Ive had my b17 for about 5yrs now. Took about 3 months of commuting and long weekend rides to break in but i love it. Ill admit i originally bought it simply because i thought it was a good looking saddle, but 5 years later i swap it to whatever bike im riding. Try pointing it up just a bit.
@@alexbumpers I ride most of my saddles nose slightly up. It helps push your butt toward the rear of the saddle where there's more surface area to hold you and reduces pressure on your hands.
My Girl and I decided to start cycling and bought Dawes Galaxy's each. We've had them about a year and cycled no more than 3 hours at a time. The stock saddle was a Dawes Comfort Touring Saddle, this was soft to the touch but far from confortable. A few weeks ago I found a good deal on a pair of B17 Standards, basically, I bought two for the price of one. I had read lots about them, how they took hundreds of miles to break in and how uncomfortable they were until then (even the guy in the shop told me this). I fitted my brand new rock hard B17 to my bike and braced myself for a painful ride. To my surprise it was more comfortable than the stock one. I dont understand how this can be the case, its literally roxk hard to touch. I thought I was mistaken, so it was time for the acid test. It was time to fit it to my GFs bike. I was dreading what she might say, because of how much it cost and the isnt that into cycling. We got on our bikes and cycled 60km together. She was of the same opinion as me.... "much more comfortabel than the stock saddle". I know saddles are a unique amd subjective topic but in our experience the B17 was comfortable from day one and we only expect it to get more comfortable. GF has done 60km on hers. I have done 120km on mine. We plan to do a coast to coast of England in August 22. We'll let you know how the B17 (and our bums) hold out.
Have you rode in the rain? Or got the seat wet? I want one but everyone scares me saying I have to take extreme care of it how is it holding up for you ?
I will not go on a long ride with any other saddle than the B17, just the one you have. It is comfortable and was so right out of the box. I guess it's not for everyone, but mine is tilted back slightly, which is clearly not recommended by bike fitters. I've ridden across Canada (9,500 km) with mine in 2017 and the saddle is still good now.
Ditto on the back tilt. The idea is contrary to most bike fitters, but most bike fitters know nothing about full grain leather saddles. They work with bike "seats" that have a manufactured shape that has a memory. Leather forms to the rider and becomes a custom fit. That is: It changes as it forms, and that takes miles and time. First: Determine the ischial width. the 17 is an al'rounder, so if the ischial width is much over 165mm, you're into the max for that saddle. Much wider and the bones ride the insides of the steel frame under the rivets. Not fun. Brooks has made the 17 forever, and Americans are getting - well - bigger. Think about it. Measure your butt bones. As an al'rounder saddle, the 17 may not work well for those who ride in an aggressive posture on a dedicated road bike. It's a better saddle for touring or general intermediate/advanced riders who may enjoy going out for ride over 30 miles. I set people up by first adjusting the tilt with the plane of the saddle parallel to the ground. That points the nose a bit high. If needed, raise the bars to rotate the pelvis more upright. Remember, it' s a better touring posture saddle. This gets more weight onto the saddle at the ischials and off the perineal area. You don't want to ride the nose. It is only there to keep you on the saddle. Adjust the saddle for/aft position until the rider does not feel the nose, only the plane. This also helps to rotate the pelvis upright. Test for several rides or a single 30 miler, adjusting tilt and sliding position along the way. If it works for you, it's golden. Proper width is of paramount importance. Gradually, the tilt usually can be reduced as the leather forms to the rider.
I love my B17 Carver. It's taken me over 4000 miles and is the most comfortable saddle I've ridden. I like so much I now have another for my other bike too!
I bought my B17 in the run up to the 2017 Fietselfstedentocht. (You can see my video of that.) I'd heard that you have to break them in, but mine was comfy right out of the box, and still is. To stop it from sagging you do have to stretch it occasionally by turning the nut at the front end, and this wasn't as simple as it should have been. I had to use a pair of pliers as well as the spanner supplied with the saddle. Still got plenty of the saddle soap left too.
I've only ever used a Brooks B17 and have never had issue. It comes down to the individual at the end of the day I guess but Brooks have been successfully in business since 1882 for a reason.
Brooks, Ideale (no longer in business), or Berthoud (bear-TWO), are all top quality saddles. For most people, the Standard B-17 is just fine. This guy has higher expectations and needs. He might have gone with a Brooks Pro. If a riders ischials are wide, the B-17 is probably too narrow and the bones may ride on the steel frame under the rivets. That may explain the lack of ischial bone "dimples" in the leather. You can't dimple steel. If a rider is lightweight, the break-in period is definitely longer.
You'll get it broken in. I' ve ridden them since 1964. Racing, touring and mountain bikes. I'm light at 5' 10" 145 lbs. Takens about 500 -700 miles. Less for heaviet riders. Not far. B17, B17N, B17 Imperial. All are sublimly comfortable. Point 'em up a little. I've spent money throughout the years on bike that didn't have a Brooks. Too many bikes.... The only way I can prevent being sore is to change back to the Brooks especially over 100+ miles. Never have a problem with the wings. I don't care about weight if it means trouble on a tour. Thanks!
@@floridavelogravel7838 Thanks for the reply! I also should have stated I use no chamois with the B17. Just lycra shorts. Chamois just change the dimensions and give of the leather and add friction. They also increase the break in time. Thanks!
I just broke the rails on a narrow brooks saddle that was 3 years old. Despite this fact, I would still recommend this model. They are very comfortable once broken in (takes about a month of riding). I just wish it lasted longer. I estimate that I put about 4000-5000 miles on the saddle before it broke. My other brooks leather seat lasted for decades before it got stolen. I thought the one that broke would last as long as the first one I bought. Fun Fact: the leather saddles have rails that are riveted directly to the leather seat while the synthetic saddles (Brooks Cambria) have a rail set that is attached to the seat material with high quality machined screws. They are not compatible!
Man, I couldn’t imagine one day returning to my bike to find that my saddle (your saddle) that is old enough to drink, just gone to some degenerate that is probably younger than the saddle.
Lol! I got the same problem not with Brooks but with Selle Italia also leather, but I figure it is more a touring saddle. And I want to give it 3 months. If it doesn't sit righy by then I switch back.
All you have to do is fold those wings over the rails and put a ruler in between the rails and the wings for a few nights and you won't have anymore problems with them flailing outward. That's what I did. I'm 200 pounds they're still curled up under even with the seat broken in.
Probably a bit late, but you should try a saddle from the French manufacturer 'Selles Idéale', their quality is sublime and the saddle looks stunning. I used to ride Brooks Professional saddles, but as mentioned in a comment below, Brooks quality isn't what it used to be. In the last years with Brooks I broke two rails, also the quality of the leather is shite, it starts tearing to soon. So I said goodby to Brooks and bought myself a Selles Idéale. It came in a nice box, just as nice as a Brooks saddle box. But the Brooks box seems only a promise, Selle Idéale delivers, that's my experience.
Too bad for you. I have two that I bought about 20 and 18 years ago. They both have thousands of miles. I did a century the first weekend I purchased one. Break in was not necessary for me. I do about 100 miles per week. I hope mine lasts another 30 years.
I’m suspect if yours are that old...the quality is way better back then vs these newer ones...no getting around that they are iconic...I’m going to try the more narrow models
The B17 Special has shaved wings and is available with titanium rails if you're worried about the weight. Brooks Proofhide should only be applied to the underside of a new saddle - not the top.
I've heard that a lot of people are going for the berthoud cuz of the Allen rivets for serviceability. I really like the imperial though with the laces. I have wide sit bones too. It's so close. But beware the brooks break in takes forever. Any leather good is going to need time to break in.
Wait did I have any Manu stuff in the video? Haha my best friend, I gave him a Liverpool jersey, bought it and gifted very painful process as a United fan 😉 (I lost a bet)
@@floridavelogravel7838 yeah, I done that before....painful indeed!! It has been a long wait for us.......1990 I believe. We needed that one. Take care.
Cool! I lived in Wayne, NJ. Wayne Hills High! Now I currently ride the Fizik Arione and love it. Use it on my Moots Routt RSL all road/gravel bike. But wanted to try the Brooks Cambium C15. More like the profile of the Arione. Do you know anything about it?
The comfiest Brooks I ever sat on was a Colt but they are quite scarce. They also have copper rivets I ended up sticking in me. Flogged it... been on a Selle SMP Evolution ever since, it's not cheap but, it is better.
watching this back years later and its so funny about the no lace holes on the side. It's leather, punch a hole in it lol and throw some lacing on it. Then you do that... I spoke too soon
My experience with the Brooks B-17 is that it was quite comfortable when it was new, but as it's broken in it has developed a ridge in the centre that causes severe chafing of the taint. I tried loosening the bolt to see if it would help but the taint-ridge remains. I admit I fell for the hype around Brooks saddles, but my experience has left me with the opinion that they belong ONLY on bikes with a very upright position, which is none of the bikes I own. I suspect that the models that have a cutout might not have this problem but I think I'll still switch to something else.
Some folks complain about the ridge that develops and causes saddle sores. This is exactly my same experience with a gooch- ripping ridge after 15k. But I never adjusted the nut on the front during those kilometers and when I finally did it seemed to be too late. The saddle flare would not go away and the chode crushing continued. Maybe I’ll rub the proofide on my taint and lace my butt cheeks together to see if that helps.
I just bought a used B17-S which is the women's version (9.65 inches long so about an inch and a half shorter then the regular B17, and 175mm wide which is 5mm wider then the standard) I got a really good price for it $80 and it looks barely used and it also has the laces. It will interesting, i also have wide sit bones 170ish and i'm 6'2 185lbs. I plan on slathering some Bicks Heavy Duty Leather Preserver on it to help break it in. I'll update this in about a month once I've gotten some miles on it.
I have Brooks B17s on all three of my Dawes Ultra Galaxies and have cycled for three weeks on one of them cycling all the way to the Costa Blanca in Spain. The others I spent all day in the saddle for a week with loaded panniers slogging up the Pennine Cycleway. I have never had to worry about a sore backside or wearing padded shorts, just normal shorts,
Ive been riding a Brooks Pro (large rivets) for 45 years. For me, nothing else is close. Old Brooks are far superior than the new. Thicker leather, better rails. Just great. Ideale has been out of business for awhile. The old ones were great, although they sagged quicker than Brooks
If it is too wide for you, why didn’t you buy the B15? That one is especially for road bikes. The B17 is more for tour bikes or people who want a wider saddle on their road bike.
Yeah... I admit in the video I messed up choice wise... it really was for my gravel bike not the road to be fair but it is what it is...no doubt it’s still a really vice saddle, just for me to look at though
Just bought a Brooks B17. Rode with it 1000KM. Within the first 10 hours, a center longitudinal ridge started to develop. Very painful as you sit on a spine. I contacted the company and they did everything possible to blame me, making assumptions about mishandling the saddle. I just rode it! Maybe it's a good saddle when not defective but if it is defective as mine was, the company will do everything they can to blame you and not take any responsibility, not even offering an exchange. Buy from better companies!
Even a good design fine for many will never be best for all.... I found some great cheap saddles in a Target once, bought all 3, never saw 'em again. The wholesale buyer is never a biker.
Thank you...I think I might give that one a shot...the watch is a Russian diver, this model has a cult following, it’s the scuba man...Vostok Amphibia so many variations and super affordable...if you are into watches you need one in your life ;)
Why!? Because not everyone has the same experience as you! The b17 saddle in my opinion is leaning more towards a bike that is more neutral to an upright position. If you were looking for a racier saddle then the ones designed to be more narrow would be the better choice. You can also as you mentioned punch some holes in and lace it up. I've seen it down plenty of times!.
Thanks for review. I had a Selle Anitomica that I sold with the bike a while back. It road awesome almost felt like a cloud. I may get a Brooks with the springs also., I have to see if has cut out...
Unfortunate that it didn't work for you, happy with mine after a few hundred miles, going to fully break mine in before i start with my cross country tour in Norway, the wings haven't been an issue for me but also likely due to the fact that i'm riding a fatbike using a wide crank, your legs naturally space apart a bit further so it's been a great success thus far but it was a bit of a gamble, first time I've tried one of these saddles.
Instead of buying that small can of Brooks wax, just buy some SNO SEAL for about 5 bucks and it will last for years and it can also be used on boots and shoes.
You're right. The model he has is too wide for that style of bike. I have a B17 for a road/touring bike and it's perfect for a more relaxed style of riding.
It’s funny you’re the 2nd person to say that...it was though, could I have ridden more miles (seems years has to be given) to satisfy the Brooks loyalists? Not a chance, b/c it’s the flaring of the sides that made this saddle not right for me.
Sorry to hear the saddle did not work for you. I have two saddles in my touring commuting bicycle and my folding bicycle both over 10 years old and one I have over 40 thousand miles and I never had an issue. I do not wear padded shorts, just regular and as long as I change my short regularly when I am bicycle touring for more than a week , I have no issues. If you steal have that saddle and want to sell it , let me know.
It's not broken in until the seat sinks to your bum shape. They are VERY heavy. I agree they're not brilliant. Mine took months to break in - basically it was way too hard. And it needed constant tightening, I've stretched it by an inch. The sides are supposed to be laced together but I've ridden it both with and without and didn't notice any difference. I've got mine to a point that it's bearable but I wouldn't say it's comfortable. I wouldn't recommend them, especially considering the weight and price.
Considering the fact Brooks B17 is one of the highest rated saddles out there if you are not happy with it there are three choices. 1: It's defective. 2: It's not good for your anatomy. 3: You are doing something wrong. "Brooks saddles are bad!" is not a valid choice.
It went together easily in less than an hour. ruclips.net/user/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Make sure the front fork is forward or the pedals will hit the front tire. Tires are both a little soft so it needs air before I ride it. The rear wheel didn't come with a clamp regular bolts hold it on. The front had the clamp. No scratches out of box. Rims are a little off with a slight wobble. They could have spent more time with the spoke tool fixing the run out. So far out of the box I'm happy with it. I did replace the pedals with a nice aftermarket set. After riding it a bit my A$$ is a bit sore so I ordered another seat. Overall I'm nearly 60 and didn't ride a bike in 30 years. I like my new 29" Schwinn. It will be used for casual rides with my friend.
the Cambium is only good for a commuter bike that you ride in the rain. They deteriorate in the sun and being rubber, they will make nosie. Riding a leather Brooks is sublime for any seasoned rider, but for new people trying one often times they mess it up by messing with it too much (too much proofhide, riding it wet, tension it too soon and too much, etc.). Also, most aren't positioning the angle correctly (tip should tilt up slightly.. this forces most of your weight on your ass where it belongs, not on your sensitive parts) or inexperienced riders don't have a well adapted position for longer rides yet. BTW Boonen didn't ride a Brooks during his racing career... did you hear that from a hipster in a coffee shop? Just look at any photo of him throughout his pro career... all modern saddles. Brooks are huge compared to any modern saddle and easy to spot, just as you could easily spot one on TK's bike. A B17 is way too heavy and wide for most racers but some gravel or touring guys will use nothing else. Perhaps you should try a narrower model like the Swift. I've been riding my three Brooks saddles (two B17s, and a Swift) for a few decades on my gravel / cross / commuter bikes... never had an issue with them. They are one of the most comfortable saddles out there.
The saddle in your hand is the epitome of traditional. It’s the oldest saddle design still in production. The ones you like aren’t traditional saddle’s
See what happens when a noob tries to figure things out on his own? If one had consulted a respected pro shop or had seasoned cycling buddies to guide one then many assumptions which led to wrong decisions could have been avoided. One solution is to sell the saddle unaltered and seek advice from a knowledgeable cyclist. Also keep in mind the break-in period. Some have success sooner than others. In part the mental aspect of discomfort will drive some to desperate measures like butchering a fine Brooks saddle in search of a quick fix. It's best to learn from the experience of others to avoid mistakes. Don't believe everything you find on the internet. Talk face to face with people you know and trust. That being said, disregard everything I have written. LOL
Haha thank you, noob comment though regarding my background but since there’s a lol and a jab at humor which I like even at my own expense it makes it ok 😉...as stated in the video, I think they are art, I was never giving the saddle away or returning etc, I have it on my shelf as art...it was an experiment...this seems to upset the Brooks loyalists...
People buy the B17 cause it's the least expensive Brooks saddle. The Brooks Imperial would be the way to go for most cyclist, since it has the 'taint cutout'. You Can CONVERT the B17 into an Imperial if you're skilled with a steak knife and drill. If you prefer not to have the cutout, simply drill some 'lacing holes' into the B17. Seems your issue is with your 'taint' irritation but you dislike cutouts. These Brooks saddles are more for Clydes with meatly butts that 'perch' the 'taint' up higher. Looking at your build, I imaging your butt is just as slim, so yeh, I can see why it's a nightmare finding a comfortable saddle that provides 'taint relief'. The B17 has slightly concave dips where your sit bones sit, so that's probably your issue. You may want to consider getting a Berthoud saddle which tend to perch your sit bones a little higher. Since you're stuck with that B17, maybe you can experiment and rig up a way to 'weigh down' the 'taint area' of the saddle, maybe by wetting it and pressing a cylinder of some sort in the 'taint area', or better yet, tie #3 parachords around a beer bottle, & run the 3 parachords thru the holes in the 'taint area' of the saddle and PULL Down on the parachords compressing the 'taint area' of the saddle, and tie the parachords around the top tube of the bike and leave it like that for several days, compressing the saddle a little at a time till you compress the taint area just right. Wetting the middle of the saddle or using some type of leather conditioner to soften it may make it easier to compress. You may be able to 'mold' your B17 into a more comfortable saddle.
Hahaha I’ll save you the time... I don’t like how wide it is. I don’t like how heavy it is. It’s not comfortable even after a long break in time and didn’t stop the development of saddle sores.
Sorry it didn't work too well for you, we're all uniquely different, though similar (!). If you ever try a classic saddle such as this again, apply neatsfoot oil twice yearly to the underside of the seat ; use Giles Berthoud leather wax on the top ; apply Properts saddle soap weekly....I know, it's a lot of work! but your ass will thank you ! 😁🙏
looks to me like you never came close to breaking it in. i don't see the point in reviewing the comfort until there are nice sizeable sit-bone dimples, which admittedly takes a long time, and which is especially tough riding at your longer distances. and by the way, when you tapped on it it had that hollow plastic sound it has right out of the box. with proper proofiding, the tapped on sound should become much more dampened, so i must wonder if you applied enough of it
I know this saddle is iconic and has a following and people get upset if you don’t care for them or give it time,...It’s not so much the sit bones aspect that bothers me it’s the flaring of the sides...how long for it to get the sit dimples? I weigh 139lbs would it still show?...longest single day ride was 138 miles, most rides were 50-75, I ride 6-7 days a week, every week. I used it on the road and gravel, I used it for a long enough time to attempt it to break in but in the end it’s just not the right saddle for me, I should have picked up a more narrow saddle by them...
@@floridavelogravel7838 i'm at the painful beginning of breaking in my very first brooks b17 imperial. it's laced at least so i don't anticipate flaring issues, but i'm expecting things to take the better part of a year. i'm 185 lbs and most weeks i ride maybe 50 miles, with a few additional 70 mile weekends during the year. as lean as you are, and from what i've read i think it could take a good while to break a brooks in, maybe over 1500 mi, even presuming you have the optimally fitting model. no doubt that's a really big time investment for uncertain end results
If Tom Boonen DID use a Brooks (I've not heard that one before and somehow I doubt it..) it wouldn't have been a B17. For a start, have you seen the drop that Boonen used? It must be 20cm from saddle to bar tops which is ridiculous for anybody not racing at top level. The B17 is designed to be used for an upright position - i.e., bartops the same height as the saddle, and NOT for race bikes!! You should've bought a Swift or a Swallow which are both insanely comfortable when set up right and the Gilles Berthoud Galibier and Souloir which are on your computer screen are their equivalents. You're not even comparing like with like.. Jeez
If you think a Brooks is a weight penalty and takes too long to break in... Also, Berthoud have got it wrong with their replaceable tops. It's not the leather that people want to replace, it's the rails in the event of failure.
Don't know if you are familiar with Dr. Sheldon Brown (RIP)...he wrote an article suggesting completely submersing the saddle in neatsfoot oil overnight. Let it dry and then apply proofide. This reduces the break-in time for a Brooks. I have three that I did this to and I love them....after 300 miles or so. Have one on my Surly LHT that I rode from Santa Monica, CA to Amarillo, TX on Route 66 with no issues. (1300 miles) I am a big fan of Fizik as well (have two Aliante's and an Arione) really hope they didn't change them!
I'm sorry to hear your Brooks didn't work for you. I bought the Brooks Flyer about five years ago and found the break-in period much longer than I had expected. I used copious amounts of neetsfoot oil, but it still took a couple of months and quite a few saddle sores. I was about to give up on it when somehow, it blended to my butt (or my butt blended to the shape of the saddle, I'm not sure which.) That was five years ago and I haven't had any trouble with it since then.
Personally I think you needed a different Brooks model. The B17 really came into it's own on Reynolds 531 and earlier frames that tended to be built for a certain style of touring. For that reason, yes, they take at least two years before you get much reward. In practical terms, racers by the 80 were using the swift and swallow models. If you look at them, you will see that they have carved sides (no flaring) to reduce sores. Compared to the B17, these models are far more ready-to-go and suiting race geometry and immediate racing action. The latest range is quite exciting for modern carbon and aluminium road bicycles, notably the C19 and C13 models. I would have thought a B17 on many modern machines as highly undesirable. I would recommend trading it on for one of the older leather models above.
@@floridavelogravel7838 I have just switched to the champion flyer which is a sprung model. I will never look back. Perhaps it isn't the saddle bones so much as your muscle-skeletal position. I feel a lot more loose and free on the flyer. I seem to remember they do a narrow version. Springs have an advantage, as I believe they can be changed and altered or even adjusted to suit unusual shapes, but I would have to check this to be sure.
That looks more like an upright sitting cruiser saddle. You want the Selle Anatomica saddle if you plan on doing stupid long distances. It doesn't take long to break in and it's like floating on a cloud. i find brooks are great for upright commuting bicycles and the Selle Anatomica for endurance.
There's an old saying, "Use the right tool for the right job." You even admit that you didn't do any research and chose the wrong saddle (B-17). The B-17 isn't designed for an aggressive position. It's for a slightly bent or upright position as stated on the Brooks website which you didn't check. The weight is also listed on the website so you shouldn't have been surprised. I have the B-17 on three bikes and I was comfortable from the onset and each saddle has progressively become more comfortable. I've never had a problem with flaring and even if flaring was a problem, the seat can be re-tensioned. Why do you think they include the wrench??? It's disappointing that you're trashing a long time iconic saddle because YOU made the wrong choice. Next you'll be buying a convertible and trashing it because you can't attach a roof rack. 🙃
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My B17 is over 40 years old. It has been on many bikes and I expect it to last my lifetime!
Ive had my b17 for about 5yrs now. Took about 3 months of commuting and long weekend rides to break in but i love it. Ill admit i originally bought it simply because i thought it was a good looking saddle, but 5 years later i swap it to whatever bike im riding. Try pointing it up just a bit.
at first glance i thought it had springs. For heavier users i think it fits the bill.
Curious why you suggest pointing it up - I’ve seen that on a lot of B-17s and have wondered what the deal is. Thanks!
@@alexbumpers I ride most of my saddles nose slightly up.
It helps push your butt toward the rear of the saddle where there's more surface area to hold you and reduces pressure on your hands.
My Girl and I decided to start cycling and bought Dawes Galaxy's each.
We've had them about a year and cycled no more than 3 hours at a time.
The stock saddle was a Dawes Comfort Touring Saddle, this was soft to the touch but far from confortable.
A few weeks ago I found a good deal on a pair of B17 Standards, basically, I bought two for the price of one.
I had read lots about them, how they took hundreds of miles to break in and how uncomfortable they were until then (even the guy in the shop told me this).
I fitted my brand new rock hard B17 to my bike and braced myself for a painful ride. To my surprise it was more comfortable than the stock one. I dont understand how this can be the case, its literally roxk hard to touch.
I thought I was mistaken, so it was time for the acid test. It was time to fit it to my GFs bike. I was dreading what she might say, because of how much it cost and the isnt that into cycling.
We got on our bikes and cycled 60km together. She was of the same opinion as me.... "much more comfortabel than the stock saddle".
I know saddles are a unique amd subjective topic but in our experience the B17 was comfortable from day one and we only expect it to get more comfortable.
GF has done 60km on hers.
I have done 120km on mine.
We plan to do a coast to coast of England in August 22. We'll let you know how the B17 (and our bums) hold out.
I’ve had a Brooks B17 saddle on my Brompton for the past 15 years. It is a SUPER comfortable saddle…. 😊
Have you rode in the rain? Or got the seat wet? I want one but everyone scares me saying I have to take extreme care of it how is it holding up for you ?
@@isaiahalcazar2243 when I ride in the rain I put a plastic bag over the seat. I live in England... it rains a lot!!
@@isaiahalcazar2243that’s what the proofide is for, well one of them. Of course it’s not gonna protect against pure water log but brooks makes covers.
Great review thank you. BEAUTIFUL DOG TOO! Stay healthy!
His name is Duke aka “The Best-est Boy”...thanks you too
Thanks for posting! GREAT VIDEO I have two of those saddles. My go to saddle is now Fabric Radius Elite Gel 155mm.
enjoyed your video! i would definitely recommend breaking the saddle first it saves you a whole lot of pain.
I will not go on a long ride with any other saddle than the B17, just the one you have. It is comfortable and was so right out of the box. I guess it's not for everyone, but mine is tilted back slightly, which is clearly not recommended by bike fitters. I've ridden across Canada (9,500 km) with mine in 2017 and the saddle is still good now.
That’s awesome and wish I could be saying the same thing...nice accomplishment re Canada
Tilted back is the natural position.
Ditto on the back tilt. The idea is contrary to most bike fitters, but most bike fitters know nothing about full grain leather saddles. They work with bike "seats" that have a manufactured shape that has a memory. Leather forms to the rider and becomes a custom fit. That is: It changes as it forms, and that takes miles and time.
First: Determine the ischial width. the 17 is an al'rounder, so if the ischial width is much over 165mm, you're into the max for that saddle. Much wider and the bones ride the insides of the steel frame under the rivets. Not fun. Brooks has made the 17 forever, and Americans are getting - well - bigger. Think about it.
Measure your butt bones.
As an al'rounder saddle, the 17 may not work well for those who ride in an aggressive posture on a dedicated road bike. It's a better saddle for touring or general intermediate/advanced riders who may enjoy going out for ride over 30 miles.
I set people up by first adjusting the tilt with the plane of the saddle parallel to the ground. That points the nose a bit high. If needed, raise the bars to rotate the pelvis more upright. Remember, it' s a better touring posture saddle. This gets more weight onto the saddle at the ischials and off the perineal area. You don't want to ride the nose. It is only there to keep you on the saddle. Adjust the saddle for/aft position until the rider does not feel the nose, only the plane. This also helps to rotate the pelvis upright.
Test for several rides or a single 30 miler, adjusting tilt and sliding position along the way. If it works for you, it's golden. Proper width is of paramount importance. Gradually, the tilt usually can be reduced as the leather forms to the rider.
I love my B17 Carver. It's taken me over 4000 miles and is the most comfortable saddle I've ridden. I like so much I now have another for my other bike too!
nice
I bought my B17 in the run up to the 2017 Fietselfstedentocht. (You can see my video of that.) I'd heard that you have to break them in, but mine was comfy right out of the box, and still is. To stop it from sagging you do have to stretch it occasionally by turning the nut at the front end, and this wasn't as simple as it should have been. I had to use a pair of pliers as well as the spanner supplied with the saddle. Still got plenty of the saddle soap left too.
Love this channel! Dude reminds me of the older gentleman I go riding with ❤️
I've only ever used a Brooks B17 and have never had issue. It comes down to the individual at the end of the day I guess but Brooks have been successfully in business since 1882 for a reason.
Yeah agree, I wanted this saddle to work for me based on its pedigree etc...my ass says no haha
Brooks, Ideale (no longer in business), or Berthoud (bear-TWO), are all top quality saddles. For most people, the Standard B-17 is just fine. This guy has higher expectations and needs. He might have gone with a Brooks Pro. If a riders ischials are wide, the B-17 is probably too narrow and the bones may ride on the steel frame under the rivets. That may explain the lack of ischial bone "dimples" in the leather. You can't dimple steel. If a rider is lightweight, the break-in period is definitely longer.
Thank you for such an amazingly informative and frank review. Well Done!
The b17 is for bikes with bars above or level with saddle, . Brooks make other saddles for aggressive ride positions where bar is lower than saddle .
I have a B17 which is over 60 years old and is so comfy! Now that's value for money!
Like a good pair of leather boots, they need time to break in, but once achieved, they will be your go to. The Brooks saddle is no different.
¡What a cool guy. Love the talk, the dog, and the tood! Be safe and happy.
Have the same saddle, only changed the rivets for copper ones. Great saddle, would always buy the Special version as it much better quality overall.
I recommend Gilles berthoud Aravis. Great saddle
You'll get it broken in. I' ve ridden them since 1964. Racing, touring and mountain bikes. I'm light at 5' 10" 145 lbs. Takens about 500 -700 miles. Less for heaviet riders. Not far. B17, B17N, B17 Imperial. All are sublimly comfortable. Point 'em up a little. I've spent money throughout the years on bike that didn't have a Brooks. Too many bikes.... The only way I can prevent being sore is to change back to the Brooks especially over 100+ miles. Never have a problem with the wings. I don't care about weight if it means trouble on a tour. Thanks!
Thanks for the info...I’ve added it onto my indoor road bike for swift and rollers, gonna keep trying just because the history deserves it
@@floridavelogravel7838 Thanks for the reply! I also should have stated I use no chamois with the B17. Just lycra shorts. Chamois just change the dimensions and give of the leather and add friction. They also increase the break in time. Thanks!
I just broke the rails on a narrow brooks saddle that was 3 years old. Despite this fact, I would still recommend this model. They are very comfortable once broken in (takes about a month of riding). I just wish it lasted longer. I estimate that I put about 4000-5000 miles on the saddle before it broke. My other brooks leather seat lasted for decades before it got stolen. I thought the one that broke would last as long as the first one I bought. Fun Fact: the leather saddles have rails that are riveted directly to the leather seat while the synthetic saddles (Brooks Cambria) have a rail set that is attached to the seat material with high quality machined screws. They are not compatible!
Man, I couldn’t imagine one day returning to my bike to find that my saddle (your saddle) that is old enough to drink, just gone to some degenerate that is probably younger than the saddle.
I've used a B17 for over 10 years, no problems.
They make a Brooks saddle that comes already softened and broken in called the B17 Softened.
Lol! I got the same problem not with Brooks but with Selle Italia also leather, but I figure it is more a touring saddle. And I want to give it 3 months. If it doesn't sit righy by then I switch back.
All you have to do is fold those wings over the rails and put a ruler in between the rails and the wings for a few nights and you won't have anymore problems with them flailing outward. That's what I did. I'm 200 pounds they're still curled up under even with the seat broken in.
That’s interesting...thanks, I did stitch them and it definitely helped..
I like what you did as a solution...
@@floridavelogravel7838 learned it from pops. He was an avid bike rider.
Have you tried or considered the B17 narrow carved?
Probably a bit late, but you should try a saddle from the French manufacturer 'Selles Idéale', their quality is sublime and the saddle looks stunning. I used to ride Brooks Professional saddles, but as mentioned in a comment below, Brooks quality isn't what it used to be. In the last years with Brooks I broke two rails, also the quality of the leather is shite, it starts tearing to soon. So I said goodby to Brooks and bought myself a Selles Idéale. It came in a nice box, just as nice as a Brooks saddle box. But the Brooks box seems only a promise, Selle Idéale delivers, that's my experience.
Gonna go look them up, thanks
@@floridavelogravel7838 you're welcome :)
Too bad for you. I have two that I bought about 20 and 18 years ago. They both have thousands of miles. I did a century the first weekend I purchased one. Break in was not necessary for me. I do about 100 miles per week. I hope mine lasts another 30 years.
I’m suspect if yours are that old...the quality is way better back then vs these newer ones...no getting around that they are iconic...I’m going to try the more narrow models
The B17 Special has shaved wings and is available with titanium rails if you're worried about the weight. Brooks Proofhide should only be applied to the underside of a new saddle - not the top.
I've heard that a lot of people are going for the berthoud cuz of the Allen rivets for serviceability. I really like the imperial though with the laces. I have wide sit bones too. It's so close. But beware the brooks break in takes forever. Any leather good is going to need time to break in.
Good stuff.... I had a brooks b17 that didn’t work for me. The French alternative might be a good choice.
YNWA!!
Wait did I have any Manu stuff in the video? Haha my best friend, I gave him a Liverpool jersey, bought it and gifted very painful process as a United fan 😉 (I lost a bet)
@@floridavelogravel7838 yeah, I done that before....painful indeed!! It has been a long wait for us.......1990 I believe. We needed that one. Take care.
Cool! I lived in Wayne, NJ. Wayne Hills High! Now I currently ride the Fizik Arione and love it. Use it on my Moots Routt RSL all road/gravel bike. But wanted to try the Brooks Cambium C15. More like the profile of the Arione. Do you know anything about it?
The comfiest Brooks I ever sat on was a Colt but they are quite scarce. They also have copper rivets I ended up sticking in me. Flogged it... been on a Selle SMP Evolution ever since, it's not cheap but, it is better.
Takes about a ragbrai and a half to break one in
watching this back years later and its so funny about the no lace holes on the side. It's leather, punch a hole in it lol and throw some lacing on it. Then you do that... I spoke too soon
Great video. Apart from the inclusion of the MUFC. UP THE SPURS! COYS
Hahah sorry re United….it hasn’t been a fun season for us however GGMU :)
I hope you find a saddle that works for you
My experience with the Brooks B-17 is that it was quite comfortable when it was new, but as it's broken in it has developed a ridge in the centre that causes severe chafing of the taint. I tried loosening the bolt to see if it would help but the taint-ridge remains. I admit I fell for the hype around Brooks saddles, but my experience has left me with the opinion that they belong ONLY on bikes with a very upright position, which is none of the bikes I own. I suspect that the models that have a cutout might not have this problem but I think I'll still switch to something else.
Some folks complain about the ridge that develops and causes saddle sores. This is exactly my same experience with a gooch- ripping ridge after 15k. But I never adjusted the nut on the front during those kilometers and when I finally did it seemed to be too late. The saddle flare would not go away and the chode crushing continued. Maybe I’ll rub the proofide on my taint and lace my butt cheeks together to see if that helps.
I just bought a used B17-S which is the women's version (9.65 inches long so about an inch and a half shorter then the regular B17, and 175mm wide which is 5mm wider then the standard) I got a really good price for it $80 and it looks barely used and it also has the laces. It will interesting, i also have wide sit bones 170ish and i'm 6'2 185lbs. I plan on slathering some Bicks Heavy Duty Leather Preserver on it to help break it in. I'll update this in about a month once I've gotten some miles on it.
I have Brooks B17s on all three of my Dawes Ultra Galaxies and have cycled for three weeks on one of them cycling all the way to the Costa Blanca in Spain. The others I spent all day in the saddle for a week with loaded panniers slogging up the Pennine Cycleway. I have never had to worry about a sore backside or wearing padded shorts, just normal shorts,
Ive been riding a Brooks Pro (large rivets) for 45 years. For me, nothing else is close. Old Brooks are far superior than the new. Thicker leather, better rails. Just great. Ideale has been out of business for awhile. The old ones were great, although they sagged quicker than Brooks
If it is too wide for you, why didn’t you buy the B15? That one is especially for road bikes. The B17 is more for tour bikes or people who want a wider saddle on their road bike.
Yeah... I admit in the video I messed up choice wise... it really was for my gravel bike not the road to be fair but it is what it is...no doubt it’s still a really vice saddle, just for me to look at though
Pretty sure Tom Boonen sat on a Selle San Marco Regal.
I made the same mistake with the brooks ...I love my selle anatomica saddle.
Gel is comfier short-term but not long distance.
Just bought a Brooks B17. Rode with it 1000KM. Within the first 10 hours, a center longitudinal ridge started to develop. Very painful as you sit on a spine. I contacted the company and they did everything possible to blame me, making assumptions about mishandling the saddle. I just rode it! Maybe it's a good saddle when not defective but if it is defective as mine was, the company will do everything they can to blame you and not take any responsibility, not even offering an exchange. Buy from better companies!
Even a good design fine for many will never be best for all.... I found some great cheap saddles in a Target once, bought all 3, never saw 'em again. The wholesale buyer is never a biker.
The B15 Swallow might be a better option. Much slimmer and no wings. Also, what's the watch on your wrist?
Thank you...I think I might give that one a shot...the watch is a Russian diver, this model has a cult following, it’s the scuba man...Vostok Amphibia so many variations and super affordable...if you are into watches you need one in your life ;)
@@floridavelogravel7838 Thanks for the reply. I love vintage dive watches but I didn't recognize that one. Cheers!
Stick with it my first brooks saddle to a lot of miles to break in , you must use the cream twice a year💁
I misunderstood, I had to proofread, thanks 🤣🤣🤣
Why!? Because not everyone has the same experience as you! The b17 saddle in my opinion is leaning more towards a bike that is more neutral to an upright position. If you were looking for a racier saddle then the ones designed to be more narrow would be the better choice. You can also as you mentioned punch some holes in and lace it up. I've seen it down plenty of times!.
I actually did punch the holes… I love the look of the saddle and the history but for me that’s where it ended…
Thanks for review.
I had a Selle Anitomica that I sold with the bike a while back. It road awesome almost felt like a cloud. I may get a Brooks with the springs also., I have to see if has cut out...
Hard ass saddle. No sitting down for a week after riding
I broke mine in and it still was a plank of wood
Zeiker !!
Unfortunate that it didn't work for you, happy with mine after a few hundred miles, going to fully break mine in before i start with my cross country tour in Norway, the wings haven't been an issue for me but also likely due to the fact that i'm riding a fatbike using a wide crank, your legs naturally space apart a bit further so it's been a great success thus far but it was a bit of a gamble, first time I've tried one of these saddles.
CX in Norway sounds amazing enjoy!
Instead of buying that small can of Brooks wax, just buy some SNO SEAL for about 5 bucks and it will last for years and it can also be used on boots and shoes.
Exactly, both are bees wax based. Brooks is way too expensive.
Not A saddle for a hurry. My B77 I raced with I had for 5 years before beginning to race in 1986. still have that seat on my 71' italvega.
Hahaha haha looser!!!!!
You'd do better with their Swallow or Swift saddles. I used the Swallow on a track frame when I was a courier. Much skinnier than the B17
Thank you
You're right. The model he has is too wide for that style of bike. I have a B17 for a road/touring bike and it's perfect for a more relaxed style of riding.
Anitomica?
I have a B17 in tandem and single speed and live them, Anitomica on Moots RSL, comfy, but squeaky
the best saddles ever.
The love ❤️ hate, of comfort, and later, riding a knife 🔪... anguished, vs. Hero... thanks 🙏
Doesn't sound broken in, it does take riding time, I ride my B17 without padded shorts.
It’s funny you’re the 2nd person to say that...it was though, could I have ridden more miles (seems years has to be given) to satisfy the Brooks loyalists? Not a chance, b/c it’s the flaring of the sides that made this saddle not right for me.
I recommend cutting them off. It‘s possible, because it’s leather.
I tried the B-17 and it never felt confortable. At least for me, the Brooks Pro is the one that works. Too bad Brooks quality has goon downhill.
Bike fit pros recommend SQ Lab saddles or the SMP saddles. Personally I like the Specialized Mimic or the Serfas Tegu.
It works
Sorry to hear the saddle did not work for you. I have two saddles in my touring commuting bicycle and my folding bicycle both over 10 years old and one I have over 40 thousand miles and I never had an issue. I do not wear padded shorts, just regular and as long as I change my short regularly when I am bicycle touring for more than a week , I have no issues. If you steal have that saddle and want to sell it , let me know.
It's not broken in until the seat sinks to your bum shape. They are VERY heavy.
I agree they're not brilliant. Mine took months to break in - basically it was way too hard. And it needed constant tightening, I've stretched it by an inch.
The sides are supposed to be laced together but I've ridden it both with and without and didn't notice any difference.
I've got mine to a point that it's bearable but I wouldn't say it's comfortable. I wouldn't recommend them, especially considering the weight and price.
Needs to be broken in more, if it still sounds like wood when knocked on...
If your leather saddle doesn't sound like wood, you've wrecked your saddle.
The question is “do you break the saddle in, or does the saddle break you in?”
Considering the fact Brooks B17 is one of the highest rated saddles out there if you are not happy with it there are three choices. 1: It's defective. 2: It's not good for your anatomy. 3: You are doing something wrong. "Brooks saddles are bad!" is not a valid choice.
tbh I covered all that in the video, did you watch it or just assume comment?
I've got a Brooks and I would say it's bad. Looks beautiful but it's not comfortable. And yes, it's fitted properly.
It went together easily in less than an hour. ruclips.net/user/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Make sure the front fork is forward or the pedals will hit the front tire. Tires are both a little soft so it needs air before I ride it. The rear wheel didn't come with a clamp regular bolts hold it on. The front had the clamp. No scratches out of box. Rims are a little off with a slight wobble. They could have spent more time with the spoke tool fixing the run out. So far out of the box I'm happy with it. I did replace the pedals with a nice aftermarket set. After riding it a bit my A$$ is a bit sore so I ordered another seat. Overall I'm nearly 60 and didn't ride a bike in 30 years. I like my new 29" Schwinn. It will be used for casual rides with my friend.
The b17 is by far the most comfortable saddle out there if you got a normal ass.
Go to the fff point!!
You probably mean GET to the fucking point....here it is I hate the saddle. Feel better now?
nice Russian watch ! I have the same one :)
Awesome :) and good eye
I added lacing to mine. It is really nice now.
Makes it so much better ;)
the Cambium is only good for a commuter bike that you ride in the rain. They deteriorate in the sun and being rubber, they will make nosie. Riding a leather Brooks is sublime for any seasoned rider, but for new people trying one often times they mess it up by messing with it too much (too much proofhide, riding it wet, tension it too soon and too much, etc.). Also, most aren't positioning the angle correctly (tip should tilt up slightly.. this forces most of your weight on your ass where it belongs, not on your sensitive parts) or inexperienced riders don't have a well adapted position for longer rides yet. BTW Boonen didn't ride a Brooks during his racing career... did you hear that from a hipster in a coffee shop? Just look at any photo of him throughout his pro career... all modern saddles. Brooks are huge compared to any modern saddle and easy to spot, just as you could easily spot one on TK's bike. A B17 is way too heavy and wide for most racers but some gravel or touring guys will use nothing else. Perhaps you should try a narrower model like the Swift. I've been riding my three Brooks saddles (two B17s, and a Swift) for a few decades on my gravel / cross / commuter bikes... never had an issue with them. They are one of the most comfortable saddles out there.
I liked the cambium, it was definitely comfortable but I agree, that saddle was so noisy it had to go.
I sold mine.. it was hard and slippery.. and never got better
You're retrofitting a long touring saddle for some sort of competitive ultra comfort whatever saddle. Brooks is the wrong saddle for what you need.
Go red devils GO! Man-U all the way
The saddle in your hand is the epitome of traditional. It’s the oldest saddle design still in production. The ones you like aren’t traditional saddle’s
I’m aware and mention it in the video but it doesn’t change my opinion unfortunately
Brooks swift racing saddle with copper flat rivets most pros used back in the day, narrow no wings and flat rivets uv bought a ladies saddle 😂
Fake news about women specific but hysterical
I feel crippled after riding on my B17. Brutally painful.
I get that/it
Yeah me too. Kind of gets bearable but definitely not comfortable.
Just sell that blue one to me and go get a barrhoud.
See what happens when a noob tries to figure things out on his own? If one had consulted a respected pro shop or had seasoned cycling buddies to guide one then many assumptions which led to wrong decisions could have been avoided. One solution is to sell the saddle unaltered and seek advice from a knowledgeable cyclist. Also keep in mind the break-in period. Some have success sooner than others. In part the mental aspect of discomfort will drive some to desperate measures like butchering a fine Brooks saddle in search of a quick fix. It's best to learn from the experience of others to avoid mistakes. Don't believe everything you find on the internet. Talk face to face with people you know and trust. That being said, disregard everything I have written. LOL
Haha thank you, noob comment though regarding my background but since there’s a lol and a jab at humor which I like even at my own expense it makes it ok 😉...as stated in the video, I think they are art, I was never giving the saddle away or returning etc, I have it on my shelf as art...it was an experiment...this seems to upset the Brooks loyalists...
People buy the B17 cause it's the least expensive Brooks saddle. The Brooks Imperial would be the way to go for most cyclist, since it has the 'taint cutout'. You Can CONVERT the B17 into an Imperial if you're skilled with a steak knife and drill. If you prefer not to have the cutout, simply drill some 'lacing holes' into the B17. Seems your issue is with your 'taint' irritation but you dislike cutouts. These Brooks saddles are more for Clydes with meatly butts that 'perch' the 'taint' up higher. Looking at your build, I imaging your butt is just as slim, so yeh, I can see why it's a nightmare finding a comfortable saddle that provides 'taint relief'. The B17 has slightly concave dips where your sit bones sit, so that's probably your issue. You may want to consider getting a Berthoud saddle which tend to perch your sit bones a little higher. Since you're stuck with that B17, maybe you can experiment and rig up a way to 'weigh down' the 'taint area' of the saddle, maybe by wetting it and pressing a cylinder of some sort in the 'taint area', or better yet, tie #3 parachords around a beer bottle, & run the 3 parachords thru the holes in the 'taint area' of the saddle and PULL Down on the parachords compressing the 'taint area' of the saddle, and tie the parachords around the top tube of the bike and leave it like that for several days, compressing the saddle a little at a time till you compress the taint area just right. Wetting the middle of the saddle or using some type of leather conditioner to soften it may make it easier to compress. You may be able to 'mold' your B17 into a more comfortable saddle.
When does he actually start talking about what he doesn’t like?
Hahaha I’ll save you the time... I don’t like how wide it is. I don’t like how heavy it is. It’s not comfortable even after a long break in time and didn’t stop the development of saddle sores.
Sorry it didn't work too well for you, we're all uniquely different, though similar (!). If you ever try a classic saddle such as this again, apply neatsfoot oil twice yearly to the underside of the seat ; use Giles Berthoud leather wax on the top ; apply Properts saddle soap weekly....I know, it's a lot of work! but your ass will thank you ! 😁🙏
I think you just created a zaddle
;)
looks to me like you never came close to breaking it in. i don't see the point in reviewing the comfort until there are nice sizeable sit-bone dimples, which admittedly takes a long time, and which is especially tough riding at your longer distances. and by the way, when you tapped on it it had that hollow plastic sound it has right out of the box. with proper proofiding, the tapped on sound should become much more dampened, so i must wonder if you applied enough of it
I know this saddle is iconic and has a following and people get upset if you don’t care for them or give it time,...It’s not so much the sit bones aspect that bothers me it’s the flaring of the sides...how long for it to get the sit dimples? I weigh 139lbs would it still show?...longest single day ride was 138 miles, most rides were 50-75, I ride 6-7 days a week, every week. I used it on the road and gravel, I used it for a long enough time to attempt it to break in but in the end it’s just not the right saddle for me, I should have picked up a more narrow saddle by them...
@@floridavelogravel7838 i'm at the painful beginning of breaking in my very first brooks b17 imperial. it's laced at least so i don't anticipate flaring issues, but i'm expecting things to take the better part of a year. i'm 185 lbs and most weeks i ride maybe 50 miles, with a few additional 70 mile weekends during the year. as lean as you are, and from what i've read i think it could take a good while to break a brooks in, maybe over 1500 mi, even presuming you have the optimally fitting model. no doubt that's a really big time investment for uncertain end results
@@peabody3000 yeah that makes sense mileage wise I wish I had gotten a different model to start with but I’m glad you got the right one
Watching this video thinking it would be informative was a mistake
If Tom Boonen DID use a Brooks (I've not heard that one before and somehow I doubt it..) it wouldn't have been a B17. For a start, have you seen the drop that Boonen used? It must be 20cm from saddle to bar tops which is ridiculous for anybody not racing at top level. The B17 is designed to be used for an upright position - i.e., bartops the same height as the saddle, and NOT for race bikes!! You should've bought a Swift or a Swallow which are both insanely comfortable when set up right and the Gilles Berthoud Galibier and Souloir which are on your computer screen are their equivalents. You're not even comparing like with like.. Jeez
Gilles Berthoud saddles are the best. Brooks quality is not what it used to be.
If you think a Brooks is a weight penalty and takes too long to break in...
Also, Berthoud have got it wrong with their replaceable tops. It's not the leather that people want to replace, it's the rails in the event of failure.
@@Metal-Possum the rails can be replaced as well.
Brooks hurtchs my crontch
Don't know if you are familiar with Dr. Sheldon Brown (RIP)...he wrote an article suggesting completely submersing the saddle in neatsfoot oil overnight. Let it dry and then apply proofide. This reduces the break-in time for a Brooks. I have three that I did this to and I love them....after 300 miles or so. Have one on my Surly LHT that I rode from Santa Monica, CA to Amarillo, TX on Route 66 with no issues. (1300 miles) I am a big fan of Fizik as well (have two Aliante's and an Arione) really hope they didn't change them!
Yes Sheldon Brown was a great resource for sure
That is some ride!!! Awesome
I'm sorry to hear your Brooks didn't work for you. I bought the Brooks Flyer about five years ago and found the break-in period much longer than I had expected. I used copious amounts of neetsfoot oil, but it still took a couple of months and quite a few saddle sores. I was about to give up on it when somehow, it blended to my butt (or my butt blended to the shape of the saddle, I'm not sure which.) That was five years ago and I haven't had any trouble with it since then.
That is awesome to hear (minus the saddle sores they suck)
Wear a spandex short
Always do
Personally I think you needed a different Brooks model. The B17 really came into it's own on Reynolds 531 and earlier frames that tended to be built for a certain style of touring. For that reason, yes, they take at least two years before you get much reward. In practical terms, racers by the 80 were using the swift and swallow models. If you look at them, you will see that they have carved sides (no flaring) to reduce sores. Compared to the B17, these models are far more ready-to-go and suiting race geometry and immediate racing action. The latest range is quite exciting for modern carbon and aluminium road bicycles, notably the C19 and C13 models. I would have thought a B17 on many modern machines as highly undesirable. I would recommend trading it on for one of the older leather models above.
Thank you your analogy is spot on...I did try the C 17 but boy is that a noisy saddle haha
@@floridavelogravel7838 I have just switched to the champion flyer which is a sprung model. I will never look back. Perhaps it isn't the saddle bones so much as your muscle-skeletal position. I feel a lot more loose and free on the flyer. I seem to remember they do a narrow version. Springs have an advantage, as I believe they can be changed and altered or even adjusted to suit unusual shapes, but I would have to check this to be sure.
Pronounced “Bertoo”
old school.isnt always a good thing.
I road ones for years and every time I see one on a bike I say why?
That looks more like an upright sitting cruiser saddle. You want the Selle Anatomica saddle if you plan on doing stupid long distances. It doesn't take long to break in and it's like floating on a cloud. i find brooks are great for upright commuting bicycles and the Selle Anatomica for endurance.
I intend to review the Selle Anatomica soon
There's an old saying, "Use the right tool for the right job." You even admit that you didn't do any research and chose the wrong saddle (B-17). The B-17 isn't designed for an aggressive position. It's for a slightly bent or upright position as stated on the Brooks website which you didn't check. The weight is also listed on the website so you shouldn't have been surprised. I have the B-17 on three bikes and I was comfortable from the onset and each saddle has progressively become more comfortable. I've never had a problem with flaring and even if flaring was a problem, the seat can be re-tensioned. Why do you think they include the wrench??? It's disappointing that you're trashing a long time iconic saddle because YOU made the wrong choice.
Next you'll be buying a convertible and trashing it because you can't attach a roof rack. 🙃