My well-indented Brooks Flyer was recently stolen off my bike and I need a new saddle. Of course it's a matter of personal preference (and seems to be a controversial topic!) but I need some advice.

I was happy with the Flyer comfort-wise but not happy that the frame broke after two years and that I needed to replace the tension pin every year. I'm a heavy rider but nonetheless it didn't seem too durable.

So, my choices thus far (similar in price) are a Brooks B17 Special (I don't think I want the springs) or a leather Selle Royal Respiro (https://www.selleroyal.com/products/s...9031HETA27029/). BTW, I ride flat bars in a moderately upright position and my priorities are durability plus commuting & touring comfort.

Does anyone have experience they can share? BTW, I've checked out the various Brooks knock-offs and decided to pass on them. Future repairability is a concern.

Thanks...

Asmac...I'm also a heavy rider and a Brooks fanatic. There is really only one saddle I've used that I would recommend instead of a Brooks, and I do think they're a bit more durable.

I use the touring model variant - and have been THRILLED with it.

https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/bersaddles.asp

Commuting, locking your bike up outside, think adequate , nothing special,
since you know there is a resale market for stolen Brooks saddles, now.

Hit the LBS for like new take-offs..


get a second seatpost and put your weekend saddle on it, or if the seatpost you have is also nice
a cheaper one for the daily lock up . And a modest saddle , ..

PDW has a foam plastic saddle its said to be the Croc shoes like plastic
so rain and such wont damage stuff and its colored throughout the foam ..

Though I got a cheap vinyl covered saddle at a Charity shop for A buck, and it
is a simple wipe of the water and ride home , situation.

I am a big fan of the Brooks B17.....I also am a bit heavy at 229.....bought the Brooks with a new bike on 5/15/06 and at present have 32,581.1 trouble free, issue free miles on it.

If your more upright you will need something with a lot of support. The brooks generally is made for a more upright position but not fully upright. That may be part of the problem as you are putting a lot of weight on the saddle as compared to a more semi upright position like with drop bars. I can't attest to the reliability issues you've had as I haven't used mine very much yet. I have a ride out saddle on my commuter which I use most often. I like the brooks though and it felt comfortable after adjustments were made. Like Kon Aaron mentions the saddle on Peterwhitecycles is really nice but I find the Brooks a better design.

A standard b17 is about the best value in a leather saddle (including the knockoffs), howerver consider a sella Anatomica, or Gilles bouthard saddle. They are well made and for many conform to your anatomy more readily than the brooks

Is there any value in going with the Select or Special instead of the Standard?

not if it is a theft magnet..
bottom of the skirt skivving copper rivets , hand hammered , thicker leather..
select is not from feed lot finished cattle ..

All of this, short and to the point.
You can also secure your brooks via locking skewers or cable.
Or super glue ball bearings in the allen heads on bolts. Or Torx/star drive bolts.
I use an old 8spd chain inside an inner tube, pulled very tight through saddle rails and springs on my Flyer that I leave around town.

I think you're right and that's what I got. Thnx.