New Brooks saddle.

[Brandane]

I decided to treat myself to a new Brooks saddle. B17, standard width, in black.

Fitted it onto my Tricross (doubles as a tourer!) yesterday and it looks good. Gave it a good rub down with the Brooks proof-hide last night and then took it out for a ride today.

I had read all sorts of stories about the pain I could expect prior to getting it broken in and then experiencing the comfort. 18 miles done today and I have to say it was perfectly comfortable. Looking forward to finding out what it's like once it softens up a bit and shapes itself to my rear end!

 

[SurlyNomad]

Brandane, Have just bought a B17 too. Havnt been out on my bike yet but am planning on it soon. Can you tell me did you ride with padded shorts with the B17 or not as im unsure whether to or not. Your advice will help. cheers

 

[Brandane]

Brandane, Have just bought a B17 too. Havnt been out on my bike yet but am planning on it soon. Can you tell me did you ride with padded shorts with the B17 or not as im unsure whether to or not. Your advice will help. cheers

Hi SurlyNomad; yes I wore padded shorts, as I almost always do if I'm doing more than a few miles.

I can highly recommend the saddle based on my so far limited use of it! Will try to remember and update this thread as I use it more.

 

[Barbelier]

Wouldn't be without my B17. Its been comfortable from the start, I have done over 3,000 miles on it (including a JOGLE) and saddle soreness is a thing of the past!

 

[skudupnorth]

Great seat,rode to Cornwall without padded arse and felt no pain !!!

 

[StuartG]

If you have a B17 shaped derriere then they are heaven. If not - it is a painful exercise acquiring one. You bend to it and not it to you. I wouldn't cycle with anything else but then I was born with a perfect fit.

 

[Globalti]

I bought a Swift and was shocked at how crude it looked; it seemed to have been beaten together by a medieval chastity belt manufacturer. It was also heavy and grossly uncomfortable so I sold it on for the same money.

 

[yello]

I can be an awkward sod at times I know. The misses says I'm the living embodiment of contrary...

I'm not sure the Brooks is THAT good. Yes, the B17N Imperial I have is the most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden... but not to leave others out in the cold. I have equally found a San Marco Rolls and a Spec Avatar to be comfortable, the Brooks is just more so and certainly for bigger distances. I'd never say to anyone that Brooks is the answer (clearly, for many, it's not) and I can well and truly accept that others will find better suited saddles. I would say, based on my experience, that a Brooks is one to try - if you can afford it. In all honestly, I think most people could find a solution for their needs on another (perhaps cheaper) saddle.

The Brooks is just another saddle, albeit one with a cult following!

 

[Davidc]

I've said this before ....

The only thing that matters is COMFORT

If you have the right shaped bum there's nothing better than a Brooks B17.

If you have the wrong shaped bum there's probably nothing worse.

I've tried a number of other saddles in an attempt to 'come up to date'. None have been comfortable for more than 10 miles, most are painful after 5. That's why I've stayed with the Brooks B17. I have never been able to find out how far I can go on one before it's uncomfortable, my legs give out before my bum. Always have found them comfy. From the first ride to the last.

I've met a number of people who've told me the Brooks has been agony after 5 or 10 miles. Twice I've bought their hardly used B17s from them, for a little less than shop price, and I've had years and many miles use from them. I believe what they say. Their bottoms just aren't the right shape. Mine's the wrong shape for other saddles.

Forget any 'cult following', forget appearances, just concentrate on comfort. Buy one, and if it's comfy keep it for the next 20 years or 100,000 miles. If it isn't sell it, provided you paid the lowest web price and haven't scratched it you should make a profit! (I made a profit on a San Marco Rolls, which nearly crippled me after 10 miles first time out).