Which Brooks?
10-13-08, 09:39 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 301
Bikes: 85 Nishiki Riviera GT, 69 Schwinn Super Sport(fixed conversion), 80's Olmo Professionisti, 80's Univega Mixte
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
Which Brooks?
Which is the all around best Brooks saddle?
I want to get a leather saddle that can be my everyday commute saddle, but will also work for touring or bike camping, and going fast on the weekends. In short the road/sport/touring model.
Also are there any American made saddle bags equivalent to the carradice line?
I want to get a leather saddle that can be my everyday commute saddle, but will also work for touring or bike camping, and going fast on the weekends. In short the road/sport/touring model.
Also are there any American made saddle bags equivalent to the carradice line?
10-13-08, 10:17 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 11,375
Bikes: '08 Surly Cross-Check, 2011 Redline Conquest Pro, 2012 Spesh FSR Comp EVO, 2015 Trek Domane 6.2 disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
10-13-08, 12:58 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Augusta, GA
Posts: 639
Bikes: Bottecchia CF frame and fork, Ultegra 6603 crank and FD, DuraAce RD, Easton Vista wheels, Brooks B-17 saddle, Shimano 105 brakes, Michelin Pro2 Race tires
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm a fan of the standard B17
10-13-08, 01:17 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 11,375
Bikes: '08 Surly Cross-Check, 2011 Redline Conquest Pro, 2012 Spesh FSR Comp EVO, 2015 Trek Domane 6.2 disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
Same here. And I really like my B-17 Imperial which I was part of the test group for. (It's a B-17 Champ Standard with a cutout like the An-Atomica). I have a really shallow difference between my bars and seat, though. Only 1.25" of drop, so the B-17 is still comfortable for me. If you have a more agressive position, I've heard that it's not as good and a model like the Swift is better suited.
10-13-08, 01:48 PM
#7
Señor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,921
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1491 Post(s)
Liked 1,087 Times
in
637 Posts
Same here. And I really like my B-17 Imperial which I was part of the test group for. (It's a B-17 Champ Standard with a cutout like the An-Atomica). I have a really shallow difference between my bars and seat, though. Only 1.25" of drop, so the B-17 is still comfortable for me. If you have a more agressive position, I've heard that it's not as good and a model like the Swift is better suited.
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
10-13-08, 08:33 PM
#8
**** that
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: CALI
Posts: 15,402
Mentioned: 151 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1099 Post(s)
Liked 104 Times
in
30 Posts
the b17 is a good all-around saddle; i just got a team pro and like it a lot too.
i have a swift as well, but it's really narrow, almost too much so. (for me)
i have a swift as well, but it's really narrow, almost too much so. (for me)
10-14-08, 11:17 AM
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 301
Bikes: 85 Nishiki Riviera GT, 69 Schwinn Super Sport(fixed conversion), 80's Olmo Professionisti, 80's Univega Mixte
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
No fans of the swift huh?
I was thinking about getting a swift, now I ride with an old used Italian racing saddle that is pretty narrow and shockingly comfortable, the B17 just looks a little wide, but I have yet to do more than 30 miles at a time on the saddle, The B17 is cheaper anyway, so if you all say it's the way to go for long distances I'll give it wurl
10-15-08, 06:33 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Hampton Roads VA
Posts: 1,787
Bikes: '07 Trek 520, '09 Gary Fisher Triton, '04 Trek 8000, '85 Trek 500, '84 Trek 610, '85 Trek 510, '88 Trek 660, '92 Trek 930, Trek Multitrack 700
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
B17
__________________
"When I hear another express an opinion, which is not mine, I say to myself, He has a right to his opinion, as I to mine; why should I question it. His error does me no injury, and shall I become a Don Quixot to bring all men by force of argument, to one opinion? If a fact be misstated, it is probable he is gratified by a belief of it, and I have no right to deprive him of the gratification."
T. Jefferson
"When I hear another express an opinion, which is not mine, I say to myself, He has a right to his opinion, as I to mine; why should I question it. His error does me no injury, and shall I become a Don Quixot to bring all men by force of argument, to one opinion? If a fact be misstated, it is probable he is gratified by a belief of it, and I have no right to deprive him of the gratification."
T. Jefferson
10-15-08, 09:12 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Minneapolis!
Posts: 189
Bikes: 2005 Surly Steamroller, 2003 Surly Pacer, 2009 Surly LHT, 2010 Surly LHT, 2007 Surly CrossCheck, 1988 Schwinn Prologue
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
11-05-08, 11:03 PM
#14
"I'm the Man in Black"
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Gardendale, AL
Posts: 286
Bikes: IndyFab 29er SS, Surly CrossCheck, Titus Moto-lite, Specialized Enduro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
11-08-08, 11:51 AM
#15
Recovering mentalist
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: On the Edge
Posts: 2,810
Bikes: Too many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I have a Brook's Pro -- 31 years on it.
I have a B-17 -- 1 y/o.
They're both great, but I'm beginning to prefer the B-17
Whichever you buy, don't forget the Proofide. Nothing else, except saddle soap occasionally. No neatsfoot!
I have a B-17 -- 1 y/o.
They're both great, but I'm beginning to prefer the B-17
Whichever you buy, don't forget the Proofide. Nothing else, except saddle soap occasionally. No neatsfoot!
11-09-08, 08:25 AM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Waynesboro,PA
Posts: 301
Bikes: 08 LHT and 13 giant defy 2 composite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have the champion flyer saddle,it's basically the b-17 but with springs.
As a general rule of thumb if your handlebars are lower than your saddle get an unsprung brooks like the b-17.If your handlebars are higher than your saddle then get a sprung saddle like the champion flyer.
As a general rule of thumb if your handlebars are lower than your saddle get an unsprung brooks like the b-17.If your handlebars are higher than your saddle then get a sprung saddle like the champion flyer.
11-09-08, 11:39 AM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Houston, Tx
Posts: 904
Bikes: Surly Bridge Club, 1992 Miyata 914
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
11 Posts
Which is the all around best Brooks saddle?
I want to get a leather saddle that can be my everyday commute saddle, but will also work for touring or bike camping, and going fast on the weekends. In short the road/sport/touring model.
Also are there any American made saddle bags equivalent to the carradice line?
I want to get a leather saddle that can be my everyday commute saddle, but will also work for touring or bike camping, and going fast on the weekends. In short the road/sport/touring model.
Also are there any American made saddle bags equivalent to the carradice line?
Bob
12-02-08, 05:49 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 97
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I love my B17, too - it fit me just right as soon as I got it. Actually, now almost a year on, it doesn't really like me quite so much, but maybe it just needs adjusting.
You'd have to try one and find out, though - I realise I was lucky that the B17 worked so well for me
You'd have to try one and find out, though - I realise I was lucky that the B17 worked so well for me
12-02-08, 05:07 PM
#21
Pedal Pusher
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 33
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
For anyone still up in the air on which saddle to chose, here is your answer.
Wallingford Bicycle Parts has a really neat program that allows you to buy a saddle and trade it in for a different one if you don't like it. They are really nice to work with. It's a win-win.
https://www.wallbike.com/Brookssaddles.html
Wallingford Bicycle Parts has a really neat program that allows you to buy a saddle and trade it in for a different one if you don't like it. They are really nice to work with. It's a win-win.
https://www.wallbike.com/Brookssaddles.html
12-02-08, 08:56 PM
#22
Ho-Jahm
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Manchester, NH
Posts: 4,228
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally I had a B-17 and loved it, then built up my Bilenky and wanted something a bit racier so I splurged on the Ti railed Swift. 1,500 uncomfortable and worrisome miles later and it still wasn't even close to breaking in so I took a risk and soaked it through with neatsfoot oil. Surprisingly, the leather softened up and the saddle felt progressively better. It's now ok, not quite what my old B-17 used to be (now ruined from rain stretching it out) but it gets the job done.
12-02-08, 10:21 PM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Houston, Tx
Posts: 904
Bikes: Surly Bridge Club, 1992 Miyata 914
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
11 Posts
I don't know what combination of factors changed, but the swallow works. It was good out of the box and after 300 miles was downright exquisite.
Bob
12-03-08, 12:11 AM
#24
.
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Posts: 3,981
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix Comp, Soma ES
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This is what's funny about saddles. Suggestions are irrelivant. I have a swift that I picked up from Nashbar on their return site for $130. It's my favorite saddle of all time. B17 on my Trek 520 and it's good, but I like the swift much better. Was never uncomfortable.
__________________
Demented internet tail wagging imbicile.
Demented internet tail wagging imbicile.
12-03-08, 12:14 AM
#25
some new kind of kick
B17 for me. My Brooks Imperial is getting a teensy bit saggy.
The B17 sans cut out is holding up well.
-must admit the Imperial has seen a lot more mileage since
I wanted to provide decent test results.
The B17 sans cut out is holding up well.
-must admit the Imperial has seen a lot more mileage since
I wanted to provide decent test results.
