Classic & Vintage - Brooks Saddle Question

This may be the wrong forum to post in but maybe not.
I'm wondering what the difference between the B17 champion special and the Team Professional is. I've noticed the B17 has a series of holes running down the center. What purpose do these serve? Also I noticed the B17 has like a little step on the skirts what is this for?
Thank you!

The team pro is narrower, for one, with a longer nose. Mostly the differences are just aesthetics. The chamfered edge on the skirt, for instance, just says "I payed more for this saddle" but may, to some, offer more percieved comfort. They both have massive copper rivets, breather holes, etc. and they both make me drool a lot. I have a b17 champion special (green) and it's just peachy. I never even considered the Team pro for whatever reason.

As stated earlier, the holes help to ventilate your posterior to help avoid swamp ass. The team pro is often about $20 more expensive on average.

The Team Pro does not have holes in the saddle.

http://buzznet-81.vo.llnwd.net/assets/users11/marinerfan/default/large-msg-115145070962.jpg

The B-17 is 170 mm wide vs the Team Pro's 160 mm width. The only other difference is the B-17 is a bit flatter on top.

Both great saddles. IMHO

the holes are for sac and taint cooling.

The Team Pro is my all-time favorite saddle.

The Team Pro SELECT (original spec for the first Raleigh Team Replica) did come with 3 holes, but had black painted rails and an adjuster that uses Allen key, not wrench. The "select" leather was often even heavier than regular Pro.

I am lucky to have a select from 1980, the leather is MUCH thicker. In addition I believe the nose to rail lever is slightly different, the pro is mean for a lower riding position and the b17 is meant for a more upright position. In my opinion you should have the top of your handlebars at least level with the saddle when using a b17 or else you will need to tilt the nose down to far bringing up the back too much. I think the professional has the nose lower relative to the back to allow for more comfort in a more aero position.

I had a team pro and it was beautiful but I could not get comfortable on it ever. I love my replacement B17 (also green) and for whatever reason, a little wider, a little flatter, it "feels" to me like what a leather saddle should, meaning it has support and flex. The team pro didn't flex and it hut my ***!

The Team Pro is my all-time favorite saddle.


Exact-a-mundo. I truly love my Brooks 'Pro'. Its the most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden and it looks 'killer' on my bike. But I also want a 'B-17' to put on a commuter bike I want to build up. The 'B-17' and the Brooks 'Pro' are both 280 mm long, but the 'Pro' has a narrower nose and is more rounded on top, ideally suited for a more aggressive posture. It also has large copper rivets and is slightly thicker leather made from 2,000,000 year old triceratops skin from an excavation quarry in the U.K. (they take a bit longer to break-in)

:) :)

I've seen some saddles (looking at 2 now) that have an embossed ridge line on either flank running fore-aft & level with the other rivets. One is on a conquest flyer and the other is on a B17 large copper rivet (copper rail) special. They both also have 3 small holes like the ones in unworthy's pix.

The Team Pro is my all-time favorite saddle.

Mine too, I've had the B-17, Team Pro, and the Swift, and the Team Pro wins for me bum.