Originally Posted by
elcruxio
Funnily enough even though Brooks are quite wide, the actual useable width of the suspended leather saddle is really quite narrow. The widest sitbones a B17 can accomodate is around 130mm and that pushing it. For example I have 135mm wide sitbones and I hit the steel frame when sitting on one so realistically if you want even a bit of wiggle room 120mm sitbone width is more realistic. For reference a person with 120mm wide sitbones can ride a Fizik Arione which is 130mm wide.
my experience is quite different. I own two 168mm Specialized saddles and a B17. the B17 is no less comfortable and I have never felt like I was sitting on the hard steel rail, but I do keep it on my bike with a rather appropriate 72 degree seat tube while the Specializeds are on are on my steeper road and moutain bikes.
I tried the B17 once on my go-fast road bike and sides of the the saddle rubbed up on my thighs too much for comfort.