keelbolts

I'm thinking about returning to a leather saddle. I'm 54 and more into sport touring than racing. Which Brooks saddle should I be looking at?

Allen

Non sprung and more narrow, B17
Non sprung and a little wider for a more upright ride, B68

Sprung and a little wider, B67
Sprung and more aggressive posture, Champion Flyer

The B68 and B67 have the same top
The B17 and the Champ Flyer share the same top which is more narrow.

If you want a racing style top look at the Swift or Swallow.

bassogap

The only reason to ride a Brooks is because you think it's a good-looking saddle. As far as comfort,there are just so many newer saddles that would be both more comfortable and lighter. That didn't stop me from having a Brooks Pro on my Voyager SP...

mojopt

I've tried several saddles and I have to say the Brooks B17 really surprised me. I haven't broken it in yet, but I have to say it is neither comforatble nor uncomfortable. One would think it should be hard on the butt since it is so hard. We'll see.

I anticipate that once it is broken in it will be very comfoatable.

Mike

ddez

If you go to the Brooks website and hunt around you will find an explanation as to which saddle for which ride etc.Although someone here has explained some of it you may find the original comments from time past quite interesting and in depth and or entertaining on that site.Also will learn what to do with maintenance etc.Quite a fun site.For me anyway.

Velo Dog

Speak for your own butt, not mine. I've been riding as an adult for more than 40 years, tried at least three dozen saddles, and NOTHING has been as comfortable as the Brooks B-17. I have them on three bikes.
FWIW, my only issue with saddles is comfort. I don't give a crap about appearance or weight.

ddez

+1

Nermal

If it's neither comfortable nor uncomfortable, is it possible you just don't notice it? I can't think of a kinder thing to say about a saddle.

dynodonn 

I have a Brooks Pro, and after some trials with different nose angles up and down and to the side, plus having the saddle start to break in, it really has become comfortable to the point of being unnoticeable. The main factor I really like about my Brooks is how slick it is, reducing the friction burn that I received from other saddles.

knobster

Brooks is a good option and only you can decide which one is right. I've tried a B-17, B-67, Team Professional and finally a Swift. Only the Swift was right for me.

Buy from www.wallbike.com They have a 6 month return policy. No questions asked. Can't beat that.

chipcom 

I have/have had B17s, a Team Pro, an Imperial, a Swift and a B68 on my bikes. By far the most comfortable is the B17 on all but the road bike, where I prefer the Swift.

brianmcg123

Sorry bassogap but you fail:

chipcom 

^^^ is that a Brooks saddle in that pic?

Nermal

My body has changed since an accident involving pelvic fractures. I had to take off the Champion Flyer and am working with a Terry Cite Y. It's working, but the high friction surface is a big negative. Odd, as I initially didn't care for the slick surface.

Thor29

Try the B17 - it's the "standard" model and a lot of people seem happy with it. I totally understand mojopt's comment - a Brooks saddle is not exactly cushy when new but it doesn't hurt either. My first B-17 took about 600 miles to really start breaking in. Once they are broken in, they feel wonderful. One important comment that I don't think is talked about enough - saddle tilt is crucial. When I installed that first Brooks, I had it slightly nose up and I experienced the dreadful numbness for the first time ever. I found out that it works best (for me) to have the back of the saddle slightly higher than the nose (almost level) so that the sit bones are on the back of the saddle but the nose isn't digging into the crotch area.

NormanF

If you're riding upright, I recommend the Brooks B-67. With drop bars, I'd recommend the Brooks Flyer. Both of them have springs but I think on rough roads there is nothing that protects your spine like a good sprung leather saddle!

NormanF

Hard is better. Soft saddles sink your sensitive parts into the surface and after awhile of riding, its going to feel uncomfortable. A hard surface keeps them out of harm's way and gives support where the sit bones need it. It takes awhile to getting used to it.

dynodonn 

I guess everybody's mileage varies, since my Brooks final resting position was tilted slightly up and a little to the right.

Panthers007

My criteria for the "best" saddle is one that vanishes when I sit on it. Doesn't hurt. And you don't even notice it. For my drop-bar racing-bike, I've found the Brook's B17 fits the bill great! And for a more upright position - like a 3-spd. - the B66 is my favorite.

Pricey - but you get what you pay for.

JohnDThompson 

For bikes with road drop bars I prefer the Brooks "Team Professional" or Selle Italia "Turbo." For upright bikes, the Brooks B66.

keelbolts

I went with the B17. Got it yesterday, put it on & took it around the block, and oiled it overnight. Of course, it's still hard as a board, but I recognized the feel, from waaayyy back, and I think I'm going to be happy with it.

travelmama

+1 I rode about 19 miles yesterday and felt very comfortable on it. I got on the saddle today and felt some discomfort but only because I need to get used to it. Today I will log in 35 miles so sooner than later it will be alright to ride on.

mud

My B17 is three years old, still very hard and comfortable as hell !!!!!!!!!!!! Oh yea the coloring is definitely aged, but with much character!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

illwafer

there are plenty of decent saddles that will do you well for under 30 miles. if you want to go longer, or considerably longer, i would recommend a leather saddle. if you are going to ride in rain, i would recommend selle anatomica watershed version.

gel saddles feel great for short rides. leather saddles never feel great, but they are consistent through your whole ride as they have no padding to change form while you are in the saddle.