Hi, I labored over choosing a saddle. Bottom line, I have extensive issues with surgery in the lower region (use your imagination). I was very concerned over saddle selection because of so much scaring. With this saddle no part of the saddle is able to make its way up into you rear end and irritate you. Only your rear bones touch the saddle. Exactly what I needed. I was unable to ride around the block with a Selle San Marco without irritation. I did 30 miles yesterday on my Brooks B17 without even thinking about my rear end or the saddle. Also, there is no numbing the groin area.
Negatives the saddle is hard and not light. But I think the design is what makes it work. The weight penalty is worth the ability to ride without issue. This will be the only saddle I use for the remainder of my cycling years.
Debated a long time for spending that amount of money for a saddle. Finally decided to go for it. Took about 200 miles to get used to it, and properly adjusted. Love it now.
This saddle is the most comfortable saddle I have ever ridden. The break-in period is a little rough, but once you are past that it becomes the most comfortable saddle you can buy. I use it daily on my 8 mile commute and it only gets better the more you ride it. Just make sure to keep up with the maintenance and put some Proofide on, especially at the beginning.
You really appreciate the B17 when you ride another bike with a plastic saddle.
After having suffering from numerous saddle sores on my new Pelizzoli road bike I decided that an old world saddle should be the way to go. On the very first ride it felt like I was riding on butter. It had been many, many years since my last Brooks so I had forgotten just how easy it was to move around on the saddle itself. I think some of the newer ones actually try to hold you on the saddle where as the Brooks allows you to float over the saddle thus helping you maintain the most comfortable position. I think that might have been the reason for my saddle sores but hopefully no more.
I was in need of a new saddle. My Avocet gel saddle on my Myata LT1000 had finally become uncomfortable. I looked at many saddles and read the great reviews on Brooks saddles. I really didn't see how something without gel padding could be comfortable. I decided I would give a brooks saddle a try. I figured I may have to shelve it if it didn't work out. I ordered the B17 standard saddle in the Honey color. The workmanship is impressive, but the comfort was my main concern. I mounted the saddle after treating it with Brooks Proofide and proceeded to break it in as suggested by reviewers, by doing some 10, 20, and 25 mile rides over a 10 day period. I can honestly say that this saddle, even though the only padding is from my behind, is very comfortable! No hot spots or sore area developed after a 40 mile ride today! I'm 5' 11 and 200 pounds, so I do give the saddle a workout! I believe that I will be buying a second Brooks B17 for my other bike. I wish now that I hadn't waited so long to try a Brooks saddle!
Fantastic iconic product! Everything it's supposed to be!
Used for transportation around town. Very comfortable in that it doesn't stick to clothing. Old world craftsmanship and quality.. Very cool.
got this for my girlfriend's xmas gift. she was stunned. we are both avid cyclists (daily commuters) and appreciate the timeless beauty & comfort of the brooks saddle. color is dead on jolly rancher apple green, starting to fade to olive.
I bought a B-17 for my single speed to give it a more retro look. I had a team professional as a kid on my Raleigh Professional MKIV but took it off, too hard and never seemed to break in.
I bought the B-17 because of all the great reviews and figured I'd give Brooks another try.
OMG right out of the box with ZERO break in it was comfortable. I think the fact I'm no longer a 150 lbs skinny teenager helps. Now at 190lbs I felt the seat immediately start to mold. I can't wait to see how it feels a few 100 miles from now. I think I'll replace the saddle on my road bike with a Brooks Swift. Go ahead buy one!
Great comfort from day one. Even before the first treatment!
Was going to get a narrow, but glad I didn't.
Fits me perfect - 6ft 4 in. 220lbs. - and looks great on my late 60's Raleigh grand prix!
Considering buy another for my other bike.
