Originally Posted by
pacificaslim
Yes, we know that. But the question is what about their design makes them more suitable for the racing position? Can one take a cheaper model like the B17, B17n or Pro and modify them to be just as suitable for the "racing position"?
To put it another way: We've all seen the pictures of people who butcher their B17 or Pro to look like a swift or swallow, but do these butchered saddles also "feel" like a swift or swallow or are they still only suitable for a more upright riding position?
No, the butchered jobs won't work as well. The Swift and the Swallow are narrower all the way to the rear of the saddle for higher cadences and higher seat angle; whereas the B17 has a shorter nose with a wider rear for more upright riding position and for more comfort.
I have the Swift (and the B17 on the touring bike), not the Swallow, the Swallow is the narrowest of the two and is for racing whereas the Swift is sort of inbetween the B17 and the Swallow designed for fast riding with comfort.
That's the best I can do for explaination, go to Brooks website and check it out for yourself to make sure.