ed 

Okay, I have been probing quite a bit lately regarding Brooks saddles. One of my riding buddies needed a new saddle and I suggested the Brooks. He bit hook-line-and-sinker and I got to test the B17 out yesterday.

I didn't get too much time on it, but danged if it wasn't the most comfortable saddle I ever laid booty on. I know they are supposed to take a couple hundred miles to break in and feel good, but this thing was comfy!!!

It was a little wide for me but my next saddle will most assuredly be a narrower Brooks. (B17N or Team) I'm comparing it to the WTB Rocket V Team, SanMarco Arami Flow & Bontrager Race Lux that I have been riding.

The ONLY drawback that I can see is the 500g weight, but for something that comfy...I couldn't care less.

mx_599

wow, like 3/4 of a pound more than mine!

AfterThisNap

Yea, it's nice to have something that becomes custom molded to the countours of yer butt-cheeks, but itt's too old school for some

ed 

Yeah, it out-beefs mine by 300g too, but ohhhh the comfort.

cryptid01

What about increased cost, lower durability, and higher maintenance requirements? I have no doubt the seat* is quite comfortable, but that doesn't make those other characteristics disappear...

*saddle, whatever

ed 

Increased cost - Brooks B17-$64 WTB RocketV Team Ti (current ride) $85

I guess if I decided to go with the B17N like I have been thinking...it'd cost around $95. Still not that much of a difference. I looked up the Team and it's $135, so you may have a bit of leverage there for the increased cost statement.

Lower Durability - Brooks have been known to last up to 30 years...I've been going through a saddle a year or every other year. The Brooks is made of tough friggin thick leather. Today's contemp. stuff is made of weak, puny little calf skin that is thinner than my skin.

Higher maintenance...can't argue with you here except how long does it really take to rub a little proofide on it and let it sit?

So...higher maintenance and probably a 3/4 pound gain.

Portis

Higher Maintenance? Uh where did you come up with that? I rub proof hide on mine maybe once per year. That takes about 5 minutes.

Lower durability? There are 50 year old Brooks saddles still in use.

I know Brooks saddles aren't for everyone but those are week points.

Dannihilator

That is one thing you'll never see me with. Brooks are too big for my tastes, it will only get in my way. If I want genuine leather, I'll go with a selle italia flight classic.

bravozulu

I have a B 17 on my Hardrock and like it a lot even though the saddle that came with it was pretty good. It was $51 & change at Lickbike:



I have a B 17N on my commuter bike that I trimmed to a Swallow-like profile, That would save a little weight if that is a concern (you don't save much by the trim but the Narrow weighs a bit less to start with).

They are both very comfortable when adjusted to fit you.

I may look into the Brooks with the built in springs be cause we have some washboard like trails around here. It would just look kind of goofy.

ed 

Well, you may wanna research stuff before you comment (just a suggestion)

Selle Italia Flite Classic - 280mm x 143mm
Brooks Sprinter - 274mm x 133mm

The Selle Italia saddles are very nice though.

Dannihilator

I'd also never run a selle italia on the dirt. I just use what ever is available in the $2-$3
bin at the shop when I need a new saddle for the mtb, if there isn't one, then I'll cough up the money for a saddle. Not only that, I also think brooks look cheap to me.

Stacey

A couple of hundred grams? An MTB weight weenie? You'll pick that up in dust! Besides, the extra weight will make you faster downhill.

Dannihilator

Stacey, Stacey, Stacey, that is just a myth.

ed 

Yeah, at first glance the fat rivets remind me of an old Dyno freestyle bike.

Good idea 'bout the bargain bin stuff. Would save a lot of cash.

cryptid01

No one has used a Brooks on an MTB for thirty years. A 5 minute annual proofide application is gonna be insufficient if you're one of those folks who, for whatever reason, rides their mtb in severe rainy and muddy conditions. Anyone who's ever properly cared for a pair of boots can tell you that much.

Stacey

^^

Cut an undersaddle liner from a 2 litre soda bottle to keep the muck off the bottom. Maybe profhide 2 or 3 times a year.

cryptid01

I'm not arguing that no one should get a Brooks. In that case, they would be week points.

I was merely playing devil's advocate to the OP, who claimed that weight is the "ONLY Drawback." I see others, that's all.

santiago

Offtopic: I like the new avatar. Who is that and what is she holding?

ed 

Big blanket, Gastro.

Good point, but people do use them on MTB's.

I do see another drawback, though. They would need to be cared for more carefully in bad weather. Especially a day like today when I was riding through BB size sleet. It's getting pretty treacherous.

I H8 riding in mud and rain. Snow...not so bad, but anything that's gonna soak in or cause deep ruts makes me cringe.

Santiago: Marzocchi Advertisement

Bike Lover

I don't like the 60's look on modern bikes, but there is something to be said about comfort. I just don't think I could ride one...

harov3

I wouldn't use one on a mtb, mud and rain would kill it long before its time was due. But I've just picked up a n.o.s. locally made copy of a Brooks professional for my Malvern Star 28" tourer, a Bell. I've wanted a Brooks or the equivalent for one of my road bikes for some time.

ed 

It's really funny...the only time you see it is when you're not on it. Who really cares what a saddle looks like under your can?

Bike Lover

Yeah, unfortunately, I'm not on it enough...

Besides, I like to be proud of what I'm riding. But alas, this what we ultimately call "personal style", or lack thereof.

Maybe we need an OCP for the MTB section of the forum...

Stacey

Don't even think about it!

ed 

Just for that, I'm gonna build myself a new "plush" XC bike.

I'm thinking something like a Stumpy FSR with a thudbuster, Softride Power stem, and a brooks dual springer saddle. Oh and don't forget the 2.7" Knobbies for that UltraPlush feel.

(problem is...how do I pedal this thing?)