shreksur

I'm replacing the saddle on my SS. It's a Felt Brougham. My seat height is about 1-2 inches higher than my handlebars. I want to buy a Brooks product, either the B-17 Narrow or the Swallow. I'm looking for insight/input/opinions from anyone who has spent time on either or both of these saddles. The distance I cover on my rides is anywhere from a couple miles up to 20-25.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

SquidPuppet

I have both, and they are very different.

The B17 is more dipped from nose to tail than the Swallow, and needs to be positioned at a nose up angle in order to get the sit bone area flat. If you don't do this you will feel like you are sliding forward (a lot) all the time and overweighting your hands. Because of this, "most" people consider the B17 more compatible with an upright riding position.

The Swallow is still dipped, but much less. It's marketed towards a more aggressive riding position.

That said, I have a Brooks Team Pro Classic on another bike, and if I had it all to do over again, I think I'd put the Team Pro on all my bikes instead of the B17 and Swallow. The leather is much thicker which creates less of a "suspension" effect than the others. Hard and Firm, but I've come to prefer that. More importantly, it is pretty much as flat as a board. Not just from nose to tail, but from left to right at the sit bone area as well. That seems to agree with my butt. It feels like it would work for any riding position.

Saddles are a really personal thing though. Lot's of people absolutely HATE the Team Pro and Brooks saddles in general. If there is an LBS near you that allows test rides, I'd highly recommend that before a purchase.

Dipped B17



Flatter Swallow



Flatter Team Pro

shreksur

Thank you for the reply Squid. I have looked at pictures of the saddles before but I didn't notice the dip until you pointed that out so thanks for that. I was wondering if you would tell me what bikes you have each saddle on and what the height difference is between your saddle and your handlebar? I have read that the B-17 was meant more for an upright seating position. Does that apply to the B-17 Narrow as well, given that it is narrower? As I described earlier, there isn't much of a difference between my saddle and bar height.


Also, I am looking at another saddle as well. It is a Gilles Berthoud. The model is the Aspin. It is described as a touring saddle but to me it seems like it would be closer to the Swallow or the Team Pro. Do you have any knowledge or experience with this saddle? I'd appreciate any input from anyone.

Thank you

SquidPuppet

All my bikes have an upright riding position, so the B17 works for me. BUT, they are tilted nose up significantly, and I assume that would/could make things crowded if one were bent forward in a more aero position. The B17 narrow would be the same I'd bet. I have the swallow on an upright bike too. I mostly got it to match the aesthetic theme of the bike.

I have no experience with Gilles Berthoud saddles, but have read mostly positive thing about them. The Aspin looks very flat to me.

Here is a pic of one of my bikes to give you an idea of how much tilt is needed with a B17.

shreksur

Hi Squid and again thanks for the pic. Based on what I see in it, the B-17 is definitely out of the running for me. My seating position wouldn't allow for the nose of my saddle to be pointed up like that. I'll take your advice and try to find a LBS that will let me test out the Swallow and Team Pro.

That's a sharp ride you have. If you don't mind me asking, what is it?

velofinds

Thoughts:


- For the amount of riding that you do, I think it will take a very long time to break in a B17 Narrow. Until then, it'll mostly be hard and uncomfortable.
- The Swallow is a beautiful saddle, and I thought it became comfortable a lot faster than the B17 Narrow, which never reached that promised land.
- What about a Brooks C15 Cambium? No, it's not leather, but they're comfortable right out of the box -- no break-in period.

SquidPuppet

Thanks. It's a 1977 Schwinn Varsity conversion. All 29 lbs.

A couple more random points.,,,

My experience differs from Leegf's, all of my Brooks were comfy right out of the box, with zero break in required.

The tilt you see on my B17 is actually mild compared to some I've seen.

I agree with Leegf about the Swallow. Thinner leather and narrower/skirt-less cut make it pliable from day one. And they are Retro Racer sexy IMO.

shreksur

Thanks for the pic of the Swallow Squid. I agree, it would look great on my SS.