Brooks Saddle Question
 

So I ended up spilling on my RB when clipping out the other day and it ripped a big chunk out of my stock saddle. Since I am looking at replacing it, I have been thinking about biting the bullet and picking a Brooks saddle. As I have looked at the different models I am stuck between the tide and true B-17 or going with the C-17 or 15 Cambien model. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the new combine line of seats and can offer an opinion.

Yes. I've put over 20,000 miles on a C17. From the first day, it rides like a well broken-in B17 -- plus, it's weather proof. You never have to worry about rain. For me, it's the most comfortable saddle for any distance.

I ride a C13 Cambium Carved, but they now come in widths -- so basically can be a carbon railed version of a C15 or C17 I think. I like it, but only a couple hundred miles on it so far. FWIW came from a fizik antares vsx

Thanks for the information. My current seat is Prologo Kappa 2 and its 147mm wide, the C15 is 140mm and the C17 I believe is 162, do you think going up would be better then going down in size? Im thinking up especially since I am Clyde. The prologo worked fine but I would be a bit nervous going any smaller... Thoughts?

The Brooks C13 Medium Width is 145mm wide. That's closer than the others.

At 173 pounds, I go with the C13 wide on my road bike and C17 on my gravel bike. Of course, there's more to fitting the saddle than rider weight.

Flash, I will check them out... I am going to try and measure my sit bones and see what they come out at, not sure If that will work. thanks for the input. Wow, looking at the price, they are really proud of them...lol

I have a C17 and a C15, and like them both. I also have a Team Pro leather saddle that I think will ultimately surpass them both. Keep in mind that the C17 is significantly narrower than the B17, which is significantly too wide for my personal comfort.

Brooks C17 Cambium Carved (the one with the slot/cut-out).... 100% waterproof, designed for long distance/touring, plus you get a 10 year guarantee if you register the serial number on the Brooks website .... comfy straight out of the box

if you want leather.... Gilles Berthoud Aravis... the Rolls Royce of leather saddles but not cheap .... the Aravis has titanium rails

I own them both

I've ridden them both, and prefer the b17. After it is broken in, it is just a little more comfortable.

Well, I find a brand new Brooks Swallow to be more comfortable than the C15 Cambium I have. The swallow I totally forget is there while I'm always aware of the Cambium. I'm also having good luck with the Gyes saddles. I don't know if they will last as long as a Brooks but they are a good bit cheaper and seem well made. I feel like the Gyes are a bit "springier" out of the box than the Brooks.

For comparison of the profiles

The Brooks Cambium C15:

http://www.pbase.com/jhuddle/image/164549453.jpg

The Brooks Swallow:

http://www.pbase.com/jhuddle/image/163655066.jpg

The Gyes GS-06:

http://www.pbase.com/jhuddle/image/164511227.jpg

9000 mi on a B-17 Imperial. wouldn't trade it for anything else.

The Imperial has the cutout, is maybe a bit narrower, so kind of an intermediate between the B-17 and a Swallow?

also pre-punched for lacing and comes with the laces.

The Brooks do have short rails so you may have to find a long setback seatpost depending on your, and the bikes geometry.

I've only ridden the Brooks Pro and Swift - 100K+ miles. I can't comment on the other, but I'd stick with their leather. Expect 3Kmiles to break in :-)

Short version: I have both. They're both great, but I'll put Cambiums on all my non-touring bikes in the future.

Longer explanation: The B17 has a wonderful heritage and looks the part. It needs breaking in (> 700 miles on mine and still not there), but it really not that bad, even before.

The Cambium is comfortable right away, it's significantly lighter, and it's waterproof, which is nice for commuters in Seattle. It's vegan, too, if that matters to you. I've noticed a bit of wear on the nubby fabric top in a few places, but nothing that seems critical.

I think the Cambium wins for near-term practicality, and it seems like it will outlast many non-leather saddles. I imagine my B17 will outlast it by 2-3x, though.

This! I forgot about that. I had an odd-sized frame and couldn't get the B17 far enough back without a setback seatpost. The Cambium rails slid back farther.

Thanks for all the input so far...

Good point. The Swallow version has the longest rails of the Brooks saddles (as a norm) and then the look alike Gyes saddles have longer, more normal rails. I need a lot of setback with my saddles for my fit so this is an important consideration for me.

I was very close to buying a C17, but a lot of reviews complained about the color fading and they didn't like how the textured surface gripped their bike shorts. so I bought another B17. I already had two, so I figured I would go with a sure thing. The first one took some breaking in. The second one seemed to be good, right out of the box. I will try the third one once the weather warms up.

I have only had Brooks Pro and Swift. Could never get comfortable on the Swift and bought a new Pro so have them on two bike. Very comfortable and I have found initial brealin to be just a few hundred miles. B17 would be too wide for my road bike.

You rebel you..:lol:

Well I decided to go with the C13 carved so we will see how it goes....

Let us know how it goes.

You went the same way I did last year. I snagged a C13 carved for pretty cheap, but didn't get to ride it a ton last year before the snow started falling. Liked it for the miles I put on it though. This year I will decide for certain if it is for me. Looks awesome, got the grey. Goes really well with my Lynskey R140!

Good choice; I like mine. Now that they have width options (they didn't a year ago; it was originally only available in the narrow option), what width did you get?

It does look nice with a Ti frame fwiw.

Sy, I went with the 145 which is close to the stock Prologo that came on my Felt Z5

Have the Team Pro and a C17. Bought the C17 hoping for a lighter Team Pro, but the Team Pro is definitely a better seat for comfort on long hauls. The C17 is pretty good all of the time, though starts to wear on me at about the 40 mile mark. The Team Pro is comfortable all the time. Either way I needed a wider seat (wide sit bones) and they both work well for that.