Finished off with titanium rails to reduce weight, this is a high performance, female specific performance bicycle saddle that will not only perform but will look fantastic while it does so. If you don't feel you need the titanium rails and would prefer to go with chrome or copper plated rails then look for the Team Professional S model, it's the same saddle just with the different rail options.

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.

Brooks B17 Saddle Deals Online

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.

This is probably a much larger advantage than most people give it credit for especially if you are a longer distance rider where you can use the extra seating positions to relieve pressure. Some riders will really benefit from the Narrow geometry while others would hardly notice it, just depends on your own individual geometry and riding style.

If you find that a traditional saddle chafes your inner thigh area then the you know you are a prime candidate for the Brooks B17 Narrow bike saddle. The B17 Narrow saddle is a very common choice for road racers who want a performance oriented saddle that still offers clean, classic styling. Comes in Black or Honey.

The Brooks Swallow saddle is available in two versions, one of which features classic style chrome plated steel rails while the second incorporates modern day, lightweight high tech titanium seat rails. Leather seating area provides outstanding durability and extremely good looks to make the Brooks Swallow a very desirable choice for riders today. If you own one or if you buy one, come back and let us know what you think of it below.

Available in Honey and Black colors. Note Item below is standard chrome rails but titanium is an option, click the Order Now button and you will be presented with options.

Classic Brooks styling is included in every Brooks Swift saddle and the hand hammered copper rivets and skived leather cover exemplify the level of detail that goes into every Brooks Swift saddle. If you own one already or whether you go buy one today, please come back and let us know what you think of it by leaving a review of the Brooks Swift Titanium below.

Note: Other colors and rail configurations available. Click the Order Now button and you will be presented with options.

The Brooks Team Professional Titanium saddles are available with chrome or copper steel seat rails or you can opt for the titanium rails to save weight. The Team Professional Ladies model that comes with titanium rails is marketed as the Finesse. The Brooks Team Professional is available in both titanium and chrome steel versions and we would recommend the steel for the Clydesdales over 200lbs.

Note:Colors and rail options are available. Click the Order Now button and you will be presented with options.

Additionally most cyclists have a bevy of slightly used, some well-worn, tossed aside saddles that all promised tidings of comfort and painless miles, yet sadly they all fell short of the being the perfect bicycle seat. I fit among this "most cyclist" category, finding a mere one or two saddles that sufficed, but not one that ever really fit the bill. Up until I tried the Brooks B-17 saddle, that is.

Brooks B-17 Saddle Review

I had read and heard repeatedly cyclists praising the Brooks B-17 saddle, but having tried so many other name brands that were also highly praised, I was reluctant to invest in yet another "hopeful" (especially since Brooks saddles have a reputation for starting out rather "hard" and require a long "breaking-in" period.)

Boy am I glad I bit the bullet and ordered one anyway. After about 100 miles on my Brooks B-17 saddle, I am a firsthand believer. Let me tell you why:

Though hard to the touch, the Brooks B-17 saddle felt so incredibly comfortable that I didn't even feel where my sit bones and the saddle met. After having adjusted the seat positioning for my height and riding style, I found that much of my weight was actually shifted off of my backside and transferred to my arms. The result was less weight planted directly on the saddle, making my ride much more comfortable. As well, the Brooks B-17 saddle is wider than the norm for today's standards, and I found the added width aided in support of my backside.

The added bonus here is that even though the seat was so comfortable initially, I know it will only get better once the actual break in period has been met. That's the nice thing about Brooks saddles - since they are designed to conform to one's backside, the result is comfort designed especially for you.

Although the Brooks B-17 saddle is firm, I noticed that it absorbed "road shock" when I encountered a rather rough patch of pavement. I am not sure if it is due the suspended leather, the high rails, or a combination of the two, I just know that it was a very welcome change for me.

Another point to note is that the nose section of the Brooks B-17 saddle is more narrow than most other saddles offered in today's market. Being as the Brooks nose remains narrow through its length and tapers somewhat abruptly where it meets the rear part of the seat, I found the sudden transition more accommodating for my inner thigh area. Other saddles seem to have longer tapering transitions between the nose and rear of the saddle, which has resulted in painful chaffing of my inner thigh. It was such a welcome change not to suffer this with the Brooks saddle!

Plus I noticed that I did not slip in this saddle, or feel the need to reposition myself as I have with other seats. (Perhaps it was due in part to the fact that I did not sweat in this saddle as I do in vinyl ones; leather being more weather friendly. Perhaps it was due to the set of holes punched along the seats nose which seemed to allow air to pass over my crotch area during my rides. Either way, it was great!)

Conclusion

My verdict? Hands down, the Brooks B-17 is the best ride I have had, period. Sure you will hear people complain that the Brooks saddle is too hard, too uncomfortable, but you can't surmise that with your eyes, or with your hands. Of course it is hard; it is designed to be. But not on your backside. Try it. If adjusted properly, I am willing to bet you will not be disappointed. I wasn't. And I can promise you I will ride the Brooks B-17 saddle for a long time to come.