i just bought a dahon speed p8. what brooks saddle is best for this bike? also whats the difference between a b17 and swallow b15?

thanks in advance everyone for your help with this.

I have a Brompton folder that came with a B17. Assuming the riding position on your Dahon is similar to the riding postion on a Brompton, I would think the B17 is best for your bike.

B17: Wide, soft, comfortable. Designed to be sat on fairly upright, with handlebars around saddle height, or just above or below. I think the B17 is the most popular Brooks saddle; Wallingford Bikes says the "return rate" is lower than any other. The B17 is popular with tourers, long distance riders, and casual road bike riders in general.

Swallow: Skinny and firmer. Designed for riders who ride more aggressively/competitively, with their bodies in more of a competitive crouch, often with their hands on the drops. For riders who use their saddle as more of a "perch" than a "seat" (which is what the B17 is for). Brooks recommends the Swallow for riders who have handlebars set at lower than saddle height.

Yep, B-17 wider, better for more upright position, though comfy for wide range of bikes, depending on user. See here.

what about the swift?

The b17 has a "narrow" version, also ...

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I have a Brooks Champion Flyer which is just a B.17 with springs on my commuter.
Awesome saddle and the springs are just enough to take the edge off the potholes, not bouncy.

I am also interested in opinions on the Swift model.. anyone out there use one..

I had a swallow for a few thousand miles, and though I liked it, I decided to sell it and try something new.

Would I ride one again... yes, on a vintage bike, or something more traditional, steel or ti.

If you are interested in the swallow, take a look at one of these, would be a good way to give one a try without dropping a bomb. https://www.velo-orange.com/vosaddlemodel6.html

Swallow might be a bit narrow for some, I now ride a 143mm toupe and the swallow was ok, maybe a bit narrower then the toupe.

Originally Posted by karmafilms
what about the swift?
what about the swift?




I have tried dozens of saddles over the years trying to find a magic one. 3 Years ago I was given a Brooks Swift Ti for my Birthday. After about 5-600 mile break in I have not considered changing saddles at all. I had a Litespeed Ultimate when I got the saddle. Now I ride a 2008 Madone. Thought it looked out of place at first but now I have gotten over the retro look and would highly recommend it to anyone.
Some of the saddles I have tried are
Fizik Aerione
Fizik Aliante
Terry Fly Ti
Terry Liberator
Flite
Bontrager
Specialized BG Comp
E3 Performance
Aspide
Selle Rolls
Selle Squadra HDP
Aspide

Good luck in choosing!

I have one on my cross bike. It's the only Brooks saddle that I liked and it's my favorite saddle out of all saddles that I have tried. Not as light as a plastic saddle, but much lighter than most Brooks saddles. Looks nice also. I got very lucky. Picked it up off Nashbar's return site for $120.

I have a B17 on my touring bike, so knowing that the Brooks are pretty comfortable I though, after many saddles I would try one on my Specialized Roubaix. I wanted something different for my Specialized Roubaix and I ended up with the Swift with the steel rails (cheaper). I now have 1500 miles on it and the thing is great. I don't race I just like to ride long rides. I think I just made the final adjustment on it and I just can't believe how nice this thing is. I spent a lot of money on different saddles and I hope I'm done buying another one for a long time.

I think that you missed the biggest single difference, the quality of the leather.

I've got one on my Klein. I've got team pros on two other bikes but I wanted a lighter-looking saddle for the Klein. Functionally I'd rate them the same.

Got a Swift on my CAAD8, and going to get another one for a Langster. Certainly better for a low-and-forward riding position than a B17, although that doesn't really suck, either. I don't want to get any other kind anymore.

I thought the Swift had a flatter profile on the rear of the saddle and the Team Pro was more rounded..