Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Merits of leather saddles?

My new Cannondale Synapse Carbon1 bike came equipped standard with a fi'zi:k Delta saddle. While the saddle has been fine so far, I'm considering switching over to a Brooks leather saddle, as this is what I was used to in the past (almost 20 years ago). Am curious to get your thoughts on making the switch, and any experiences using a leather saddle on a bike similar to mine. Any obvious weight penalties, etc? I was unable to find my saddle on the fi'zi:k website, and Brooks does not appear to post weights on theirs, so I am unable to do any comparisons. Any thoughts and ideas would be most welcome. Thanks !!

Try posting in 'Road Cycling' or 'General Cycling Discussions'. I think you'll get more response.

I love my Brooks, but if you're concerned about weight they are quite heavy. Not really fair to compare with a modern saddle since the construction is so different. Brooks uses metal rivets and bolt to hold an already thicker than average piece of leather to metal rails.

Okay. The "standard" Team Pro weighs in at around 550 grams. This is pretty heavy. The B17 is slightly lighter due to thinner leather, but you'll only save 20 grams or so. Titanium rails knock off another 100 grams, roughly. The titanium Swift and Swallow are the lightest, AFAIK, at about 375 grams apiece. I can't find a weight for the Fizik Delta (it's probably been out for more than six months and so is obsolete and discontinued :rolleyes:) but the typical Fizik appears to weigh in at around 200 grams, according to their website.

So a Brooks is pretty much going to double the saddle weight, minimum. This may horrify you until you remember that your standard size water bottle weighs 450 grams when full. (Less if you drill it out.) And even then it may still horrify you because you may have come under the influence of the weight weenies from the Road Cycling forum. (See: "Which rim tape is the lightest?")

Short version: Brooks saddles are heavy. If you ride long distances and the Brooks is the comfortable saddle for you, you will not mind this in the slightest. Of course, that brings up the more pressing issue of whether the Brooks will be comfortable for you. It is a godsend for many. It is a product of the devil for others. And the only way to find out is to try it.

Have fun!

If you are happy with the Fi'zik, why do you want to change it already?

If you are happy with the Fi'zik, why do you want to change it already?

As a Brooks Cult High Priest - 10th Order of The Wicking Hide, I have to agree with this question. Also, what six jours said.

Brooks are often the End of The Quest. Ohhh-ohh-ooooo--Ahhhhhh.... (gregorian chant music)