What is the allure of the Brooks saddle
01-10-12 | 06:02 AM
#78
dazed and confused
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Ireland
Bikes: 2011 Cube Hyde Team Alfine 8 IGH, 2007 Giant Rock hardtail mtb
One thing you can count on is commuters love talking about their Brooks saddle. They don't even seem to mind that this question is asked a few times each month and will happily explain how great it is time and time again. After seeing so many references to them, I asked the same thing and got a lot of similar responses. What I didn't twig at first was that you are sitting on a hammock of stretched leather. Once I realized that, I had it ordered within 5 minutes.
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01-10-12 | 12:41 PM
#79
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
Selle Italia bought the company and made it fashionable, added More Colors.
then invested Money in their new property, to ramp up the numbers produced .
then Y'all started to talk amongst yourself ..
then invested Money in their new property, to ramp up the numbers produced .
then Y'all started to talk amongst yourself ..
01-10-12 | 12:58 PM
#80
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 871
Likes: 115
From: Minnesota
Bikes: Cannondale '92 T600 '95 H600 '01 RT1000
I bought into Brooks for its reputed longevity. I got tired of saddles dying after 2-4k miles. My road bike now has a Swift with 15k miles, and the saddle should last a lot longer. It's not the most comfortable saddle I've owned, but certainly not the worst. I just ordered a mandarin Swift for my hybrid. It'll match the mango headset on the black frame. :-) More importantly, that fashionable color must not have been well received as it was on clearance--the main reason I chose it!
01-10-12 | 01:11 PM
#81
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13,765
Likes: 3,937
From: Louisville, KY
I bought into Brooks for its reputed longevity. I got tired of saddles dying after 2-4k miles. My road bike now has a Swift with 15k miles, and the saddle should last a lot longer. It's not the most comfortable saddle I've owned, but certainly not the worst. I just ordered a mandarin Swift for my hybrid. It'll match the mango headset on the black frame. :-) More importantly, that fashionable color must not have been well received as it was on clearance--the main reason I chose it!
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Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),1990 Concorde Aquila(hit by car while riding), others in build queue "when I get the time"
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),
01-10-12 | 01:33 PM
#82
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 871
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From: Minnesota
Bikes: Cannondale '92 T600 '95 H600 '01 RT1000
01-10-12 | 01:38 PM
#83
Hogosha Sekai
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 6,674
Likes: 26
From: STS
Bikes: Leader 725, Centurion Turbo, Scwhinn Peloton, Schwinn Premis, GT Tequesta, Bridgestone CB-2,72' Centurion Lemans, 72 Raleigh Competition
I drank the kool-aid and I'm happy I did, after gel/foam saddles it definitely did not feel right at first, but I think that had more to do with the fact I had ridden those first two... after putting 50 miles on my b17 "unbroken" and my ass not hurting, and the only issue I had the entire ride was actually because I was wearing new jeans on a new brooks and sliding a bit. I'm a light guy, so I found that I didn't actually need to break it in surprising and it's very very comfortable at least to me... other then the sliding I can't find any cons with it.. oh except one, I now do not like flipping my bike over on any surface to work on it! But these are just my results.
01-10-12 | 01:40 PM
#84
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01-10-12 | 02:50 PM
#85
You gonna eat that?
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,917
Likes: 543
From: Fort Worth, Texas Church of Hopeful Uncertainty
Bikes: 1966 Raleigh DL-1 Tourist, 1973 Schwinn Varsity, 1983 Raleigh Marathon, 1994 Nishiki Sport XRS
I saw this post pop up again and thought of something. One of the allure of the Brooks saddle is this: It is leather. Real leather. Leather on the top, leather on the bottom, think leather. Leather says quality and it shouts snob appeal. But more importantly, the Brooks saddle is one of the few leather things (that isn't worn as some sort of clothing) you can buy that is functional because of the leather. It's practical. Since a lot of bicycle riders seem to like the throwback aspect of bicycle riding itself (either by riding vintage bikes, faux vintage like Rivendell, or modern classics like Sury), a functional leather product that can be used on a bike seems only natural. And not only is it functional and practical, it is stylish, but in a subtle way (most non-cyclists wouldn't notice a leather saddle on a bike at all).
I'm kind of an anti-snob about a lot of things. I only started riding Brooks saddles because I bought a Raleigh DL-1 (for $30) that came with the original Brooks B72 saddle. Now all of my bikes have leather saddles except one, and that will probably have one soon. Sure other saddles are functional and work for other people, but the truth is, I honestly enjoy riding more on a leather saddle.
I'm kind of an anti-snob about a lot of things. I only started riding Brooks saddles because I bought a Raleigh DL-1 (for $30) that came with the original Brooks B72 saddle. Now all of my bikes have leather saddles except one, and that will probably have one soon. Sure other saddles are functional and work for other people, but the truth is, I honestly enjoy riding more on a leather saddle.
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I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
01-10-12 | 03:11 PM
#86
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13,765
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From: Louisville, KY
My main debate is whether to spring for the Brooks when I buy next or get a Gyes for half as much (or less).
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Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),1990 Concorde Aquila(hit by car while riding), others in build queue "when I get the time"
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),
01-11-12 | 10:58 AM
#87
ghost on a machine
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 216
Likes: 1
From: Idaho
Bikes: Rivendell A. Homer Hilsen, Serotta Colorado Legend TG, Rivendell Roadeo, Surly Cross Check, Surly Big Dummy
01-11-12 | 01:03 PM
#90
Hogosha Sekai
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 6,674
Likes: 26
From: STS
Bikes: Leader 725, Centurion Turbo, Scwhinn Peloton, Schwinn Premis, GT Tequesta, Bridgestone CB-2,72' Centurion Lemans, 72 Raleigh Competition
01-11-12 | 01:23 PM
#91
Arizona Dessert
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 15,029
Likes: 2,170
From: AZ
Bikes: Cannondale SuperSix, Lemond Poprad. Retired: Jamis Sputnik, Centurion LeMans Fixed, Diamond Back ascent ex
Sits too far forward on standard seatpost
First B17 front rivet popped out (before any adjustment to tension). Got new rivet sent to me under warrantee, but could never get it back to 'like new'
Different fit when bone dry vs. humid vs. wet. Saddle would sag in middle and get more uncomfortable.
Replaced B17 with Team Pro. A better fit, but still same sagging issues. Even just my sweat would change fit.
Rail broke on Team Pro after 10k miles or so. Replaced under warranty.
Now using a Fizik Aliante and it is more comfortable and consistently so with never a concern for the weather.
First B17 front rivet popped out (before any adjustment to tension). Got new rivet sent to me under warrantee, but could never get it back to 'like new'
Different fit when bone dry vs. humid vs. wet. Saddle would sag in middle and get more uncomfortable.
Replaced B17 with Team Pro. A better fit, but still same sagging issues. Even just my sweat would change fit.
Rail broke on Team Pro after 10k miles or so. Replaced under warranty.
Now using a Fizik Aliante and it is more comfortable and consistently so with never a concern for the weather.
01-11-12 | 01:31 PM
#92
Hogosha Sekai
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 6,674
Likes: 26
From: STS
Bikes: Leader 725, Centurion Turbo, Scwhinn Peloton, Schwinn Premis, GT Tequesta, Bridgestone CB-2,72' Centurion Lemans, 72 Raleigh Competition
Sits too far forward on standard seatpost
First B17 front rivet popped out (before any adjustment to tension). Got new rivet sent to me under warrantee, but could never get it back to 'like new'
Different fit when bone dry vs. humid vs. wet. Saddle would sag in middle and get more uncomfortable.
Replaced B17 with Team Pro. A better fit, but still same sagging issues. Even just my sweat would change fit.
Rail broke on Team Pro after 10k miles or so. Replaced under warranty.
Now using a Fizik Aliante and it is more comfortable and consistently so with never a concern for the weather.
First B17 front rivet popped out (before any adjustment to tension). Got new rivet sent to me under warrantee, but could never get it back to 'like new'
Different fit when bone dry vs. humid vs. wet. Saddle would sag in middle and get more uncomfortable.
Replaced B17 with Team Pro. A better fit, but still same sagging issues. Even just my sweat would change fit.
Rail broke on Team Pro after 10k miles or so. Replaced under warranty.
Now using a Fizik Aliante and it is more comfortable and consistently so with never a concern for the weather.
01-11-12 | 01:32 PM
#93
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,862
Likes: 2,218
I found a B-72 at a bike shop and picked it up for $40 with a seatpost. It was dirty from sitting under the counter for a couple of years, the owner had traded something for it.I thought it was used. I took it home, wiped it off and found it to be new and had never been mounted to anything. I treated it and mounted it. It was comfortable from the moment I installed it.
My B-17 mounted on my LHT is a Special model with the brass rivets in honey. It has thicker leather than the B-72 and it was mildly uncomfortable on 35+ mile rides as it was breaking in. Now, 800+ miles later, it simply disappears underneath me. I had to get an infinitely adjustable seatpost to get the angle just right but now it is seat nirvana. 50+ mile days feel fine. I get off and it doesn't feel like I have been riding and can get back on an go. The saddle breathes and the original slickness goes away soon.
If you are having issues with the nether regions, it is a fit issue or your shorts. I had some problems and found it was the padding in the shorts that caused the problems. I was wearing a pair of Endura mountain bike shorts and the pad just didn't work. I bought a pair of Bontranger shorts and they feel great. Usually though I just wear shorts without the pad and it feels fine. No other saddle lets me ride so far without padded shorts without discomfort.
My B-17 mounted on my LHT is a Special model with the brass rivets in honey. It has thicker leather than the B-72 and it was mildly uncomfortable on 35+ mile rides as it was breaking in. Now, 800+ miles later, it simply disappears underneath me. I had to get an infinitely adjustable seatpost to get the angle just right but now it is seat nirvana. 50+ mile days feel fine. I get off and it doesn't feel like I have been riding and can get back on an go. The saddle breathes and the original slickness goes away soon.
If you are having issues with the nether regions, it is a fit issue or your shorts. I had some problems and found it was the padding in the shorts that caused the problems. I was wearing a pair of Endura mountain bike shorts and the pad just didn't work. I bought a pair of Bontranger shorts and they feel great. Usually though I just wear shorts without the pad and it feels fine. No other saddle lets me ride so far without padded shorts without discomfort.
01-11-12 | 01:34 PM
#94
genec
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 27,072
Likes: 4,533
From: West Coast
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
It's like a ****in' Porsche for your ass, man. Like when you stop flying Delta and go with Korean Air, and you suddenly realize you're surrounded by sexy Asian women, and the hostess sees you looking but she just smiles--sure you're not getting anywhere, but she didn't wear that sheer skirt to keep men from checking out her perfect, toned-out legs. And then they bring you out some Gogi-Gui and 7-Up, and the in flight movie isn't even a rerun of Biodome, and you look around and you're like, wow man, life is perfect. But then you get off the plane in Europe, and you take a tour all over the god damn continent, and you find out that it's far superior to drive there than in the US, and at the same time far superior for cycling, and even for walking! And you look back, and you wonder what your life was like, and you immediately move your entire family to Europe--somewhere near East Europe, so you can bike a century and get a peek at some of those Asian girls once in a while--and swear you're never coming back.
That's what it's like.
That's what it's like.
01-11-12 | 01:44 PM
#95
genec
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 27,072
Likes: 4,533
From: West Coast
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
I put a brand new honey Brooks Professional on a bike at the start of a year long bicycle tour. Some comedian at Brooks had stamped "Pre-softened" into the leather. What a joker - the thing was like iron. For two weeks it was as painful as a painful thing. Riding down the west coast of the S. Island of New Zealand I came across a bushman's store that sold lots of furry items made from possum skin - including a possum skin bicycle seat cover. Before anyone gets all sniffy about wildlife conservation - I should add that possums in NZ are a real menace and are widely considered a real environmental pest. They have no natural predators and breed worse than rabbits, chomping their way through thousands of tons of forest every night. The government pays people to control them. So, I bought a two inch thick possum skin seat cover and used it for the next few weeks. On occasion I would ride into a town, stop outside a cafe where there were attractive young ladies eating, get off my bike and say "Sshhh" and then point at the saddle and whisper "he's sleeping". Great icebreaker and always got a laugh.
The dead possum was a wonderful cushion and within a few hundred miles the Brooks was as comfortable as an old sofa. Now that it's properly softened up I wouldn't trade it for the world and it will easily outlast me. I wax the top surface with tan boot polish and feed the underside with boiled linseed oil from time to time. Very few products in this world are still made in exactly the same way as they were 100 years ago. Persevere with a Brooks and you'll never want another saddle.
The dead possum was a wonderful cushion and within a few hundred miles the Brooks was as comfortable as an old sofa. Now that it's properly softened up I wouldn't trade it for the world and it will easily outlast me. I wax the top surface with tan boot polish and feed the underside with boiled linseed oil from time to time. Very few products in this world are still made in exactly the same way as they were 100 years ago. Persevere with a Brooks and you'll never want another saddle.
The darn things do wear out after about 25 or 30 years... then you'll want a new one.
01-11-12 | 01:46 PM
#96
genec
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 27,072
Likes: 4,533
From: West Coast
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
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