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Brooks B17 Special Bicycle Saddle Review

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The B17 is Brooks flagship saddle and the backbone of the reputation that Brooks saddles has built. The Brooks B17 saddle is designed to fit a variety of niches and is a great choice for riders who need a long distance saddle that can serve dual duty as a sport saddle, trekking saddle and even as a mountain bike saddle.

The Brooks B17 Special deviates from a standard B17 by adding the hand-hammered copper rivets around the perimeter of the saddle. A very nice and classic touch. The Brooks B17 lineup is known for their comfort and have developed almost a cult like following of loyal and dedicated owners. If you own one then please feel free to leave a Brooks B17 Saddle Review below or if you buy one then come back and tell us what you think.

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Brooks Saddles B17 Special Bicycle Saddle (Copper Rails, Black Copper)

Manufacturer: Brooks Saddles
Customer Rating:
List Price: $150.00
Sale Price: $144.23
Availibility: Usually ships in 3-4 business days

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Product Description

Brooks Saddles B17 Special is our flagship model, ideal for long distance sports touring, trekking and atb use. It has been on the market for over 100 years, being featured in as early as the 1898 catalogue. The frame is made of copper plated steel, and the black leather seat features hand hammered copper rivets. The saddle weighs 540 grams.

Product Details

Copper Plated Steel
Flagship Model
Hand Hammered Copper Rivets
Wider Seat
Ideal for Touring or Trekking

Customer Reviews

Brooks B17 Special Saddle -- excellent quality & comfort

Review Date: February 6, 2009

Reviewer: D. Atherton, Boston, MA

I'm currently training for a brevet series and am starting to rack up the miles. I find that my B17 Special growning more comfortable with each passing day. It's narrow enough for fast spinning and supporative enough for long hauls. While the sweet spot in its tail section is wide and accomodating during tempos riding and climbs, you won't be able to shift your weight to its nose when the pace picks up, if that's your habbit. It just isn't designed for crit-style riding and its nose is just too narrow and unforgiving. For long-distance training, Century rides, trecking and touring, this saddle is wonderful!

Beautiful Saddle

Review Date: April 5, 2010

Reviewer: G. Andis,

This is one beautiful saddle. Sure it is a bit hard at first, but after only four 30 minute rides it was already starting to fit great. The copper is also classy. I highly recommend this one.

2 Comments »

George Goetz rated this:

I’ve tried other saddles and this one fits me perfectly. Forget about breaking it in. Your sit bones will break in first, though it has softened somewhat and has gotten more comfortable over time. I’ve personally found harder saddles such as this one and the Brooks Professional more comfortable than padded saddles that I’ve tried. I found it comfortable day one, rock hard as it was, because it supports my sit bones without letting me sink into the seat. I also like that I can easily move around on it. The large copper rivets and copper rails are beautiful and I hung a Carridice bag on the saddlebag loops.

# 8 June 2009 at 10:50 am

Joseph rated this:

I bought a Brooks B17 Imperial saddle 180 miles ago.
It is wide and designed so that your sit bones take the pressure. It was comfortable from the start except for occasionally there was slight discomfort as the leather took shape. Absolutely no regrets now, it is very comfortable despite being constructed from metal and leather!

Be aware that you should rub Brooks “proofide” on the saddle a couple of times during the first 200 miles to soften up the leather. It only takes a minute. It is basically leather boot polish that doesn’t stain clothes.

Probably not an ideal racing saddle because it is more suited to an upright cycling position and is a bit heavier than conventional saddles.
I cycle about 30 miles per week for fitness on a hybrid bicycle and this saddle is very comfortable. It looks classy too, almost retro.

Very happy with my purchase. Comfort comes first…

# 18 July 2010 at 3:50 pm