A choice of saddle!

[jhawk]

Hi all,

I've got a few bucks to drop on a new saddle for my tourer.

I've heard infamous things about the Brooks B17, and other Brooks touring saddles. And so, naturally, I'm leaning towards purchasing one of those. But there's also Salle Anatomica, and my LBS recommends the following: https://www.serfas.com/products/view/177/

My current saddle is attached.

It's uncomfortable and after a day or two's riding without cycling shorts (I've elected not to wear them at the moment), that may change.

So, yes. In my opinion, I'm in need of a new one.

What are your experiences with the Brooks? What about alternatives to that?

Cheers,

Jack.

 

[The Jogger]

Brooks B17 the best saddle ever.

 

[steveindenmark]

A ladies Brooks Imperial is the saddle I am using on my Koga and it is brilliant. It was brilliant right out of the box. It took a years riding for my B17 to become very good.

For me, picking a saddle to suit me has been years in the making. I bought a ladies imperial by mistake, for about £8 brand new off E bay Germany. For that price I don't mind having it on the shed wall just to look at. But I put it on the bike and did a 100 miler the following day. I never thought a ladies saddle would do the job, but it does.

Saddles are a personal thing but Brooks are an excellent maker of long lasting saddles.

Steve

 

[jazzkat]

I've got a b17 on my tourer and it's great. Struggled to get comfy on the racier models though.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

I've got a Brooks B17. It's taken a while to get used to and I wouldn't say it's perfect, but this year I've been able to do distances that I could only dream of before fitting it, so it's a from me.

I don't know if they ship over to Canada but I've recently got a Nidd saddle from Spa Cycles as a cheaper alternative to the B17 for my knockabout bike. I've written a bit more about it here.

 

[Keith Oates]

I bought a B17 last summer and can only say I wish I bought one years ago!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[compo]

With a rotund posterior (OH OK, a fat arse) I find my B17 perfect. I almost gave up on it at one point, but very gradually it started to work for me. Now I do many miles on it in perfect comfort even in unpadded jogging bottoms.

 

[ACS]

I have a Brooks B17 on my Audax and commuter. Some say they are instruments of pain and dispair others kneel at the alter of comfort.

The good thing is if you take the plunge and it does not work for you, the B17 holds its value very well.

 

[robgul]

Brooks - B17 is the ideal all-rounder - and don't be taken in by the pseudo-Brooks saddles that are around

Rob

 

[bikepacker]

I am one of those who think Brooks are instruments of torture. I periodically go back to my B17 but cannot ride it very far. Once the leather softens I am sitting on a metal bar at the back and a metal point at the front, the leather offers no support. (I know all about tensions and drilling holes as I have experimented for years). Two months ago a friend persuaded me I needed a B17 Imperial so I brought one. Lovely looking saddle in honey but after less than 150 miles it is back in the box. Too too painful. Irony is a well meaning relative got me another new B17 for Christmas, that one will stay in the box and may appear is the sale section of the forum.

At the moment for my distance rides I am trialling a SQlab LE602 active, the leather model, it is not as comfortable as my old Nashbar touring saddles (not been available for over 10 years and I brought up the last batch) but much better than the Brooks.

 

[doog]

I have a Brooks professional. I took it on a tour where there was no turning back over 10 days and it was just about broken in once I had reached my destination. It has served me well since but ive got so many bikes, I cant swap it around and since the Brooks 'experience' ,I seem to cope with anything.

 

[screenman]

I am not a Brookes fan, but the best advice I would get your butt measured and buy a saddle that fits.

 

[PpPete]

Hi all,
I've got a few bucks to drop on a new saddle for my tourer.
I've heard infamous things about the Brooks B17, and other Brooks touring saddles. And so, naturally, I'm leaning towards purchasing one of those. But there's also Salle Anatomica, and my LBS recommends the following: https://www.serfas.com/products/view/177/
My current saddle is attached.
It's uncomfortable and after a day or two's riding without cycling shorts (I've elected not to wear them at the moment), that may change.
So, yes. In my opinion, I'm in need of a new one.
What are your experiences with the Brooks? What about alternatives to that?
Cheers,
Jack.

My recomendation would be to change your LBS.
That looks like it would be awful for any kind of distance.

I've not tried a B17 - although well "clad" my sit bones suit a narrower saddle. A Brooks Comp is good. A Swift is even better. Not tried a Pro for few years - but when I had one I hated it.

So - it's a question of trying a load of different saddles until you find what suits your shape.

 

[Gez73]

Brooks B17 Standard on both my commuters, not had any issues or initial breaking in at all. Hard to keep dry though and require drying off after a wet ride.

 

[asterix]

Another vote for the B17. I have tried the Selle Royal Rolls but soon went back to the B17 standard. Other Brooks I've tried are the B17 narrow (too narrow) and Swift, too small. I sold the Swift for a decent profit. I also have a two spring touring Brooks which is ultra comfortable if a bit heavier (and a three spring which is ridiculously comfortable and only suitable for dutch-style uprights).

Keeping them out of the rain is important but I don't find honest sweat does 'em any harm at all!