Brooks C17 questions
 

Anyone out there running a C17? Have any comparisons or opinions about that saddle vs a modern saddle? I have a bike with a Fizik Antares VS and currently debating on a switch. I've done numerous centuries on the Fizik but just for the sake of change I wanted to go with a Brooks like almost every other bike in my fleet. This bike is the only one to see a lot of rain, I hear the C17 is pretty resistant to rain, I rather not gets true leather saddle wet. How is the surface on the C17? It doesn't look as slick as a modern saddle or a B17 for that matter. Does that affect the feel? Is it stiff like a new B17 or modern race saddles? I know saddles are a very personal thing but since there's no one around here that has one and no shop stocks them I would like some opinions before pulling the trigger.

Mine disappears under me like every other Brooks saddle I ride. I can't tell the difference. It is bomb proof as far as weather is concerned. I'm tempted to buy the Levi version--- just to have it, because who else makes a denim saddle? :p

Unlike pastorbob, I am on the other side of the fence. I ride B-17's, which are a bit wider than the C-17. The C-17 created pressure points and hot spots for me that B-17's do not. I also did not like how I was not able to slide around a bit to adjust my weight. If the saddle was a bit wider, I think I would have kept it. I imaginge some of the grippy-ness would wear away over time. By way of reference, I don't care fro a Brooks Pro either, a bit to norrow. YMMV.

Even though I was happy with my saddles (San Marco Touring and Avocet Touring II) I finally went and got a B17 last summer. It really was a huge difference in comfort. Since I'm not one to be concerned with weight- that was the perfectest saddle for me.

After reading AZORCH's blog, and following his progress with his C17 test, I opted to give it a shot. Oh my goodness- this saddle is the cat's pyjamas. As comfortable as the B17 was, the C17 was MORE comfortable. Last summer, I was really skittish about heading home whenever there looked like the possibility of rain- mostly because I don't like riding in the rain- but there was a good portion of concern about my B17. The C17 takes that concern away.

The only thing I don't like is the grippiness of the saddle. I sometime ride with a particlular pair of athletic shorts- and the saddle holds on to those shorts like velcro. There's a few road crossings that demand stopping and then getting across fast. Several times, the saddle held on to my shorts as I rose up out of the saddle. Just what people need to see...

Other than when I wear those particular shorts- this saddle has been THE best saddle for me.

That was my experience. After riding a B17 for 2 years, I decided based on reviews to give the C17 a shot. I gave the Cambium a good 5 weeks last summer before going back to the B17. It just seemed that on rides longer than an hour, I started to notice it. A little irritation that only got worse as time went by. That is something I hadn't experienced on the B17, except for maybe the first couple of weeks when I was breaking it in. Now the Cambium is on my hybrid that my son rides , and seems to like it. And I am again happy with my B17. It is a hassle to have to worry about it getting wet, but nothing is perfect.

I picked up my C17 in the very first batch that came to the metro area here. Been enjoying it ever since. I have two now. One that permanently stays on my mountain bike, which I feel this saddle is really in it's element since it's essentially bomb proof. The other rotates to any bikes that come into my hands and I need something. I'm much more comfortable on it than any leather Brooks that I've used that I didn't have significant miles on to really shape it. Yet to be on the C17 for longer than 3 hours but I don't know if I'd have any issues.

I really like my C17. I would say it's about the same comfort level as my Selle Anatomica.

I've ridden my C17 exactly once, and found it to be more comfortable than my first ride on any other saddle, including my leather Brooks saddles. I initially found the B17 to feel too wide, though that is changing as it is breaking in. I had a Specialized Romin Evo Expert for awhile, and never got comfortable on it; ultimately traded it for the B17.

Ok thanks guys! Great experiences! That bombproofness was what I was looking for, I should be able to handle the narrow safdle because the Fizik is narrow too. Now to decide what color, probably black as it matches everything and will be less stain prone. Although that Denim is really nice!

C15 is narrow more like the Brooks Pro road saddles .. LBS has a black rubber , black canvas Top one..

Just ordered the C15, although I do have one concern: Anybody have problems with this saddle damaging their shorts?

I commute everyday on a C15. About 2 hours total on average per day. No issues with shorts.

I've been interested in either C-17 or C-15, unlike the original Brooks saddles that did mold to your contours, do these two styles have the same qualities ?

Not so far (several hundred miles on a C-17 and a C-17 carved), but the Cambiums are more pliable than the leather Brooks to begin with, and were incredibly comfortable from the start. The carved version is more flexible than the original, if you want a little more give.

You're wearing shorts every day this year?

That's hard.

Thanks for the reply! Really looking forward to giving this saddle a whirl.

My C-17 feels very much like a Brooks Team Pro to me. The only exception is the top is more grippy, making sliding around more difficult.

Not happy with the c17.... I was dissapointed with how it feels, especially after reading all the great reviews.... maybe I don't have it properly installed... I use it on my mountain bike....uncomfortable after 2 hours of riding

Can you elaborate more? I've heard so much good, it would be nice to hear the bad as well.

I have Brooks B17 Select, C17, C17 Carved, and Fizik Aliante on different bikes, purely in term of comfort: B17 Select > C17 Carved > C17 > Fizik Aliante. The Fizik Aliante comes with my Giant Defy, fairly new and may get better as I rides more of it. Between C17 and C 17 Carved, Carved is much better for long ride, that would be the model I recommend.

double post

If we ever get the chance to ride together.... I'll lead!

Yeah, probably best... No one wants to see that.

:D

Right on about saddles being a personal thing and where used or type of riding. I've read other threads and reviews and I still don't have a conclusion. Fortunately, most of the LBS I know will stock at the minimum, one version of the Brooks 'C'. Without even asking, all have presented them to me with a sales pitch. Though tempted, the problem is the $170 price and not being able to test them, nor even see the other versions. Too bad, Brooks does not have a full model line of the C series as dealer demo. If they did, my guess they would sell a whole lot more of them and price less of an issue.

My constant is having a narrower saddle for riding a much deeper road drop bar. Wider for less of drop type. Narrow for technical ATB riding. yet wider for a conventional upright or flatbar. I need longer rides of at least four hours to base any comfort judgement. +1 above to those mentioning what one is wearing too!

Rain doesn't bother me that much and I always have a baggie ready, stuffed under the saddle. If a light sprinkle, I don't bother covering it.

A racers saddle? I don't about that one and regardless of shape ALL Brooks are heavy.

Someone mentioned the Giant brand bike. One of my bikes is a late model Giant with the OEM saddle. Some sort of super this-that lightweight. I've done quite few century rides with it, doable but its a bit suffering yet I really like it for off-road. Weird eh? Its the bike I'm considering a C17 for.

Lastly- Prices for near new but used late model year production Brooks leather versions now seem reasonable. Curious if Brooks followers are going with the C series and getting rid of these near new saddles. Two for $100 is the rate on fleabay from some seller on the US East coast. That's worth trying a variety of leather models no big loss if you don't like them.

$170?

I think mine was under $130 shipped.