Brooks B17 Bicycle Saddle Review

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The B17 is the flagship model for a bicycle seat manufacturer that you aren't likely to find at your local bike shop. Brooks is a name that has somehow developed almost a cult like following amongst it's devotees.  On message boards around the bicycling world you will find Brooks proponents that claim these saddles to be the ultimate solution to your bicycle seat needs.

We decided to research and review some of these Brooks saddles to see how they developed this following.  The first thing we came across is the company history.....no wonder.  While many bicycle seat manufacturers lifespan can be counted on the fingers of one hand, Brooks saddles was founded in 1865!!  150 years of saddle making experience comes wrapped up beneath that supple leather surface, plenty of time to master it.

We're impressed so far.

Brooks B-17 Specs

Width: 170mm
Length: 280mm
Weight: 525g

When we decided to review a Brooks saddle, we went right for the flagship Brooks B-17 Leather saddle and we chose the black leather version.  First impressions out of the box were wow, this is much nicer than the picture makes it look.  I've got to admit, the thing is sexy.

The B-17 has been on the market for over 100 years and has been documented as early as an 1898 catalog.  Brooks builds this saddle to fill a need in the long distance touring, trekking market and judging by the devotion of it's fans, it's obvious that they hit the mark.

First impressions after bolting the seat onto one of our trusty steeds was that it looked great, and we quickly stopped admiring it and started riding it.  We haven't logged a whole lot of miles on the saddle yet but first impressions were very, very good.  The saddle is supportive and offers a nice wide support for the sitbones and it looks great.

Our first ride put about 30 miles on the saddle and even being new, it felt great and we only expect it to get better as it breaks in.

Leather saddles require a "break in" period to really come into their own and ours is not there yet as of this writing but it should only get better and we love it as is.  There are a number of ways to break in a leather saddle but basically treating it with leather conditioner such as proofide and riding it should suffice for most.

Specific Models

The B17 has a ladies specific version that is the B17S with the S on the end denoting female specific and offers slightly different geometry to accomodate the female anatomy.  You can also find a few different colors, black and honey being the two that we have seen and they also feature a titanium version that has titanium rails if you want to save a little weight.  The B17 is not a heavyweight but it isn't exactly a weight weenie saddle either.  With comfort, comes a bit of heft but I wouldn't sweat it one bit, you won't notice it at all.

If you are looking for something other than a "touring" saddle but still want a high quality saddle from a high quality manufacturer then no worries, Brooks offers models such as a Swallow, Swift, and Classic to fill your racing or touring needs.  We will be featuring these models in a review in the near future.

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Brooks Saddles Imperial B17 Standard Bicycle Saddle
	Manufacturer: Brooks Saddles Customer Rating:   List Price: $165.00 Sale Price: View Sale Price Availibility: View Product Availability Buy Now

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Brooks Saddles B17 Imperial features the central cut-out, first designed by BROOKS over 100 years ago. The “registered cutting”, as can be read in the 1890 catalogue, is “a sure preventive to all perinea pressure". The black leather seat features tubular steel rivets, and the frame is made with chrome plated steel. The saddle weighs 515 grams.

• Chrome Plated Steel Frame
• Central Cut-Out Design to Relieve Perinea Pressure
• Tubular Steel Rivets
• Wider Seat
• Ideal for Touring or Trekking

Riding on a Cloud

Review Date: January 6, 2009

Reviewer: Logan G. Barnett, Campbell, CA. USA

I had read that these saddles take countless hours to break in. The second I sat on the Brooks, it was a world of difference from my old saddle. It felt so beautiful. The leather is stretched in such a way as to allow it to flex under the weight of my boot. It also allows my bum to slide back and forth reducing friction and adding to the comfort. I converted from a leather covered Selle San Marco Racing Saddle and I will never go back to the plastic throw away saddles after riding on the Brooks. I have had it for a month and it has only gotten better. One suggestion...angle the saddle up a bit so when you ride with no hands, you won't slide off the front.

Perfect saddle for long distance riders

Review Date: May 15, 2010

Reviewer: R. Reyes,

The Brooks B-17 Imperial is a perfect fit for the long distance rider. The leather does take a few weeks to get broken in, but even in the interim, the quality of ride is much higher over the stock saddles most bikes come equipped with. Once the leather forms to your "seat" the saddle becomes an afterthought. The price may cause some to pause, but if you spend more than two hours a ride in the saddle, and ride often, this saddle is well worth the investment.

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Brooks B17 IMPERIAL Saddle BLACK Leather B 17 w Cutout    C $124.02

Brooks B17 Champion Standard Saddle Black Leather B 17    C $93.01

BROOKS B 17 STD Standard BROWN Leather Saddle NEW    C $87.86

Brooks B17 IMPERIAL NARROW Saddle BLACK Leather B 17    C $144.69

Brooks B17 IMPERIAL S Womens Saddle BLACK Leather B 17    C $111.41

Brooks B 17 Special Leather Saddle Honey Copper    C $141.59

BROOKS B 17 STD Standard HONEY Leather Saddle NEW    C $87.86

BROOKS B 17 STD Standard BLACK Leather Saddle NEW    C $87.86

Brooks B 17 Titanium Leather Saddle Green Ti Rail    C $344.18

NEW BROOKS B 17 SPECIAL GREEN LEATHER SADDLE COPPER    C $129.14