for those who might be interested, I got one the other day, a B-17, and following Sheldon's advice, put neatsfoot oil on it. Sure, it discolored, but do I care, given what's on it most of the time? Anyway, I had read a lot of other reviews, and wanted to replace the saddle on my Raleigh hybrid or whatever, because of faux stitching that caused me grief. After 3 rides in the 10-25 mile range, I can say that the saddle is now a non issue. By that I mean before, there was always shifting going on, changing where I was sitting and all, and now, it's more a mental issue, like when is something going to go wrong. And nothing does go wrong. It's kind of like, when you fill the car up with gas, you don't worry about driving to the corner store, because you know you have gas, and it's not an issue. Same thing with the saddle. I don't worry about discomfort, and yeah, it's only been a few rides, but once the mental anguish goes, and I realize it is a quality product, I'll focus on something else. In the old saddle, which wasn't a bad one, just not good for me, I'd worry about distances, and how far I could ride before chafing or some other problem became a problem. In short, I don't see that happening with the Brooks. I might have to get another one for the road bike.

On a side note, all the local bike stores I called said they didn't carry them because most thought they were too heavy. And me, I'm like 275 at this point, thinking, I'd love to shop local, but you just lost a sale. Got a screaming deal on ebay. Just my 2 cents.

I am seriously considering a Brooks. I'm not real crazy about there "vintage" look, but if my butt is comfortable then I could live with it!

mine comes in tomorrow! can't wait to give it a shot.

I am seriously considering a Brooks. I'm not real crazy about there "vintage" look, but if my butt is comfortable then I could live with it!

for a minute, I thought about the look. then I thought what would be on it for hours at a time, and then I didn't worry. The difference in comfort is pretty amazing.

I have been quite comfortable now for about a year and a half on my sprung B67. When the rails on that decide to go I will try the B17.

I have three B17's, one Champion Flyer and one B66. I follow the instructions that Brooks includes with their saddles and I use their Proofhide. I weigh 260 and have no problem breaking them in with their method. Many shorter trips helps initially to toughen your backside.:innocent:

Clyde with 7 (or is it 8 now?) Brooks. B17s mostly, a Flyer and a 67. And one of those new Imperial dudes.

I've never done anything more to them than Proofide / SnoSeal and ride. More or less comfortable from the word go, with a little position tweaking.

i too have brooks and am happy with them. have the narrow b17 on the road bike and the regular b17 on the hybrid. only thing to remember is NOT to use too much leather treatment on them. It's a warning that comes with the saddle. and supposedly water and brooks don't play well. i rarely ride when it's raining hard so that's not been a problem. looking to see when/if the imperial ever becomes available. those who are testing it seem to like it.

I'm broken hearted that I had to give my B-17 up for a tri saddle when I started riding for Tri's. The B-17 is a great touring saddle and I plan to keep it for touring with.