Brooks Saddles - any bike?

[Ian H]

Thanks. I was thinkin more of a Swift for one or both as they look a bit more stealthy and unobtrusive than the B17?

They're also a completely different shape. I'm not sure aesthetics is of primary importance. Still, it depends how many miles you ride and how tender your arse is (and what suits it - everyone is different).

 

[Ian H]

Camrider is that not at the risk of finding something better.

Ian H " they're still the most comfortable " was the line I disputed.

Well, in terms of experience I can only speak for myself: ridden Turbos, various Specialized, and others. A well used Brooks Pro beats them all for comfort.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

Ian H I dispute the line, I tried and tried and like many found them uncomfortable, hence the reason no Pro that I know of uses one.

i've seen them used by a number of riders (not gb though) at on the track during the world cup. new zealand iirc…

 

[Paulus]

I have a Brookes B17 narrow on my tourer and it is very, very comfortable, and is now 18 years old. It didn't take 18 years to break it in though.

 

[Ian H]

I have a Brookes B17 narrow on my tourer and it is very, very comfortable, and is now 18 years old. It didn't take 18 years to break it in though.

I can trump that. My two older ones are both mid-eighties vintage.

 

[Camrider]

Camrider is that not at the risk of finding something better.

I don't think so, in my case the priority is comfort and I'm more than happy with the level of comfort my B17 gives me. If thats no longer the case once I try out some audax rides over 200km then I might have a rethink.

 

[Paulq]

Swallow or Swift - can't really tell the difference or if one is more suitable than the other?

 

[simon.r]

I've not used a Swallow, but lookin at Brooks' web site I notice it has saddle bag loops (the Swift doesn't). Another edit - my Swifts don't have loops, but it looks as if the current versions do have. Apologies for any confusion!

Re. Titanium vs Chrome, the Ti is a bit lighter, I doubt there's any perceptible difference in ride quality?

Edit - I've just seen how much they are nowadays I bought mine (Swift Ti) for £50 ish not that many years ago, got to say I think £160 is pushing it a bit!

 

[Paulq]

Not really bothered about the saddle bag loops Simon but its a pity you cant try before you buy as, as has been said, with saddles what's right for one ain't for another. Lot of money to pay for a mistake though the resale values look reasonable also.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

The Brooks Swallow is a thing of beauty. Comfy too, for me. Suitability is down to your arse however - one man's supreme comfort is another man's pain in the jacksie!

 

[Paulq]

Forgive me because I have the spatial awareness of an apricot but is the Swallow narrower and longer than the Swift or vice versa? I can't tell.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

http://www.brooksengland.com/catalogue-and-shop/saddles/road+&+mtb/B15+Swallow+Chrome/

http://www.brooksengland.com/catalogue-and-shop/saddles/road+&+mtb/Swift+Chrome/

 

[simon.r]

[QUOTE 1764059, member: 45"]Nah, they melt at the first sign of a cloud...[/quote]

I did have one go very baggy after a very long, very wet and very muddy MTB ride. IIRC this photo was taken after an earlier ride over the same terrain:

It was second hand when I bought it, was used for several years (to beyond the point of usefulness IMO) and I still sold it on ebay for virtually what I paid for it!!

 

[threebikesmcginty]

I did have one go very baggy after a very long, very wet and very muddy MTB ride. IIRC this photo was taken after an earlier ride over the same terrain...

Muddy, nah, just whack it straight back in the shed!

 

[smokeysmoo]

I have a B17 standard on my commuter, I think it's great and it was comfortable straight out of the box


I would never consider putting it on my CAAD though