Swapping this in has completely changed the ride.

IMO, Brooks belong on every bike. It's a universal in my collection. YMMV.

It sounds like you may not have used one before (apologies if incorrect). These are typically meant to be tilted slightly upwards, though some prefer them level. It is rare that people prefer them tilted down like this, as it encourages sliding down and you'll be fighting against gravity. Of course, YMMV and perhaps you already know where you stand on these. Just thought I would mention. Beautiful bike.

Right. Brooks recommends adjusting the seat so you don't slide forward. This usually points the nose up somewhat, so the seating area is essentially parallel to the ground. I've found that the longer I'm in the saddle, the more this matters.

Yes, they do and it is important. It is why a micro-adjustable seat post help so much in getting the tilt just right. There was a time when Campagnolo was the only maker with this feature, and it was the reason I bought their seat post before anything else they made.

Yeah, just tilted the nose up a bit this morning on this one before I went for a ride:

(a weak attempt at humor deleted by author.)

Amen Pastor, no C+V is complete, proper or correct without a Brooks.

Well, for some French bikes a Brooks just won't do:

For all of my bikes, no Brooks will do. My butt will never meet another.

Many ask the question, "what's the best saddle?"
My answer is "what's the best shoe?
The one that fits you.

Clearly the left one.

Timely post for me as I am working on a very similar Raleigh International. Mine is a 74 in the same size but in much worse shape. I have a Brooks Professional that I have had for probably 40 years. I thought, “no problem” and put it on. No good in my situation and a bit of a surprise. It seems I couldn’t get it to slide/adjust quite far enough to the rear for my usual riding position. That was odd, as I don’t like my saddles too far reward as the only time I have had knee pain was with a seat slightly too far rearward.
My conclusion was that the frame rails on this 40 year old saddle was biased towards a more forward and aggressive riding position. Kinda odd, as I certainly don’t like a rearward position, and the International doesn’t have a radically upright seat tube. A B17 did dial things in just right, but I was a bit disappointed as the Pro would’ve been a plus on this old beater. I also concur with others that your saddle would probably be more comfortable with the nose up. Beautiful bike too, and I am jealous as mine is rough. Preliminary ride was positive with feel and hopefully yours is the same. Seat position is really important.

I'm a fan of Brooks saddles, and use a few versions, including a few Pro's. They work great for me, but I have some friends who say that they tried them and weren't happy.
I suspect that some of this is the issue of proper set up and getting a comfortable position. It's complicated, because it depends a lot on what sort of position you like on a bike, how much weight you put on the handlebars vs saddle, etc. It might mean that a different stem might be the difference between loving or hating that Brooks.

For me personally, I do well with a level Pro...



and this is my position on the bike...



One reason that I like Brooks (and other tensioned leather saddles) is that they flex and don't transmit some of the road roughness to my backside. It's probably a bigger deal when riding skinny tires.

Steve in Peoria
(rode the Raleigh Team today, equipped with a Brooks Swift. Very nice. )

And then there is the relation between pelvic tilt, Brooks tilt, bar drop, and sliding forward. I quote: “The saddle is the saddle.”😉

Have you considered using a zero setback seatpost? Might let you use the Pro on the International. VO pictured but there are many brands available and some are even more zero-y than this one.

I actually have a straight type post that would work but since I had the B17 I just went with it so as to keep the Campy post. The Campy Rally RD I was trying to use didn’t work out either. At least my international is rough so I can just put on anything, like a long cage VX rd and Suntour power shifters too.

You certainly helped with Brooks in my collection.


Recently installed Brooks from Bob.

A Brooks saddle is high on my wish list, along with a Super Record crank (for square taper BB) and Delta breaks.

Well you’re correct about saddle angle..
Fettle ride this morning confirms. Next ride will be with a 10mm..

Bike has always been ‘lively’ with a tendency to ‘buck’ over bumps.. and always accepted that this is how it rode. (previous saddle on for 20ys.)

Last night on an aesthetic whim swapped the lightweight saddle for the weightier Brooks with no expectations. The bike is more forgiving, absorbs bumps and rebound is controlled.

I’m putting it down to the heavier saddle.

Maybe Raleigh built their frames with a Brooks saddle on mind..

Hallelujah.

I saw a bike fitter who urged me to get a setback seatpost so I did. I'm happy though I'm still adjusting to it. I find myself slid a little forward but I think over the months, I'm gradually moving back. This is on a 1974 Raleigh International, the bike I ride the most.

The goldilocks position so far…

Vintage Raleigh: For kicks, try riding along on a smooth flat safe road with hands in the drops. Then, while continuing to pedal, lift your hands off the bars slightly. You should not slide forward "much". Ya, saddle fore-aft and core strength is involved but you should not have much pressure on your hands when riding and saddle tilt is important.

I expect to be able to not slide forward when hands off the bars.
no matter the saddle.

note, have an assistant keep track of your knee over the pedal position on various bikes.
i have found not all saddles "perch" you at the same displacement. Irrespective of the saddle dimensions.

My 1971 Nishiki Competition came with some horrid padded mattress saddle. As I swapped in my trusty tensioned leather saddle (Bianchi branded), my cycling buddy du jour said, "Ah -- all the discomforts of home!" I explained the concept of break in to make a custom fit.