-17. For the money, it is a great saddle. Not real flashy, but rock solid.

My first Brooks lasted 25 years, not bad in the scheme of things. #2 and #3 are going strong (tandem and single all b-17's) Actually both of those broke in faster than the original. After #1 died I tried a couple of cut out seats and newer plastic seats which would feel good for 30 min to an hour, then riding would be extremely painful. Clearly there are people who might find good seating on other saddles and I am sure there are some who find Brooks uncomfortable but I personally feel they are the best because they "break in" to give you a custom fit to your anatomy. Proper adjustment of the seat is still essential. Most other seats do not change from the time they are new until they wear out. I agree that most saddles are "marketed' to appeal to new riders etc. Brooks have been selling essentially the same saddle for over 75 years. Clearly they are doing something right. Several dealers will offer a 30 day or longer warranty to let you try one first.

I've got nearly 15,000 kms on my Brooks B-17 Standard ... and it just keeps getting better!! :D

I have just fitted a Brooks Swift ti to my Merlin Agilis, its taken a month to break in- its just uncomfortable not bloody painful. The leather, (I'm guessing only) seemed tighter than a Brooks Pro I broke in, several years ago. The Pro is now on my tandem (and I love it). Before the tandem it was on my 80's steel race bike.

I also own my grandfather's B17 Sprinter (1930's model), I rode this on my track bike until I crashed and the rider behind scuffed the leather. After this I thought it best to retire the saddle, I now keep it Proofhided and just love looking at it- it has served 2 riders extremely well and deserves to retire gracefully!

I also believe that wearing good quality nix/ cycle shorts, goes a long way to saving your butt from pain- leather top/nylon based or full leather saddle.

In my humble opinion, its a B17 or a Pro, for your style of riding.
'I love my Brooks':)

A question for the B17 enthusiasts...

I am probably going to shell out for one of these beauties for the tourer/commuter I hope to build up in the spring. I currently use a split Specialized and find it really tough on my sit bones after a long ride. I hope that once one sufficiently breaks in the "ass hachet", as it has lovingly been refered to, it should form to these bony points of my rear.

My question relates to year round riding. As the bike will be my year round commuter, it will have to endure seemingly endless west coast rain and cold. I realize that I will be covering the seat most of the time but there will be times off the saddle, splashes etc. Is the saddle up to this or would it be better to take it off for the winter and swap with a plastic saddle?

Thanks.

My question relates to year round riding. As the bike will be my year round commuter, it will have to endure seemingly endless west coast rain and cold. I realize that I will be covering the seat most of the time but there will be times off the saddle, splashes etc. Is the saddle up to this or would it be better to take it off for the winter and swap with a plastic saddle?

Thanks.

I have ridden in everything from scorching hot temps, to freezing cold temps, and through everything from dry weather to incredible torrential downpours, sleet, and snow with my B17 ... and it is just fine.

I have put a little proofide on it a couple times in the year and half (15,000 kms) I've had it, and I have covered it when I've camped and had to leave it outside. That's all I've done to protect it.

I agree with Machka- these saddles can stand some rain etc. Mine has been in rainstorm for 20 min with no sign of moisture penetrating the leather (while I was indoors at a restaraunt). What you do not want to do is ride it if the leather has absorbed water, until it has dried thoroughly on its own. That being said a plastic bag from your local produce section will cover it at night or while being transported. When riding your butt will protect it it it rains. Proofhide ( a wax based protectant recommended by Brooks) twice a year will protect it from quick showers etc. Try one I think you will like it the more you ride it.

On warm humid days my saddle gets a bit soaked from drenching butt sweat. One would imagine this would be more 'damaging' than rain. After my saddle dries out overnight, it's as good as new.

Are these really all they are cracked up to be? If so, which model do you recommend for a sportier touring setup?

Dan

Yes. B17.

I love my Brooks, but Proofide is a TOTAL RIP OFF!

A teeny tiny tin for ten dollah? No thanks.

I'll stick with my Sno-Seal (http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Footwear/Care%20Products/Atsko%20Sno-Seal/Owner%20Review%20by%20Roger%20Caffin/)*

* interesting review of SS, that underlines the fact that you want to waterproof, but NOT soften (such as by using oils)

I agree with Machka- these saddles can stand some rain etc. Mine has been in rainstorm for 20 min with no sign of moisture penetrating the leather (while I was indoors at a restaraunt). What you do not want to do is ride it if the leather has absorbed water, until it has dried thoroughly on its own. That being said a plastic bag from your local produce section will cover it at night or while being transported. When riding your butt will protect it it it rains. Proofhide ( a wax based protectant recommended by Brooks) twice a year will protect it from quick showers etc. Try one I think you will like it the more you ride it.

This past summer I rode mine 24 hours straight through the most horrendous rain storm I've ever seen (they were evacuating people and closing roads along the way). The saddle (and I) got SOAKED early on ... there was no way around it. Water was coming from the sky, from the ground, and sideways. There were sections I had to walk because the wind was so bad, and places I parked my bicycle to go in and get something to eat ... so the saddle continued to get wet.

And yet I continued to ride it, and it was fine.

In fact, my saddle finally broke in during a rain storm on a 1000K randonnee. It was coming down in buckets, the wind was howling, and there was lightening everywhere. I had to walk because I couldn't see anymore. The wind was driving the rain right into my eyes. Then we had to stop and leave the bicycles some distance away while we hid from the lightening for a while. My saddle was absolutely drenched. I continued to ride, the divots got really large, I was a bit conerned, but the saddle dried and tightened everything up, and it was fine.

I rode through days of rain when I was in Australia too, and again, my saddle was fine.

So I don't think the impression that you have to baby those saddles is accurate.

Machka; not sure if your interested bu Rivendell sells a Brooks seat cover: http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/saddles_accessories/11014.html

Funny thing about the Brooks haters about comfort issues...most touring riders ride on Brooks...hmm, makes you want to ponder your naval a bit.

I have the Brooks Swift and love it. After trying about 13 saddles over a 15 year period trying to find a comfortable one I broke the piggy bank and bought the Swift almost 3 years ago, it's the most comfortable saddle I'ver owned except for the first saddle I ever had...that was a Brooks too! By the time I spent money on 13 saddles I could have had almost bought another bike!!

The only debate I have is when I get my touring bike do I get another Swift or go with the B17?

Machka; not sure if your interested bu Rivendell sells a Brooks seat cover: http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/saddles_accessories/11014.html

Funny thing about the Brooks haters about comfort issues...most touring riders ride on Brooks...hmm, makes you want to ponder your naval a bit.




I have gotten in the habit of carrying a plastic bag, most of the time now, tucked under my saddle in the rails, and when I think of it, I actually use it to cover my saddle. I know some people use shower caps too, but the last time I looked at shower caps they all had duckies on them, which isn't exactly the look I'm going for. :D I might be tempted by a cover if I could ride with it on.

And just to add to your comment about touring riders riding on Brooks ... most Randonneurs (ultra-distance cyclists) ride on Brooks too. If so many cyclists (including me) are comfortable on a saddle throughout a 1200K randonnee, that's got to say something for the saddle.

Are these really all they are cracked up to be? If so, which model do you recommend for a sportier touring setup?

Dan

I had one, a professional. Lasted about 5 or 6 years then the rails broke. :mad:

One thing about Brooks saddles - they are not instant gratiification. I have two B17s and the first one took over 600 miles before it started to conform to my posterior. The weird thing is that even though they felt moderately uncomfortable when new, they never felt any worse no matter how many miles I did that day. Whereas my previous saddle made me more and more uncomfortable as I racked up the miles.

Here is one very important tip - make sure the saddle is tilted slightly nose down. The back of the saddle should be a smidgen higher than the nose. When I first put on my Brooks saddle I found it to be more comfortable with the nose tilted up a little, that is, until I started getting numb where I had never been numb before. I freaked out. The bike shop I bought it from was not helpful. Luckily for me I found the saddle angle suggestion on Rivendell's web site. (Thank you Grant Peterson!)

once u try 1 u won't go back!

Wrong again, hotrod! I tried a B-17, a B-69, and a B-72 and they all SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCKED!

Brooks saddles are booty-heaven for some (but DEFINITELY not all) folks. Only way to know is to try.

When I first got my Brooks my butt warped to conform perfectly to the saddle.

Now it's the other way around.

I love it.

Maybe things can be sped up if you mount the Brooks on a stool at home while watching TV. ;)

The Brooks sounds exceptional. These threads keep getting me re-interested in possibly getting one. The thought occurred to me, it must be something to have one eventually die and you have to go and break another one in again.

I love my Brooks, but Proofide is a TOTAL RIP OFF!

A teeny tiny tin for ten dollah? No thanks.

I'll stick with my Sno-Seal (http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Footwear/Care%20Products/Atsko%20Sno-Seal/Owner%20Review%20by%20Roger%20Caffin/)*

* interesting review of SS, that underlines the fact that you want to waterproof, but NOT soften (such as by using oils)

+1

- been using Sno-Seal for 30 years - and on my Brooks!

- if you're not happy with your current saddle, just try a Brooks... (on sale they're cheaper than much less comfortable saddles)

My only reason for using Proofide is, well... fear. Brooks may not honour a warranty claim if you've used anything else. For $7.50 a tin that will last the lifetime of a saddle, why risk the warranty?

That said: I found a 1976 Brooks "Competition" in someone's trash & fixed it up by heating with a hairdryer and rubbing SnoSeal in - since it was way out of warranty anyway.

FWIW, the B67 I bought in the Spring of this year was the most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden, straight out of the box. (rubbed about 1/3 of a tin of Proofide into the top and bottom, warmed in the sun)

If the first Brooks you try isn't comfy - go wider. Much wider. (B67, B130 etc)

I put a Brooks Pro S (women's model) on my touring bike a few months ago. This saddle was generously given to me by mrveloman (a forum member) to try. I absolutely love it! I have been riding my touring bike exclusively over the last month, working to break-in the saddle and shake down the bike before a tour.

Yesterday, I took my road bike off the hook as she was getting extremely jealous and just wanted to ride with me again. It has a Terry Butterfly saddle - which is the only saddle I had ridden for the last 10 years before the Brooks. I did an easy 40-mile ride yesterday morning and couldn't believe how uncomfortable the saddle was . . . I am still a little uncomfortable today. This totally surprised me because I thought I was comfortable on the Terry before. I guess I just didn't know any better!

A new Brooks B-17S is on order today with overnight shipment . . . I can't ride my roadie again until I have a new saddle!

Cherry Bomb

I just purchased a b-17 took a short ride (7 miles) stopped a bunch of times to adjust saddle,, but with the back a smidge higher than the nose I slide forward. Will this stop when the breaking in process continues as the dents form from my sit bones?

I just purchased a b-17 took a short ride (7 miles) stopped a bunch of times to adjust saddle,, but with the back a smidge higher than the nose I slide forward. Will this stop when the breaking in process continues as the dents form from my sit bones?

Assuming it's really a smidge :) Yes... once those butt dimples appear you will slide into the sweet spot.

How much do you weigh - if I may be so forward.
That's the difference. A Clydesdale like me worked in my leather in a mere 100 miles, whereas a feather-lite super-climber could feel the full force of cowhide for 500 or more!

I weigh 198 and I'm 5'8" I thought it might be a fitting in problem, but even with that it's still a comfortable saddle

Give it saddle time...

Push yourself back on the "pan" if you find yourself riding the horn - eventually you'll wear in the "posterior pockets"

Thanks , I will try that, mostly will have to ride the trainer now, it's too cold here right now for me anyway,40 degrees , I know someone will say "that's riding weather".

Thanks , I will try that, mostly will have to ride the trainer now, it's too cold here right now for me anyway,40 degrees , I know someone will say "that's riding weather".

You're missing a golden opportunity.

Get yourself a balaclava, a nice pair of fleecelined tights and a good windbreaker top (you can layer what ya want underneath)

Winter riding is some of the best that can be had.
Ice blue skies, with the landscape highlighted by a slanted solstice sun - and you can moderate your temperature just by peeling layers!

Don't get me wrong... I love the sweet sweaty-ness of summer, but to truly appreciate the gift that is the bicycle, one must submit to all seasons.

Don't get me wrong... I love the sweet sweaty-ness of summer, but to truly appreciate the gift that is the bicycle, one must submit to all seasons.

What a great thing to say!!

About the saddles, I have heard of folks boiling thier Brooks in some sort of alcoholic something, riding for 40 or 50 miles, then mink oiling it. I'm not sure I'd try it myself but it sounded interesting.

I think the younger generation are more into latex (saddles) and boomers are into leather (saddles... and other things)

(mostly kidding)

One nice place to collect opinions and first hand experience is at charity rides and rallys. Look around and you will spot dozens of Brooks (or even Ideale) saddles. Use it as an icebreaker... ask the rider about it. If the bike is the right size, ask for a brief ride.
What I like about Brooks is that they feel like they are SUPPORTING me... I'm not just sinking in. Gel saddles tend to 'grab' my butt crack after awhile and then the motion of riding becomes a jerking on my butt. Brooks are like hammocks... and swing and slide a little.

The fancy pricey 'Professional' models are much stiffer. B17 can break in in as little as 2-3 rides or longer. Mine was comfy right off the bat. I also have a '72 B5N (has the perforations along the lower edge that are mostly ripped). Looks like hell but comfortable.


I have gotten in the habit of carrying a plastic bag, most of the time now, tucked under my saddle in the rails, and when I think of it, I actually use it to cover my saddle.

I also carry a plastic bag --PLUS a strip of old inner tube to use as a tie down (when the bike is on a car rack in the rain)

With patience, you can often find Brooks saddles used, or on Fleabay for a decent price. People try them... they don't like them, they sell them for less than new... but a leather saddle will be 'new' for a long time.

I love my b-17 and just received a champ. flyer for a second bike. Rode it this morning and like it too. But, they do take just a bit to break in, but once you do, it's all yours.

I will say to all those women out there, stay clear of the "women's" seat. I thought it was awful, but maybe if you were sitting straight up on a 3-speed puttering down the trail, it would be ok.

I also have a '72 B5N

Point, set, match - how many other saddles out there do we attach a year to when describing, let alone a year that is before a lot of folks were even born! ;)

Point, set, match - how many other saddles out there do we attach a year to when describing, let alone a year that is before a lot of folks were even born!

Spot on...
I have a bin with a few ripped, vinyl covered, foamy/gel saddles that are way younger and should be in the trash. These Brooks last for ever.
This B5N, which was on my FIRST ever good roadie (Dawes Galaxy), was lost in a basement for 15 years (for some reason I replaced it with an Avocet Gel when they became hot). I pulled it out, oiled it up, and put it on a Felt F-65 roadie I had last year... because the Selle Gel that was stock made my ass hurt after about 2 miles.

here 'tis
http://personalpages.tds.net/~mstuartev/brooks.jpg

I love my b-17 and just received a champ. flyer for a second bike. Rode it this morning and like it too. But, they do take just a bit to break in, but once you do, it's all yours.

I will say to all those women out there, stay clear of the "women's" seat. I thought it was awful, but maybe if you were sitting straight up on a 3-speed puttering down the trail, it would be ok.

I would suggest that women try to buy from Wallingford Bikes because of their generous return/exchange policy. Saying that the "women's" seat isn't right for all women is wrong. I am a large woman (6'0" tall) with a wide pelvic structure and I need the extra width of the women's models. Small women may well be more comfortable on the standard models because of the proportionately small pelvic bones . . . but it will really depend on each woman's build.

Cherry Bomb

I will try to get suited up for it and go for it. Thanks fir the insights

Thanks for the earlier wet weather input. Honey vs Black? I prefer the look of black. How much dye is going to leach out and for how long? Should I pick a pair of shorts to sacrifice and get used to it?

Thx.