kirkcubs

So what's the deal with Brooks anyway? Are they THAT comfortable? And any reason why they are so comfortable (special leather, padding, combo of both?) That is to say, for those who have them, would you trade them for anything else? I'm kinda thinking about getting one. Thanks.

cuda2k

I've yet to put enough miles on my Brooks saddle to really say what's so special about them. There are people on both sides of the argument, either who say they are the only saddle they'd ever use, or that they are over weight bun bricks.

IMHO: Brooks are firm to the sitbones, but flex under your weight. The sit bones take the majority of the weight, as most people agree they should, but the leather as a whole flexes as needed during riding. This combination makes for a comfortable saddle, even more so after a few hundred miles. I've just mounted my B-17 to my new Gazelle and will be riding it for a while. My fall back plan is the spare San Marco Rolls (which was also mentioned already in this thread) which I know I like as well as I have one on my other Gazelle.

AndyK 

The modern Swallow looks great. The B17 looks like it's name - a B17 bomber! But if it works....

Jay Andriot

Brooks saddles are that comfortable. I've got two Colnagos both of which have Brooks Ti Swifts on them. There is no way I'd do anything else. The C40 is still a 16.5 lb bike, plenty light enough for me.

ricebowl

Not unless some store is having a 75% off sale on em, $479

fadi

Yes THAT comfortable
I got my Brooks B17 a week ago, and I still can't believe what is happening to me. This is against human logic, trust me the saddle is so hard, like wood, my colleague at work started making jokes when I first unwrapped it at my desk... but then riding it is a different story!

I usually ride with jeans or shorts, and I immediately noticed the difference even before breaking it in. In fact I only have 62 miles on it, not even close to be broken in but yes it is much more comfortable.
The saddle doesn't disappear but it is not painful to force you to quit.

Yesterday only I bought a proper cycling bib (34€?? dam this country is expensive!), never before had I wore such a thing, and I just came from a 30 mile ride, wearing it for the first time. Wow how nice, I can't believe I waited that long. Sometimes we really don't know what we are missing.
The combination with the B17 is excellent, at least until my saddle is completely broken it
But I will still go out for a drink, do some groceries and commute with casual cloths, will dedicate my bib for fitness rides.

I wouldn't like to give advice or recommendations, each one decides for his own butt; this is just my story with the B17, I chose the cheapest and most standard of the Brooks model to take it up from there starting with a trial... But I guess I won't be swapping that saddle any time soon

ricebowl

I've had the saddle about 2 weeks now, already more comfortable than my old saddle. Weird thing, the saddle is more comfortable with regular shorts than bike shorts, at least the bike shorts I own.

My thoughts jibed with the poll results. But at the last second, he had already sent me the shipment notice, I changed it to the honey.

Don't think it looks that bad. Though I may get the elk hide bar wrap or the soma thick and zesty chocolate.