Txthroop 

Well, I've done searches and research and researched my searches and I've finally decided to get a Brooks saddle--just too much good stuff has been said about them to ignore it. I just bought new Redline Conquest cyclocross bike but the stock seat is awful. I'm going to try a Brooks but I'm having trouble deciding on the style I should get. I was hoping to get some suggestions from folks with Brooks experience to point me in the right direction. The way I figure it a B17 or a Professional model would do the trick but I have no experience with either one and I don't think there's an LBS around that carries them. Here are the details: I'm 5'10", 175 lbs, and I plan on riding the new bike ON ROAD only. There wil be a fair amount of commuting and hopefully some longer day/weekend rides but probably not any loaded touring. I expect to have the handlebars positioned slightly below seat-level but will spend most of my time riding on the hoods. What have you guys found works for you?

Rowan

Generally, the Pro is best if you spend time on the hoods or your seat is well below the seat height. The B17 is more for an upright position.

My B17 is on my touring/randon bike, and replaced a Pro. The handlebars are level with the seat. I can ride on the drops reasonably comfortably with both hands and backside. The Pro, when fitted, seemed to always leave with me an achy, achy arse.

You might need to considered getting your seat from Wallingford Bikes, which I understand has a return policy for up to three months. It's a way to find out in practical terms which is best for you.

Al.canoe

I've been tempted to try a Brooks for years and have researched what's available on the WEB. The only one that gets consistently rave reviews is the B-17. I don't think I've found any negatives on it. Some who've tried the narrower ones switched to the B-17. I've got a problem with the weight. It's high and hard to pin down to an exact number. I'd probably only consider a Ti rail model, but that's big $'s.

Al

bikerski

I have a b 17 on a full race bike. I do a couple races a year, generally finish at 22 MPH. The only way you will pry my B 17 from me is off my cold, dead butt.

Al.canoe

Rowan, how long did it take for the Brooks to feel reasonably comfortable? Did you break it in by the Brooks instructions or use some other approach like wetting it with water or soaking with oil? If I get one, I plan on going by the makers instructions.

My bike is set up like yours and I have a 45-degree back angle with my hands on the hoods. I assume that's sufficiently upright for a Brooks. I'm a little concerned that the B-17 has no cut-out along the center. That seems to help me on the other brands.

Al

tbobby

I have about 100 miles on a B17 Narrow (my first Brooks). It is heavy and I had difficulty mounting my seatbag on it. Also the rails are short so there is not much fore and aft adjustment. It doesn't sit quite as far back on the seatpost as I'd like. I only paid $54 from www.permaco.com, but I see their price has gone up to $64. It is not broken in yet, but is getting more comfortable. I keep the bars at seatlevel height and ride almost exclusively on the hoods. Overall, I'm happy with it so far.

Pittrider

Another B17 narrow owner here....first 300 miles were rough, but then it only gets better as comfort. If your worried about weight, this is not for you. Also, get ready to tell others to "bug off" when they see the label plate on the saddle. Seems some roadies don't quite care for the Brooks saddle.

Davet

I use the Brooks B-17 on all my bikes. They have been comfortable, needing no break-in, from the start. The key to setting up the saddle correctly, at least in my experience, is getting the 'nose up' angle correct. See a pic of my bike here: https://www.serotta.com/forum/showthr...0&page=2&pp=15 Butt soreness or numbness is no longer a factor in long rides.

Wallingford Bikes has the largest selection of Brooks on this side of the Atlantic, and are good people to talk to about choosing the correct Brooks for your use. https://www.wallbike.com/Brookssaddles.html

Paniolo

I'm 6'2" 200# my bars are maybe 3-4" below the seat. I've put almost 2500 miles on my B17 this summer and it's great. I really never think about my seat while riding ... thats a good thing! It was more comfortable right out of the box than the stock seat and only got better as the miles added up. I got mine from Wallingford and they were great to deal with. Call them they sometimes have returns that the sell for cheaper.

Some of the quick release under seat bag clamps don't fit the Brooks rails well because of their width. But for commuting the B17 does have the back eyelets that fit a Carradice saddlebag which is the reason I chose it over the Professional. I use a Carradice Nelson bag for commuting daily and it is also great. I much prefer it to a rear rack/trunk setup.

Txthroop 

OK. It seems the B17 has many fans. Funny because in another thread it seemd like the Professional owners were more numerous. I'm all about comfort and it sounds like the B17 is my best choice. I often look at Ebay for used/cheap items but for this baby I think I'm going to shop Wallingford Bikes so I can take advantage of their return policy if need be. Also I'm thinking I probably don't want a used saddle that's been broken in by someone else's butt anyway. Thanks for your input everyone.

By the way, have you seen what The Fixer does to his Brooks saddles? Go to this thread and scroll about half-way down until you see the pictures. The Fixer's modified saddles

croshaven

I love my honey brown brooks b-17, which I ordered from Rivendell www.rivbike.com. It needed little to no break-in and I've logged about 3,500 miles since I got it in March. I've only applied proofide to it a couple of times. Make sure you get a Carradice Saddle Bonnet, though, so it doesn't get wet.