What kind of riding do you do?

I have both the std B17 and an Imperial, as well as a Pro Ti...The Imperial is very comfy "out of the box" but also feels like it will be the first to "go soft"...probably why it comes with the lacing! The Pro feels narrower and feels better when you sit on it and don't try to sit "in it".

If you like to cruise around town, run to the shops, shuttle the kid(s) on a TAB or in a trailer...ie utility bike, I would use the std B17. If you ride the hoods and drops, and do a little longer distance riding I would consider the Pro or Swift. You could easily "Imperialize" either saddle yourself with simple tools FWIW.

It also depends on your sitbones/size of course...what other brands/models saddles work for you???

Lastly, you can always buy lightly used and/or buy from the UK...With UK prices you can always re-sell it in the US for practically what you paid for it ....or Wallbike as already mentioned.

Good luck...

I have both, and I definitely feel more pressure in the center with the Pro than the B17.

I think that a black B17 Standard would look nice on your bike and the price is right.

I was just going to ask this question, regarding my '82 Shogun. Coinkidink! My friend is offering to get me a Brooks for my birthday (which was in June), but it's mostly because she has cheap access through her connections. I couldn't decide which one would be best. You folks have helped me figure it out, and I didn't even have to start the Evil Thread of Death. Thanks!

I just thought I would add I wear padded riding shorts and this saddle without them is uncomfortable. I mostly ride distance and pretty aggressively on the hoods.

I gotta come back now!! Beautiful bike!

And the Brooks will be right at home on it.. In fact, that bike looks just like my Raleigh Competitions (78s) and I have Brooks on both of them. IMO, try to reposition the Brooks, as in move it slightly forward, backward and even a little tilt. IMO, those moves could improve the comfort. And you won't know until you try. IMO, a little tough to tell the difference in the feel B17, The Pro, The Team..They are very close in design.

Again, beautiful bike..

I like both the B17 and the Professional, but I think the B17 would be more comfortable on a bike set up like yours. Occasionally on E-bay you can find them listed with "buy it now" for ~$80 and often with free shipping. If you don't like it you can typically sell it used for about the same price.

Good luck, CMC

Thanks, and your welome on my threads anytime.

Mike, gotta show you my Brooks on two of my bikes. On the 3rd bike, I had purchased an almost new black B17 team pro for my 85 Raleigh Competition which is pearl white, with some chrome. I opted for a slick looking Fizik in red and white. So far, everything is comfortable..

Honey Brooks on this one.

Black well worn Brooks on this one.




And this one I had a beautiful Black Brooks Team Pro to go on, but after I purchased it, I saw the red/white Fizik at a good price and it was a perfect match, comfort and looks..

Damn those are sweet, is that "brooks honey bar tape" on that black Comp?

Nope, it is the Velo Orange Elkskin, that the LBS charged me $32 for and about $10 to put it on..

B17 S Champion Special (the normal B17 but with copper rivets and copper rails).

I like the Brooks Flyer.. B17 top with springs. It really smooths out the road chatter!