Road Cycling - Brooks saddles questions

I'm looking for a saddle for light touring, club rides, maybe centuries, etc... I'm not racing, although I do like speed. I've pretty much decided on a Brooks Saddle, but would like input.

1. For those who use them, which Brooks you prefer?

2. Are they high maintenance?

3. How do the various colors change with age?

4. Any other Brooks thoughts will be helpful.

I like (and use) a B17. Its the general "touring" saddle,
not lightweight but it is comfortable.
The B17 is for a more upright style of riding.
I haven't used a Pro, but its on my list of saddles to
try.
Maintenance is limited to applying Proofhide, once
to the bottom of the saddle (and leave it on), and
2 times a year on top. I'd also recommend a saddle cover
for when its raining, it will help protect it.
I have never tightened/adjusted the tensioning bolt up
front. I imagine after a few years I might need to adjust
it a 1/4 turn or so. Most folks recommend not messing
with this adjustment.
yes the colours change with age, the honey colour saddle will darken to a nice patina, the dark brown(black)
one will lighten a bit.
Best saddles out there in my opinion, they last forever
if taken care of.

Marty

I'm new to the road cycling game, just over 2 years, so my oppinion may not be much. I started out with cheep saddle my Trek came with, OMG that thing was killing me! I got a Pro Link Transam Gelflow, rode it about 1000 miles and it was OK, but just kept getting more and more uncomfortable the longer I rode it. After I replaced it I found out that it had blown out one of the little poly shock absorbers that is part of the system.I also tried a SanMarco Arami. I tried to like this saddle, but I never got comfortable on this one. Just another example about how everyone's butt is different. It was then that I switched to a high end Serfas, it was ok but took some time getting use to, I actually had saddle sores from it but I did break into this saddle.

I ordered a Brooks Team Pro a few weeks ago. It is green with copper plated rails and copper rivetts. The saddle is a work of art, and I couldn't wait to get it on the bike. We finally got a break in the weather last week and I got to ride it. Man this saddle is more comfortable on the first ride than anything I have tried so far, and I can't wait to get more miles on it. So far, so good. I intend to let the forums know what I think in the future, but if the first ride is any indication, O I have found it! :p

B17 Champion Special

What they said. B17 Titanium on my road and cross bike. Love it love it love it.

The B17 I have has steel , powder-coated rails. The coating cracks off and the steel starts to rust. Its a cosmetic, rather than structural problem. The copper-plated rails are much better, and if you can afford Ti....

Leather treatment is as described above. Use only Brooks Proofhide. Apply sparingly. Cover the saddle with a bag when you leave it outside in the rain.

I use a standard B-17 on my commuter, it was quick to break in and feels soft, supportive and cushy, I apply proof hide twice a year, had to turn the tension screw once 2 turns because it started to sag, I don't cover it when it rains, it's5 years old and better than new. I reide a brooks swift TI on my sport touring bike that I use to ride organized centuries with, It took about 1000 miles to get comfy, i proof hide it three or four times a year and it looks better than new, it's 3 years old. the difference I find between the 2 are, the B-17 is very comfortable from the 1st mile through about 75 miles, then you need to move around a little to stay in the good zone. the swift is a more firm saddle and takes about 20 miles to settle in on each ride, after the first 20 miles you're good for the rest of the day, no matter how far you go. My choice is the B-17 for short or slower riding, the swift for any performance or long distance riding. The brooks swift has more character than any other saddle sold, once broken in, it has the look of, yea I'm a serious cyclist.

Just a quick not about the different B17's.
They are all based on the same saddle shape.
The Champion has Large copper rivets, and better
grade of leather. The Ti is the same as the normal
B17 with Ti frame. The different frame choices are
largely cosmetic.
Forgot to mention in first post:
Strongly recommend Wallingford bikes (http://www.wallbike.com/index.php) for purchases. Bill Laine (the proprietor) offers a 6 month no questions
asked money back guarantee if you don't like the saddle, can't beat that with
a stick now can you?

Marty

Switched to Team Pro (from SI Trans Am Max) when I got my Litespeed Tuscany. Older (54), bigger (210) rider. Not a racer. Team Pro has been great from the beginning. No appreciable break-in period. Maintenance is easy, as others have said: twice a year proofhide. And, it does look great! Saddles [/I]are very personal, but Brooks should be tried.

Another satisfied Team Pro user here. When I first got it, I used the proofhide often to help with the break in. Otherwise as stated above. It's a great saddle.

The second 20 miles ride on the Team Pro this evening! :D

Someone made the comment that the saddle just "disapeared underneath them". I will second this for me. I just can't wait to get some long rides on this saddle, but that isn't likley to happen before Feb. or Mar. :( I know I will be pinching pennies to get a Conquest for my commuter for sure! :p
I am also a big fella 240!

OK, just had to mention this. It's been raining a lot so I switched my seat out to a Sella Italia Flight for about a month. Just put the Brooks back on yesterday and went for a ride. The difference is truly amazing. It's not that the Flite is that uncomfortable but when I switched back to the Brooks it was almost too comfortable, like a bike seat just shouldn't feel that good. If you haven't ridden a Brooks you just don't know how comfortable a bike seat can be.

-s

I'm looking for a saddle for light touring, club rides, maybe centuries, etc... I'm not racing, although I do like speed. I've pretty much decided on a Brooks Saddle, but would like input.

1. For those who use them, which Brooks you prefer?

2. Are they high maintenance?

3. How do the various colors change with age?

4. Any other Brooks thoughts will be helpful.

1. B-17

2. No

3. Mine is less than 3 months old but hasn't changed yet.

4. The best description of all I have read that accurately describes my feelings is you just simply don't know this saddle is there. It doesn't decide to jab you every once in awhile like the soft saddles do.